What A Day

Annie Grayer, a senior reporter for CNN focusing on Capitol Hill, dives into Congress's striking inaction amid significant political turmoil. She outlines the internal GOP struggles over President Trump's immigration and tariff policies, revealing why Congress has stalled on pressing issues. Grayer also discusses the implications of economic challenges faced by local businesses due to these political decisions, drawing on a small business owner's perspective. It's a fascinating look at the complexities of governance and the urgent need for congressional accountability.

Brian Barrett, Executive Editor of News at Wired Magazine, dives into Elon Musk's waning influence on federal government affairs. He discusses Musk's relationship with government efficiency, which has reshaped the lives of many average Americans. The conversation highlights Musk's declining popularity and critical public perception amid his outrageous predictions about the future. Barrett explores the repercussions of potential budget cuts due to Musk's leadership style and the broader implications for society's access to necessary services.

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a Gaza native, shares intense insights into the rising tensions in Gaza as Prime Minister Netanyahu threatens a forceful military escalation. He highlights the dire humanitarian implications for civilians, including potential famine, and discusses the stalled ceasefire negotiations. Alkhatib emphasizes the geopolitical shifts in the Middle East, particularly how U.S. diplomacy may reshape perspectives on peace and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.

David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Project,' dives into the far-reaching implications of Project 2025, a massive policy blueprint from The Heritage Foundation. He discusses how this initiative is reshaping governance under Trump and centralizing power within federal agencies. The conversation highlights the administration's struggles with public trust, Trump's economic claims, and looming legal issues. Graham also touches on the importance of mental health support amidst the chaotic political landscape.

Jake Traylor, a White House reporter for Politico, provides a deep dive into the recent upheavals in President Trump's national security team, specifically Mike Waltz’s controversial firing and subsequent nomination to the UN. They discuss the chaotic nature of such transitions and the loyalty dynamics within the administration. Traylor also touches on how these shake-ups could affect the political landscape, especially as pressures mount ahead of critical deadlines and the far-right's influence continues to evolve.

Nathan Elias, editor-in-chief of the Daily Trojan at USC, shares his insights on the ongoing showdown between the Trump administration and universities. He discusses how students navigate the pressures of political demands while striving for diversity and inclusion. Elias highlights student activism and the challenges faced by international students, shedding light on the real effects of funding threats. He also examines the vital role universities play in research and social mobility during turbulent times.

Stephanie Ruhle, host of MSNBC's The 11th Hour, dives into the economic landscape as trust in Trump crumbles post-election. She discusses the impact of tariffs on consumer confidence, revealing how Amazon may adjust prices. Ruhle connects these economic policies to political shifts in Canada, where voters turned against Trump. The conversation highlights the unpredictable challenges tariffs pose for businesses and the psyche of consumers dealing with rising prices and market instability.

We made it, ya’ll. One hundred days of President Donald Trump’s second term down. Only 1,362 to go…. not that we’re counting (we're definitely counting). While the White House is pushing the narrative that Trump’s early days have been an unmitigated success, the American public clearly feels otherwise. A bunch of new polls show the president's approval rating hovering around 40 percent. He's also underwater on every issue respondents were asked about, from the economy to immigration. Jon Favreau, co-host of Pod Save America and founder of Crooked Media, stops by to help make sense of the 100-day wreckage and where we go from here.And in headlines: Spain and Portugal entered a second Dark Age amid a massive power outage, Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly announced his retirement, and Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a unilateral temporary ceasefire in May in honor of the Russian holiday Victory Day.Show Notes:Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rebecca Plevin, an equity reporter for the Los Angeles Times, discusses the harsh realities of immigrants self-deporting in response to aggressive Trump administration policies. She delves into the emotional toll this decision takes, highlighting personal stories of fear and vulnerability within immigrant communities. Plevin sheds light on the tough choices migrants face as they navigate uncertainty, and the role of community support in these challenging times. The conversation also touches on broader political shifts impacting these migrants’ lives.

Nahal Toosi, a Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent for Politico, delves into the recent reorganization at the State Department and its far-reaching implications for U.S. diplomacy. She highlights the elimination of key offices dedicated to war crimes and the shift towards a more transactional diplomatic approach, moving away from values-driven policies. Toosi also discusses significant U.S. foreign aid cuts to Africa and the potential geopolitical repercussions, particularly the rise of China’s influence as America retreats from its global commitments. This reshaping hints at a chaotic future for American diplomacy.