Trump’s attack on federal agenciesAtul and Glenn begin by cataloging specific Trump-era actions they view as evidence of a systematic weakening of the federal apparatus. Its goals include cutting the federal workforce by half and dramatically expanding presidential powers. Federal layoffs under Trump 2.0Atul and Glenn note that Trump’s current plans echo his first term, but with greater intensity. They state that proposals to eliminate 50% of the federal workforce are unprecedented in scope. The episode ends as a call to reflect on the fragility of democratic institutions and the vigilance required to protect them.