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The Ezra Klein Show · June 30, 2026 · 02:04:31

Chris Rufo Thinks the Right Can Control This. I Don’t.

Christopher Rufo, the influential New Right activist and author, discusses his strategy of using 'agitprop' and emotional resonance to drive political change. Ezra Klein presses him on the risks: Rufo now expresses concern that the movement he helped build is drifting into conspiracy theories, racialist thinking, and internal fractures. The conversation turns on whether short-term policy victories against D.E.I. and the administrative state may seed long-term institutional decay.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Short-Term Victories vs. Long-Term Institutional Damage
Ezra Klein asked whether the tactical success of the new right — policy wins and cultural leverage — comes at the cost of deeper institutional decay and a politics rooted in grievance.

Editorial

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Political Life Moves on Irrational Feelings
Christopher Rufo argued that politics operates on narrative, emotion, scandal, anger, hope, and faith — subrational feelings rather than rational argument.
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Rufo's Concerns About the New Right
Despite his own role in building the new right, Rufo now expresses worry about its drift toward conspiracy theories, racialist thinking, and internal splits.

References

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Unmasking the Administrative State — John Marini — Book recommendation
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The Revolutionary — Stacy Schiff — Book recommendation
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The Managerial Revolution — James Burnham — Book recommendation
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