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Staff Writer
This is an interview available on YouTube provided by Democracy Now! It is an independent global news hour that airs on over 1,500 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday.
Consumer advocate, corporate critic, and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader has long been a voice for the people, challenging corporate power and government policies that prioritize the wealthy over everyday Americans.
With the upcoming release of his new book, “Let’s Start the Revolution: Tools for Displacing the Corporate State and Building a Country That Works for the People,” Nader continues to sound the alarm on political and economic issues affecting the nation.
Following President Donald Trump’s Congressional address, Nader responded forcefully, calling it “a declaration of war against the American people, including Trump’s own voters, in favor of the super-rich and giant corporations.”
Nader described Trump’s speech as riddled with lies, fantasies, and broken promises, calling it a recycled version of his first term. He criticized Trump’s economic policies, trade wars, and military escalations, as well as his stance on foreign affairs, particularly regarding China, Russia, and the Middle East.
“He has launched a trade war, an arms race with China and Russia, and is perpetuating even worse policies regarding Palestine,” Nader said. He accused Trump of escalating genocidal policies by supporting the forced evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza.
Warnings of an Expanding Police State
Nader expressed concern over what he sees as the rise of an imperial, militaristic domestic dictatorship, driven by Trump and his allies, including billionaire Elon Musk and Republican leadership. He pointed to Trump’s appointments of individuals who support suppressing civil liberties and civil rights, arguing that the administration is moving the U.S. closer to an authoritarian police state.
Nader also raised alarms about Trump’s territorial ambitions, referencing his past desire to take control of Greenland, a province of Denmark and a NATO member. He argued that such actions violate NATO agreements and signal a dangerous expansionist mindset.
Reversing Republican Ideals
A key part of Nader’s critique focused on Trump’s alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he described as a hardcore communist dictator turned kleptocratic oligarch. Nader pointed out the contradiction in Republican support for a leader they historically opposed.
He also criticized Trump’s “phony program of government efficiency,” claiming that it is actually about dismantling social programs like Social Security and Medicaid to finance tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy.
Ignoring Real Government Inefficiencies and Corporate Crime
Nader highlighted that while Trump and his administration push for cuts to essential programs, they ignore massive inefficiencies and corruption within the government.
“They are ignoring corporate crimes that cost Medicare and Medicaid tens of billions of dollars each year. They allow government contractors, particularly in defense spending, to overcharge and exploit taxpayer money,” said Nader. “At the same time, Trump is handing out subsidies, bailouts, and giveaways to billionaires like Elon Musk while expanding an already bloated military budget—even beyond what military generals have requested.”
According to Nader, Trump and Republican lawmakers are slashing funding for essential services, including:
- Medicaid, which serves over 71 million Americans, including many Trump voters in red states.
- Social Security, which will open the door for future cuts to Medicare.
- Public safety programs, including food and poultry inspections, auto safety laws, and disaster response efforts.
- Climate and environmental protections, cutting FEMA’s disaster response budget and reducing funding for forest rangers, worsening wildfire response efforts.
- Public health initiatives, that will limit resources for the CDC and National Institutes of Health, leaving the country vulnerable to pandemics and epidemics.
“They are leaving Americans defenseless,” Nader said. “By gutting these programs and silencing scientists and experts, they are putting public health and safety at serious risk.”
Exploitation of Workers and Contradictory Policies
Nader highlighted Trump’s history of exploiting undocumented workers while simultaneously demonizing immigrants who contribute to essential industries like home healthcare, food processing, and construction. He argued that Trump selectively targets individuals rather than addressing industry-wide labor practices.
Weaponizing Victims for Political Gain
One of Nader’s strongest criticisms was Trump’s use of crime victims as political props during his address.
“The most disgraceful thing was his use of these unfortunate people as props, holding them up one by one,” Nader said, adding that Trump does this to distract from his own contradictory actions. He noted that while Trump praised law enforcement during the speech, he also pardoned over 600 individuals convicted for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including those who violently assaulted police officers.
Nader’s critique underscores the ongoing struggle between corporate and political power and the rights of everyday Americans. As he prepares to release his latest book, he continues to push for systemic change that challenges corporate control, protects civil rights, and restores government accountability to the people.
For more updates and analysis, visit The Cleveland Observer.
