Damian Galvan and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA 31) dive into Trump’s rebrand of the Department of Defense as the “Department of War.” What does this say about his insecurities, his use (and abuse) of executive power, and his growing authoritarian streak? We break down how this ultimately distracts from a weak jobs report and tariffs, and why it signals danger for both U.S. democracy and global stability.
We also get into the “because we can” mentality spreading through Trump’s cabinet, GOP capitulation (from JD Vance to Mace), and the risks of 2028 election denialism. Plus: fake Vanity Fair covers, meme politics, and why California’s Proposition 50 needs to be on your radar.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
00:25 – Trump renames the Department of Defense to “Department of War”
02:00 – Can a president even do that? (Executive power vs. law)
03:40 – “Because we can” authoritarianism
05:10 – Venezuela talk & the boat strike clip
07:00 – Defense vs. offense: what the military is really for
08:45 – Jobs report, tariffs, & distraction politics
10:40 – GOP yes-men & 2028 fears
15:00 – Policing vs. police state
17:10 – Proposition 50 in California: what voters should know
19:00 – Crime narratives in red vs. blue cities
22:00 – “Alternative facts” & Kellyanne Conway
24:30 – Fake Vanity Fair and TIME covers, JD Vance meme politics
26:00 – Final thoughts
Thank you for tuning into the ‘Who Dem?’ Podcast! We bring on Democratic leaders, candidates, personalities, and more with a goal of truly getting to know the person beyond politics. Hosted by Damian Galvan and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA 31).
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