Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast

Rick Wilson & Heather Williams

Oct 27, 2025
Rick Wilson, a political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, reveals an alarming $130 million donation from Timothy Mellon to Trump, aimed at blocking damaging files. Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, discusses effective strategies for Democrats to strengthen state power and protect voting access. The conversation also highlights how state Democrats engage voters authentically while addressing urgent issues like healthcare and local governance, alongside a fierce critique of Kyrsten Sinema's recent lobbying actions.
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INSIGHT

Trump's Popularity Is Cratering

  • Donald Trump is broadly unpopular and many Americans believe the country is on the wrong track due to his actions.
  • Rick Wilson argues this declining popularity erodes Republican political cover and risks electoral losses down-ballot.
ANECDOTE

The Mellon Donation And Strange Stipulations

  • Rick Wilson recounts Timothy Mellon's $130 million offer to Trump tied to odd stipulations like finding Amelia Earhart's treasure.
  • Wilson says the donation was meant to block release of Jeffrey Epstein files and serves as transactional corruption.
ADVICE

End The Shutdown To Pay Troops

  • Open the government to pay troops and federal workers instead of relying on billionaire donations.
  • Wilson urges Congress and Mike Johnson to pass a continuing resolution to restore pay and services immediately.
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