Trump’s D.C. Crackdown: Straight Out of the Authoritarian Playbook? | Pivot
Episode Description
As Scott-Free August rolls on, Kara is joined by guest co-host David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, and host of The New Yorker Radio Hour. Kara and David discuss Trump's federal takeover of the D.C. police, and look ahead to the "feel-out" meeting with Putin in Alaska this week. Plus, redistricting fights spread across the country, Cuomo pulls some punches on Mamdani (with limited success), and Zuck's Palo Alto compound faces scrutiny.
Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 5:23 Trump’s “Politics of Fear” 17:07 Trump-Putin Summit 26:41 Trump Takes Control of D.C. 35:40 Redistricting Fights 44:36 Cuomo Jabs at Mamdani 54:25 Wins and Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Kevin Oliver
Audio Engineer: Ernie Indradat
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at https://podcasts.voxmedia.com/show/pivot
Brief Summary
David Remnick discusses Trump's authoritarian tactics, the upcoming Putin summit, and the state of journalism in America.
Key points
- Trump's Creepy Feelout Meeting. Trump refers to his meeting with Putin as a 'feelout meeting,' raising eyebrows.
- The Politics of Fear. David Remnick discusses his latest piece on Trump's bullying tactics and their implications.
- The Future of Ukraine. Discussion on the implications of Trump's meeting with Putin for Ukraine's future.
- Trump's Crime Rhetoric. Trump claims DC is overrun by crime, but locals disagree.
- Authoritarian Tactics. Discussion on Trump's use of fear to manipulate public perception.
- The Absurdity of Current Events. A humorous take on the chaotic political landscape.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- The Politics of FearDavid Remnick discusses his latest piece on Trump's bullying tactics and their implications.“It's all about Donald Trump's lifelong bullying tactics.”5:24Aug 12, 2025
- The Future of UkraineDiscussion on the implications of Trump's meeting with Putin for Ukraine's future.“If Trump goes to Alaska and just sees everything, Zilinski will be in a horrific shape.”22:54Aug 12, 2025
- Trump's Crime RhetoricTrump claims DC is overrun by crime, but locals disagree.“It's actually a very safe city and it's a wonderful place to live.”26:55Aug 12, 2025
- Authoritarian TacticsDiscussion on Trump's use of fear to manipulate public perception.“This is the oldest tactic authoritarians have.”27:53Aug 12, 2025
- The Absurdity of Current EventsA humorous take on the chaotic political landscape.“We are in a simulation, David, just so you know this is none of this is real.”30:03Aug 12, 2025
- Ongoing Epstein ControversyThe Epstein situation continues to loom over Trump's presidency.“I think the Epstein situation still has legs. That's my feeling.”34:15Aug 12, 2025
- Cuomo's Campaign TacticsAndrew Cuomo targets front runner Zoran Mandani with social media attacks, framing the race as a heavyweight bout.“Cuomo is now framing the race as a heavyweight bout.”44:47Aug 12, 2025
- The Political Landscape of NYCThe race features a diverse electorate, including a significant number of Muslim voters.“We have in this city between 750,000 and a million Muslim voters.”46:38Aug 12, 2025
