To defend democracy, one has to believe in it. To believe in democracy, one has to understand it. Where it came from. How it works. What’s true. What’s not. What others did before you. How it could be better. How to make a difference.
Each week, The David Frum Show digs deep into the big questions people have about our society, explains the progress Americans have made together, and reminds us that the American idea is worth defending.
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This episode features David Frum's analysis of growing extremism in the Democratic Party, drawing parallels to the Republican Tea Party era and cautioning against similar mistakes. He then speaks with law professor Kate Shaw about the Supreme Court's profound dysfunction, exploring issues like the Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering, and public integrity. They delve into various reform proposals, including term limits and ethics changes, while also debating the risks of undermining the Court's institutional legitimacy.
On this week’s episode of The David Frum Show , The Atlantic ’s David Frum opens with his thoughts about the recently reported peace talks between the United States and Iran. David argues that these reported talks indicate the United States is losing the war in Iran, and that the loss highlights what has always been true: The presidency is too big a job for Donald Trump. Then David is joined by Representative Jason Crow of Colorado to discuss Trump’s politicization of the American military, less...
On this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his reaction to President Trump’s shocking settlement with the IRS and his new $1.8 billion slush fund for victims of political “weaponization.” Then, David is joined by Phillips O’Brien, a military historian and a professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews, for a discussion about the fallout from the war in Iran, Russia’s stalemate with Ukraine, and Trump’s recent meeting with President Xi...
This episode explores the current American economic landscape, with David Frum and Lloyd Blankfein, former Goldman Sachs CEO, examining the implications of rising public debt and the potential for a "default by inflation." They also delve into the erosion of public trust in American business due to events like the Trump phone scam, the challenges of political inaction on fiscal issues, and the societal impact of increasing polarization, particularly regarding unequal economic opportunity and widespread pessimism among the youth. Blankfein ultimately offers a nuanced, optimistic view on America's ability to overcome its challenges.
In this episode of “The David Frum Show,” David is joined by his wife, the writer Danielle Crittenden, to discuss her new memoir, “Dispatches From Grief,” and the loss of their daughter Miranda. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcast...
In this episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his thoughts about the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. David examines the role of the dinner in an administration that rejects the basic concepts of honesty with and respect toward independent media. During previous administrations, there was some norm of good faith between the White House and the press. But now, as the president systematically misleads the media and is openly hostile to the press, David asks what...
In this episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with a discussion of the likelihood that the partisan balance of power will shift from Republicans to Democrats at the state-government level. Then, David is joined by the president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics , Adam Posen, for a conversation about the state of the world’s economy. David and Posen discuss the economic effect of the war in Iran, the United States’ reputational hit caused by Trump’s...
This episode delves into the current US-Iran "cold truce" and the escalating "dueling blockades" in the Strait of Hormuz, analyzing the strategic implications for global oil prices and US alliances, particularly with China. Matt Pottinger highlights the democratization of warfare and the new challenges posed by non-state actors, while David Frum draws parallels from Viktor Orban's defeat in Hungary to broader threats to democracy. The discussion concludes with a reflection on Jorge Luis Borges's "Labyrinths," emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in an increasingly literal media landscape.
David Frum and Fareed Zakaria discuss America's contemporary struggles, including persistent economic instability leading to populism and a perceived decline in national aspiration. They critically examine the shift in US foreign policy from a rules-based international system to a more self-interested, 'gangster' approach, alongside concerns about immigration policy and the erosion of limited government. Despite these profound disappointments, both hosts reaffirm their underlying faith in America's core ideals and the ongoing fight for its future.
In this episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his thoughts on the strange lack of information about the current war in Iran. He wonders why, despite the publicized tactical success of the United States’ campaign in Iran, the war seems to be progressing in an unfavorable way for the U.S. Then David is joined by his colleague at The Atlantic Graeme Wood to discuss Graeme’s recent reporting from the Persian Gulf. David and Graeme talk about Graeme’s experiences bein...
David Frum and historian Lord Andrew Roberts delve into the radical right's efforts to rewrite World War II history, portraying Winston Churchill as a villain while rehabilitating Hitler, fueled by anti-Semitism and internet algorithms. They expose the factual inaccuracies and dangerous implications of these narratives. The episode also analyzes Trump's "war" against domestic opponents as a key driver of his foreign policy, concluding with a discussion on art, morality, and the limitations of cynicism in Gore Vidal's "Burr."
This episode delves into President Trump's constitutionally questionable war in Iran, contrasting it with historical precedents for military action and criticizing Congress's dereliction of duty and financial oversight. Alistair Campbell joins to discuss how Trump's impulsive actions and populist rhetoric have poisoned the 'special relationship' between the US and UK, examining Britain's post-Brexit isolation and Keir Starmer's cautious stance. The conversation explores the dangers of a 'reality TV' approach to foreign policy and the wider implications of global instability and the decline of the US's traditional alliance role.
This episode explores critical issues ranging from national security to state-level politics and foundational economic theory. David Frum first addresses the alarming leadership vacuum and budget crisis at the Department of Homeland Security during a conflict with Iran, complicated by President Trump's demands. He then hosts Beto O'Rourke for a deep dive into the Texas Democratic Party's prospects, voter suppression challenges, and winning strategies. Finally, Frum and Samuel Fleischacker commemorate Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations," re-examining Smith's complex philosophy and his potential critique of modern American economic policies.
On this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum discusses the recent shooting in Austin. David warns that the shooting is an example of how Trump could use the threat of terror from Iran to crack down on American freedoms. Then David is joined by The Atlantic’s Tom Nichols to discuss the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran. David and Tom discuss Trump’s motives for launching another regime-change war and assess the competence of the administration to ach...
This episode features David Frum and Tim Miller exploring President Trump's authoritarian tendencies, particularly his desire for unchecked personal power, as seen in tariff decisions and potential military action. They delve into why younger Americans view "resist liberalism" as outdated, attributing this to a perceived alignment with the establishment and a pervasive cynicism. The conversation also tackles the struggle for democracy's defenders to forge effective, broad coalitions while maintaining core values, and concludes with a critical examination of the State of the Union address ritual in the modern political landscape.
David Frum opens by warning about President Trump's systematic efforts to erode American democratic institutions, including the Justice Department and Federal Reserve. He then speaks with Mona Charen, a long-time conservative commentator, about their shared political journey from Reagan-era conservatism to their break with today's Republican Party, discussing their evolving views on racism and enduring principles like free trade. The episode concludes with Frum examining John Maynard Keynes's essay "My Early Beliefs," connecting Keynes's reflections on societal fragility to the contemporary challenges of maintaining order and justice.
David Frum opens by condemning President Trump's racist AI video, arguing such behavior undermines his administration's legitimate actions and racial justice efforts. He then interviews former Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who recounts his experience standing against Trump's 2020 election denial and discusses concerns about federal interference in 2026. The episode concludes with Frum's reflections on Edward Gibbon's "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," re-evaluating its moralizing historical perspective against actual causes of decline and drawing lessons for modern democracies.
This episode uncovers a controversial $500 million deal between a Trump family business and the UAE, raising concerns about corruption and national security. David Frum and former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney then delve into how Trump's administration has undermined the historic US-Canada alliance, including attempts to foment Albertan secession and erratic trade threats that push Canada toward China. They also discuss the global rise of far-right populism fueled by failures in immigration policy, concluding with a reflection on Canadian national identity.
On this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” David opens with his reflections on the recent shootings in Minneapolis. He argues that these killings, alongside ICE’s warrantless home searches and mistaken detentions, and the reports of deaths in custody, are not isolated abuses but signs of a rapidly deepening crisis in American democracy, one in which basic rights and due process are applied unevenly and are increasingly contested. David asks whether the country can find a way back from a da...
This episode explores the profound consequences of Donald Trump's presidency, beginning with his deceptive claims about grocery prices and how his policies, like tariffs, deliberately raise costs, eroding public trust. Fiona Hill joins to analyze Vladimir Putin's transactional worldview, the catastrophic yet resilient Ukraine war, and how Trump's affinity for strongman power inadvertently aids Putin while diminishing American credibility. The episode concludes with a reflection on V.S. Naipaul's insights into the Iranian Revolution, highlighting how authoritarian regimes often fail to achieve true modernity when rejecting Western values.
David Frum explores the current "crazy death spiral" of the MAGA movement, highlighting recent alarming incidents like the ICE rampage and the politicization of the Federal Reserve. Joined by historian Tim Naftali, they delve into the dubious nature of Trump's proposed presidential library in Miami, contrasting Trump's lack of shame with Nixon's constraints and discussing Trump's unprecedented self-enrichment through a "mercantilist" foreign policy, particularly regarding Venezuela. The episode concludes with a literary discussion of Jane Eyre.
This episode examines President Trump's chaotic foreign policy, particularly his intervention in Venezuela driven by a belief in seizing oil, which is economically and morally unsound. David Frum and David Rothkopf detail how Trump's disdain for expert advice has crippled the National Security Council, leading to uncoordinated actions and a lack of planning for major operations. They warn of the global consequences of alienating allies and adopting a rehashed, failed imperialist doctrine, concluding with a poetic reflection on the perils of nationalistic overreach.
This special episode reacts to the US capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, with David Frum and Anne Applebaum dissecting the Trump administration's unclear justifications and unilateral actions. They explore how domestic political motives overshadowed Venezuelan welfare, critically analyzing Trump's potential shift towards a global "spheres of influence" doctrine. The discussion also touches on the historical link between US foreign policy and domestic civil rights, warning of the dangerous consequences of American retreat and isolationism.
On this week’s episode of The David Frum Show , The Atlantic ’s David Frum opens with his thoughts on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He examines the many actions President Donald Trump has taken that run counter to the ideals articulated in 1776, and considers how the Founders’ constitutional genius may ultimately be what frustrates Trump’s attempt to consolidate power. David is then joined by his Atlantic colleague Charlie Warzel, a staff write...
This episode explores the evolving landscape of comedy, examining its move towards the political right and the rise of 'anti-woke' narratives often leveraging problematic 'just asking questions' rhetoric. David Frum and Helen Lewis delve into the complicity of comedians and their audiences in this shift, highlighting the decline of journalistic integrity in podcasting and the dangers of embracing anti-expert sentiment. The discussion also features an in-depth look at NATO's historical significance and a literary analysis of Edith Wharton's 'Autres Temps,' drawing parallels to modern 'cancel culture' and the enduring impact of social pariah status.
This episode features David Frum and Will Thomas discussing how cryptocurrency has enabled new forms of government corruption, particularly with weakened public integrity laws. They delve into how politicians, including former President Trump, can leverage meme and stablecoins for self-enrichment while remaining within legal boundaries due to regulatory gaps. The conversation also explores the challenge of combating extremism through consistent law enforcement and concludes with Frum's reflections on courage, inspired by Joseph Conrad's "Lord Jim" and a personal tribute to Rob Reiner.
On this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his thoughts on the absurd Peace Prize awarded to Donald Trump by FIFA. David discusses how the invented prize reflects what FIFA understands about our president—that he’s the kind of leader who can be won over with shiny trinkets and fancy ceremonies. Then, David is joined by Michael Waldman from the Brennan Center for Justice to discuss how the Trump administration might try to undermine or even outright stea...
David Frum opens by discussing alleged corruption during the Trump administration, from the Ukraine peace plan to pardons and policy-driven scandals. He then interviews Jonathan Gruber, an architect of Obamacare, who delves into the American healthcare system's high costs, disparities, and the ongoing political fight against the Affordable Care Act and science. The episode concludes with Frum reflecting on Milton Mayer's "They Thought They Were Free," drawing parallels between historical moral degradation and contemporary US actions.
This episode examines the unceremonious end and damaging legacy of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, highlighting its failures in fiscal management and its harm to key U.S. agencies and international standing. David Frum then converses with Sam Tanenhaus about his biography of William F. Buckley Jr., reflecting on Buckley's evolving views, his role as a conservative intellectual, and his deep personal impact. The episode closes with a look at Booth Tarkington's novel "Alice Adams," appreciating its pioneering portrayal of female ambition and self-reliance.
David Frum explores how President Trump's actions, such as accepting foreign gifts and contemplating unilateral military interventions, signify a departure from America's traditional global leadership and constitutional norms. He discusses with historian Margaret MacMillan what a 'post-American' world might entail, examining the decline of U.S. moral authority, the alienation of allies, and the historical parallels to empires in decline. The episode concludes with a personal reflection on grief through Charles Dickens' "The Old Curiosity Shop."
