The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

The Trump Administration is demanding the revocation of visas for all Chinese students. The courts challenge Trump’s tariffs. Is a ceasefire in Gaza coming? Can a general strike happen in the US? Brian and Layan take listener questions and discuss these topics and more.Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/TheSocialistProgram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content, and help keep this show on the air.

Richard Wolff, an author and economics professor, joins the discussion to dissect Trump's tariff threats against Europe and their impact on stock markets. As the EU seems willing to negotiate, they explore if Europe is capitulating to Trump. The conversation dives into contrasting economic models of the U.S. and Europe, workers' rights, and the critique of American capitalism's failures. Wolff highlights the rise and fall of the dollar, as well as shifting global power dynamics, particularly in relation to China.

Congressman Randy Fine calls for Gaza’s nuclear annihilation, the Trump administration tries to bar international students from going to Harvard, Trump threatens even more tariffs, NATO leader calls for an even stronger NATO, and more.Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content, and help keep this show on the air.

College graduation ceremonies are turning into hotbeds of protest against the complicity of university administrations and the U.S. government in suppressing dissent on college campuses. Project 2025 outlined the plan to repress and suppress pro-Palestinian protest as part of their larger project to crush democracy inside the United States. Brian Becker and Layan Fuleihan field questions from listeners on these topics and more in this episode.Have your own question for the show? Send us a voice memo on Telegram @TheSocProgram or leave a voicemail at +13028034804 and you might hear your question on air!Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Trump's recent Middle East trip secured trillions in investments, benefiting capitalists without addressing domestic crises. He condemned U.S. intervention while bizarrely planning to establish a 'freedom zone' in Gaza. The discussion takes a critical look at shifting foreign policy dynamics and the evolving relationship between business interests and geopolitics. Trump's remarks at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum reflect a growing discontent with previous military strategies, emphasizing business over intervention.

In this engaging discussion, guest Hussein Karimi, an AI expert and friend of the show, dives into the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and its implications for labor and activism. They explore Trump's recent Middle East trip and the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations against the backdrop of humanitarian crises. Additionally, they emphasize the need for evolving socialist organizing tactics to effectively challenge capitalism and raise awareness about the ongoing struggles in Palestine. A rich conversation on today's pressing social issues!

U.S. officials announced that they will begin distributing aid in Gaza, with or without a ceasefire. Donald Trump declared an end to US strikes on Yemen, and plans to hold new talks with Iran. What are the implications for the people in Gaza and the entire region?Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

In this discussion, Richard Wolff, an accomplished author and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the emerging trade alliances among Asian nations like China, South Korea, and Japan. He highlights their strategic move to reduce reliance on Western economies amid Trump’s tariffs. The chat explores the adverse impacts of U.S. trade deals on local industries, shifts in American political loyalties, and historical lessons from the New Deal. Wolff provides a compelling critique of capitalism and emphasizes the need for collaborative approaches to modern economic challenges.

The podcast dives into the Trump administration's alarming military strategies aimed at U.S. citizens. It highlights the challenges faced by immigrant sanctuary cities amidst rising organized labor protests. The discussion also tackles the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for activism against oppressive policies. Activism shines through in the narratives of May Day protests, showcasing a united front against authoritarianism, emphasizing the power of grassroots organization in the struggle for justice.

Richard Wolff, an accomplished author and co-founder of Democracy at Work, joins to dissect the unfolding U.S.-China trade war. He highlights how recent Chinese announcements signal a shift in global power dynamics, indicating that China is unphased by U.S. tariffs. The discussion links historical trade practices to contemporary issues, illuminating the negative impact of tariffs on American farmers and the broader economic divide. Wolff also critiques Trump's nostalgic economic policies and their potential favoring of the wealthy over working-class interests.