America 250: What would the Founding Fathers make of Trump?

America 250: What would the Founding Fathers make of Trump?

July 6, 2026 · 40 min · Season 1 · Episode 197

About this episode

The episode explores the implications of Donald Trump's America in relation to the ideals of the Founding Fathers, featuring insights from Prof Robert Parkinson.

Donald Trump’s America has often been accused of laying siege to American freedoms and institutions - because, well it has. But more broadly, is America today a reflection of the nation the founding fathers sought to create? Prof Robert Parkinson has studied the Declaration of Independence for 25 years and has authored a new book: Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence. He joins Chris to get into it on America’s 250th birthday. Buy Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund [name of podcast] by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Back us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/AmericanFriction Follow us on social media:  Bluesky Instagram TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones. Audio/ Video editor: Chris Jones Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Chris Jones

Guest: Prof Robert Parkinson

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Podmasters

Books & works: Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence

Places: America

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