Next Up with Mark Halperin Trump “Death” Rumors Made Him Stronger, Sen. Schmitt on GOP’s Best Defense, DC Power Player Circuit
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Sep 4, 2025 
Eric Schmitt, the Republican Senator from Missouri and former Attorney General, discusses how rumors of Trump's death have inadvertently strengthened his political image, paralleling the famous McCartney conspiracy. He elaborates on his book, emphasizing the courts as the GOP’s defense against progressive policies and sharing insights on federal overreach and online protections for children. Rachael Bade, Capitol Hill Bureau Chief for Politico, explores Trump’s evolving bond with Senate Republicans and the implications for 2028 leadership dynamics, along with a sneak peek into Washington’s social scene.
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Discovery Exposed A Censorship Enterprise
- Senator Eric Schmitt recounts Missouri's discovery in the Missouri v. Biden lawsuit, including depositions of Fauci and tech executives.
- He describes uncovering secret portals and a 'vast censorship enterprise' between government and platforms.
Tech Politics Fueled Censorship Web
- Schmitt connects tech CEOs' political choices (e.g., 'Zuckerbucks') to a desire to atone for perceived 2016 mistakes and to suppress perceived threats.
- He says government pressure plus platform actions created a uniquely coercive censorship web.
Force Platforms To Choose Or Lose Immunity
- Schmitt advises Congress should force platforms to choose: platform protections under Section 230 or act like publishers and lose immunity.
- He also recommends a private right of action so individuals can sue government actors who outsource censorship.
