The Warning with Steve Schmidt
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There is a very significant, “exhausted majority” of Americans looking to move past this rotten moment in American life. They have lost trust and faith in government, business, media and not-for-profit institutions at a moment of technological, cultural and economic upheaval. Fascism did not rise in the 1930s because it was strong, but rather, because democracy was weak. The cycle is repeating itself with a new extremism rising in 2020s America. On the podcast – consistent with the mission of The Warning newsletter offered on Substack and The Warning YouTube channel – I will be joined by interesting guests – some familiar, and some you may never have heard of – to discuss the political and cultural currents that are shaping our times, as well as the unseen forces driving politics that are rarely discussed on cable news. It's important for you to hear from a diverse range of voices – not just me – about the issues facing America today.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 21, 2025 • 8min
Trump's Ballroom Demolition is a DESECRATION of the White House
Trump's recent alterations to the White House are framed as a grave desecration of democracy. Steve Schmidt critiques rising extremist rhetoric and connects it to political violence. He labels Trump allies as metaphorical arsonists, burning the Constitution. Claims of corruption surround the funding of Trump's ballroom construction, with Schmidt urging a promise to demolish it from the next Democratic nominee. He also mocks conservative narratives blaming Democrats for national issues, highlighting a troubling devotion to Trump among certain lawmakers.
Oct 20, 2025 • 8min
"No Kings" Protests Show America Is United Against MAGA
Just over a year ago, the 2024 presidential campaign was in its final stretch and America has seen a big change since then. Steve Schmidt recaps the "No Kings" protests and the Trump regime's reaction to the growing opposition in America. Subscribe for more and follow me here:Substack: https://steveschmidt.substack.com/subscribeStore: https://thewarningwithsteveschmidt.com/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewarningses.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveSchmidtSES/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarningsesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarningses/X: https://x.com/SteveSchmidtSESSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 10min
Why "No Kings Day" is Focused on America's Future | A Conversation with Ezra Levin
Ezra Levin, co-founder of the Indivisible movement, discusses the critical No Kings Day protests aimed at resisting authoritarianism. He emphasizes the need for accountability post-January 6 and advocates for grassroots political engagement. Levin highlights how independent movements pressure Democratic leaders and asserts that upcoming primaries provide a chance for meaningful change. They also discuss combating extremist influences on youth and the importance of local races in shaping national strategies.
Oct 18, 2025 • 12min
Why Democrats Haven't Been Able To Stop Trump | A Conversation with Mike Nellis
After two weeks of the government shutdown, it's clear the Democratic party is lost in the fight against MAGA. Steve Schmidt sits down with Mike Nellis to talk about the leadership on the left and why Chuck Schumer is leading the party astray. Subscribe for more and follow me here:Substack: https://steveschmidt.substack.com/subscribeStore: https://thewarningwithsteveschmidt.com/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewarningses.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveSchmidtSES/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarningsesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarningses/X: https://x.com/SteveSchmidtSESSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 17, 2025 • 8min
Karoline Leavitt Attack on Democrats is DANGEROUS
Karoline Leavitt's alarming comments about Democrats spark a heated response. Steve Schmidt calls her rhetoric un-American and dangerous, emphasizing the importance of protest and dissent. He critiques Donald Trump's incitements to violence, warning of escalating tensions. Schmidt highlights the potential consequences of militant language from Trump allies and calls for nationwide marches as a means of civic renewal. He encourages listeners to unite against intimidation and to participate in upcoming demonstrations for accountability and hope.
Oct 16, 2025 • 13min
What Happened To The Republican Party? | A Conversation with Mike Nellis
In this engaging discussion, Mike Nellis, a savvy political commentator and writer behind 'Endless Urgency,' examines the tumultuous landscape of the Republican Party post-Trump. He highlights the troubling normalization of extremist rhetoric and the implications of a youth culture steeped in divisive imagery. They dissect the GOP's fear of protests and emphasize the need for Democrats to adopt a more aggressive stance in wielding power. Nellis urges innovative strategies at state and local levels to counter federal overreach, igniting a call for transformative policies.
Oct 16, 2025 • 10min
What Trump's Middle East "Peace" Really Means | A Conversation with Katie Couric
The podcast dives into Trump's celebrated role as a peacekeeper in the Middle East, questioning whether the praise is justified amidst ongoing conflict. It critiques the Abraham Accords as a superficial and corrupt transaction that neglects Palestinian issues. The conversation highlights Netanyahu's divisive leadership and how it has exacerbated tensions, while examining the dangers of praising temporary ceasefires. The impact of Trump's influence on Israeli politics and the potential consequences for long-term stability are also discussed.
Oct 16, 2025 • 10min
Behind The Scenes of the No Kings Movement | A Conversation with Ezra Levin
Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, is a passionate organizer driving grassroots engagement against authoritarianism in U.S. politics. He delves into the No Kings protests, highlighting over 2,700 events that symbolize the fight for democracy. Levin discusses the backlash from MAGA leaders and the importance of exercising First Amendment rights. He also addresses the psychological impact of mass protests, revealing how they combat isolation and showcase unity. Finally, Levin outlines future strategies to maintain momentum and pressure institutions.
Oct 15, 2025 • 9min
Young Republicans Group Chat Reveals the Future of the Republican Party
Leaked messages from a Young Republicans group chat reveal a disturbing fascination with extremism and violence. The rhetoric includes shocking racist and anti-Semitic language, raising questions about the future of GOP youth leadership. Steve Schmidt connects these sentiments to historical dangers and emphasizes a systemic toxicity within the party. He calls for accountability, urging Republican leaders to address this growing crisis rather than dismiss it as isolated incidents. A chilling discussion on democracy, moral decay, and the path ahead for the Republican Party ensues.
7 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 11min
Why The Media Is Complicit In Trump's Crimes Against America | A Conversation with Matthew Dowd
Matthew Dowd, a seasoned political analyst and former ABC News chief, joins Steve Schmidt to delve into the critical role of media in safeguarding democracy. They discuss the alarming decline of trust in media and its implications for Trump's unchecked power. Dowd highlights the risks of media abdication and the urgency of addressing deep-seated racial and economic issues. He advocates for rebuilding societal bonds and emphasizes that while elections are crucial, they aren’t a panacea for the democratic damage we've witnessed.
