American Friction

Trump and his cronies are trying to target their opponents in the best way they know how – racism! Nikki and Jarv discuss the fallout around Abdul El-Sayed and how weird the right are being.  Back us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/AmericanFriction Follow us on social media:  Bluesky : https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/americanfric  TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@americanfric  Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramirez. Audio/ video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America’s Supreme Court has been taken over by conservatives, and Samuel Alito is one of the most powerful of all. As a member of The Federalist Society, how did he rise to this position and how did this group seize such a vice grip of America’s legal system? Peter Canellos, author of Revenge for the Sixties Sam Alito and the Triumph of the Conservative Legal Movement, joins Jarv to discuss.  Buy Revenge for the Sixties through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Back us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/AmericanFriction Follow us on social media:  Bluesky : https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/americanfric  TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@americanfric  Written and presented byJacob Jarvis and Chris Jones. Audio/ video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They debate whether Trump is losing political clout and why allies are pushing back. They dig into his tariff threats on Canada and the fallout among leaders. Conversations cover shifting global partnerships as countries hedge against US unpredictability. They also cover meddling in midterm races and a round-up of political scandals and strange viral stories.

David Uberti, a Wall Street Journal reporter covering markets, media and business, explains Truth Social’s Truth API and who pays for millisecond access. He breaks down which Trump posts can move markets. Legal questions, potential probes, and which players profit from early access are discussed in snappy, revealing conversation.

They dig into Natalie Harp’s rise from OAN to a close advisory role and why her influence sparks political uproar. They unpack John Ossoff’s comments and the White House reaction. They discuss Trump’s Korea exercise pullback and the diplomatic ripple effects. They debunk a Strait of Hormuz claim and explore a curious diamond ring tariff question.

Casey Michel, author and journalist who studies wealth and foreign influence. He explores how the ultra-wealthy ally with foreign powers. Short takes cover Musk’s China ties, Kushner’s overseas financial entanglements, Russian money in US shell companies, and which billionaires could shape upcoming elections.

A deep dive into Republican efforts to hold a top health official legally accountable and how those tactics might tie into a broader political revenge strategy. A clear explainer of contempt-to-prosecution mechanics and debate over pardons and legal defenses. Coverage of released pandemic-era texts and contested pregnancy claims. Plus discussions on a Michigan primary upset, an ICE detention letter, and a bizarre Air Force One catering story.

Larry Ellison is one of the most prominent tech billionaires of the moment. Jeff Jarvis, author of the BuzzMachine blog, joins Jarv to discuss how he built his business in the first place and why his influence on the media is so concerning.    Buy Hot Type through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.  Back us on Patreon!   Follow us on social media:   Bluesky : https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social   Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/americanfric   TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@americanfric   Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio and video editor: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production.  www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lively rundown of Trump’s chaotic behavior and Republican reactions that leave everyone looking ridiculous. Coverage of tariff refund rulings and their impact on living costs. Scathing takes on confirmations and legal moves in Washington. Scandals, monetization of social platforms, election primaries, and a surreal bit of political humor round out the conversation.

Maurice Isserman, historian and author of Reds, gives a concise mini bio as a scholar of American communism. He traces the 1930s rise, youth appeal, and union links. He explains McCarthyism’s tactics, blacklists, and lasting damage. He debates whether Trump’s communist smears still land with younger voters and how history shapes modern political attacks.