As some of Donald Trump’s most controversial choices for top jobs are questioned this week, our correspondent analyses how supine Republicans may be in his second term. Has the luxury business passed its peak (09:57)? And why scientists are finding new ways to deal with an invasive pest in Australia: the cane toad (16:55).
On this edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” Hanson delves into the controversies surrounding Kash Patel's nomination as the FBI director.
Despite Patel's extensive background as a public defender, federal prosecutor, and involvement in the executive and legislative branches, his role in the Nunes memo and association with Donald Trump have stirred significant opposition from the Left:
“So, in all of these aspects, he seems like the perfect FBI director. But there's two reasons why people are very angry about him, of course. One is, he was the point man for Devin Nunes House Select Intelligence Committee investigation of the FBI. And he helped draft the Nunes memo, which detailed, quite accurately, all of the FBI's machinations to collude with their paid informant, Christopher Steele, to fabricate a false dossier that incorrectly alleged that Donald Trump was a Russian asset.”
For Victor's latest thoughts, please go to: https://victorhanson.com/
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In this episode, we explore the profound philosophical and theological dimensions of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, particularly his views on war. In his book Tolkien, Philosopher of War(Catholic University of America Press, 2024), McAleer uncovers Tolkien's critique of Enlightenment thought and his deep concern with the apocalyptic politics of his time. He argues that Tolkien’s metaphysical, political, and aesthetic views—shaped by a rejection of gnosticism, a defense of monarchy, and a resistance to Futurism—offer a unique perspective on the dangers of progressivism and total war. We explore Tolkien’s personal experience which inform his writings and the processes by which he was able to sculpt these great works and systems of thought. This conversation sheds light on Tolkien's modern critique of political ideologies and offers new insights for readers of Catholic studies, war philosophy, and Tolkien Studies alike.
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President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Laken Riley Act, a new law that requires law enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants who are accused – not convicted – of committing a crime. During the signing ceremony, Trump also announced his intent to sign an executive order to send migrants to a detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. It all comes amid a very public push by the administration to show Americans it's very serious about cracking down on illegal immigration, even as the details remain a little opaque. Michelle Hackman, a reporter covering immigration for The Wall Street Journal, breaks down what's actually happening.
And in headlines: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. flails in his first confirmation hearing to be the next health secretary, The Trump administration walks back its order to freeze federal funds for grants and loans… maybe? And former Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.
We're talking about a deadly plane crash in Washington D.C. Rescue efforts are now underway.
Also, President Trump has unveiled an effort to bring more patriotism to American education and more tax dollars to private schools.
Plus, we'll tell you about a new plan to send tens of thousands of migrants to Guantanamo Bay, security preparations for Super Bowl 59, and how much advertisers are paying to air their commercials during the big game.
Those stories and even more news to know in about 10 minutes!
Join us every Mon-Fri for more daily news roundups!
Want more business storytelling from us? Check out the latest episode of our new weekly deepdive show: The untold origin story of… Red Bull ⚡Subscribe to The Best Idea Yet: Wondery.fm/TheBestIdeaYetLinks to listen.
“The Best Idea Yet”: The untold origin stories of the products you’re obsessed with — From the McDonald’s Happy Meal to Birkenstock’s sandal to Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers to Sriracha. New 45-minute episodes drop weekly.
Canadians have a key leverage point if President Trump makes good on his threat to impose 25% tariffs: oil. We talk to a business journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on why oil would be the "biggest arrow in the quiver" should Canada and the U.S. descend into a trade war — but only as a last resort.
After a long career as a prosecutor, a defense attorney and a judge, 77-year-old Rusty Sabich is retired. But when a young woman named Mae Potter goes missing, Rusty comes out of retirement to defend the lead suspect – who happens to be his soon-to-be stepson. Presumed Guilty is the latest novel from Scott Turow, who's been writing about this character since he published Presumed Innocent in 1987. In today's episode, Turow joins NPR's Scott Simon for a conversation that touches on second chances, the fallibility of the legal system, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on literature.
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