What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Jonathan Last, the Editor of The Bulwark and a voice in conservative political commentary, dives deep into the complexities of Trump's tariffs. He discusses the flawed logic behind trade imbalances and how tariffs could lead to economic turmoil for political gain. The conversation turns to the upcoming 2024 elections, analyzing voter sentiment and the disconnect between consumer perception and economic reality. Last encourages listeners to reflect on the political motivations behind tariffs and their implications for democracy.

Felix Salmon, Chief Financial Correspondent at Axios and co-host of Slate Money, dives into Elon Musk's intriguing connection with Wall Street. He discusses Wall Street's enduring support for Musk, despite controversy surrounding his leadership. The conversation highlights the clash between Musk's unorthodox style and traditional corporate norms while unpacking Tesla's recent sales decline. Salmon also explores the implications of Musk's unpredictability for investors and the complex interplay between financial markets and political dynamics.

Makena Kelly, a senior writer at WIRED who delves into the intersection of politics and technology, discusses the looming layoffs of 10,000 employees at the Department of Health and Human Services. She highlights the potential dangers these cuts pose to public health and safety. The conversation also covers the influence of Dogecoin on government dynamics, including how its rise mirrors political changes and raises concerns about privatization. Kelly critiques the treatment of constituents as customers, similar to Elon Musk’s approach at Twitter.

Jonathan Blitzer, a New Yorker staff writer and immigration expert, joins Nick Miroff from The Atlantic to delve into the devastating realities of Trump-era deportations. They share alarming stories of innocent individuals, including the harrowing case of Andri José, seeking asylum after escaping persecution. The discussion highlights the dehumanizing conditions in U.S. immigration detention and the misinterpretation of tattoos as gang affiliation leading to wrongful deportations. These personal narratives expose the profound impact of immigration policies on families and communities.

Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent at Vox with a focus on courts and law, dives into the Supreme Court's consideration of Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood in South Carolina. He discusses the surprising journey this case took to reach the highest court despite legal precedents against defunding. The conversation touches on political influences affecting judicial decisions, the implications for healthcare access, and patients’ rights in the context of significant state actions. Millhiser unpacks the complexities of this legal battle and what it means for abortion rights.

Aymann Ismail, a staff writer at Slate, sheds light on the shocking detention of Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk by ICE agents. The discussion unravels the troubling connections between federal surveillance and the suppression of free speech, especially for Muslim activists. Ismail delves into how organizations like Canary Mission exacerbate fears among foreign students. With personal stories and broader implications at stake, the conversation highlights the chilling effect on dissenting voices in America’s academic landscape.

John Nichols, associate editor at The Capital Times and expert on electoral issues, tackles the unprecedented financial stakes in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race, reaching nearly $100 million. He reveals Elon Musk's staggering $19.3 million influence and his attempts to steer judicial appointments. Nichols discusses the ideological shift in the court and how this impacts crucial issues like abortion rights. The conversation also uncovers the sensational tactics used in campaigning and the broader implications of billionaire influence on democracy.

Shayla Love, a science journalist known for her in-depth reporting on ketamine, discusses the drug's fascinating journey from a medical anesthetic to a trend in mental health therapy. She explores its dissociative and euphoric effects, diving into its therapeutic potential for depression among Silicon Valley elites. Love raises important questions about the risks of misuse and the ethical dilemmas in psychedelic therapy. The conversation also touches on the cognitive implications for decision-makers in society, striking a balance between benefits and dangers.

Azeem Khan is an advisor to UNICEF’s crypto fund and a co-creator of the blockchain Morph, bringing valuable insights into the world of memecoins. He discusses the whimsical rise of memecoins, acknowledging their reliance on community engagement. The conversation dives into launching new coins like Buenwum and Wayne Worm, navigating promotional strategies and market chaos. They also candidly share lessons learned from the rollercoaster experiences of managing meme coin projects, warning about the risks and unregulated nature of the crypto landscape.

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, an Air Force veteran and author of 'Renegade', dissects the leaked Signal chat of Trump administration officials contemplating a military strike. He discusses the chaos engulfing national security discussions and the alarming informality with which sensitive military plans were debated. Kinzinger highlights the internal distrust in the Trump era, accountability in official testimonies, and the urgent need for better protocols in handling classified information amidst a climate of misinformation.