What A Day

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dealt one of its first blows to President Donald Trump’s aggressive agenda to reshape how the federal government works. It was a minor decision: The justices rejected an emergency request from the administration to keep frozen some $2 billion in foreign aid payments. Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts joined the three liberals, raising questions about how the court will handle the waves of litigation crashing against the White House with Trump back in office. Jessica Levinson, a constitutional law professor at Loyola Law School, helps us read the SCOTUS tea leaves.Later in the show, Missouri Farmers Union Vice President Richard Oswald joins us to talk about how Trump's tariffs will hurt farmers.And in headlines: The Trump administration puts a one-month pause on auto tariffs for Canada and Mexico, some fired federal workers go back to work, and climate change might be making allergy season longer.Show Notes:Check out Jessica's podcast – passingjudgementpod.com/Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8Support victims of the fire – votesaveamerica.com/reliefWhat A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

President Donald Trump gave his first speech to the American people since taking office Tuesday night, and it was long. The president's address to Congress lasted more than 90 minutes breaking Bill Clinton’s 2000 State of the Union record. Trump talked about everything from tariffs to immigration to trans kids to the economy. Pod Save America’s Jon Lovett joins us to debrief the president’s rambling speech.Show Notes:Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8Support victims of the fire – votesaveamerica.com/reliefWhat A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

Tonight, President Trump will give his first major address to the nation since the inauguration of his second term. He’ll probably talk about how great of a job he's doing, the Gulf of America and deporting undocumented immigrants. Who knows, he might even rant about the Russian influence investigation some more. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut tells us why he won’t be attending Trump's address — and why the president is vying to become Russian President Vladimir Putin’s new best friend. And later in the show, California Democratic Representative Lateefah Simon is set to deliver the Working Families Party response to the president. She previews her speech for us.In headlines: Trump’s 25-percent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports are set to take effect today, First Lady Melania Trump made her first public appearance since Inauguration Day, and the Senate confirmed Linda McMahon as Education Secretary.Show Notes:Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8Support victims of the fire – votesaveamerica.com/reliefWhat A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, delves into the fallout from a notable meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. He discusses how Trump’s criticism bolsters Russia’s position while weakening U.S. influence. The tensions of U.S.-Russia relations and the support for Ukraine from European leaders are examined. McFaul warns about the ideological alliances between the far-right in America and Putin, highlighting the broader implications for global stability.

Join Sam Sanders, host of KCRW’s ‘The Sam Sanders Show’ and ‘Vibe Check,’ as he delves into the Oscars and their cultural relevance. He critiques this year’s nominees, questioning the Academy's decisions amid ongoing scandals and marketing shenanigans. From the fall of a once-promising Best Picture contender to the creeping influence of AI in filmmaking, the conversation highlights the Oscars' struggle to keep pace with modern societal issues. Prepare for insightful commentary mixed with a dose of humor as Hollywood's flaws are laid bare.

Lindsay Owens, an economist and executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, dives into the complex world of tax policy and economic inequality. She discusses the fallout from the Trump administration's decision to cut IRS workers just as tax season begins. Lindsay explains potential Republican tax cuts and highlights the negative impact of budget cuts on low-income healthcare. The conversation also touches on rising economic uncertainty and the implications of misinformation surrounding recent health crises.

Matt Yglesias, a seasoned journalist and author of the Substack newsletter 'Slow Boring', discusses the precarious position of the Democratic Party in a landscape dominated by Trump and Musk. He dives into the party's struggles with clear communication and regaining voter trust after recent electoral defeats. Yglesias emphasizes proactive steps to expand the party's influence and encourages political engagement among citizens. Additionally, he touches on the pressing issues of consumer confidence and the impact of contentious policies in today's political climate.

In this conversation, Sarah Kliff, an investigative healthcare reporter for The New York Times, dives into the proposed cuts to Medicaid that would impact around 20 million Americans. She explains the complexities of the funding structure and the political dynamics within the Republican party, where leaders face a tough balancing act. Kliff highlights the dire consequences these cuts could have on vulnerable populations, especially in states that expanded Medicaid. The discussion also touches on the broader implications for public perception and the health of millions.

Elle Reeve, a CNN reporter and author of 'Black Pill,' dives deep into the alarming rise of the far-right in American politics. She discusses the recent CPAC gathering, spotlighting figures like Jack Posobiec and their influence. The conversation explores the evolution of alt-right rhetoric and its troubling merge with mainstream conservatism. Elle reveals the internal conflicts within the alt-right and reflects on the implications of political decisions impacting national security, setting the stage for an unsettling future.

Unpacking the aftermath of Trump's funding cuts, the conversation reveals how millions reliant on USAID are facing dire consequences, particularly vulnerable populations in Africa. A former USAID deputy highlights the tragic effects on healthcare for HIV and tuberculosis patients. The discussion also emphasizes America's moral responsibility to support global aid amidst rising political tensions, including the controversial confirmation of the new FBI head. Listeners are invited to reflect on compassion versus indifference in responding to global crises.