Podcast Title: The Joy Reid Show
Host: Joy-Ann Reid
Episode: Trump's Parade: A Failed Spectacle ft. Jason Stanley
Release Date: June 16, 2025

Introduction and Weekend Recap (01:10 - 02:27)

Joy-Ann Reid opens the episode by acknowledging recent significant events, including Father's Day celebrations, Marla Gibbs' 93rd birthday, and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. She humorously references Donald Trump's 79th birthday, setting the stage for a critical analysis of Trump's recent attempts to cement his legacy through a military parade.

Trump's Failed Military Parade (02:30 - 25:21)

Reid delves into Donald Trump's highly anticipated military parade intended to showcase American military might and bolster his "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) agenda. Instead of a grandiose display befitting Trump's vision, the parade took an unexpected historical turn.

• Historical Representation: Soldiers donned uniforms from various historical conflicts, including the Civil War and colonial periods, transforming the event into a "rolling history lesson." Reid sarcastically notes, “What Trump was clearly hoping for was something that looked a lot like this. Or even this.” (02:30)

• Soldiers' Uniforms and Parade Elements: The inclusion of colonial troops and outdated military equipment, such as tanks from bygone eras, contrasted sharply with Trump's desire for a modern spectacle. This unexpected approach effectively undermined Trump's attempts to portray a powerful and disciplined military force.

• Public and Veteran Reaction: The parade suffered from poor attendance, contrary to Trump's projection of 200,000 revelers. Reid states, “Polls show even the Republican military veterans oppose… most of them anyway,” highlighting bipartisan disapproval. Veterans expressed disappointment, remembering past parades with greater enthusiasm and significance.

• Financial Missteps: The parade cost an exorbitant sum, echoing concerns over fiscal responsibility. Reid criticizes the allocation of funds, noting, “it's all quite embarrassing really,” as the parade consumed taxpayer money that could have been better spent on military benefits and veterans' programs.

• Nationwide Protests – "No Kings Day": In direct opposition to Trump's parade, approximately 5 million Americans participated in "No Kings Day" protests across major cities. These gatherings symbolized widespread public dissent against Trump's authoritarian tendencies and his attempts to elevate himself to a monarchical status.

• Violence and Security Concerns: The episode briefly touches on violent incidents related to the political climate, including the Minnesota shootings targeting Democratic legislators, illustrating the tangible dangers posed by rising fascist rhetoric.

Quote:
"If you want to truly understand how upsetting this failure has got to be for Donald, understand that he has craved this parade since the day that he stood next to French President Emmanuel Macron in July of 2017 in Paris during his first administration." (03:15)

Expert Analysis with Professor Jason Stanley (29:15 - 70:56)

Reid introduces Professor Jason Stanley, a renowned expert on fascism and author of How Fascism Works and Erasing History. Their in-depth conversation explores the mechanics of modern fascism, drawing parallels between historical regimes and contemporary political dynamics in the United States.

Jason Stanley’s Background and Perspective (29:15 - 31:18)

Stanley shares his family's harrowing history as German and Polish Jews fleeing Europe before and during World War II. This personal narrative informs his academic focus on authoritarianism and fascism.

Quote:
"My father was almost seven when he came to the United States from Berlin in August 1939... They were German Jews, Berlin Jews, very prominent family." (29:35)

Defining Fascism and Its Modern Manifestations (37:42 - 41:02)

Stanley provides a comprehensive definition of fascism, emphasizing its characteristics such as extreme nationalism, militarism, and the cult of the leader. He identifies current political figures and regimes, including Trump’s administration, as exhibiting fascist tendencies.

Quote:
"The classic structure of European fascism is a cult of the leader who promises national restoration after supposed national humiliation by immigrants, minority groups... And they say, the nation has been embarrassed and I will restore the pride of the nation." (37:52)

Colonialism and Fascism (42:39 - 52:14)

A significant portion of the discussion connects colonialism with fascist ideology. Stanley explains how colonialist practices, such as erasing indigenous histories and suppressing resistance, lay the groundwork for fascist movements.

• Erasing History: Stanley emphasizes the importance of education in either resisting or facilitating fascism. By controlling historical narratives, fascist regimes manipulate collective memory and identity.

• Case Studies: He references various global examples, including Israel's ethnonationalist policies, Modi's Hindu supremacy agenda in India, and Orban's Christian-fueled nationalism in Hungary.

Quote:
"Fascism is the dominant group, is glorious, and the other groups have no civilization or civilization destroyers..." (37:52)

Impact on American Society and Education (52:14 - 68:12)

Stanley discusses how modern American policies and cultural shifts mirror fascist strategies, particularly through attempts to "erase history" and undermine educational institutions.

• Attacks on Education: He criticizes efforts to censor or revise educational content that highlights systemic racism and the contributions of marginalized groups, viewing these as attempts to delegitimize resistance and maintain authoritarian control.

• Cult of Personality: The podcast highlights the increasing personalization of political power, where loyalty to Trump supersedes institutional checks and balances, reminiscent of historical fascist regimes.

Quote:
"The demand for racial and gender uniformity and blind loyalty not just from military troops, but from everyone associated with the state." (40:53)

Personal Reflections and Concerns (64:02 - 70:56)

Stanley shares his personal reasons for relocating from the U.S. to Canada, citing fears for his family's safety amid rising racism and authoritarianism. He expresses concern over policies that target marginalized communities and the suppression of dissent.

Quote:
"Because I have skin in the game of American racism and that... it's probably not rational, but it's my fear." (66:20)

Conclusion: The Resilience of Fascist Movements (68:55 - 70:56)

In closing, Stanley explores why fascist movements, despite their blatant corruption and oppressive policies, maintain a loyal base. He attributes this to the cult of personality surrounding leaders like Trump, coupled with deep-seated tribalism and the erosion of democratic norms.

Quote:
"We're seeing a total breakdown in the rule of law... it's being replaced by loyalty to a leader." (70:38)

Reid thanks Stanley for his insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding and combating fascist tendencies within modern political landscapes.

Key Takeaways

1. Failed Spectacle: Donald Trump's attempt to use a military parade as a show of strength and legacy failed due to its historical undertones and lack of public enthusiasm, inadvertently highlighting the disconnect between his vision and public sentiment.

2. Rise of Fascist Elements: Through Stanley's analysis, it's evident that certain contemporary political actions and rhetoric in the U.S. exhibit classic fascist traits, including nationalism, suppression of dissent, and cult-like loyalty to leadership.

3. Importance of Historical Memory: The deliberate erasure or rewriting of history is a fundamental tactic of fascist regimes to control narratives and suppress resistance, underscoring the need for robust and truthful educational systems.

4. Public Dissent and Violence: The episode underscores the volatile mix of public protests and violent actions as symptoms of a society grappling with authoritarian impulses and deep political divisions.

5. Personal Impact: Stanley's personal experiences and decisions highlight the tangible fears and realities faced by individuals and families in increasingly hostile political environments.

Notable Quotes

• “The demand for racial and gender uniformity and blind loyalty not just from military troops, but from everyone associated with the state.” – Jason Stanley (40:53)

• “Fascism is the dominant group, is glorious, and the other groups have no civilization or civilization destroyers.” – Jason Stanley (37:52)

• “We're seeing a total breakdown in the rule of law... it's being replaced by loyalty to a leader.” – Jason Stanley (70:38)

This episode of The Joy Reid Show provides a compelling examination of the intersection between modern American politics and historical fascist strategies, offering listeners a critical lens through which to view current events and their broader implications for democracy and societal cohesion.