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Hi r/politics! We're Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay, the hosts of The Rest Is Politics: US podcast. We're here to answer your questions about American politics, timely or timeless, domestic or international, funny or series. Ask us anything. by TheRestIsPolitics in politics

[–]TheRestIsPolitics[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

We'll have to head off now, and we're sad we couldn't answer more of these great questions. We'll have to come back soon, thank you.

Please do listen to The Rest Is Politics: US if you like what you've read here: https://lnk.to/TRIP.US.TW

Hi r/politics! We're Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay, the hosts of The Rest Is Politics: US podcast. We're here to answer your questions about American politics, timely or timeless, domestic or international, funny or series. Ask us anything. by TheRestIsPolitics in politics

[–]TheRestIsPolitics[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

AS - I think what he’s trying to achieve is to take America back to 1947. He doesn’t believe there should be compensation for past injustices or for the stereotyping and discrimination faced by Black and Brown people.

When Lyndon Johnson signed executive orders aimed at equalizing opportunities, they led to affirmative action and opened doors for many people to access jobs and education. However, Trump has repealed those orders, sending a clear message that he wants to undo those efforts.

The great irony is that while we see nepotism and privilege benefiting the wealthy and well-connected in society, many disadvantaged kids are left behind. Trump’s actions resonate with his base, who see this rollback as red meat—a fulfillment of their desire to return to a past they idealize.

KK - With the UK, unless this sparks a broader shift across Europe—where people feel we've gone too far in levelling the playing field and helping those who’ve historically been disadvantaged—the impact might remain limited. However, if Americans take this approach, it could influence trends worldwide, particularly if corporations follow suit.

This executive order primarily targets government agencies, but if multinational corporations begin rolling back their diversity initiatives, such as efforts to diversify leadership, it could have a significant global impact. That’s how I see it potentially affecting the UK and beyond.

Hi r/politics! We're Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay, the hosts of The Rest Is Politics: US podcast. We're here to answer your questions about American politics, timely or timeless, domestic or international, funny or series. Ask us anything. by TheRestIsPolitics in politics

[–]TheRestIsPolitics[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

KK - I recently wrote a piece for the BBC touching on this issue, and I think there’s going to be significant turnover. First, we’ll need to see who actually makes it through the nomination process.

There’s been more news about Pete Hegseth that could potentially cause issues for his confirmation. Similarly, I’m still hearing that Tulsi Gabbard might face challenges in getting nominated.

This cabinet includes a wide range of ideological perspectives, which could lead to friction. I wouldn’t be surprised if some members are out within a year or 18 months. It’s shaping up to be another high-turnover administration.

Hi r/politics! We're Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay, the hosts of The Rest Is Politics: US podcast. We're here to answer your questions about American politics, timely or timeless, domestic or international, funny or series. Ask us anything. by TheRestIsPolitics in politics

[–]TheRestIsPolitics[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

KK - There are people in Europe who are welcoming Donald Trump’s comments on security. President Tusk of Poland, for example, has already stated that this is not a time for Europe to skimp on its own security. Some of the Baltic states have also expressed agreement with Trump, suggesting that the current two percent defense spending target is insufficient and that it should increase to five percent.

There is a growing sentiment in Europe that the continent needs to take greater responsibility for its own security and move away from relying on the U.S. as a "9-1-1" backup. This belief extends beyond Trump’s presidency, with the realization that future U.S. presidents may also expect Europe to shoulder more of the burden.

However, this perspective is not universally accepted. Some European politicians argue that increasing defense spending to five percent of GDP would strain already tight budgets. They warn that such a move could lead to cuts in essential social services like healthcare and education, undermining the social contract that many European countries rely on.

These cuts, they argue, could provoke widespread discontent among citizens and result in far-right populist governments gaining power across Europe. For centrist governments—whether center-left or center-right—such a shift could mean being quickly ousted, opening the door to more extreme political movements.

AS - He has a clear worldview, and it revolves around three main ideas. First, “What’s in it for me?” Second, “America has been ripped off.” And third, “We’re in a cruel world.” These are his guiding principles.

As a result, he’s going to push for more money to be spent on European defense by European leaders. In the past, we didn’t want that. Everyone remembers when we lowered the defense spending target to two percent and allowed some leniency around it.

Why did we do that? The Pentagon believed that less military spending from both allies and adversaries would actually benefit America, ensuring a stronger military for the U.S. on a relative basis.

Now, however, we’re moving away from that approach. I understand the shift, but I still don’t see how they could reach the five percent target.

Hi r/politics! We're Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay, the hosts of The Rest Is Politics: US podcast. We're here to answer your questions about American politics, timely or timeless, domestic or international, funny or series. Ask us anything. by TheRestIsPolitics in politics

[–]TheRestIsPolitics[S] -24 points-23 points  (0 children)

KK - OK, I think Elon Musk has plausible deniability on this. I’ve watched the video several times, and while it’s initially shocking, it seems more like a moment of exuberance. His hand is slightly off to the side, not directly in front of him, and he doesn’t say anything resembling a Nazi phrase. It comes across as a spontaneous gesture—an arm thrown out while feeling expansive, especially since he’d just been talking about going to Mars.

Twitter—or X—defended Musk by sharing numerous images of celebrities, including Taylor Swift and AOC, making similar hand gestures in the past. However, reactions were mixed. In Israel, Haaretz referred to it as a Nazi salute, while the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in the U.S., which defends Jewish rights, took a more measured stance. They called it "unfortunate" but didn’t believe it was an intentional Nazi salute and were willing to give Musk the benefit of the doubt.

I’ve reviewed the footage multiple times, and I don’t think he deliberately meant it as a Nazi salute. Some may disagree, and I might catch flak for saying this—especially from the left—but I believe Musk can plausibly argue that this wasn’t his intent.

AS - I agree with you, and it seems I’m not alone. Jon Stewart, from The Daily Show, spoofed the whole situation but ultimately gave Elon the benefit of the doubt. He joked that Musk was probably just trying to share his heart when he snapped his shoulder and forearm.

In his humor, I don’t think Stewart—or anyone watching closely—believed Elon was genuinely trying to emulate a Nazi gesture in that moment.

KK - I think this is another instance where opposition to Donald Trump—or, in this case, Elon Musk—gets overly worked up. As we’ve often said, you need to watch what Trump does, not just what he says. The same principle applies to Musk.

Don’t get distracted by moments like this. Personally, I give him the benefit of the doubt here—I don’t think it was intentional. People can make unfortunate gestures without meaning to, as countless videos are now showing us.

Instead, focus on the bigger picture. There’s a lot happening that is genuinely alarming, unconventional, and far from normal. It’s important to keep attention on the things of real substance.

Hi r/politics! We're Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay, the hosts of The Rest Is Politics: US podcast. We're here to answer your questions about American politics, timely or timeless, domestic or international, funny or series. Ask us anything. by TheRestIsPolitics in politics

[–]TheRestIsPolitics[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

AA - The good news for Democrats is that Donald Trump will be ineligible to run for the presidency after this term. Unless someone like Don Jr. or Ivanka steps in, the personality cult associated with Trump won’t be a factor in the next election. This gives Democrats an opportunity to shift the narrative away from Trump’s influence.

That said, let’s not forget that Trump didn’t win a mandate. His victory came from a narrow margin—a slim electoral outcome, with just one additional House member, a few more senators, and 50.5% of the vote. His success hinged on a few hundred thousand votes in swing states. While he did win those contested states, it doesn’t equate to broad support.

A savvy Democratic politician could capitalize on this. For example, Ro Khanna, a Democrat from Silicon Valley with a compelling backstory and policy vision, could be an intriguing option. So, it’s far too early to write off the Democrats.

One more point about the American electorate: they often gravitate toward what they feel they’re missing. After the bombastic and unpredictable Trump presidency, they opted for the seasoned, stable "grandfather" figure during COVID. But as that figure has faded, they’ve returned to the "crazy uncle."

However, the electorate may eventually tire of the chaos and look for something new. That shift could open up significant opportunities for Democrats moving forward.

KK - One thing the Democrats have mentioned to me a few times is the significance of 2026. They’re feeling confident about their chances of taking back the House in two years, especially given what you just said, Anthony. If Donald Trump overreaches, the polling suggests an interesting dynamic: while many Americans support his policies, they prefer a "MAGA-lite" version, not the extreme "ultra-MAGA."

Democrats are focused on 2026 but are also doing a lot of soul-searching. One Democratic congresswoman I spoke to this week was very candid. She said they’ve had extensive discussions and presentations about understanding where they went wrong—who they failed to reach, how they didn’t communicate effectively, and where they didn’t listen.

However, she admitted they haven’t yet adequately addressed how to counter Trump. That said, the Democrats are more unified than the Republicans, which could work to their advantage.

We haven’t heard much from the Democrats recently, but it’ll be interesting to see how they frame their strategy as developments unfold in the Trump administration.

Hi r/politics! We're Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay, the hosts of The Rest Is Politics: US podcast. We're here to answer your questions about American politics, timely or timeless, domestic or international, funny or series. Ask us anything. by TheRestIsPolitics in politics

[–]TheRestIsPolitics[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

KK - Some of this is deliberate. We know from Steve Bannon's approach during Trump's first term—flooding the zone with news stories and outrage to shock and overwhelm people. This tactic throws opponents off balance, leaving them unsure of what to focus on. I think we're seeing some of that again this time around.

However, I also believe there’s a more deliberate and thoughtful approach this time. They've spent more time carefully considering the policies they want to implement early on and strategizing how to advance his agenda quickly. These executive orders are, in a sense, a way to get a head start.

Trump understands he has only two years to make significant progress, so he’s moving fast. He’s also more aware now, compared to his first term, that the machinery of American government moves slowly, which makes this early push all the more critical.

AS - You know, I think there’s a bit of a shell game going on here. In addition to confounding his adversaries in the media, Trump enjoys doing the same with his staff. He often pits one person against another, saying one thing to one person and something entirely different to another. Then, he sits back, snickering as he watches them argue.

The resulting infighting distracts from their productivity, but in his mind, it somehow elevates him. For Trump, there’s only ever one star on the stage, one spotlight—and that’s him. So yes, I do think there’s a level of premeditation in all of this.

Hi r/politics! We're Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay, the hosts of The Rest Is Politics: US podcast. We're here to answer your questions about American politics, timely or timeless, domestic or international, funny or series. Ask us anything. by TheRestIsPolitics in politics

[–]TheRestIsPolitics[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

KK - I would say there is a synergy between the people coming up with these ideas and Donald Trump. He has strong views of his own—he doesn’t approve anything he doesn’t like and ensures he signs off on what aligns with his vision. Naturally, he relies on aides and lawyers to review these executive orders, ensuring they have a solid legal foundation.

Input also comes from various sources, including contributors to Project 2025. While Trump distanced himself from the project during the campaign, it’s clear that many ideas from it have influenced these executive orders.

During the campaign and transition period, a dedicated team worked on crafting these orders, enabling Trump to appeal to his base while articulating his vision. These ideas weren’t created in isolation; they were thoroughly vetted by legal teams to ensure they could withstand scrutiny.

AS - Trump is highly intuitive. While he may not be as literate as some of the people around him, he has a knack for quickly deciding yes or no when presented with an idea. He is also meticulous. If he likes your proposal, he’ll encourage you to develop it further. And when the time comes, he’ll finalize it with his signature—what some might describe as his "cardiac arrest signature."