Trumpland with Alex Wagner

It’s not the first time that Republicans have threatened to dismantle Social Security— the cornerstone program that has provided reliable financial security to American workers for nearly a century. Now, Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency has its eyes set on the third rail of American politics. This week on Trumpland, Alex Wagner speaks with agency employees in the eye of the storm as chaos ensues for them and the millions of beneficiaries who rely on these payments. Then, a conversation on the uncertain future of Social Security with the former Associate Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, and FDR’s grandson, James Roosevelt.And please vote for your favorite MSNBC podcasts in this year’s Webby Awards! (Voting closes April 17th)Prosecuting Donald Trump in the Podcasts - Crime & Justice category: VOTE HEREWhy Is This Happening? With Chris Hayes in the Podcasts - Interview/Talk Show category: VOTE HEREInto America: Uncounted Millions in the Podcasts - News & Politics category: VOTE HERE

In the last week, president Trump’s latest trade policies have provided a whole lot of whiplash for Americans, their wallets, and the global economy. Part of Trump’s tariff plan includes maintaining and increasing his tariffs on China, one of the U.S.’s largest trading partners. China spends billions on American agricultural products every year, meaning American farmers are likely to get caught in the middle of Trump’s trade war, again. MSNBC’s Alex Wagner travels to Johnston County in North Carolina to hear from farmers who are standing by Trump, even as he stands down his own policies. Then, a conversation with The Atlantic’s Annie Lowrey on what this all means for our global economy.And please vote for your favorite MSNBC podcasts in this year’s Webby Awards! (Voting closes April 17th)Prosecuting Donald Trump in the Podcasts - Crime & Justice category: VOTE HEREWhy Is This Happening? With Chris Hayes in the Podcasts - Interview/Talk Show category: VOTE HEREInto America: Uncounted Millions in the Podcasts - News & Politics category: VOTE HERE

This week, the Senate held its confirmation hearing for Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, President Trump’s relatively obscure nominee for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Caine’s nomination comes amidst questions of his perceived loyalty to Trump and the blowback of last week’s Signal leak involving several high-level Trump administration officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Not to mention, the administration’s continued attack on DEI and so-called “wokeness” in the military. On this episode of Trumpland with Alex Wagner, a look at how Trump is trying to remake the American military, and the potential threat it may have to readiness, morale, and recruitment in the armed forces. We hear from the some of the people who’ve put their lives on the line for their country about their concerns for the future of America’s fighting forces.Remember to follow the show so you don’t miss a single episode. And sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen without ads.

Under threat of losing millions of dollars in federal funding, Columbia University has caved to demands from the Trump administration, leaving students and faculty fearing the loss of academic freedom. Adding to those fears, ICE has made multiple arrests of international students at several schools, as well as recent graduates, like Mahmoud Khalil.This week, Alex Wagner speaks with students and professors at Columbia to discuss the dangerous precedent being set, not just for college campuses as centers of debate and dissent, but for all free speech. Remember to follow the show so you don’t miss a single episode. And sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen without ads.

Trump’s strikes on environmental regulations are now crossing paths with his attacks on DEI. Citing compliance with Trump’s DEI mandates, the Justice Department dropped its lawsuit against a petrochemical plant in Reserve, Louisiana, in an area known as ‘Cancer Alley.’ This week, Alex travels to Louisiana and speaks to the life-long residents directly in harm’s way. Then, a conversation with former EPA administrator Heather McTeer Toney on the larger implications of Trump’s environmental policy. And a note to listeners: we’ll be off next week and will return with a new episode on March 27!Remember to follow the show so you don’t miss a single episode. And sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen without ads.

Kris Mayes, Arizona's Attorney General, spearheads a town hall addressing the impact of Trump’s executive orders on citizens. The discussion highlights personal stories of families grappling with Medicaid cuts and the urgency for collective resistance against federal layoffs. Mayes and her colleagues emphasize their united legal strategies to combat perceived federal overreach, showcasing their dedication to protecting the Constitution. The podcast captures the emotional commitment of these legal professionals and the significant political shifts occurring in Arizona.

Ben Rhodes, a national security expert and co-host of Pod Save the World, dives into the geopolitical ramifications of Trump's disinformation regarding Ukraine. He discusses the resilience of Ukrainians amidst the war's anniversary and the urgent need to remember their stories. The conversation also highlights alarming parallels between Trump's and Putin's authoritarian tactics, and the critical importance of combating misinformation to safeguard global democratic alliances. Personal narratives bring the emotional human cost of conflict to the forefront.

Chris Hayes, a notable MSNBC host known for his keen political analysis, joins Christian Herr, EVP of Penn Ag, to tackle the pressing topic of rising egg prices due to avian flu. They share stories from farmers facing panic and hoarding reminiscent of pandemic times. The duo explores Trump's economic policies and their fallout on consumer prices, shedding light on how inflation and food supply issues intertwine with current political narratives. They also discuss emotional tolls on farmers and examine solutions for managing the egg crisis.

The Trump administration continues to further its anti-woke agenda with executive orders targeting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, resulting in a memo placing federal employees with ties to DEIA training or roles on administrative leave. Listen as Alex Wagner interviews affected employees from the Department of Education and discusses the implications with civil rights attorney Subodh Chandra. Plus, a look at what more we can expect with one of the early architects of the Right’s efforts to tackle DEI and wokeness: conservative activist Christopher Rufo.  Catch new episodes of Trumpland with Alex Wagner every Thursday evening during the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. You can find the show in the Alex Wagner Tonight feed.  Remember to follow the show so you don’t miss a single episode. And sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen without ads.

Kristina Drye, a former USAID employee, reveals the alarming impact of the Trump administration on federal workers, detailing the chaos and uncertainty facing these staff amidst cuts and buyout offers. Mark Greenblatt, fired as the Inspector General for the Department of the Interior, discusses the troubling implications of dismissing inspectors general, shedding light on accountability risks in governance. Together, they explore the emotional turmoil and political upheaval shaping the experiences of government employees in these turbulent times.