Recently, I had the privilege of doing a live chat here on Substack with Anne Applebaum, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and staff writer at The Atlantic. We discussed the alarming tyranny of the Trump Administration, as well as the glaring parallels with autocratic regimes throughout history.

Applebaum warned: “Democracies often fail not with coups, but when elected leaders manipulate state institutions.” Applebaum also explained that Trump’s determination to politicize and weaponize the federal government is “how most democracies fail. Elected leaders unlevel the playing field, not with coups—but through manipulation.”

We talked about Ukraine, Russian propaganda, and heard Anne’s unique perspective on today’s political upheaval. Applebaum also urged us to stay vigilant and proactive, saying: “Stay engaged. Call your Congressman, call your Senators … and make a plan to be involved in local politics.”

I hope you enjoy it!

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Onward,

Scott

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