This week, President Trump ordered the National Guard and the Marines to Los Angeles to confront protesters. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., he is pushing to advance his policy agenda through a giant spending bill. The Opinion columnists Tressie McMillan Cottom, David French and the national politics writer Michelle Cottle convene to explore how Trump’s attempt to consolidate power is reshaping the American political landscape — possibly for generations to come.

Thoughts? Email us at [email protected].

This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Vishakha Darbha, Kristina Samulewski and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.