Tangle

On April 10, the House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill requiring proof of citizenship for voters to register for federal elections. The bill passed the House 220–208, with all Republicans and four Democrats in favor. House Republicans attempted to pass the SAVE Act in September 2024 as part of a government-funding bill, but the chamber voted 220–202 against that version of the bill. The SAVE Act must secure at least 60 votes in the Senate to meet the filibuster threshold, meaning seven Democrats would have to join all Republicans to pass it. So far, Democratic leaders have urged members to vote against the bill. In today’s Friday edition, we’ll explore the key questions undergirding the debate over the SAVE Act. In typical Tangle style, we’ll share a range of arguments about the bill from the right and left, in addition to commentary from experts we interviewed for this piece. Then, we’ll give our analysis of the bill.This is the full episode of today's special edition. Friday editions are normally available in full and ad-free for our premium podcast subscribers. If you'd like to complete this episode and receive Sunday editions, exclusive interviews, bonus content, and more, head over to ReadTangle.com and sign up for a membership.Ad-free podcasts are here!Many listeners have been asking for an ad-free version of this podcast that they could subscribe to — and we finally launched it. You can go to ReadTangle.com to sign up! You can also give the gift of a Tangle podcast subscription by clicking here.You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Jon Lall. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75 and Jon Lall.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Hunter Casperson, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast dives into President Trump's legal battles and his apparent defiance of the Supreme Court, particularly concerning immigration policies and a wrongly deported man from El Salvador. It sheds light on the left's concerns about the erosion of constitutional rights and the complexities of U.S.-El Salvador relations. Discussions also touch on the political landscape surrounding the Save Act and the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions. The episode explores broader themes of civil liberties and due process in the context of executive power.

Audrey Moorhead, Associate Editor at Tangle and Harvard student, shares her insights on the tense standoff between Harvard and the Trump administration. She discusses the implications of the administration's funding freeze due to Harvard’s refusal to comply with controversial reforms. The conversation touches on academic freedom versus federal oversight, allegations of discrimination, and the broader impact of political pressures on educational integrity. Moorhead also sheds light on the challenges faced by institutions in maintaining their values amid government demands.

Listen in as U.S. and Iranian officials engage in complex nuclear talks in Oman, navigated by indirect communication. The episode delves into the impact of the U.S. exit from the JCPOA, while tensions mount between military action and diplomacy. Key geopolitical factors come into play, affecting the perceptions of both nations. Expect insightful perspectives on negotiations, potential outcomes, and the urgent need for a new deal. Lastly, hear stories of community support amidst rising tensions, offering a heartwarming contrast to the serious discussions.

This discussion dives into two pivotal recent court rulings on deportation, revealing the contrasting fates of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and Mahmoud Khalil. It explores the legal complexities surrounding their cases, emphasizing the tension between national security and individual rights. The political reactions shed light on the ongoing debates regarding immigration law and due process. Additionally, it addresses broader implications for civil liberties and the impact of past administrative policies on current legal landscapes.

Isaac and Ari dive into the complexities of American manufacturing and tariffs, questioning if there's really a desire to bring jobs back. They discuss intriguing political narratives, touching on proxy voting and how misinformation can sway financial markets. Recent rulings from judges and Dogecoin updates also make the cut. Plus, they provoke thought on the current silence surrounding abortion stories. Packed with sharp commentary, the episode blends humor with critical analysis of today’s political and economic landscape.

Richard Hanania, an author and political commentator, shares his remarkable journey from the alt-right to a more moderate conservative stance. He reflects on his past writings and the Trump administration's influence on his views. The conversation dives into the complexities of identity politics and critiques current DEI policies, emphasizing the need for balanced perspectives. Hanania also discusses the dangers facing democracy today and his regrets about previous political choices, providing insight into the evolving landscape of American politics.

President Trump implements a 90-day pause on most tariffs, sparking discussions about its implications for global markets. While tariffs on China soar to 145%, the mixed reactions highlight a divide in political viewpoints. Market responses show a rallying effect, but concerns linger over the volatility caused by such unilateral trade moves. Additionally, the conversation touches on the ripple effects of tariffs on college athletics, culminating in a heartwarming story about centenarian neighbors celebrating together.

The Supreme Court's recent ruling on Trump's deportation policies stirs controversy, particularly regarding the use of the Alien Enemies Act. Legal experts dissect the implications for migrants' rights and due process in removal proceedings. Dissenting opinions reveal a complex historical backdrop and the challenges faced in balancing justice with immigration laws. Additionally, the podcast hints at an upcoming interview with a right-wing figure, exploring shifting perspectives on Trump's legacy and the strains on democracy today.

A wave of layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services is reshaping public health agencies, with fears about the future of drug approval and food safety. The podcast dives into the controversial decisions made under the Trump administration, revealing criticisms from former agency leaders. It also explores the broader implications for public health and scientific research. Listeners gain insight into the political divide surrounding these cuts and learn about a local initiative in Denver tackling homelessness amidst these challenges.