Brooks and Capehart on whether the Supreme Court has stood up to Trump

The conversation begins with a recap of recent Supreme Court decisions, highlighting losses for President Trump on issues like tariffs, birthright citizenship, and mail-in ballots, while also noting expansions of executive authority, such as the ability to fire members of independent agencies. David Brooks argues that the Court has effectively resisted Trump's authoritarian tendencies, though he acknowledges this is grading on a low curve. He cites specific cases like the Federal Reserve and the FTC, where the Court upheld precedents from the 1930s protecting agencies from political interference. However, Jonathan Capehart counters that the Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act undermines democracy, particularly in Southern states where voting restrictions have quickly followed.

The discussion then shifts to recent primary upsets, where Democratic Socialist candidates have unseated established incumbents. In New York, a Democratic Socialist defeated a five-term congressman, while in Colorado, a similar candidate ousted a 30-year incumbent. David Brooks sees this as a trend, comparing it to the Tea Party's rise within the Republican Party. He warns that the Democratic Socialist movement, once aimed at moving the U.S. toward a Danish model, has been hijacked by authoritarian elements supporting regimes like Cuba and Venezuela. Jonathan Capehart, however, downplays the alarm, noting that these wins are in deep blue districts and reflect voter anger over affordability and accountability.

The conversation concludes with reflections on America's 250th anniversary. A poll reveals that 65% of Americans are proud to be American, but 83% believe the country has strayed from its founding principles. David Brooks expresses optimism, citing America's history of overcoming periods of turmoil, while Jonathan Capehart emphasizes his pride in the country's progress, particularly the civil rights movement that allowed him to be where he is today.