In this episode, Marcia Bumgarner and Jason Russell discuss the significant changes to the Department of Education proposed by the Trump administration, particularly through a new executive order and the appointment of Linda McMahon. T They also touch on broader educational issues like Pell Grants, FAFSA, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The episode explores the ideological motives behind targeting the Department of Education and speculates on the possible reshaping of federal educational responsibilities. The hosts express concerns over the implications of rapid organizational changes and emphasize the need for strategic, cautious reform.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:30 Trump's Executive Order and the Department of Government Efficiency

11:40 The Role and Impact of the Department of Education

19:23 Linda McMahon's Nomination and Vision for the Department of Education

25:16 Potential Implications of Restructuring the Department of Education

28:39 Congressional Reactions and Legal Challenges

29:55 Access and Transparency Concerns

31:36 Filibuster and Senate Dynamics

33:26 Department of Education Under Scrutiny35:21 Budget and Legislative Challenges

38:06 Impacts of Workforce Reductions

39:58 Government Efficiency vs. Business Efficiency

49:16 DEI Programs and Administrative Leave

51:05 Expectations and Future Announcements

52:42 Closing Remarks

Donald Trump WWE Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NsrwH9I9vE

Department of Education Layoffs: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2025/02/14/education-department-lays-civil-servants

Send us messages on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/

In this episode of Politics in Perspective, Marcia, Charles, and Jason, delve into the concept of separation of powers in the U.S. government. The discussion centers around the extent of presidential authority and the checks that exist to balance this power. The team explores President Trump's recent executive actions, historical examples of Congressional pushback against presidential overreach, and the crucial role of the judicial branch in maintaining these checks and balances. They address contemporary concerns regarding the rule of law, the role of partisanship, and the significance of judicial review, emphasizing the strength and resilience of U.S. institutions in preserving democratic governance.

Litigation Tracker:https://www.justsecurity.org/107087/tracker-litigation-legal-challenges-trump-administration/

Jeffries' Dear Colleague letter:https://democraticleader.house.gov/media/press-releases/dear-colleague-re-ongoing-house-democratic-caucus-activity

The Presidency Project (List of EOs):

https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/executive-orders

Federalist 51

https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/fed51.asp

Original Jurisdiction Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/1wc57OueDr9aISUgTKYVDs

00:00 Introduction and Show Overview

01:40 Trump's Early Presidency Actions

07:12 Separation of Powers Explained

12:39 Historical Checks on Presidential Power

16:47 Modern Congressional Dynamics

22:05 The Role of the Filibuster25:13 Democratic Party's Position and Strategy

29:12 Political Landscape and Democratic Strategy

31:36 Historical Context: Judicial Review

32:36 Marbury v. Madison: The Birth of Judicial Review

37:19 The Power and Influence of the Supreme Court

37:45 Current Court Cases and Presidential Power

48:14 Concerns About Executive Overreach

56:36 The Role of the Judiciary in Balancing Power

59:27 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

In this episode of Politics in Perspective, hosts Marcia Bumgardner and Charles McCoy delve into the complex topic of tariffs. They discuss the recent news on President Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, its potential implications for American consumers, and the broader economic landscape. Charles provides an insightful historical overview of tariffs in the U.S., from the Tariff Act of 1789 to modern trade policies.

The conversation explores the dual roles of tariffs in raising government revenue and protecting domestic industries, while also considering their impact on international relations and consumer prices. With real-world examples and expert insights, this episode aims to demystify tariffs and their significance in contemporary politics.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:48 Tariffs in the News

03:30 Understanding Tariffs: Who Pays?

08:57 Purpose and Impact of Tariffs

19:14 Historical Context of Tariffs

29:12 The Civil War and Tariff Changes

29:32 The McKinley Tariff of 1890

30:52 The Revenue Act of 1913

32:18 The Great Depression and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff

35:25 Shift of Tariff Power to the President

37:24 Modern Tariff Policies and Trump

42:41 Potential Upsides and Downsides of Tariffs

49:59 Final Thoughts and Conclusion