History As It Happens
Episode: The Ideas Behind Trump 2.0
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host: Martin Di Caro
Introduction
In this episode of History As It Happens, host Martin Di Caro delves deep into the ideological underpinnings that paved the way for Donald Trump's resurgence in American politics, aptly titled "Trump 2.0." Through an engaging conversation with political theorist Damon Linker, the episode explores the intricate web of ideas and historical precedents that have influenced the current administration's approach to executive power.
Executing Power: The Rise of an Unrestrained Executive
The episode opens with a discussion on President Trump's recent executive actions aimed at reducing the size of the federal government. Damon Linker highlights a specific executive order that aimed to dismantle the Education Department, noting, "[Donald Trump:] Cutting down the size of government" (00:20). This move is part of a broader strategy to "deconstruct the administrative state," a concept championed by figures like Steve Bannon.
Linker explains that the Trump administration is initiating significant layoffs across multiple federal agencies, signaling a deliberate attempt to weaken regulatory institutions. This strategy aligns with the philosophies of thinkers such as Carl Schmitt and Leo Strauss, who advocate for a strong, unrestrained executive during times of crisis.
Genealogy of an Ideology
Martin DeCaro introduces the core theme by connecting Carl Schmitt, Leo Strauss, the Claremont Institute, and Harvard law professor Adrian Vermeule. These thinkers share a common belief in the necessity of an unbounded executive power, especially in emergencies. Linker elaborates on this connection, stating, "In that state of emergency... breaking from those standards... is positively the right thing to do" (01:46). This perspective justifies the suspension of normal legal standards, positioning the president as the ultimate authority in times of national peril.
The Senate Confirmation Hearing: A Case Study
A significant portion of the episode analyzes the Senate confirmation hearing of Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). During the hearing, Democratic Senator Gary Peters challenged Vought on his stance regarding the impoundment of funds, referencing the Empowerment Control Act of 1974. Vought responded by asserting, "We follow the law consistently and we will continue to do so" (02:31), although his responses suggested a willingness to reinterpret legal boundaries to align with the administration's goals.
Linker critiques Vought's approach, emphasizing that it represents a continuation of a radical agenda to subvert both regulatory and legislative powers. He notes, "It's about slashing the administrative state and his belief in a powerful or unitary executive" (04:17).
Damon Linker's Insightful Analysis
Damon Linker, a senior lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and author of the Substack newsletter Notes from the Middle Ground, provides a comprehensive analysis of the intellectual traditions fueling Trump's administration. He traces the lineage from Leo Strauss to the Claremont Institute and Adrian Vermeule, illustrating how these ideas have permeated the current political landscape.
Linker explains, "Strauss was critical of Schmitt, but in the bigger picture, they're not that far apart" (17:29). He draws parallels between historical and contemporary notions of executive power, highlighting how these theories justify extraordinary measures beyond established legal frameworks.
Contrasting Leadership: Nixon vs. Trump
The conversation shifts to a comparative analysis between Richard Nixon and Donald Trump. Linker acknowledges similarities in their approaches to executive power but underscores key differences. While Nixon eventually resigned amidst scandal, Trump exemplifies a refusal to yield, reinforcing the episode's theme of an unbounded executive.
Linker remarks, "Nixon did the right thing and put the good of the country ahead of the good of Richard Nixon" (64:35), contrasting this with Trump's persistent defiance, which Linker views as dangerous and unprecedented.
Adrian Vermeule and the Harvard Connection
Adrian Vermeule, a Harvard law professor, emerges as a pivotal figure in articulating the contemporary unitary executive theory. Linker describes Vermeule's stance as an "absolutist monarchy" model, advocating for unchecked executive authority. He critiques Vermeule's analogy, stating, "If you don't accept what I just said, you're being completely incoherent by analogy" (59:37), reflecting the rigidity of Vermeule's ideological stance.
Linker further explains Vermeule's influence on the Supreme Court and executive policies, indicating a potential shift towards greater presidential powers in future rulings.
The Administrative State Under Fire
A significant topic discussed is the administration's campaign against the "administrative state." Linker outlines how thinkers like Russell Vought seek to dismantle regulatory bodies by replacing them with ideologically aligned personnel. He argues, "They want to rule, which means we should have the power to get rid of all those people and replace them with people devoted to our agenda" (41:42).
This objective is seen as a move to eliminate bureaucratic checks and balances, allowing the president to exert more direct control over governmental functions.
Implications for the Separation of Powers
The episode delves into the broader implications of an empowered executive on the U.S. constitutional framework. Linker warns against the erosion of the separation of powers, highlighting how the administration's actions undermine judicial independence and legislative authority. He posits, "Secretary Noem ... wants to cut Congress out" (32:43), illustrating the administration's efforts to centralize power and diminish institutional constraints.
Historical Continuity and Future Risks
Linker draws historical parallels to underscore the cyclical nature of political power struggles. He references Aristotle, Locke, and historical figures like Lincoln to argue that while executive power is a persistent theme in politics, the current trajectory under Trump poses unprecedented risks. He asserts, "We have to constantly be on guard from letting the extreme case become treated like the common case" (63:44).
The conversation concludes with a sobering reflection on the potential for enduring threats to democratic institutions, emphasizing the necessity of moral restraint and institutional safeguards to prevent the perpetuation of unchecked executive authority.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The Ideas Behind Trump 2.0 offers a nuanced exploration of the intellectual currents shaping the Trump administration's approach to governance. By examining the influences of Carl Schmitt, Leo Strauss, the Claremont Institute, and Adrian Vermeule, Damon Linker provides listeners with a deep understanding of the ideological foundations that advocate for a powerful, unrestrained executive. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of democratic institutions and the essential balance of powers that safeguard against tyranny.
Notable Quotes
- Donald Trump: "Cutting down the size of government." (00:20)
- Russell Vote: "We follow the law consistently and we will continue to do so." (02:31)
- Damon Linker: "In that state of emergency... breaking from those standards... is positively the right thing to do." (01:46)
- Damon Linker: "If you don't accept what I just said, you're being completely incoherent by analogy." (59:37)
- Damon Linker: "We have to constantly be on guard from letting the extreme case become treated like the common case." (63:44)
Timestamps for Reference
- 00:00 – Episode Introduction
- 00:07 – Discussion on Trump's executive orders
- 01:07 – Introduction of Damon Linker's analysis
- 02:04 – Russell Vote's Senate confirmation hearing
- 03:00 – Debate on the Empowerment Control Act of 1974
- 06:49 – Linker's elaboration on Trumpism
- 17:29 – Genealogy of political theories
- 27:20 – Discussion on governing without emergency
- 32:43 – Critique of Secretary Noem's stance on habeas corpus
- 40:19 – Linker's writing process and New York Times publication
- 52:33 – Carl Schmitt's influence
- 59:37 – Adrian Vermeule's unitary executive theory
- 64:35 – Nixon vs. Trump comparison
- 69:41 – Final thoughts on executive power
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