The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

In this discussion, Professor Richard Wolff, an economic analyst and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the recent German elections. He highlights the decline of traditional left-center parties and the surprising rise of the far-right AFD. Wolff also examines the shifting dynamics of U.S. influence on Germany, revealing how American billionaires affect political sentiments. Additionally, he explores the economic contributions of young migrants and the evolving support for leftist parties among younger voters in Europe.

Richard Wolff, a Professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the alarming cuts to the federal workforce under the Trump administration. He critiques the capitalist system that prioritizes profit over essential services, linking rising credit card interest rates to increasing consumer debt and financial strain. The discussion reveals how political alliances favor elite interests while ignoring the needs of the public. Wolff also highlights the broader implications of America's shifting global stance, particularly in light of rising tensions with China.

Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer and educator, sheds light on urgent issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She and Brian discuss the fragile ceasefire and Trump's provocative threats about Gaza. The conversation delves into the complexities of hostage negotiations and how recent U.S. rhetoric contrasts with Egyptian public sentiment regarding Palestinian displacement. They also explore the class divide within the Arab world and the regional responses to ongoing tensions, highlighting solidarity amidst political challenges.

The hosts delve into the far-right billionaire agenda represented by figures like Trump and Musk, exploring their potential influence on U.S. policies. They discuss alarming propositions regarding Gaza and the implications for the Middle East. The impact of Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance is analyzed alongside a critique of USAID cuts. Additionally, they examine the idea of a shadow cabinet among Democrats and highlight Zohran Mamdani's mayoral run in New York, all while addressing the threats to civil rights in today’s political landscape.

Economics guru Richard Wolff joins to discuss Elon Musk's controversial influence on federal policy and the alarming trend of corporate power overreach. He critiques Musk's push against federal workers and agencies, highlighting the potential threats to democracy. The conversation shifts to the growing grassroots resistance and the urgent need for systemic change as people band together against political power grabs. Wolff also warns of a dangerous consolidation of wealth and the implications of economic monopolies for democracy.

Miko Peled, a human rights activist and author of "The General’s Son," offers a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He critiques Donald Trump's controversial claim about U.S. control of Gaza, asserting it mirrors longstanding Zionist ambitions. The discussion delves into the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for genuine liberation rather than temporary aid. Peled also highlights the resilience of the Palestinian people amidst adversity and explores the evolving dynamics of U.S. support for Israel.

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Elon Musk's promises to cancel contracts, grants, and myriad payments from the U.S. Treasury Department. U.S. capitalism has already allowed Musk to control hundreds of billions of dollars and therefore control lots of our society's production—this is the billionaire agenda, which gives him even more control of our resources and U.S. residents even less. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss Trump's executive order to deport student protesters, Netanyahu's visit with Trump next week, Trump’s announcement of plans to completely ethnically cleanse the people of Gaza and why that won’t work, conflict within the administration, Trump’s ridiculous and racist blaming DEI for this week's heartbreaking airplane crash, 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 including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Brian Becker talks with Eugene Puryear, an author and political organizer known for his activism and co-hosting The Freedom Side LIVE. They dissect the ongoing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a façade for undermining civil rights, particularly for Black Americans. The duo examines the historical context of discrimination and affirmative action, linking capitalism's influence on racial justice. They emphasize urgent calls for continued activism and unity against systemic oppression, particularly in the face of recent legislative threats.

Richard Wolff, a professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the revolutionary AI model developed by China's DeepSeek, which has taken the tech world by storm without relying on cutting-edge chips. He discusses the implications of this shift for U.S. companies, including a staggering $600 billion stock loss for Nvidia. Wolff critiques U.S. tariff policies and highlights the risks of isolationism, urging a reevaluation of how the U.S. engages with emerging powers in a rapidly evolving global economy.