To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Charlie Sykes is joined by Lawfare’s Ben Wittes to unpack a whirlwind week in Trumpworld—from the Supreme Court’s late-night rebuke of secret deportations to Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon meltdown. They discuss the legal stakes of the Abrego Garcia case, the markets reacting to Trump’s Fed threats, and the eerie silence around Trump’s authoritarian moves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Easter Sunday, Charlie Sykes is joined by Atlantic writer Tom Nichols to unpack the dizzying pace of democratic erosion in Trump's second term. From threats to the IRS, FCC, and Fed, to the elevation of conspiracy theorists and foreign propaganda apologists, they examine how fear, intimidation, and nihilism are driving the administration’s agenda. But amidst the chaos, they find reasons for hope—including a judiciary showing backbone and institutions that may yet rediscover their courage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julian Zelizer, a Princeton history and public affairs professor and contributor to NPR, dives into the chaotic political landscape shaped by Trump. He discusses the administration's alarming defiance of the Supreme Court and the normalization of undermining the rule of law. Zelizer highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by institutions like Harvard, while emphasizing the dangers of unchecked executive power. They also explore the complexities of U.S.-China negotiations and the implications of a burgeoning presidential influence on democracy.

Tim O’Brien, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and expert on finance and politics, joins to dissect the chaos surrounding Trump's tariff war and his relationship with Vladimir Putin. They delve into the implications of Trump's unpredictable policies on global markets and alliances, revealing how his actions strain international relations and legal norms. The conversation takes a turn towards the ongoing U.S.-China trade conflict while humorously reflecting on the unpredictable nature of political allegiances, likening the chaos to a dog napping under a desk.

Join former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath and ex-congressman Denver Riggleman as they tackle pressing issues like national security and the impact ofTrump’s rhetoric on U.S. governance. They discuss the chilling effects of loyalty-driven purges and conspiracy theories, all with a touch of bourbon-fueled honesty. Expect a candid conversation about military dynamics, political challenges in red states, and the geopolitical landscape, along with insights into their new podcast, Truth in the Barrel. Tune in for a blend of grit and insights!

Charlie Sykes talks with Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, authors of Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House, to unpack their explosive behind-the-scenes reporting on the 2024 election. They discuss a Democratic Party in disarray, a media landscape accused of complicity, and the pivotal moments that helped reelect Donald Trump. From Biden’s final days to Harris’s uphill battle, this conversation offers a revealing look at how we got here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Wehner, a senior fellow at the Trinity Forum and former White House aide, dives deep into the psychological grip of Donald Trump on his supporters. He analyzes the normalization of authoritarian rule and the failures of institutions to counteract this trend. Wehner discusses the pervasive fear in civil society and how it impacts partisan integrity. Together, they dissect the shift toward populism within the Republican Party and the urgent need for both political sides to confront uncomfortable truths in this turbulent landscape.

Charlie Sykes is joined by David French for a wide-ranging conversation about the alarming trajectory of Trump’s second term—from potential appointments like Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel to the chaos of $6 trillion in new tariffs. They explore the rise of authoritarian instincts, the collapse of due process, and the moral rationalizations enabling Trump's grip on power. Plus: big law caves, Laura Loomer ascends, and Paula White offers angelic blessings—for a price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Josh Kraushaar to unpack the political aftershocks of Elon Musk’s failed $26 million intervention in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race. They dig into the GOP’s internal frustrations with Musk, the Trump administration’s growing disregard for due process, and the Democrats’ unexpected resurgence. Plus, the two discuss the rise of Cory Booker, the collapse of institutional resistance, and the dangers of cruelty as political theater. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and former Congressman David Jolly explore the unsettling prospect of Donald Trump pursuing a third term and the broader implications for American democracy. They examine the collapse of congressional power, the growing influence of Elon Musk in Republican politics, and the corrosive impact of money on elections—including a $100 million Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Jolly also hints at a potential gubernatorial run in Florida and offers sobering insight into the dangers posed by RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine agenda. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.