Episode 432

The Undoing of America

A Conversation with David French

August 27, 2025

Sam Harris speaks with David French about Trump’s assault on American democracy. They discuss Trump’s persecution of political opponents, abuse of the pardon power, Congress’s ineffectiveness, David’s proposed change to Article II of the Constitution, whether democracy in the U.S. has passed the point of no return, the future of election integrity, Trump’s threats against Elon Musk, the weaponization of ICE, the dangers of deploying the National Guard in American cities, white evangelical support for Trump, Republican infighting and why only Trump can hold the MAGA coalition together, Trump’s unique political talents, the prospect of him remaining in power beyond two terms, and other topics.

David French is a columnist for the New York Times, co-host of the Advisory Opinions podcast, and a visiting professor at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a constitutional lawyer and the former president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he earned a Bronze Star. His most recent book is Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation.

 

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-french

X: @DavidAFrench