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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David Frum and Sarah Longwell analyze the 2025 election exit polls, revealing a significant gender gap among young voters, particularly women repelled by Trump-era politics and "red-pilled" male online cultures. They also discuss the recent government shutdown's political messaging success for Democrats and the internal party debate between radical and consensus-driven approaches, alongside the long-term impact of voter realignment and the diploma divide on future elections.
David Frum discusses the escalating US pressure on Venezuela, examining the Trump administration's unclear objectives and the likelihood of airstrikes or a coup attempt, alongside Venezuela's history from prosperity to authoritarianism under Chavez and Maduro. The conversation also highlights the severe migration crisis stemming from US policies and concludes with a stark warning about Trump's constitutional power claims and the contemporary rise of conspiratorial anti-Semitism, drawing parallels to pre-WWII Germany.
David Frum and Tom Nichols discuss the Trump administration's pattern of "politicized stupidity" and the erosion of democratic institutions. Nichols explains how a president could militarize power by undermining the Justice Department and military leadership, potentially using the National Guard for election interference. They explore the dangers of unilateral military actions and the psychological motivations behind Trump's approach to governance, concluding with a reflection on Ionesco's "Rhinoceros" as a parable for conformity and resistance.
This episode begins with an urgent warning from David Frum about the impending, politically charged sale of TikTok to Trump-aligned insiders, arguing it signifies a profound shift in the American media landscape. He then engages filmmaker Ken Burns in a deep dive into his new American Revolution series, dissecting the conflicting narratives of triumph and tragedy, heroism and hypocrisy. The conversation navigates the Revolution's impact on Loyalists, Native nations, and enslaved people, contrasting its outcomes with other global revolutions. Finally, Frum reflects on Alexander Volpin's Soviet dissident strategy of strictly adhering to written laws, drawing powerful parallels for contemporary America's challenges to the rule of law.
David Frum opens by analyzing the ongoing 2025 government shutdown, viewing it as a strategic Republican misstep and a "quasi-election" on the rule of law itself, given the Trump administration's disregard for agreements. He then speaks with Margaret Thatcher's biographer, Charles Moore, to mark her centenary, discussing her economic reforms like privatization and financial deregulation, her disciplined leadership, and her pivotal alliance with Ronald Reagan that helped end the Cold War. The episode concludes with Frum's reflections on Stefan Zweig's "The World of Yesterday," exploring themes of exile, despair, and the vital importance of maintaining hope in dark historical moments.
On this episode of The David Frum Show , The Atlantic ’s David Frum opens with reflections on the strange and revealing controversy over Donald Trump’s rumored commemorative coin and what it says about the culture of flattery and self-abasement now defining MAGA politics. Then David is joined by former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings for a candid look at the crisis in American education. Spellings, a key architect of No Child Left Behind and now president of the Bipartisan Policy ...
David Frum and Sam Harris discuss the erosion of democratic norms in the US, highlighting how presidential power has expanded unchecked, and dissect the alarming political evolution of Silicon Valley from idealistic innovation to authoritarian sympathies. They delve into how backlash against "wokeness" and a pursuit of profit have led prominent tech figures to embrace illiberal politics, contributing to a fractured information landscape where anti-science and conspiracy theories thrive. Frum also connects these trends to historical examples, particularly the Nazi regime's health campaigns, to illustrate how politics and health ideologies intersect in troubling ways, especially with the rise of the anti-vax "MAHA" movement.
This episode explores the striking resemblances and key differences between America's turbulent 1960s/70s and the current era of political division and potential violence. Host David Frum first critiques President Trump's "plunder before power" strategy and calls for active resistance to despair. He then joins historian Geoffrey Kabaservice to examine historical assassinations, the impact of technological change on social instability, the contrasting roles of leadership, and the complex nature of figures like Charlie Kirk and Malcolm X. The episode concludes with Frum's insightful analysis of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," reflecting on its dark human insights and the modern skepticism towards intense romantic passion.
This episode of The David Frum Show examines two critical threats to a stable society: the slow dissolution of the rule of law and the resurgence of preventable diseases. David Frum opens by detailing how President Trump's repeated non-enforcement of laws, such as the TikTok ban, undermines constitutional government. He then speaks with historian Kyle Harper about humanity's long battle against infectious diseases, the miraculous impact of vaccination, and how current mistrust and misinformation are leading to a preventable return of illnesses like measles. The episode concludes with a look at Carl Schmitt's "The Concept of the Political" and its dangerous influence on modern authoritarian thinking in America.
David Frum and Rosa Brooks analyze President Trump's foreign policy decisions, including incidents in Georgia, Greenland, and India, which are eroding U.S. alliances and global credibility. They then pivot to Trump's deployment of 2,200 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., discussing the constitutional implications of militarized policing, the role of masked federal agents, and the potential normalization of authoritarian behavior. The episode concludes with a book segment on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, highlighting the importance of critical reading in an era of declining literacy.
David Frum discusses the potential future under a J.D. Vance presidency, contrasting Vance's methodical, ideological approach with Trump's impulsive, ego-driven style, particularly in shaping policy and wielding power. He then speaks with Jonathan Rauch about his book "The Constitution of Knowledge," examining how societies decide what is real, the rise of disinformation as a political strategy, and the critical need for robust institutions to defend truth amidst a "machinery of lies." The conversation highlights the ongoing battle to maintain a fact-based society against authoritarian tactics and human tendencies towards comforting falsehoods.
On this episode of The David Frum Show , The Atlantic ’s David Frum opens with reflections on the misuse of history in today’s politics. He argues that fascism, once thought to have been buried by the Second World War, has reemerged in modern forms, thriving on the endless hunt for enemies, stoking culture wars, and exploiting new technologies. And he explains why the best antidotes remain liberty, equality, and sometimes humor. Then David is joined by Mary Beard, one of the world’s foremost sch...
David Frum critically analyzes the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown, arguing it transforms society into one based on fear and undermines the rule of law. He is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Caitlin Dickerson, who details the massive expansion of ICE's budget and detention capacity, revealing how private prison interests profit from inhumane conditions. They discuss how this costly and diplomatically clumsy approach fails to effectively manage immigration while creating deep societal and economic challenges.
On this episode of The David Frum Show , The Atlantic ’s David Frum opens with reflections on the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and what Donald Trump’s recent statements about “Victory Day” reveal about how America is forgetting the meaning of peace, cooperation, and democratic leadership. Then David is joined by Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, for a candid look at the broken state of the U.S. housing market. Kelman explains why both buyers and sellers are miserable, how pand...
David Frum, Tim Mak, and Adrian Karatnycky discuss the dwindling US aid to Ukraine under the Trump administration, analyzing whether recent rhetoric signals a genuine policy shift or mere 'vibes reporting.' They delve into Ukraine's internal political landscape, including President Zelensky's controversial anti-corruption reforms and the resulting public protests, emphasizing the nation's unwavering unity and democratic spirit. The conversation also covers the current state of battlefield conditions, the impact of US aid interruptions, and the prospects for Ukraine's self-reliance, with experts expressing skepticism about a forced peace and highlighting Europe's increasing role.
This episode features David Frum and trade historian Douglas Irwin dissecting the economic and political fallout of Donald Trump's protectionist tariff policies. They argue that tariffs primarily function as a regressive tax, burdening ordinary Americans while failing to boost domestic manufacturing or fix trade deficits. The discussion also debunks historical myths surrounding tariffs, like their supposed role in industrial growth or the Great Depression, highlighting their true cost in fostering corruption, eroding alliances, and stifling overall economic prosperity.
This episode features David Frum's warning about Donald Trump's unprecedented attacks on press freedom, using presidential power to suppress unfavorable coverage and threatening American institutions. He then converses with Rep. Ritchie Torres about the future of the Democratic Party, exploring why the center has become passive against a vocal far-left, the need for a clear governing agenda beyond slogans, and the importance of genuine public service over performative politics. Torres shares insights from his journey and vision for tackling issues like housing affordability.
David Frum discusses the unexpected backlash from Trump's base over his attempt to shut down the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, revealing a deep fracture within the MAGA movement. Former FBI counterintelligence official Peter Strzok explains how Trump loyalists are dismantling the FBI's national security functions, purging experts and sidelining critical investigations. The episode explores the resulting vulnerability of the United States to terrorism, foreign espionage, and cyberattacks.
David Frum analyzes how President Trump's economic policies, including his "One Big Beautiful Bill," undermine the foundations of economic growth by attacking rights, honest government, predictable taxes, education, and trade. He is then joined by George Conway to discuss the challenges facing legal institutions, the concept of public office as a fiduciary duty, and the difficulties courts face in restraining executive lawlessness.
David Frum and fmr. Ambassador Bridget Brink explore the critical situation in Ukraine, highlighting the contrast between Biden's inconsistent support and Trump's outright hostility. Ambassador Brink shares her experiences serving in Kyiv during the invasion, the dangers faced by diplomats, and the challenges of navigating a chaotic policy process under the Trump administration, explaining her decision to resign. The discussion delves into the betrayal felt by Ukrainians and the broader implications for the US-led global order and the integrity of American foreign policy institutions.
Host David Frum opens discussing the complexity of supporting President Trump's necessary military action against Iran while fearing his potential abuse of expanded wartime powers. He then interviews editor Tina Brown, who shares insights from her career covering the elite. They explore how extreme wealth and private jets can distort reality for billionaires, discuss why some like Barry Diller remain grounded, and analyze the key moments and cultural shifts that transformed Donald Trump from an entertaining figure to a dangerous political force.
David Frum and Karim Sadjadpour discuss the aftermath of the Israeli airstrike on Iran, focusing on the internal dynamics of the Islamic Republic. They analyze Supreme Leader Khamenei's survival instincts, the regime's ideological principles versus Iran's national interests, the colossal failure and cost of the nuclear program, and the disconnect between the ruling elite and a society yearning for openness and connection to the outside world.
This episode explores Donald Trump's potential strategy to subvert the 2026 elections using emergency powers, viewing the recent LA protests as a possible test run. It also analyzes the Trump-Elon Musk feud as a revealing example of personalist government undermining the rule of law. Senator Ruben Gallego discusses how Democrats can win back working-class men, lessons from winning in a swing state, and the importance of free trade and patriotism within the party.
The episode explores the growing pressures on American media, from Donald Trump's systematic corporate intimidation tactics to the challenges posed by new digital platforms. David Frum and former Washington Post editor Marty Baron discuss why traditional media institutions are more vulnerable now, the impact of internal newsroom culture, and the difficulty of maintaining public trust. They conclude with advice for navigating the complex information landscape and a reflection on media coverage of Joe Biden's age.
David Frum discusses the unprecedented scale and nature of corruption in the Trump administration, framing it as extortion facilitated by pay-to-play schemes and punitive actions, unlike any previous US historical scandals. He then speaks with George Packer about J.D. Vance's political transformation, debating his authenticity, focus on 'his people' versus the nation, and role as a disciplined ideologue who may represent the future of a narrow, brutal political vision. The episode concludes with a reflection on Zbigniew Brzezinski's legacy and his belief in American ideals compared to Henry Kissinger's pessimism.
David Frum challenges common narratives about working-class economic decline over 40 years, arguing statistics often mislead and overlook gains in quality of life and the impact of immigration. He is then joined by Ambassador Susan Rice for a deep dive into the chaos within the Trump administration's national security apparatus, discussing issues like the lack of a dedicated National Security Advisor, the dangers of the Signalgate scandal, Trump's handling of foreign adversaries, damaged alliances, and profound concerns about disregard for the rule of law and constitutional norms.
David Frum discusses Donald Trump's misleading claims regarding trade deals and the India-Pakistan ceasefire, labeling them as scams. He interviews Dr. Shashi Tharoor, who provides insight into the ceasefire's reality and the complex dynamics between India, Pakistan, and the US. The episode also examines the broader implications of Trump's actions on international relations and domestic policy.
David Frum and Anne Applebaum discuss the astonishing corruption of the Trump presidency, linking it to broader authoritarian tactics and examining the decay of institutions. They explore Trump's self-enrichment, attacks on due process, and the challenges of maintaining values in a polarized environment, while also looking at historical precedents and potential for future political galvanization.
David Frum discusses the resurgence of preventable diseases due to misinformation and distrust in science, joined by Alan Bernstein who assesses the damage to science under the current administration. They explore the anti-vax movement's roots, the impact of immigration policies on scientific talent, and the potential setbacks in medical research. Frum also addresses listener questions about safeguarding democracy and inspiring civic engagement in students.
David Frum and Peter Keisler discuss the Trump administration's assaults on due process, focusing on the detention of individuals without hearings and the implications for American justice. They explore potential institutional pushback against executive overreach, the independence of the Federal Reserve, and the erosion of legal norms. The episode concludes with listener questions on political polarization, reclaiming the term 'globalist,' and effective citizen action.
