To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Charlie Sykes is joined by chess grandmaster and democracy advocate Garry Kasparov to explore how creeping authoritarianism could take hold in the United States. Kasparov warns that fear, normalization of abuses, and erosion of democratic institutions are already pushing America down a dangerous path. Together, they examine the historical patterns of autocratic power, the unique risks posed by Donald Trump’s return to office, and what must be done to defend democracy before it’s too late. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes welcomes David French for a sweeping conversation on MAGA’s unraveling over the Epstein files, Trump’s shaky pivot on Ukraine, and the deeper cultural meaning behind the new Superman film. They examine the growing fractures in Trump’s base, the danger of embedding loyalists in the judiciary, and why even MAGA can turn on its own. With sharp insights and some well-earned skepticism, French unpacks the fragility of Trump’s recent moves and what they reveal about the future of the right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by veteran journalist and Substack writer Terry Moran for a bracing conversation on Trump’s unraveling Epstein strategy, the deep contradictions within the MAGA worldview, and the terrifying normalization of state-sponsored cruelty. From “Alligator Alcatraz” to 50% tariffs on Brazil, the two dissect how branding, conspiracy, and authoritarian impulses are reshaping American politics. They also explore how legacy media is collapsing under corporate pressure—while independent platforms like this one become the new frontlines in the battle for truth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Anne Applebaum joins Charlie Sykes from Warsaw to examine the alarming rise of authoritarian tactics in the U.S., from the militarization of federal agencies to the normalization of political cruelty. They discuss the Trump administration’s embrace of spectacle, the breakdown of truth, and the erosion of institutional guardrails. Applebaum warns that what once seemed unthinkable is now unfolding in broad daylight, and cautions that history shows how quickly democracy can vanish when we stop recognizing the danger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economist Justin Wolfers joins Charlie Sykes to discuss Trump’s trade war revival, incoherent economic policymaking, and the human cost of political decisions. From tariffs on allies to Medicaid cuts in the latest budget, Wolfers breaks down the real-world impact with clarity, passion, and biting analogies. It’s a crash course in economics—and a warning about what happens when the rules of the game no longer apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Judge Michael Luttig to reflect on the founding principles of American democracy—and how far we've strayed. Drawing from his powerful essay The Self-Evident Truths of Freedom and of Tyranny, Judge Luttig restates the moral and constitutional bedrock of the United States in a time of national uncertainty. It’s not a political polemic, but a patriotic reaffirmation of the values that have defined America for 249 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes welcomes Nicholas Grossman of Arc Digital for a wide-ranging conversation on the political unraveling of the Republican Party, including Senator Thom Tillis's defection and the cult of Trump. They explore the Supreme Court's role in enabling executive overreach and discuss how Trump's foreign policy blunders may ignite a new era of global nuclear proliferation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bloomberg's Tim O’Brien joins Charlie Sykes to unpack a whirlwind week in politics, from Trump’s business entanglements—including a dubious new mobile phone venture—to his rage-fueled media attacks after mixed intelligence on Iran. They explore how Trump’s blending of public power and private profit continues unchecked, and why it's reshaping the presidency in dangerous ways. Plus, the pair dive into the fallout from New York’s mayoral primary, growing Democratic fractures, and how the GOP is poised to weaponize progressive wins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and Susan Glasser break down the chaos of the current moment—from Trump's controversial strike on Iran to the media’s collective amnesia and the deepening crisis of national credibility. They explore the dangerous implications of conducting war in a post-truth era, where the commander-in-chief is often the most unreliable narrator. Plus, a look at the Democratic meltdown in New York and why political performance is outpacing pragmatism across both parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Iraq War veteran and Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff for a sobering conversation on the U.S. bombing campaign against Iran and the implications of Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to launch it. They unpack the erosion of guardrails around war powers, the growing risks of domestic instability, and the unnerving absence of public debate. With both urgency and reflection, they challenge listeners to consider not just what’s happening—but what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.