Opinion | ‘Is the Destruction the Point?’: Three Opinion Writers on Trump’s First 50 Days

I believe that the recent arrest of an individual, which implies that someone can be detained without reason, indicates that individuals with green cards – approximately 13 million in the US – now have fewer protections than they did previously. Until recently, it was widely accepted that individuals inside the country, especially those with green cards, were entitled to the same constitutional rights as American citizens. However, this is no longer the case. This suggests that even American citizens may not be safe, as a government willing to disregard the rights of one group cannot be trusted to uphold the rights of others.

In addition, there are clear violations of free speech occurring, as seen in cases like Ann Coulter’s remarks regarding Mahmoud Khalil. The current situation is straying into dangerous territory, where free speech is being restricted in ways that differ from the concerns raised by Trump’s supporters. The focus seems to be on demonstrating power and control, rather than upholding values or principles. This shift reflects a desire to show dominance and suppress opposition, rather than protect fundamental rights.

Elon Musk’s actions are emblematic of disruptive behavior and a desire to reshape society according to his own vision. He appears to be at odds with traditional American institutions and seeks to redefine societal norms. This disruptive approach is mirrored in the administration’s actions, which aim to provoke change and challenge established norms. Musk’s technofeudalist views align with a desire to reshape America according to his own specifications, breaking down existing structures to rebuild them in his image. The administration’s hands-off approach and reliance on supporters like Steve Bannon further highlight this shift towards a technofeudalist mindset. People became excessively complacent about entrusting such an unpredictable individual with the leadership of the most powerful nation in the world. Consequently, instead of competent government officials managing the daily affairs of the country, it now involves a group of Project 2025 enthusiasts, Elon Musk, and his unconventional group of followers.

Healy: Many refer to them as feral children, Michelle, yet I view them as creators of a new world. They are like Tolkien-loving youngsters striving to shape a society based on Musk’s ideals, even if it means risking economic stability.

Goldberg: They may understand the goal of dismantling the “deep state,” but lack comprehension of why such systems exist. Musk’s decision-making, such as reversing the termination of Ebola containment efforts, reflects this lack of understanding. It’s uncertain if they truly grasp the consequences of their actions.

Healy: Trump plays a role in this dynamic. He is both self-assured and fascinated by world-building. His desire for Greenland and inclination to let Musk and Rubio take charge raises questions about his true intentions and level of involvement.

Bruni: Trump enjoys watching Musk and Rubio clash, knowing he placed them in positions of power. The spectacle he creates is for his own amusement and public showmanship. Both Trump and Musk perceive power as a means of control and accumulation, a departure from traditional American values.

Healy: Trump’s actions defy simple categorization. The language used to describe him falls short in capturing the complexity of the situation. The sense of apathy and helplessness among many Americans is a result of the overwhelming nature of the current political landscape.

Goldberg: While historical comparisons may not be perfect, there are parallels that can help us understand the dangers we face. A lack of civic education contributes to the difficulty in explaining the significance of preserving democratic norms and institutions.

Bruni: The magnitude of the current political climate leaves many feeling overwhelmed and desensitized. It is crucial to remember that not everyone has the luxury of closely following political developments, as daily life demands attention to more immediate concerns. I brought up Steve Bannon because he is a strong supporter of the flood-the-zone strategy, hoping that people will tune out. Healy agreed, mentioning that many people are not focused on constitutional crisis debates but may start paying attention due to economic issues. Goldberg added that although Trump’s approval ratings and polls on the economy are declining, the information environment makes it hard for people to connect Trump’s statements with their own financial situations.

The conversation then shifted to the corrupted information environment and whether Trump can shift blame and create a post-accountability era. Healy expressed concern that Trump can evade accountability and emphasized the need for effective leadership from Democrats to counter Trump’s tactics. Bruni highlighted the importance of providing a contrast to Trump’s approach, with Slotkin’s response being cited as a good example.

Goldberg stressed the need for authentic leadership that resonates with people’s feelings and concerns. She mentioned that many individuals feel a lack of leadership and direction and emphasized the importance of having a strong opposition party. Healy shared a letter from a frustrated Democrat expressing anger at the lack of action from elected officials. The situation out here is dire. Congress is not taking significant action to address what’s happening. The need for leadership and a plan to navigate through these challenging times is palpable. It may not be just one person like Bernie Sanders or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who can lead us out of this, but there is a political opportunity for someone to step up.

Democrats are facing obstacles with their limited power in Congress. While they are fighting in courts, the lack of a charismatic leader is a source of frustration. It’s not about one person, but about the lack of options available to Democrats.

Thank you, Michelle and Frank, for joining me in this discussion.

Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.

This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Sonia Herrero. Original music by Aman Sahota, Isaac Jones and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. Our executive producer is Annie-Rose Strasser.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And here’s our email: letters@nytimes.com.

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, WhatsApp, and Threads. Please rephrase this statement.