The Next Level

New Epstein files have dropped, and the fallout is growing. Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL discuss what’s new in the latest release, why the DOJ’s clumsy redactions and selective disclosures made things worse, and how the accumulating evidence and hypocrisy are starting to break through to voters. They also talk about Trump’s distraction tactics, JD Vance’s political viability, and why the old Trump bargain isn’t holding anymore. NOTE: The Justice Department in a tweet later on Tuesday, after the episode was taped, said that the alleged letter from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar was determined by the FBI to be fake.

Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Tim Miller discuss the jaw-dropping Vanity Fair interviews Susie Wiles gave to Vanity Fair and what they reveal about how Trumpworld actually operates, the Epstein and Maxwell fallout, the backlash to Trump’s remarks about Rob Reiner, MAGA’s internal fractures, Elon Musk’s role in dismantling USAID, and why this moment feels different from past Trump controversies. Susie Wiles, JD Vance, and the “Junkyard Dogs”: The White House Chief of Staff on Trump’s Second Term (Part 1 of 2) https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1 Susie Wiles Talks Epstein Files, Pete Hegseth’s War Tactics, Retribution, and More (Part 2 of 2) https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-2 Get 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA. Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com, promo code THENEXTLEVEL. Remember to head to https://ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off. To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWORD.  

The hosts tackle how Trump pressures media mergers to shape coverage, particularly regarding CNN and CBS. They highlight the dangers of corporate consolidation in media and its implications for political intimidation. The conversation also emphasizes the growing importance of independent news outlets like The Bulwark. Additionally, they discuss the role of Democratic billionaires in supporting independent media and explore the contentious debates around Trump's fitness for office, especially in light of his age compared to Biden.

Tensions bubble as Republican women clash over Speaker Mike Johnson, illuminating the GOP's internal strife. The hosts dissect the divide between Trump-centric MAGA supporters and a more populist America First faction. With Johnson caught in the fray, they explore how Trump's faltering agenda has turned him into a scapegoat. They further analyze the stark contrasts in unity between Democrats and disarray among Republicans. Plus, insights into upcoming elections and the impact of Trump's narrative on party strategies make for a riveting discussion.

In a candid conversation, the hosts dive into their emotional experiences from a recent gathering, revealing the mixture of feelings that came to light. They discuss the implications of Donald Trump's name on the Institute of Peace and explore the dangers of illiberalism versus symbolic gestures. The hosts critique journalistic interviews, particularly focusing on the impact of Tim Miller's empathetic style. Additionally, they wrestle with big questions about liberalism and challenge the narrative of endless self-blame, defending past neoliberal successes.

Dive into the chaos of Trump’s Washington as the hosts dissect the feuding between Elise Stefanik and Mike Johnson. They explore Pete Hegseth’s shifting narratives regarding a controversial maritime strike and the looming questions about war crimes. The discussion touches on the dangers of immigration extremism and the implications of population decline on the economy. Plus, insights into immigrant loyalty and a critique of a journalistic interview add depth to the conversation.

JVL and Sarah Longwell explore the alarming implications of Trump's possible pardons for January 6 felons. They argue this could create a troubling loyalty system reminiscent of mob tactics. The conversation highlights how this move might embolden criminal behavior under the guise of political allegiance, with the Supreme Court potentially providing necessary support. Their insights paint a vivid picture of the potential chaos this could unleash in the political landscape.

The hosts dive into Trump's legal failings and his choice of inexperienced lawyers. They dissect Marjorie Taylor Greene's unpredictable impact on the GOP and explore Zoran Mamdani's intriguing meeting with Trump, revealing how he outmaneuvered the former president. The conversation also touches on the unsettling revelations about foreign bots influencing MAGA narratives, alongside concerns about Trump's declining health. There's speculation about potential shakeups in his administration and the broader chaos within the Republican conference.

The hosts dive into Trump's alarming call for violence against Democratic senators, sparking a fiery discussion. They unpack the context of a new military rights video aimed at service members, reminding them about lawful orders. The narrative shifts as they dissect Trump's sudden push for releasing Epstein documents, revealing legal pressures he's facing. Partisanship in legal obedience is also explored, highlighting the divides in political accountability. Expect some light moments as they also tease a segment about Dick Cheney's funeral!

Trump faces mounting pressure with a botched Comey indictment and the fallout from recently unearthed Epstein files. Inside Trumpworld, panic brews as the MAGA movement wavers like never before. The hosts dive into the potential political implications of the Epstein revelations and whether they could harm Trump’s position. They also explore Trump’s controversial ties with Mohammed bin Salman and how a cornered Trump can become the most dangerous. Finally, discussions heat up around potential Republican contenders for the 2028 race.