The Anatomy of Liberalism and its Discontent

Biden's Agenda

"So many of the social reactions that strike us as psychological are in fact a rational management of symbolic capital." —Pierre Bourdieu, Classification Struggles

Since retaking the White House in January 2025, President Biden has embarked on an ambitious plan to undo the legacy of his predecessor, Donald Trump.

To bolster his social agenda, Biden has pardoned five members of his immediate family, as well as their spouses. Political pundits interpret this move as a sign of Biden's fear of Trump's revenge against those close to him.

Another move seen as a preemptive counter-strike against Trump prosecutions was the firing of prosecutor Thomas Windom, who had been assigned to the case against Kash Patel, a Trump ally accused of interfering with the transfer of power.

Domestically, Biden also remains on high alert for how far Trump is willing to go to seek revenge. Legal experts predict Trump could file a lawsuit against the Department of Justice or the current Attorney General for actions taken while he was in office.

Trump's Tactics

"Trump wants nuclear reduction talks with China, Russia: "President Trump, Crypto Billionaire" [Wall Street Journal].

Despite repeated warnings, former President Trump continues to make statements seen as damaging to national security. His recent proposal for nuclear reduction talks with Russia and China, without attempting to include North Korea, has been met with skepticism by diplomats and arms-control experts.

Trump's personal relationship with the crypto world has also raised concerns. His promotion of specific cryptocurrencies has been linked to market manipulation and speculation, putting investors at risk.

Trump's impulsive approach and lack of attention to potential blowback have left many wondering if his actions are guided by awareness or sheer negligence.

"Trump hires fed-firing mastermind" [Politico].

Adding to the instability, Trump has appointed James Sherk, known for his support for firing federal employees, to a key position within the White House. Sherk's selection has reinvigorated concerns about Trump's determination to dismantle the federal workforce.

Other News

"Gabbard's nomination on shaky ground" [Semafor].

Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for director of national intelligence faces opposition, with Republicans expressing reservations about her past statements regarding Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad.

"Senate panel sets hearing on Tulsi Gabbard nomination" [The Hill].

Despite the Senate's delay in scheduling a hearing on her nomination, Gabbard has remained a vocal critic of the intelligence community and its surveillance powers.

"Doocy: Biden Staff Would Be In Such A Hurry To Get Us Out, 'Trump Seemed Willing To Talk About Anything'" [RealClearPolitics]

White House staffers under Biden are known to quickly terminate interviews, according to Fox News's Peter Doocy. In contrast, Trump was reportedly more open to discussing a broader range of topics.

"Trump warns he'll adjourn Congress to make recess appointments. How would that work?" [CBS]

Amid a government shutdown threat, Trump is considering using his power to adjourn Congress to make recess appointments without senatorial approval. Should he do so, it would mark an unprecedented escalation of executive authority.

"Trump's Rush List for Security Clearances Poses Risks, and Congress Will Have No Oversight" [NOTUS].

Trump's administration has been granting temporary top-secret security clearances without proper background checks. This move has raised alarms about national security risks and has been condemned by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

"The Memo: Trump 2.0 comes into focus" [The Hill]

Trump's second presidential term has been marked by a return to the controversies and unpredictability that defined his first. Democrats remain pessimistic about the future, while Trump's supporters embrace his so-called "shock and awe" approach.

"Trump's blizzard of orders gets pushback, questions from GOP lawmakers" [The Hill]

Trump's executive orders have sparked resistance from within the Republican party, with some lawmakers expressing concern about their potential impact on key projects in their home states.

"RFK Jr. plans to keep a financial stake in lawsuits against the drugmaker Merck" [NPR].

Despite confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. intends to maintain financial interests in lawsuits against Merck. This arrangement raises ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

"Maybe We Do Need DOGE" (interview) [Jennifer Pahlka, The Atlantic].

An internal report from the White House highlights the use of meme cryptocurrency DOGE in government hiring processes, raising questions about the influence of social media and subreddits within policy decisions.

"Three Disturbing Signs of Fourth Estate Failure" [Bill Scher, Washington Monthly].

Journalist Bill Scher criticizes the mainstream media, highlighting interviews like one conducted by the New York Times, in which a pro-dictatorship political theorist was given a platform to spread misinformation.

"Progressives focus their ire on US 'oligarchy'" [The Hill]

The progressive wing of the Democratic party is aligning against the influences of corporate money in politics, targeting not only Republicans but also Democrats they believe are beholden to corporate interests.

"The Second Trump Presidency, Brought to You by YouTubers" [Bloomberg].

Trump's re-election campaign has been deeply influenced by a network of political commentators and podcasters who have rallied his base through online content. These influencers, referred to as the "New Mainstream," command significant followings and have played a key role in shaping the public's perception of Trump's presidency.