Impolitic with John Heilemann

Steve Rattner, Chairman and CEO of Willett Advisors LLC and economic analyst for Morning Joe, shares insights on the chaotic effects of Trump’s tariffs on global markets. He critiques the flawed logic behind the protectionist agenda and its damage to U.S. reputations internationally. Rattner also discusses the unpredictability of the U.S.-China trade war, highlighting severe fiscal irresponsibility in ongoing budget discussions and warns that America's debt may finally catch up with it.

Chris Krebs, former director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, joins the discussion to unpack the alarming rollback of national cyberdefenses under Trump 2.0. He highlights the escalating threats from Chinese and Russian hackers targeting U.S. infrastructure and elections. Krebs shares the chilling repercussions of recent budget cuts to CISA and the need for smarter cybersecurity regulations. He stresses the critical importance of a robust bipartisan approach to ensure election security in light of growing cyber threats.

Marc Elias, a prominent Democratic election law specialist and founder of the Elias Law Group, joins to tackle Trump's unconventional war on the judiciary. He argues that the executive order on election integrity ironically threatens democracy instead. Elias also reveals the pressures prestigious law firms face in the current climate, and why he remains unbowed despite being targeted by Trump as a 'thug.' Furthermore, he delves into the potential risks of a looming constitutional crisis and the urgent need for legal advocates in today’s political turmoil.

Ron Fournier, former AP Washington Bureau Chief and current columnist, joins Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, to dissect recent political turmoil. Fournier analyzes Trump's market-impacting tariffs and their potential fallout, alongside ominous election results for Republicans. Wikler shares insights on the surprising Wisconsin Supreme Court race, revealing how unexpected factors, like Elon Musk, enlivened Democratic strategies. The duo explores the evolving dynamics of American politics, emphasizing grassroots engagement and the significance of media integrity.

Peter Baker, a New York Times reporter, and Susan Glasser, a staff writer for The New Yorker, dive into the chaos of Trump's second term. They discuss the national security implications of SignalGate and the survival odds for embattled officials. The duo reflects on the alarming parallels between Trump's Washington and early Putin-era Moscow. They also analyze the GOP's shifting dynamics, highlighting the implications of political decisions and accountability amidst ongoing turmoil.

Mark Warner, a moderate Democrat and ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, joins Rick Wilson, a lapsed Republican strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project. They tackle the gripping controversy of Signalgate, a risky communication blunder involving Trump 2.0 officials sharing sensitive military details. Warner and Wilson dissect the implications for national security and the alarming recklessness displayed, showcasing a stark contrast in their political backgrounds while agreeing on the need for accountability in governance.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, Puck’s chief Washington correspondent and former reporter for major networks, dives deep into the chaos of Capitol Hill. She discusses the fallout from Chuck Schumer's controversial spending bill decision, sparking discord among Democrats. The dynamic between Bernie Sanders and AOC captures attention with its populist messaging, even as Republicans struggle with rising anti-DOGE sentiments at town halls. Caldwell reveals the GOP's reluctance to respond to Trump's impeachment calls, showcasing the current turmoil and shifting alliances in U.S. politics.

Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor and FBI general counsel, dives into Donald Trump's recent confrontations with the judiciary. He discusses a constitutional crisis sparked by Trump's comments regarding Judge James Boasberg's deportation decisions. Weissmann highlights Chief Justice John Roberts' rare public rebuke of Trump and the implications of Trump's speech at DOJ headquarters. Despite being called 'scum' by the former president, Weissmann reflects on the challenges and humor in navigating today’s politically charged legal landscape.

John is joined by acclaimed actor Liev Schreiber to discuss his humanitarian aid work in Ukraine, his friendship with Volodymyr Zelensky, and the efforts to bring an end to the war in his ancestral homeland. Schreiber explains why the apparent strategy behind Donald Trump’s efforts to forge a ceasefire and force both sides to the negotiating table strike so many Ukraine allies as baffling at best; in the Oval Office dustup between Zelensky and Trump, it was the Ukrainian president, not the American one, who was standing up for American values; the sharp turn against Zelensky by so his once-steadfast Republican supporters is so shocking and infuriating; and the claims by many on the right that Zelensky doesn’t really want the war to end are so ludicrous—and insidious. Schreiber also breaks news by revealing his plans to return to the stage this spring as part of a new theater company, Together Productions, being founded by his friend, Hugh Jackman. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jake Auchincloss, a Massachusetts congressman and Marine veteran, dives deep into political chaos, discussing the upcoming government shutdown and the challenges posed by Trump’s return. He criticizes Speaker Mike Johnson's weakness towards Elon Musk and highlights the frustration among voters regarding Trump’s harsh approach to international allies. Auchincloss stresses the importance of focusing on education in political discussions rather than divisive social issues, advocating for a more grounded Democratic vision as the party navigates its future.