“We have to burn it all down and start over” JD Vance July 2024
The primary objective of the Nazi aka Republican party takeover of the levers of government with Project 2025 as its blueprint is to decimate the federal institutions of government and then rebuild the structure to their liking This includes an authoritarian government with an oligarchic support system much like in Russia
The takeover plan is to create chaos and confusion so that anxiety levels amongst the population are at an all time high By eradicating functional federal institutions such as HHS, IRS, SSA etc disorganization creates mayhem and instability This can be further accelerated by a punishing global tariff scheme creating even more havoc and turmoil Even if Der Fuhrer is stopped in his tariff tracks it will make little difference The point is to generate pubic anxiety
After the destruction the stage is set for an authoritarian regime to take over and tear up the Constitution WE the People will become irrelevant Hang on America This is a test of a lifetime
What the architects of this plan are oblivious to is the credit bubble that has been growing over the last 5 decades is coincidentally bursting and with it a fiat currency crisis with runaway inflation This credit bubble explosion will ironically save the democratic republic In the meantime get into the safe haven of gold/silver
I get nervous when people say the economy under Biden was "humming along" - technically true, but it was a deceptive and poorly distributed prosperity. If we are able to claw our way out of this mess, we should use that momentum to address the dysfunctions that existed before T2 - the massive corruption caused by the Citizens United decision; the overuse of executive orders to circumvent Congress; the scandalous lack of nationalized healthcare; and the massive and unregulated real estate speculation that has rendered housing unaffordable. I could go on, but the point is - let's not say "everything was just fine before" because it sure wasn't.
100%. It's important to point out that Trump is making the poorly distributed prosperity even worse while also destroying the national-scale measures that were positive under Biden. But the Democrats shouldn't get a pass just for being slightly better than Republicans, and they should be held accountable for not addressing the wealth inequality that has grown for decades under Republican economic policy that they've been complicit with. It's good that backlash to Trump and Musk is growing, but I'm concerned the Democrats will use that as an excuse to avoid addressing the role their policies have played in feeding the public cynicism that got Trump elected in the first place.
I was thinking about the vision behind shocking tarrifs around the globe, seemingly willy nilly and on penguins
he already fucked the whole US, has us ready for war, we are going to just take a whole country whether they like it or not with absolutely no repercussions now
they created a brilliant BRILLIANT chaos that's the focus of every single country except Russia, and I think the goal of that will be interesting
It's going to be retaliatory for months, negations for months, shifts in trading patterns and all the while, Canada will be working out the details of trade so we don't have to for them
As Paul Krugman said it’s all about the politics ie who has his ear are those who say yes to Donald Trump. No independent thinking from economists who have good proven track records and who might say no mr president I think you’re wrong… shocking!
Many of us are having sleepless nights, due to the constant nightmarish barrage of horrendous daily news. It feels like all respected traditions and norms of civilized governance are being discarded, along with citizens’ dignity and inalienable rights, with the mere stroke of a Sharpie.
It’s like we have fallen down the rabbit hole and the Mad Hatter is dictating policy, with neither thought nor care for the consequences. And Trump’s emotionless surrogate Elon Musk, via the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is ransacking programs and peoples’ lives, with robotic disregard.
I am overwhelmed with sadness, for the lives that will be lost, the diseases that won’t be prevented and the research for cures that will be stymied, by the freezing of USAID funds. It’s difficult to fathom the abject cruelty behind stranding millions of tons of emergency rations rotting in shipping containers abroad and in U.S. farmers’ warehouses, while children are dying from malnutrition.
Trump has also signed an Executive Order (EO), withdrawing The United States from the World Health Organization. This administration has an empathy-free protocol. The appointment of vaccine denier Robert Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health, further serves to emphasize Trump’s lack of concern for the health of the nation.
I am appalled by the disrespect and lack of compassion for veterans, who have seen the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) stripped of personnel and resources. The recent budget and staff cuts enacted by DOGE, greatly limit programs devised to provide lifelong resources to vets and their families, including therapy and suicide counselling.
I’m disgusted by the blatantly displayed racism behind ending the Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiative. D.E.I. exists to give everyone a fair chance at education and employment, regardless of race, sex or physical limitations. Trump would have us believe its purpose is to steal placements from white men, to put it simply. The extent of his discrimination is so cancerous that attempts have been made to erase the historical records of accomplishments by minorities.
I am flabbergasted by the utter stupidity in disregarding the importance of departments like The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAH). Trump’s actions to eliminate clean energy incentives and environmental protection regulations are to accommodate his “drill baby drill” declaration. This short-sighted attitude of greed and climate change denial, has also resulted in withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord.
The flood of irresponsible and detrimental policy changes and E.O.s, flowing like toxic sewage from the Oval Office is extensive. The self-serving actions of Musk’s DOGE, are to wreak havoc, and to protect himself from a myriad of pending lawsuits, by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Installing corrupt cronies to oversee these government agencies, also facilitates Trump’s crypto scams and stock manipulations, by removing any semblance of oversight.
The Supreme Court majority has virtually surrendered its vigilance of constitutionally mandated laws, with last year’s verdict giving Trump immunity, for most of his actions, while in power. Just today SCOTUS allowed the Trump administration to temporarily maintain the suspension of $65 million in teacher training grants, due to DEI concerns raised by the Education Department. Universities across the country are being threatened with defunding, if they don’t comply with Trump’s agenda.
All politically unaffiliated department heads of the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice have been replaced by inept MAGA toadies, who have sworn allegiance to Trump, over loyalty to their country. Trump wasted no time activating those agencies in a personal witch hunt of retribution and extortion, against anyone involved in trying to bring him to justice, for his multitude of past crimes. Law firms are being blackmailed into refusing representation to anyone challenging his edicts. As an added insult, Trump not only pardoned the entire despicable cast of the January 6th insurrection, he is floating the idea of compensating them.
Meanwhile, students are being illegally deported and imprisoned without due process, for exercising their rights to peacefully protest. Minorities with tattoos are being renditioned to a El Salvador prison, and kept in sub-human conditions, on the judgemental whims of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The recently announced illogical tariffs, which already threaten to tank the economy, are instrumental in achieving the end result of rendering the American public penniless and powerless. Trump reportedly posted on Truth Social Friday, April 4th, that his strategy is “ALREADY WORKING” and “MY POLICIES WILL NEVER CHANGE,” according to The New York Times.
While it may seem that an unhinged demented President is steering the ship with a malfunctioning compass, there is method to the madness. Demoralizing and overwhelming the public into a sense of helplessness, is essential to the unfolding plot line scripted in Project 2025. That 900 plus page guide to presidential transition is based loosely on the beliefs of Curtis Yarvin, that democracy is doomed, and the population should be ruled by a Monarch or C.E.O. It was produced by The Heritage Foundation and other ultra conservative groups, as a blueprint for Trump’s return to office, and suggests the President should have absolute power over all branches of government. Project 2025 is Yarvin on steroids. Trump tried to publicly distance himself from it before the election, but since his inauguration in January, his actions and E.O.s have echoed The Heritage Foundation’s guidance.
There can be no doubt, that a coup is underway, and rapidly approaching fruition. The systematic dismantling of checks and balances of power, is pretty much accomplished. Cowardly Republicans and supine Democrat Congressional Representatives’ voices of dissent have been absent, but for a few rarities. The hope for a blue wave of dissent in 2026, to alter the present course of mayhem, will fade into the vapour of fantasy, if they don’t collectively condemn this administration.
Today, courageous people will stand up and be heard in massive nationwide demonstrations. I anticipate their cries of outrage will be thunderous. I pray their voices will be heard and heeded, for their cause is righteous. Their success is crucial.
Thanks for reading john king! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
I'm glad that an internationally praised expert has shared his opinions with us.
If you visit my place, please excuse the stockpiles of nonperishable items.
After years of abuse to his body, the Secret Service may find Trump dead on a toilet soon, but what he leaves behind will linger, and it won't be good. I'd like everyone to find mental peace, soundness of mind, perfect health in every way, and soon!
But if we can't have that, could we at least stop supporting the political aspirations of people who aren't of sound mind?
Thank you Paul Krugman for enlightening us. Toxic Nostalgia is a good one, sadly. And thank you also for giving the true figure of those who took to the streets last Saturday 5 April - 5 million! If the media take their figures from the police (at demonstrations) as they do in the UK the figures bare zero resemblance to the reality, we have long experience of this and last weekend Hands Off 2025 is a classic example! Not everyone marches, they do other things like the explosion of anti Trump anti Musk Street Art like @everyonehateselon, The Turd Reich by Grow Up Art, and so many others. If there is going to be serious challenge to this so called government it will come up from the streets, ordinary people doing the extraordinary 1 step at a time.
My favorite interviewer/news analyst/debater with courage and integrity teaming up with my favorite economist and columnist (who is also courageous)? Where do I sign up? Wait, I just did today.
Professor Krugman, you touched on tariffs in relation to the labor movement and the middle class and Canada. Could you give you a break down in your column on tariffs and trade deals and what role the labor movement should have in it to maximize the economic well being of the lower 50% of wealthier nations like the US and Canada all while allowing the economies of developing countries in Asia and Pacific Islands, Africa, and South America (not to mention Eastern Europe)? Does it make sense for workers of let's say the auto industry of Canada and the US unionize? What about the US and Mexico? What about manufacturing workers of the US and Vietnam, India, and China, where in addition to wealth differences are major language and cultural differences (and let's not forget things like laws and currencies.
Also, I remember when Google and Facebook tried entering China and were essentially driven out, partially through censorship issues/concerns. Could carbon taxes and their enforcement across borders as well as free speech and labor standards become part of these trade deals? What other things could become part of trade deals that help workers both here and abroad?
Also, this is probably an economics 101 question, but from the 50s up till the 80s, productivity growth of workers went hand in hand with their wage growth adjusted for inflation in the United States. Most of this is probably a result of the decimation of the labor organization movement along with competition from right to work states and the rest of the globe. Is this normal and predicted by classical economics? If not, then is there actually some slack in the wages markets can afford (I remember one of your posts/columns about the studies related to natural experiments with regards to the minimum wage, but does this relate at all to the relationship between productivity growth and wage growth)?
Also, my intuition about productivity growth is that if demand is not infinite, there will end up being a lot more workers than there is demand for their work, right? So, an example might be farming as you mentioned (just because farming becomes much more productive does not mean demand is going to keep increasing with economic growth). What about writing code? If these AI tools make programmers much more productive and there's a finite demand for code, then will there be too much competition between coders? Doesn't automation and greater and lower wage labor availability through globalization of tradeable products make it harder and harder for lower skilled workers to have good livelihoods in expensive economies? Can non-exportable service along with minimum wage and redistributive taxation and benefit policies work pick up the slack? What's the pathway to shorter work weeks, all while continuing to increase the middle and working class's standard of living and economic mobility and security?
Is the end result of capitalism once you get to an advanced and wealthy economy where the free market will not provide good wages for lower skill work perhaps democratic increasingly redistributive socialism (or failing that, vast class disparity of billionaires and everyone else)?
Oh my! It turns out the “constitution” we worship as a document bestowed on us by god is not worth the paper it’s written on! As a devout atheist hater of religion I am in some ways happy! One more icon clasted - yay!!
“We have to burn it all down and start over” JD Vance July 2024
The primary objective of the Nazi aka Republican party takeover of the levers of government with Project 2025 as its blueprint is to decimate the federal institutions of government and then rebuild the structure to their liking This includes an authoritarian government with an oligarchic support system much like in Russia
The takeover plan is to create chaos and confusion so that anxiety levels amongst the population are at an all time high By eradicating functional federal institutions such as HHS, IRS, SSA etc disorganization creates mayhem and instability This can be further accelerated by a punishing global tariff scheme creating even more havoc and turmoil Even if Der Fuhrer is stopped in his tariff tracks it will make little difference The point is to generate pubic anxiety
After the destruction the stage is set for an authoritarian regime to take over and tear up the Constitution WE the People will become irrelevant Hang on America This is a test of a lifetime
What the architects of this plan are oblivious to is the credit bubble that has been growing over the last 5 decades is coincidentally bursting and with it a fiat currency crisis with runaway inflation This credit bubble explosion will ironically save the democratic republic In the meantime get into the safe haven of gold/silver
I am with you all the way to "gold/silver". You can't eat gold or silver.
We are rapidly heading for significant food shortages.
I get nervous when people say the economy under Biden was "humming along" - technically true, but it was a deceptive and poorly distributed prosperity. If we are able to claw our way out of this mess, we should use that momentum to address the dysfunctions that existed before T2 - the massive corruption caused by the Citizens United decision; the overuse of executive orders to circumvent Congress; the scandalous lack of nationalized healthcare; and the massive and unregulated real estate speculation that has rendered housing unaffordable. I could go on, but the point is - let's not say "everything was just fine before" because it sure wasn't.
100%. It's important to point out that Trump is making the poorly distributed prosperity even worse while also destroying the national-scale measures that were positive under Biden. But the Democrats shouldn't get a pass just for being slightly better than Republicans, and they should be held accountable for not addressing the wealth inequality that has grown for decades under Republican economic policy that they've been complicit with. It's good that backlash to Trump and Musk is growing, but I'm concerned the Democrats will use that as an excuse to avoid addressing the role their policies have played in feeding the public cynicism that got Trump elected in the first place.
I was thinking about the vision behind shocking tarrifs around the globe, seemingly willy nilly and on penguins
he already fucked the whole US, has us ready for war, we are going to just take a whole country whether they like it or not with absolutely no repercussions now
they created a brilliant BRILLIANT chaos that's the focus of every single country except Russia, and I think the goal of that will be interesting
It's going to be retaliatory for months, negations for months, shifts in trading patterns and all the while, Canada will be working out the details of trade so we don't have to for them
literal shock and awe techniques
but I'm not a nobel laureate
As Paul Krugman said it’s all about the politics ie who has his ear are those who say yes to Donald Trump. No independent thinking from economists who have good proven track records and who might say no mr president I think you’re wrong… shocking!
Who has Trump's ear when it comes to tariffs? He has horrible advisors in other areas, like Stephen Miller, but he unfortunately listens to them.
Chaos And Confusion Are The Tactics
Distraction And Disillusion Are The Goals
Many of us are having sleepless nights, due to the constant nightmarish barrage of horrendous daily news. It feels like all respected traditions and norms of civilized governance are being discarded, along with citizens’ dignity and inalienable rights, with the mere stroke of a Sharpie.
It’s like we have fallen down the rabbit hole and the Mad Hatter is dictating policy, with neither thought nor care for the consequences. And Trump’s emotionless surrogate Elon Musk, via the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is ransacking programs and peoples’ lives, with robotic disregard.
I am overwhelmed with sadness, for the lives that will be lost, the diseases that won’t be prevented and the research for cures that will be stymied, by the freezing of USAID funds. It’s difficult to fathom the abject cruelty behind stranding millions of tons of emergency rations rotting in shipping containers abroad and in U.S. farmers’ warehouses, while children are dying from malnutrition.
Trump has also signed an Executive Order (EO), withdrawing The United States from the World Health Organization. This administration has an empathy-free protocol. The appointment of vaccine denier Robert Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health, further serves to emphasize Trump’s lack of concern for the health of the nation.
I am appalled by the disrespect and lack of compassion for veterans, who have seen the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) stripped of personnel and resources. The recent budget and staff cuts enacted by DOGE, greatly limit programs devised to provide lifelong resources to vets and their families, including therapy and suicide counselling.
I’m disgusted by the blatantly displayed racism behind ending the Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiative. D.E.I. exists to give everyone a fair chance at education and employment, regardless of race, sex or physical limitations. Trump would have us believe its purpose is to steal placements from white men, to put it simply. The extent of his discrimination is so cancerous that attempts have been made to erase the historical records of accomplishments by minorities.
I am flabbergasted by the utter stupidity in disregarding the importance of departments like The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAH). Trump’s actions to eliminate clean energy incentives and environmental protection regulations are to accommodate his “drill baby drill” declaration. This short-sighted attitude of greed and climate change denial, has also resulted in withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord.
The flood of irresponsible and detrimental policy changes and E.O.s, flowing like toxic sewage from the Oval Office is extensive. The self-serving actions of Musk’s DOGE, are to wreak havoc, and to protect himself from a myriad of pending lawsuits, by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Installing corrupt cronies to oversee these government agencies, also facilitates Trump’s crypto scams and stock manipulations, by removing any semblance of oversight.
The Supreme Court majority has virtually surrendered its vigilance of constitutionally mandated laws, with last year’s verdict giving Trump immunity, for most of his actions, while in power. Just today SCOTUS allowed the Trump administration to temporarily maintain the suspension of $65 million in teacher training grants, due to DEI concerns raised by the Education Department. Universities across the country are being threatened with defunding, if they don’t comply with Trump’s agenda.
All politically unaffiliated department heads of the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice have been replaced by inept MAGA toadies, who have sworn allegiance to Trump, over loyalty to their country. Trump wasted no time activating those agencies in a personal witch hunt of retribution and extortion, against anyone involved in trying to bring him to justice, for his multitude of past crimes. Law firms are being blackmailed into refusing representation to anyone challenging his edicts. As an added insult, Trump not only pardoned the entire despicable cast of the January 6th insurrection, he is floating the idea of compensating them.
Meanwhile, students are being illegally deported and imprisoned without due process, for exercising their rights to peacefully protest. Minorities with tattoos are being renditioned to a El Salvador prison, and kept in sub-human conditions, on the judgemental whims of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The recently announced illogical tariffs, which already threaten to tank the economy, are instrumental in achieving the end result of rendering the American public penniless and powerless. Trump reportedly posted on Truth Social Friday, April 4th, that his strategy is “ALREADY WORKING” and “MY POLICIES WILL NEVER CHANGE,” according to The New York Times.
While it may seem that an unhinged demented President is steering the ship with a malfunctioning compass, there is method to the madness. Demoralizing and overwhelming the public into a sense of helplessness, is essential to the unfolding plot line scripted in Project 2025. That 900 plus page guide to presidential transition is based loosely on the beliefs of Curtis Yarvin, that democracy is doomed, and the population should be ruled by a Monarch or C.E.O. It was produced by The Heritage Foundation and other ultra conservative groups, as a blueprint for Trump’s return to office, and suggests the President should have absolute power over all branches of government. Project 2025 is Yarvin on steroids. Trump tried to publicly distance himself from it before the election, but since his inauguration in January, his actions and E.O.s have echoed The Heritage Foundation’s guidance.
There can be no doubt, that a coup is underway, and rapidly approaching fruition. The systematic dismantling of checks and balances of power, is pretty much accomplished. Cowardly Republicans and supine Democrat Congressional Representatives’ voices of dissent have been absent, but for a few rarities. The hope for a blue wave of dissent in 2026, to alter the present course of mayhem, will fade into the vapour of fantasy, if they don’t collectively condemn this administration.
Today, courageous people will stand up and be heard in massive nationwide demonstrations. I anticipate their cries of outrage will be thunderous. I pray their voices will be heard and heeded, for their cause is righteous. Their success is crucial.
Thanks for reading john king! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
Such a helpful chat!!! Very much appreciated.
Aren't Teump tariffs a repeat of Nixon shock? A response to de-dollarisation ? Forcing countries to depreciate their currencies?
I'm glad that an internationally praised expert has shared his opinions with us.
If you visit my place, please excuse the stockpiles of nonperishable items.
After years of abuse to his body, the Secret Service may find Trump dead on a toilet soon, but what he leaves behind will linger, and it won't be good. I'd like everyone to find mental peace, soundness of mind, perfect health in every way, and soon!
But if we can't have that, could we at least stop supporting the political aspirations of people who aren't of sound mind?
Does the orange mushroom love capitalism? Tariffs are socialism!
Thank you Paul Krugman for enlightening us. Toxic Nostalgia is a good one, sadly. And thank you also for giving the true figure of those who took to the streets last Saturday 5 April - 5 million! If the media take their figures from the police (at demonstrations) as they do in the UK the figures bare zero resemblance to the reality, we have long experience of this and last weekend Hands Off 2025 is a classic example! Not everyone marches, they do other things like the explosion of anti Trump anti Musk Street Art like @everyonehateselon, The Turd Reich by Grow Up Art, and so many others. If there is going to be serious challenge to this so called government it will come up from the streets, ordinary people doing the extraordinary 1 step at a time.
My favorite interviewer/news analyst/debater with courage and integrity teaming up with my favorite economist and columnist (who is also courageous)? Where do I sign up? Wait, I just did today.
Professor Krugman, you touched on tariffs in relation to the labor movement and the middle class and Canada. Could you give you a break down in your column on tariffs and trade deals and what role the labor movement should have in it to maximize the economic well being of the lower 50% of wealthier nations like the US and Canada all while allowing the economies of developing countries in Asia and Pacific Islands, Africa, and South America (not to mention Eastern Europe)? Does it make sense for workers of let's say the auto industry of Canada and the US unionize? What about the US and Mexico? What about manufacturing workers of the US and Vietnam, India, and China, where in addition to wealth differences are major language and cultural differences (and let's not forget things like laws and currencies.
Also, I remember when Google and Facebook tried entering China and were essentially driven out, partially through censorship issues/concerns. Could carbon taxes and their enforcement across borders as well as free speech and labor standards become part of these trade deals? What other things could become part of trade deals that help workers both here and abroad?
Also, this is probably an economics 101 question, but from the 50s up till the 80s, productivity growth of workers went hand in hand with their wage growth adjusted for inflation in the United States. Most of this is probably a result of the decimation of the labor organization movement along with competition from right to work states and the rest of the globe. Is this normal and predicted by classical economics? If not, then is there actually some slack in the wages markets can afford (I remember one of your posts/columns about the studies related to natural experiments with regards to the minimum wage, but does this relate at all to the relationship between productivity growth and wage growth)?
Also, my intuition about productivity growth is that if demand is not infinite, there will end up being a lot more workers than there is demand for their work, right? So, an example might be farming as you mentioned (just because farming becomes much more productive does not mean demand is going to keep increasing with economic growth). What about writing code? If these AI tools make programmers much more productive and there's a finite demand for code, then will there be too much competition between coders? Doesn't automation and greater and lower wage labor availability through globalization of tradeable products make it harder and harder for lower skilled workers to have good livelihoods in expensive economies? Can non-exportable service along with minimum wage and redistributive taxation and benefit policies work pick up the slack? What's the pathway to shorter work weeks, all while continuing to increase the middle and working class's standard of living and economic mobility and security?
Is the end result of capitalism once you get to an advanced and wealthy economy where the free market will not provide good wages for lower skill work perhaps democratic increasingly redistributive socialism (or failing that, vast class disparity of billionaires and everyone else)?
I agree with everything said here. Just wanted to say, the guest is a lot wittier than I thought he’d be. I gotta subscribe to him.
Oh my! It turns out the “constitution” we worship as a document bestowed on us by god is not worth the paper it’s written on! As a devout atheist hater of religion I am in some ways happy! One more icon clasted - yay!!
How should immigration be addressed as Elump's idea is completely absurd?
What issues, before Elump damage, should have been addressed and how to manage these issues/