System Update with Glenn Greenwald

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and public health activist, delves into his contentious Senate testimony, where he faced sharp attacks for his vaccine stance. Nick Cleveland-Stout from the Quincy Institute analyses the covert influence of think tanks on U.S. foreign policy, spotlighting their corporate funding. The conversation raises urgent questions about free speech amid political pressure, especially regarding Trump's proposed deportation order targeting student protests against Israel, revealing the tangled web of health, politics, and corporate interests.

Jim Acosta, former CNN anchor renowned for his bold coverage of the Trump administration, joins to discuss the controversial lab leak theory and the suppression of dissent during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflects on his dramatic exit from CNN, advocating for press freedom while critiquing the media landscape’s failures. The conversation highlights the importance of independent journalism and tackles the pervasive censorship affecting public discourse, particularly surrounding the origins of COVID-19.

Freelance journalist Garrison Lovely discusses the political attacks on Tulsi Gabbard, particularly concerning her support for Edward Snowden and criticisms of surveillance practices. He sheds light on China's groundbreaking AI model, DeepSeek, which poses a significant threat to U.S. tech supremacy. The conversation also touches on the shocking arrest of journalist Ali Abunimah in Switzerland for his views on Israel, highlighting the alarming trends in free speech suppression and the political weaponization of truth.

John Mearsheimer, a renowned University of Chicago political science professor and expert in international relations, discusses the complexities of ongoing geopolitical conflicts. He analyzes the recent Israel/Gaza ceasefire and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. Mearsheimer also explores the dynamics of the Ukraine conflict and U.S.-China relations, while addressing the chilling effects on free speech in academia. The conversation intriguingly balances these serious topics with uplifting stories of animal rescue, illustrating resilience and hope amidst turmoil.

Eric Blanc, a labor studies professor at Rutgers University and author of "We Are the Union," dives deep into the shifting dynamics of American labor politics. He discusses how disillusionment with the Democrats is driving working-class voters toward the GOP. The Teamsters' unexpected support for Republican candidates symbolizes this trend. Blanc also analyzes the complexities of union politics under Biden and the vital need for effective union organizing to unify economic interests among the working class amid rising cultural resentments.

Katherine Franke, a tenured professor at Columbia University known for her expertise in gender and sexuality law, shares her experiences with the escalating censorship of pro-Palestine voices on college campuses. She discusses her own push-out due to criticisms of Israel and the broader implications for academic freedom and free speech. The conversation also touches on the complexities surrounding selective definitions of anti-Semitism and the challenges faced by educators in fostering open dialogue amidst a politically charged environment.

Aaron Maté, an independent journalist renowned for his insights on U.S. foreign policy, joins journalists Jenin Younes and Michael Tracey to dive into the potential impacts of a future Trump administration. They discuss contrasting scenarios for Trump's presidency, including a ceasefire deal and its ramifications. The trio critically examines progressive disillusionment with party responses to conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine, and what a shift in foreign policy might mean for U.S.-Israeli relations.

Trump's second inauguration sparks discussions about his ambitious promises for a 'golden age' and a wave of executive orders. Meanwhile, Biden's controversial pardons for family and allies raise eyebrows. Engaging interviews at inaugural balls reveal the stark divide in media narratives between Trump and Biden. The complexities of political accountability and the ethics of military aid to Ukraine are also scrutinized, shedding light on the ongoing tensions within U.S. politics.

Abubaker Abed, a young Palestinian journalist, shares gripping stories from Gaza amidst the ongoing devastation, focusing on resilience and hope for a future of freedom. He highlights the emotional landscape following a ceasefire and the loss of countless journalists. Sam Husseini, known for his confrontational style, recounts his physical expulsion from a State Department briefing, sparking a discussion on press freedom and the need for accountability in U.S. media narratives surrounding the conflict.

Join law professor Jonathan Turley as he dissects CNN's looming defamation case, exploring media accountability and its implications for journalism. He sheds light on the historic challenges faced by legacy outlets. Meanwhile, entrepreneur Arnaud Bertrand reveals the impact of the TikTok ban in America and discusses how Chinese reactions are shaping U.S.-China relations. The conversation also touches on Trump's policies and their lasting effects on international dynamics. It's a fascinating blend of legal, media, and geopolitical insights!