Lever Time

Alvaro Bedoya, FTC Commissioner and legal challenger to President Trump's recent actions, discusses the alarming implications of Trump's moves to fire independent regulators. Bedoya emphasizes the critical role of independent agencies in maintaining fair markets and preventing corruption. He likens the firings to Nixon's infamous purge, warning that consolidating presidential power risks transforming governance into a corrupt monarchy. The conversation touches on the precarious state of consumer protections and the challenges faced by small businesses amidst political influence.

Does Donald Trump have what it takes to challenge Big Tech? Despite the elevation of Silicon Valley billionaires and insiders within his administration, the Department of Justice is still pursuing antitrust cases against Google and Microsoft. But some worry these efforts may be too little, too late. Today, technologies owned and operated by Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are so deeply embedded in society that it’s hard to imagine life without them. It’s a situation that has caught the eyes of regulators and politicians, sometimes resulting in unexpected political alliances. Today on Lever Time, Senior Podcast Producer Arjun Singh sits down with several current and former regulators, including recently dismissed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Chair Rohit Chopra, to learn how the tech sector is rapidly changing society at the expense of the working class — and what the government can do to stop it.

Chris Deluzio, a progressive Democratic representative from Pennsylvania, advocates for embracing Trump's tariffs to reconnect with working-class voters. He believes the party's neglect of economic issues has cost them electoral success. Joined by reporter Amos Barshad, they discuss the historical prioritization of unregulated free markets over workers' rights, the influence of billionaires in politics, and the urgent need for a bold economic agenda that truly represents everyday Americans.

Kate Aronoff, a staff writer at The New Republic and author, joins climate reporter Kendra Pierre-Louis, meteorologist Lauren Casey, and journalist MacDella Mascal for an insightful discussion on the urgent realities of climate change. They explore the normalization of extreme weather events, the importance of local impacts, and how cultural narratives shape perceptions of climate action. The conversation touches on creative communication, the role of humor, and community resilience, emphasizing the critical need for awareness and engagement in the fight against climate change.

Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project, dives into recent airline disasters and the implications for aviation safety. He discusses how incidents like crashes and mishaps may be skewing public perception of air travel. McGee highlights the struggles of the FAA, deemed the “Tombstone Agency,” due to chronic understaffing and political pressure. He also addresses the outsourcing of maintenance checks and the repercussions of layoffs on safety, stressing urgent reforms needed to protect passengers.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken a strong stance against ultra-processed foods, criticizing their harmful effects on public health. The podcast reveals how food companies mirror Big Tobacco's tactics to manipulate consumer choices. Listeners learn about the psychological allure of these foods and the impact of marketing aimed at children. It also discusses the history of sugar in cereals and highlights efforts to promote healthier eating habits. Ultimately, the conversation urges awareness of the pervasive influence of the food industry on health policies.

Brad Setser, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and trade expert, breaks down Trump’s sweeping tariffs and their historical impact on U.S. trade policy. He highlights how the tariffs aim to tackle border security but may worsen the illegal drug trade. Setser explains the complexities of trade relations with China, Mexico, and Canada, and the adverse effects on American manufacturing and jobs. The conversation reveals the challenges of using tariffs as a foreign policy tool and questions their overall effectiveness in restoring U.S. industries.

Nathan Tankus, a journalist known for his insightful newsletter Notes on a Crisis, delves into Elon Musk's audacious move to infiltrate U.S. government agencies. The discussion reveals how Musk's actions threaten the integrity of the government, particularly with his push into the Treasury's outdated payment system, which has led to rising anxiety among civil servants. Tankus emphasizes the cultural divide between modern tech talent and legacy IT systems, shedding light on the systemic risks that come with Musk's controversial influence.

David Dayen, the Executive Editor of The American Prospect, dives deep into the chaos surrounding early Trump administration actions. He examines the immediate impact of halted federal spending on vital services like Medicare and education. Dayen discusses Trump's strategic manipulation of federal funding laws, and contrasts his approach with tech leadership styles. He critically analyzes the misconception that cutting federal jobs will save money, and uncovers the ideological motives behind the push to dismantle government structures.

James Bopp, an attorney and key architect behind Citizens United, discusses the monumental Supreme Court case that reshaped campaign finance in the U.S. He highlights the case's origins and the interplay between anti-abortion activism and political financing. The conversation dives into the rise of dark money in elections, the machinations behind the ruling, and the implications for democracy. Bopp also reflects on the legal strategies that transformed how candidates are funded, showcasing the ongoing battle for transparency in political campaigns.