“From CDC shakeups to Trump’s unchecked authority and John Anthony Castro’s political battle, this moment exposes the fault lines of American governance on the eve of The Neoliberal Round’s 13th season.”
By Rev. Renaldo C. McKenzie
As we stand on the threshold of The Neoliberal Round Podcast’s thirteenth season, we pause for reflection—not only on the evolution of our show, but also on the evolving political theatre that shapes our world. This filler episode, though brief, is anything but empty. It provides a moment to survey the landscape of American governance, public health policy, and global currents before we dive headlong into new content.
The Political Storm Around John Anthony Castro
One of the most pressing narratives ahead is that of John Anthony Castro, a former presidential candidate now serving federal time on tax fraud charges—charges he denies emphatically. Castro has long argued that his prosecution is less about taxes and more about politics, specifically retaliation for his legal challenge against Donald Trump under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. As he prepares his appeal, we will take a deep dive into his motions and briefs, exploring the intersection of political power, legal systems, and personal resistance.
The CDC Shakeup: Public Health Meets Political Retaliation
Equally significant is the dramatic shakeup at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The ouster of its director highlights how public health remains tethered to political battles. From the COVID-19 era’s authoritarian-like mandates to today’s partisan reprisals, institutions once tasked with neutral stewardship have become pawns in a broader struggle. The public’s trust has eroded—not simply because of Donald Trump’s retaliatory maneuvers, but because of the CDC’s own overreach during the pandemic. What we see now is a grim symmetry: those who silenced dissent during COVID find themselves silenced in turn.
Trump’s Expanding Authority: Rule by Darts
The Trump approach to governance remains consistent: act first, question authority later. Whether by threatening to deploy the National Guard to St. Louis without gubernatorial consent, or imposing tariffs absent Congressional approval, Trump’s style is one of throwing darts against the wall to see what sticks. This governing-by-defiance thrives in a political environment where institutions like the Supreme Court too often serve as rubber stamps. The implications are enormous: executive power stretches beyond its constitutional reach, reshaping the presidency into something unrecognizable.
A Crisis of Governance, Not Just of Policy
Ultimately, what is at stake is not just the legitimacy of institutions like the CDC, but the very character of American governance. The crisis is one of process as much as policy. Public health decisions should be transparent, collaborative, and accountable, not authoritarian nor retaliatory. Similarly, security partnerships between federal and local governments should build cooperation rather than replicate militaristic invasions.
Season 13: What Lies Ahead
As The Neoliberal Round prepares to launch Season 13, expect a slate of new series, including “Straight Talk”—a raw, community-driven conversation series where voices from homes, streets, and neighborhoods take center stage. Alongside this, Ricardo and I will bring fresh installments of The Pulse as well as deep dives into the Castro case and broader global events.
We move into this season with renewed commitment: to interrogate power, to amplify overlooked perspectives, and to remind our listeners that the neoliberal order—its triumphs, contradictions, and crises—requires unflinching critique.
Walk good.
By Renaldo McKenzie, Author of Neoliberalism, Creator and Host of The Neoliberal Round
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