The Powers That Be: Daily

Eriq Gardner, a legal expert, joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to unpack the legal ramifications of Trump’s executive actions, particularly the dismissal of Shira Perlmutter from her role as Register of Copyrights. They discuss how this case could redefine executive authority and the separation of powers. Gardner highlights implications for government independence and the evolving landscape of copyright law amidst the rise of artificial intelligence. The conversation digs into the intricate balance between executive power and institutional stability.

Bill Cohan, author of 'Dry Powder,' joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to explore the perplexing 'Main Street glitch' in Trump's tax policies and how it may create unforeseen tax hikes for businesses. They discuss Trump's increasing influence over market dynamics and how traders adapt to his shifting strategies. Additionally, Cohan critiques Bill Ackman's stance on Harvard’s endowment and its impact on institutional practices. This lively conversation reveals the intricate relationship between policy decisions and Wall Street's reactions, making economic complexities accessible.

Matt Belloni, author and host known for his insights into the movie industry, joins Julia Alexander to dissect the Memorial Day box office boom. They explore the surprising surge in ticket sales, fueled by nostalgia and fan-favorite franchises like 'Lilo and Stitch.' The duo also discusses studios adapting to post-pandemic changes and the rising stars set to dominate Hollywood, such as Zendaya and Tom Holland. Finally, they examine how major studios are prepping for summer releases and the contrasting strategies of traditional film distribution versus streaming services.

John Ourand, sports media expert from Puck and author of The Varsity newsletter, joins Julia Alexander to explore the repercussions of Disney's lawsuit against YouTube following the departure of top ESPN executive Justin Connolly. They discuss the looming challenges for Major League Baseball as its $550 million ESPN deal nears its end. The conversation reveals wider issues affecting all sports leagues in the transforming media landscape, addressing viewer engagement, negotiation power, and the struggles in securing lucrative broadcasting partnerships.

Jon Kelly, an expert journalist at Puck, joins Dylan Byers to dissect MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's tricky media rights negotiations with NBC and Apple. They explore the shifting landscape of sports broadcasting and the challenges of maintaining MLB's popularity. The conversation also dives deep into the backlash from Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book 'Original Sin', revealing rifts within the Democratic Party and the implications for Biden's administration. It's a thrilling merge of sports and politics!

Julia Ioffe, a journalist and foreign policy expert focusing on Russia and Eastern Europe, joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to delve into the unsettling dynamics of Trump's recent call with Putin. They discuss Trump's disillusionment with the Ukraine situation and the implications for President Zelensky. The conversation shifts to an awkward Oval Office meeting with South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, where Ioffe critiques the administration's promotion of white supremacy theories, revealing the darker undercurrents of U.S. political power.

Abby Livingston, a Capitol Hill reporter, joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to discuss the hurdles House Republicans face with Trump's ambitious legislative agenda. They dissect the friction between centrists and hardliners and the pressure on individual lawmakers. The conversation shifts to the race to succeed the late Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, revealing how this political shift may influence future elections. Throughout, they emphasize the complicated dynamics of bipartisan cooperation amid these challenges.

Eriq Gardner, a journalist and legal expert, joins the conversation with Peter Hamby to dissect the mounting legal troubles faced by Live Nation stemming from Taylor Swift's fan-led lawsuit. They dive into the chaotic ticketing experience during Swift's Eras tour and the broader implications of antitrust claims. Additionally, Eriq sheds light on a surprising twist involving Taylor’s name in a legal drama with celebrities Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, raising questions about its potential impact on Swift's reputation.

Dylan Byers, media expert and host of The Grill Room, joins to discuss Wendy McMahon’s exit from CBS News, unpacking the pressures surrounding her leadership amidst a significant legal battle. The conversation shifts to the release of Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s book, which coincides with troubling news about Donald Trump’s health. They also delve into the implications of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis on public perception and political accountability, sparking a lively discussion about the current media landscape.

A humorous take on the chaotic rebranding of HBO Max highlights executive missteps. The discussion shifts to Politico Playbook, focusing on its struggle to adapt in a post-Trump media landscape. Key insights reveal the challenges of staying competitive against streaming giants like Apple TV and evolving dynamics in political reporting. The hosts reflect on the timing strategies needed to capture audience attention in today's fast-paced news cycle, emphasizing the importance of being first in delivering news.