What A Day

Ritchie Torres, a New York Congressman from the Bronx, is vocal about the significance of due process in immigration cases. He discusses the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the urgent need for accountability in such matters. Torres emphasizes how executive power has overshadowed congressional oversight, calling for a renewed legislative push from Democrats. The conversation further examines ongoing political challenges and the necessity of advocating for workers' rights amidst a complicated immigration landscape.

Alice Miranda Ollstein, a healthcare reporter for Politico, dives deep into the significant changes initiated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his short tenure. She discusses the alarming impact of his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda, particularly the firing of staff and the spreading of debunked theories linking vaccines to autism. The conversation highlights the devastating effects on public health data collection and chronic disease research, raising concerns about mixed messaging in a politically charged environment.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, tackles the complexities of Trump's immigration policies. He discusses the wrongful deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, highlighting the Supreme Court's involvement and President Bukele's refusal to facilitate his return. The conversation dives into the controversial proposal to send U.S. citizens to El Salvador and the alarming conditions of migrant detentions. Aaron stresses the ethical implications of these policies and raises concerns about civil liberties in the current political climate.

A massive rally in Los Angeles drew over 34,000 supporters as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for unity against perceived threats to social rights. Attendees shared their hopes for the Democratic party, sparking emotional connections and shared goals. The discussion also tackled recent tariff changes and controversial deportation rulings, alongside some light commentary on alcohol recovery products. The impact of these events on progressive ideals was emphasized, showcasing the urgency for action.

California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna joins to discuss the chaotic tariff landscape sparked by Trump’s uncertain trade policies. He explores how these tariffs impact the tech industry and the broader economy while raising concerns about the House GOP's proposed budget cuts to crucial social safety nets like Medicaid. Khanna emphasizes the need for grassroots advocacy in challenging political climates, touching on the political ramifications of student visa revocations and the unforeseen effects of tariffs on U.S. spice imports.

In this discussion, Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy at Groundwork Collaborative and former Biden advisor, analyzes the unpredictable tariff policies of Donald Trump. He reveals how sudden changes to trade strategies negatively impact the American economy and small businesses. The conversation also highlights the discrepancies between stock market performance and everyday economic realities. Additionally, Alex touches on the political fallout from these decisions and the importance of establishing a reliable trade strategy.

Leah Litman, co-host of Crooked's legal podcast ‘Strict Scrutiny,’ provides expert legal insight on recent Supreme Court rulings that favor the Trump administration. She discusses temporary wins for deportations and federal employee dismissals, emphasizing the precariousness of legal protections for workers. The conversation also covers contentious trade tariff debates and the implications of a ruling on press freedom. Litman's analysis sheds light on the potential consequences these decisions have on individual rights and government accountability.

Jessica Roy, a personal finance and utility columnist at the San Francisco Chronicle, dives into the chaos of the stock market and how Trump's tariffs are shaking up wallets across America. She offers practical financial advice on navigating economic uncertainty, emphasizing smart investment and purchasing decisions. Roy also discusses the psychological effects of market fluctuations, from stockpiling essentials to coping with recession fears, blending serious insights with a touch of humor to keep listeners engaged.

Marc Dunkleman, a Fellow at Brown University and author of 'Why Nothing Works,' joins to unravel the complexities of progressive governance. He dives into the significance of recent 'Hands Off' rallies against Trump’s administration, where participants rallied for Social Security and public education. Dunkleman critiques why Democrats struggle with clear governance outcomes, while discussing the duality and historical tensions within progressivism. He also highlights decision-making obstacles in government and the impact of recent legal and public health problems.

Scott Lincicome, Vice President of General Economics and Trade Policy at the Cato Institute, dives into the fallout from Trump's steep tariffs. He discusses how the tariffs devastated global markets, wiping out over $3 trillion in U.S. stock value in a day. Lincicome analyzes the unpredictable impacts of tariffs on international relations and U.S. exports, as well as the ripple effects on companies facing increased challenges. He also highlights the absurdities of the mixed public reactions and the serious implications for consumers.