Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Onkar Ghate and Elan Journo discuss the role of Trump in today’s rise in political violence.
Topics include:
• [0:00] Introduction
• [1:27] How Trump has demonized groups of Americans
• [8:48] The connection between tribalism and violence
• [14:16] Trump’s whitewashing of violence
• [23:47] Why the Jan. 6 riots were worse than the BLM riots
• [30:28] Trump’s targeted political attacks
• [39:46] Trump’s comfort with dictators and displays of goverment force.
• [52:52] The creation of a sense of crisis to try to legitimize the use of force
This episode was recorded on February 13, 2026.
Image credits: Zach D Roberts / NurPhoto via Getty Images; Brent Stirton / News / via Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch / Staff / via Getty Images
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ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
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******
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In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Onkar Ghate and Elan Journo discuss the role of Trump in today’s rise in political violence.
Topics include:
• [0:00] Introduction
• [1:27] How Trump has demonized groups of Americans
• [8:48] The connection between tribalism and violence
• [14:16] Trump’s whitewashing of violence
• [23:47] Why the Jan. 6 riots were worse than the BLM riots
• [30:28] Trump’s targeted political attacks
• [39:46] Trump’s comfort with dictators and displays of goverment force.
• [52:52] The creation of a sense of crisis to try to legitimize the use of force
This episode was recorded on February 13, 2026.
Image credits: Zach D Roberts / NurPhoto via Getty Images; Brent Stirton / News / via Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch / Staff / via Getty Images
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: aynrand.org/signup
Follow ARI on Twitter: twitter.com/AynRandInst
Follow ARI on Facebook: facebook.com/AynRandInstitute
Follow ARI on Instagram: instagram.com/aynrandorg
Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
