System Update with Glenn Greenwald

The podcast dives into Trump's controversial plan for Gaza, addressing potential ethnic cleansing and forced relocation. It highlights the historical context and emotional turmoil surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussions unpack the implications of financial backing for the reconstruction of Gaza from Gulf states and critique past interventions. The conversation also reflects on the U.S. political landscape, revealing contradictions in Trump’s approach to military engagement and humanitarian concerns in the region.

Investigative reporter Dave Boucher from the Detroit Free Press dives into the suspension of a pro-Palestinian student group at the University of Michigan, revealing the complex interplay between activism and free speech. He discusses Trump's controversial cabinet nominations of RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, pointing out their outsider status. The conversation also touches on Trump's alarming plans for Gaza raised during a meeting with Netanyahu, critiquing the humanitarian crisis and political motivations surrounding it.

In this discussion, Mike Benz, a former State Department official and critic of the U.S. security state, dives into the covert operations of USAID, revealing how humanitarian outreach can disguise manipulation of foreign populations. Marco Rubio, a U.S. Senator with changing foreign policy views, reflects on potential shifts away from neoconservatism under a future Trump administration. Together, they explore the implications of these changes on U.S. alliances, NATO's role, and broader global power dynamics.

Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S. Representative and army lieutenant colonel, bravely faces bipartisan scrutiny during her Senate Intelligence Committee hearing. She discusses her support for Edward Snowden and the implications of government surveillance on civil liberties. Gabbard critiques the establishment while advocating for accountability amidst growing political tensions. The conversation also highlights the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, including controversial connections in the Middle East, challenging longstanding norms in Washington.

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.