Dammit, Did We Just Fall Into a Trump Trap?

***Please subscribe to Matt's Substack at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***

There's no denying it: Donald Trump is much better off than he was a week ago. Last week, he was getting pummeled by former ally Elon Musk, getting stiffed by wily figures like Putin and Netanyahu, and losing on tariffs, prices, and corruption. This week, the focus has turned entirely to immigration and unrest. So, did he set a trap that we all fell into? Could it have been avoided? And what about the underlying--and now back burnered--disaster of his "big beautiful bill": can anything be done to soften or stop it? Matt is joined on his Substack Livestream by Michaeleen Crowell, former chief of staff to Bernie Sanders and legislative director for civil rights icon John Lewis, to talk about the power and risks of protests, Senate strategy, and some great behind the scenes moments with notable leaders.00:18 Trump's Media Manipulation04:12 Trump's Immigration Strategy10:24 Discussion on Protests and Political Capital18:42 Legal and Political Responses22:20 Debate on Protest Effectiveness32:41 Democratic Party Dynamics and Healthcare Focus34:28 Discussion on the Big Beautiful Bill38:21 Medicaid Expansion and Political Irony47:19 Economic and Social Impacts of Legislation53:48 Behind the Scenes with Michaeleen