Intelligence Squared

The Age of the Strongman: Understanding Trump, with Anne Applebaum (Part One)

October 25, 2025

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  • Anne Applebaum argues that Trump's second term feels more radical because his attempt to overturn the 2020 election attracted new, more radical contingents, including Christian nationalists and tech figures seeking government reconfiguration. 
  • The Trump administration's strategy involves pushing the boundaries of legality by acting first and dealing with court challenges later, exemplified by actions like the disbanding of USAID and the aggressive tactics of ICE. 
  • The administration is actively trying to shape the outcome of future elections by encouraging partisan redistricting and using federal agencies like the Department of Justice and IRS to exert pressure on political opponents and critics, creating a climate of caution among institutions. 

Segments

Defining Strongman Leadership
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(00:02:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Strongman leadership is characterized by a cultural personality centered on the proposition, “I alone can fix it,” and thrives on declaring a national crisis to justify accumulating power.
  • Summary: Gideon Rachman outlines the theme of the ‘Age of the Strongman’ series, comparing leaders like Xi Jinping, Trump, and Netanyahu. A key characteristic identified is the leader’s central proposition that only they can solve the nation’s problems. This mindset justifies bypassing institutions that might block the strongman’s perceived necessary actions to combat national enemies or crises.
Radicalism of Second Term
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(00:05:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Trump’s second term is predicted to be more radical because the post-January 6th environment attracted new, ideologically driven supporters planning for radical reconfiguration of the U.S. political system.
  • Summary: Anne Applebaum notes that the aftermath of January 6th attracted different groups, including tech figures seeking government reconfiguration for their benefit and Christian nationalists aiming to change the U.S. into a Christian state. These groups, alongside traditional MAGA supporters, actively planned for the second administration, documented in plans like Project 2025.
Undemocratic Tactics and Speed
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(00:08:42)
  • Key Takeaway: The administration is moving quickly on unpopular policies because they anticipate voter backlash, leading them to explore ways to circumvent democratic accountability.
  • Summary: The urgency in implementing policies stems from the knowledge that many agenda items are unpopular, necessitating rapid action before potential electoral consequences. This drives tactics that test legal boundaries, such as renovating the White House without proper historical commission permission.
Threats to Democratic Process
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(00:10:11)
  • Key Takeaway: Threats to American democracy include technically illegal actions, federal encouragement of state-level electoral manipulation, and the weaponization of state arms against political opponents.
  • Summary: Actions deemed undemocratic include pushing illegal boundaries, such as the manner ICE operations are conducted, and actively encouraging Republican states to illegally gerrymander districts to benefit their party. Furthermore, there is an emerging pattern of using the Department of Justice and IRS to target critics and opponents.
Controlling Key Institutions
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(00:17:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Authoritarian consolidation requires controlling the same societal institutions—education, media, science, and security forces—that were targeted by communists in post-WWII Eastern Europe.
  • Summary: The focus for control mirrors historical authoritarian takeovers, targeting universities, media, research, and power ministries. In the U.S. context, the creation and expansion of ICE are seen as taking on characteristics of a federal police service, an institution traditionally absent in American governance.
Emergency Declarations and Precedent
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(00:18:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The administration already utilizes the language and legality of emergency declarations, such as for tariffs, to justify actions normally reserved for Congress, potentially escalating with threats like invoking the Insurrection Act.
  • Summary: Trump has already invoked emergency language to impose tariffs, a power Congress typically holds, which is currently being challenged in court. The administration is also framing actions against crime, drugs, and Venezuela as part of a broader state of emergency, setting a precedent for expanded executive power.
Climate of Fear and Institutional Caution
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(00:22:52)
  • Key Takeaway: A climate of caution exists where institutions and individuals self-censor due to fear of federal retaliation, such as loss of federal grants or audits, rather than direct imprisonment.
  • Summary: University presidents express reluctance to speak out because they fear the federal government taking revenge on employees dependent on federal grants. This pressure extends to the private sector, where individuals are afraid to donate to organizations disliked by Trump for fear of IRS audits, effectively shaping the political playing field.
Information Control via Media Sales
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(00:26:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Controlling the information space is achieved not just through censorship, but by facilitating the purchase of powerful media platforms, like TikTok, by wealthy allies at low prices.
  • Summary: Controlling media ownership, similar to practices in India or Turkey, is a key strategy; allies buy up outlets, reducing competition and ensuring pro-government narratives dominate. The potential sale of TikTok to Trump-aligned figures is cited as a major concern because the platform is a primary news source for young Americans and its algorithm is opaque.
Scale of Corruption and Conflicts
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(00:29:33)
  • Key Takeaway: The current scale of corruption, conflicts of interest, and money changing hands involving the Trump family and associates is unprecedented in modern U.S. history.
  • Summary: The Trump family is estimated to have made over a billion dollars since the first inauguration, with crypto ventures like World Liberty Financial allowing anonymous payments directly to the company. This is compounded by companies settling lawsuits to avoid conflict with the president and foreign entities sponsoring events at Trump properties, blurring the line between presidential action and business interest.
Voter Popularity and Democratic Response
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(00:34:39)
  • Key Takeaway: Despite the administration’s actions, current polling suggests Trump is not popular, and significant, large-scale protests are mobilizing a response from Democrats.
  • Summary: Polls indicate that Trump is currently unpopular, even on key issues like immigration enforcement methods used by ICE. A massive response is underway, evidenced by protests attracting seven million people in a single day, suggesting a strong counter-movement is organizing across various political levels.