The Erosion of Institutional Norms
December 11, 2024 | David Frum with Larry Mantle | Trump Won: Now What? – Summary Prepared by JUDJ Team
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, David Frum, renowned political analyst, senior editor at The Atlantic, and author of works like Trumpocalypse: Restoring American Democracy, shared his insights on the challenges facing U.S. governance. With a distinguished career that includes serving in the George W. Bush administration and writing extensively on American democracy, Frum’s critique sheds light on the growing politicization of public institutions. This discussion explored the erosion of institutional norms, particularly concerning the FBI, and what these changes mean for the integrity of American democracy.
The FBI’s Independence: A Fragile Legacy
Frum began by examining the FBI’s historic role as a uniquely apolitical institution, a safeguard established in the wake of the Watergate scandal. He explained that since President Nixon’s failed attempts to manipulate the FBI for political gain, an ethos of independence had taken root. Presidents traditionally refrained from directly influencing the FBI, which Frum argued was critical to maintaining public trust in federal law enforcement.
However, the Trump administration marked a stark departure from this tradition. Frum highlighted Donald Trump’s dismissal of FBI Director James Comey in 2017, a move that sent shockwaves through Washington. While Christopher Wray’s subsequent appointment calmed initial concerns, Trump’s public critiques of Wray and his recent announcement to replace him with Kash Patel signal a troubling trend. Patel, a figure Frum described as “an utter stooge,” represents an effort to align the FBI’s leadership more closely with the president’s political agenda.
The Politicization of Law Enforcement
Frum drew parallels between Trump’s actions and Nixon’s Watergate-era abuses of power but noted that the stakes today are even higher. By asserting that the FBI director should serve at the president’s discretion, Trump is dismantling a crucial safeguard against the misuse of law enforcement for political ends. Frum warned that this shift could open the door for future administrations to use the FBI as a weapon against political opponents, eroding public trust in its impartiality.
He emphasized the broader consequences of politicizing the FBI, noting that even an investigation can carry heavy financial, reputational, and emotional costs for its targets. The perception of bias or favoritism within the FBI could have a chilling effect on its ability to enforce the law effectively and fairly.
Hunter Biden’s Case: A Teaching Moment
The discussion also touched on the Hunter Biden investigation and subsequent pardon, which Frum criticized as a significant misstep by President Joe Biden. While the indictment of Hunter Biden initially underscored the impartiality of federal law enforcement, the pardon undermined that narrative. Frum argued that the president’s decision not only damaged public trust but also handed Trump a rhetorical weapon to further his claims of a “two-tiered” justice system.
Frum acknowledged that Hunter Biden likely faced harsher scrutiny than an average citizen, but he pointed out that such heightened accountability is necessary for those in positions of public trust. He lamented that the pardon squandered an opportunity to reinforce the integrity of U.S. institutions.
A Call to Action
Frum concluded with a stark warning: the politicization of institutions like the FBI represents an existential threat to American democracy. The erosion of these norms doesn’t just affect the present but sets a dangerous precedent for the future. As the United States grapples with these challenges, he urged citizens to remain vigilant, informed, and engaged.
The conversation underscored a critical message: the strength of American democracy lies not only in its institutions but also in the collective commitment of its people to uphold them. As Frum aptly put it, “These are scary and difficult times, and scary and difficult times are when your country needs you most.”
Conclusion
David Leonhardt’s insights reveal a clear path for the Democratic Party to strengthen its connection with working-class Americans. By amplifying its economic populism, refining its cultural messaging, and learning from its most successful candidates, the party can rebuild trust and reestablish itself as a force for everyday Americans. As Leonhardt aptly noted, winning elections requires not just the right policies but also the ability to make voters feel heard, respected, and represented.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.