Podcast Summary: Raging Moderates: Are Protestors Playing Into Trump’s Hands?

The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Episode: Raging Moderates: Are Protestors Playing Into Trump’s Hands?
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host: Scott Galloway
Co-host: Jessica Tarlov

1. LA Protests and Federal Intervention

The episode opens with Scott and Jessica delving into the intense protests unfolding in Los Angeles, triggered by recent ICE raids. President Trump’s decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to LA without the state’s request has sparked significant controversy.

Scott Galloway ([07:05]) remarks:

"Today we're talking about the LA protests sparked by ICE raids... It's been a volatile few days in Los Angeles."

Key Points:

• Deployment of Troops: Trump's unilateral move to send National Guard troops has been labeled "purposefully inflammatory" by Governor Gavin Newsom.
• Legal Action: California has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to declare the troop deployment unconstitutional and to block future similar actions.
• On-the-Ground Tensions: Over the past five days, law enforcement has utilized rubber bullets and flashbangs to quell protesters. Incidents include protesters setting self-driving cars on fire and parts of downtown being declared unlawful assembly zones.
• Escalation: The federal response intensified with an additional 700 Marines deployed by U.S. Northern Command, and a second tranche of 2,000 National Guard troops ordered by Trump ([01:12]).

2. Immigration Policy and Public Opinion

The discussion shifts to the broader implications of Trump’s immigration crackdown, particularly focusing on the case of Kimar Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported despite a court order.

Jessica Tarlov ([09:19]):

"It's distressing to see what's going on, but I overwhelmingly feel like Trump is just having the best time ever..."

Key Points:

• Public Sentiment: A CBS News YouGov poll indicates that while over 60% of Americans support deporting undocumented immigrants in theory, there is widespread disapproval of Trump’s methods, especially the lack of court hearings.
• Impact on Communities: Trump's aggressive immigration tactics are fostering fear and uncertainty among millions, leading to increased attempts to hide and live in constant terror of deportation.
• Policy Critique: Both hosts express concern over the administration's approach, highlighting how tactics reminiscent of authoritarian regimes are eroding constitutional protections and due process.

3. Comparison to Authoritarianism

Scott draws alarming parallels between current events and historical authoritarianism, particularly referencing 1930s Germany.

Scott Galloway ([17:00]):

"I always draw parallels with 1930s German and you don't have to be Hitler to take a page out of his playbook..."

Key Points:

• Slow Burn to Autocracy: Similar to how authoritarianism emerged gradually in Germany by framing dissent as unpatriotic and leveraging law and order rhetoric.
• Role of Firewalls: Courts and media are identified as primary barriers preventing the erosion of democracy, though their effectiveness is debated.
• Civil Protests: While protests are essential for democratic expression, certain actions by protesters (e.g., throwing projectiles at police) inadvertently provide justification for further militarization by the government.
• Devolution Scenario: Both Scott and Jessica speculate on a future where states like California and Texas become quasi-independent entities, each developing their own economies and policies, leading to a fragmented United States ([26:04]).

4. Trump and Elon Musk Feud

A significant portion of the episode discusses the deteriorating relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, once allies now embroiled in a public feud.

Scott Galloway ([56:29]):

"If this thing were any gayer, it'd be a show on Bravo sponsored by Grindr."

Key Points:

• Public Breakdown: The feud escalated quickly with mutual accusations, including Trump threatening to cut Musk’s federal contracts and Musk making baseless claims about Trump’s associations.
• Impact on Legislation: Their conflict threatens major legislation and government contracts, potentially shifting the balance of power within the GOP.
• Underlying Issues: The disagreement is not just about the mega bill but also about personal vendettas and power dynamics. Musk’s criticisms are seen as part of a larger pattern of Republicans pushing back against Trump’s influence.
• Consequences for Public Image: Both figures, deemed role models by many young people, are portrayed as immature and unprofessional, damaging their reputations and distracting from more significant political issues.

5. Renaming of the Harvey Milk Ship

The hosts address the controversial decision by Secretary Hegseth to rename the USN's Harvey Milk ship, a move widely criticized as insensitive and counterproductive.

Jessica Tarlov ([68:47]):

"It's not only cruel and unnecessary, it's really fucking stupid."

Key Points:

• Historical Significance: Harvey Milk, a trailblazing openly gay elected official and Korean War veteran, was honored with a naval ship named after him.
• Controversial Decision: Secretary Hegseth's abrupt renaming of the ship during Pride Month is seen as a direct affront to the LGBTQ+ community, undermining recruitment efforts and eroding inclusivity.
• Broader Implications: The decision reflects a hostile environment towards LGBTQ+ individuals in the military, potentially discouraging talented individuals from joining and serving effectively.

6. Final Thoughts and Conclusions

In their concluding remarks, Scott and Jessica express deep concern over the current political climate, emphasizing the dangers of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic principles.

Scott Galloway ([62:33]):

"Cruel and dumb. Let's leave it there."

Key Points:

• Distrust in Leadership: The breakdown between Trump and Musk, coupled with aggressive government policies, signals a troubling shift away from rational and empathetic leadership.
• Call to Action: The hosts urge listeners to remain vigilant and advocate for the preservation of democratic institutions and civil liberties.
• Future Outlook: Without significant interventions, the United States risks further fragmentation and loss of democratic integrity, making the current moment a critical juncture for the nation’s future.

Notable Quotes

• Jessica Tarlov ([09:19]):
  "I overwhelmingly feel like Trump is just having the best time ever... he and Stephen Miller are sitting side by side gleefully smiling at one another that they just can't believe their luck that's writ large."

• Scott Galloway ([17:00]):
  "When you have tanks on the street, when you have the military being brought in above and beyond state and local law enforcement, it essentially says, in my opinion, your society is failing."

• Jessica Tarlov ([26:12]):
  "I don't know if you read David Brooks's column from the end of last week in the Times, but he was talking about how one of the ways at least that he sees it that Democrats don't get it or are not prepared for this moment..."

• Scott Galloway ([38:07]):
  "They have neutered and basically fired every inspector general that's going to get in the way of his autonomous driving regulations or any case against him, has kind of magically gone away."

This episode of Raging Moderates provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the current political tensions in the United States, highlighting the interplay between government actions, public protests, and influential figures like Trump and Musk. Through nuanced discussions and powerful insights, Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov underscore the fragile state of democracy and the pressing need for collective vigilance and action.