To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Charlie Sykes welcomes CNN veteran and Substack writer Jim Acosta for a weekend conversation on fear, power, and political pushback in the Trump era. They discuss the administration's performative authoritarianism, from mass deportations and censorship to threats against institutions and the judiciary—while also spotlighting signs of resistance, electoral shifts, and green shoots of hope. With humor and urgency, Acosta argues that while Trump wants America to be afraid, the cracks in his facade are beginning to show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Atlantic staff writer Anne Applebaum joins Charlie Sykes to unpack the shocking revelations of the "SignalGate" scandal—an alarming breach of national security and a window into the chaos of the second Trump administration. Applebaum explains how the use of unsecured messaging apps, bizarre bravado among senior officials, and a deep-seated hostility toward Europe signal a broader collapse of institutional norms. The conversation also explores how modern autocratic tactics are taking hold in the U.S., and why the erosion of resistance in American institutions should be sounding alarm bells. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and national security expert Olivia Troye react to The Atlantic's bombshell report detailing how Trump administration officials accidentally included a journalist in a Signal group chat revealing real-time U.S. war plans. They also examine the chilling erosion of institutional norms—from the revocation of security clearances for dissenters to the shuttering of Voice of America—and question what happens when authoritarian tactics meet amateur hour governance. Plus, they discuss the bizarre return of Trump’s Greenland obsession and the dismantling of Social Security without a single vote. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Tom Nichols of The Atlantic to discuss the growing normalization of authoritarianism and the failure of America's institutions to push back. They cover everything from Trump’s war on the judiciary to Elon Musk’s growing influence, the alarming capitulations by law firms and universities, and Vladimir Putin's manipulation of global power dynamics. It’s a wide-ranging, sobering, and often darkly funny conversation about why, even after all this time, we’re still capable of being shocked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes for a candid discussion on the state of American democracy, Donald Trump's threats, and the exhaustion of fighting political chaos. Kinzinger reflects on the lessons he's learned since leaving Congress, including the importance of resilience in the face of intimidation and the need to maintain a sense of humor. Together, they break down Trump’s continued fixation on revenge, the GOP’s deference to Vladimir Putin, and why strong leadership is essential for Democrats navigating this critical moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes speaks with Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University, about the escalating attacks on higher education under Donald Trump’s administration. They discuss the administration’s sweeping funding cuts, threats to academic freedom, and the reluctance of university leaders to push back against government overreach. Roth offers a candid perspective on why he refuses to stay silent and what must happen to preserve the independence of American institutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and David Frum discuss the volatile state of the U.S. economy, the Trump administration’s trade war with Canada, and the potential consequences of Elon Musk’s growing influence in government policy. They analyze Trump’s economic policies, including his fixation on tariffs and trade conflicts, and question the administration’s erratic geopolitical maneuvers, from Ukraine to Panama. The conversation also explores the Republican Party’s surrender to Trump’s agenda and the alarming speed of institutional capitulation in American democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Nicholas Grossman, editor of Arc Digital and professor of political science at the University of Illinois, to dissect the latest political chaos. They explore Donald Trump’s bizarre loyalty to Vladimir Putin, the unraveling of U.S. alliances, and the dangerous shift in global power dynamics. From the potential government shutdown to the erosion of democratic norms, this conversation is a deep dive into the troubling state of American politics and its broader implications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and Reed Galen discuss the latest political turmoil, including the potential government shutdown, economic uncertainty, and the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party. They examine the rise of authoritarian figures, the state of the opposition, and the disconnect between voters and the political establishment. The conversation also delves into the broader implications of America's shifting global role, the dangers of Trumpism, and how Democrats can counteract the MAGA movement in an increasingly fractured political landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with Politico senior writer Jonathan Martin to break down the latest political chaos, including the explosive clash between the Trump cabinet and Elon Musk. They explore the growing tensions within Trump's cabinet, the unpredictability of his policy decisions, and the broader implications for America's allies. Martin also offers insight into the Democratic Party’s struggles, Gavin Newsom’s surprising stance on transgender athletes, and the nervous atmosphere at the recent Munich Security Conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.