Taylor Sheridan: Democracy at Risk After Trump’s Legitimacy Questioned

Taylor Sheridan, co-creator of “Yellowstone,” expressed concerns in a discussion with Joe Rogan about the implications of questioning President Donald Trump’s legitimacy. Sheridan argued that the Democrats’ refusal to acknowledge Trump’s legitimacy, especially after COVID-19, endangers the rule of law.

Throughout his presidency, Trump has faced substantial opposition from many leaders in significant institutions. This includes sanctuary cities not cooperating with federal agents and officials challenging his agenda. At a grassroots level, some people have doubted his legitimate election, coinciding with a broader crisis of legitimacy in America’s institutions following the pandemic.

Sheridan remarked to Rogan, “I think in 30 years when they look back… we are still suffering from a society from COVID… not so much from the disease itself, but from our faith in the institutions around us.” He pointed to governmental and media manipulation for political gain during the pandemic.

“You can like Trump or not like Trump,… defying the rule of law because he happens to be the head of the federal government… The repercussions… You can’t stand this man… But that’s the new normal now.”

Sheridan compared this issue to military strategies like “winning hearts and minds” used abroad, which had varied success depending on the situation. He emphasized that America’s current conflict is internal, highlighting the dangers of opposing the rule of law when it’s linked to partisan views.

Rogan contributed by noting a dangerous precedent in employing militarized police for immigration enforcement. While he agreed illegal immigrants need addressing, he warned that such measures could be exploited by future administrations.

“The slippery slope is very dangerous… It’s slippery. It is slippery…. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” Rogan cautioned against short-term thinking in political maneuvers, arguing politicians are not considering long-term impact.

Sheridan concluded by emphasizing Americans’ ongoing skepticism of institutions due to the lasting impacts of the COVID pandemic. He called out politicians for their self-serving actions and the cultural ramifications.