Undercurrents

Delve into the intriguing Signalgate scandal, where newly revealed messages stir up fresh questions. Public figures weigh in on accountability as the narrative shifts. Explore the tangled web of communication discrepancies among political elites using Signal. Discover the tension between trust and misinformation as conflicting accounts emerge, reshaping the political landscape. With each twist, the complexities deepen, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of FIRE and co-author of 'The Canceling of the American Mind,' dives into the troubling implications of the Trump administration’s student deportations targeting non-citizen protesters. He discusses how these deportations affect free speech rights on campuses and the complexities surrounding immigration law. Lukianoff also examines the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, exploring their influence on speech rights and the ethical dilemmas they present in higher education.

Lee Fang, a journalist known for his investigative work on corporate influence, dives into the murky waters of big soda and politics. He reveals how MAGA influencers were secretly funded to promote soda companies, creating a rift between MAHA and MAGA supporters. The discussion uncovers the alarming dynamics of lobbying in the food industry and its impact on public health. Fang also highlights the rising power of social media influencers in shaping public opinion and political discourse concerning controversial health policies.

A major scandal unfolds as sensitive war plans slip into the hands of an anti-Trump journalist. This blunder raises eyebrows about the trustworthiness of governmental communications. The implications extend beyond embarrassment, shaking national security protocols. The overlap of encrypted messaging with military strategy reveals serious ethical dilemmas. Experts weigh in on the fragile balance between transparency and confidentiality in governance, reflecting on how such leaks can ripple through U.S. foreign policy and affect public trust in leadership.

David Weigel is a Semaphore reporter who has closely followed Bernie Sanders and the political left. In this conversation, Weigel shares insights from his time on the road with Sanders as they rally against oligarchy. Sanders discusses his evolving views on immigration and age, contemplating the future of the Democratic Party. They explore the mobilization of grassroots protests and how this left-wing populism compares to historical movements like the Tea Party, all while addressing challenges faced by Democrats in a contentious political landscape.

Inez Stepman, an education policy expert and contributor to the Independent Women's Forum, joins the conversation to challenge the relevance of the Department of Education. She supports Trump’s executive order to close it, claiming it has only led to bureaucratic bloat without benefitting students. Stepman argues that shifting control to states may reduce costs and improve outcomes. The discussion critiques federal policies, revealing how they have failed to address educational disparities despite increased funding, and explores the implications for students and schools.

Curt Mills, Editor-in-chief at The American Conservative, offers sharp insights into Trump’s evolving foreign policy as he resumes office. He discusses the challenges posed by the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire and the Ukraine situation. Mills highlights the internal power struggles among neoconservatives and the MAGA movement, revealing tensions in U.S. diplomacy. The conversation dives into how these dynamics could reshape U.S. foreign relations, reflecting on past administrations to illuminate future implications.

Become a supporter of the show - just $1 for the first month: https://unherd.com/undercurrents/Evita Duffy-Alfonso joins Emily to break down newly released files from the National Archives related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Duffy-Alfonso argues the documents remained redacted for so many years because the intelligence community was protecting its power. Watch it on the Undercurrents website: https://unherd.com/undercurrents/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Become a supporter of the show - just $1 for the first month: https://unherd.com/undercurrents/Emily is joined by author and professor Eric Kaufman, who argues that Donald Trump is actually weakening the cause of global populism by prioritizing imperialist ambitions. Cultural priorities, Kaufman argues, are much more powerful. Watch it on the Undercurrents website: https://unherd.com/undercurrents/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Become a supporter of the show - just $1 for the first month: https://unherd.com/undercurrents/Emily reacts to new numbers showing Donald Trump’s approval is at an all-time high while Democrats, still reeling from the shutdown controversy, are plunging to new lows.Watch it on the Undercurrents website: https://unherd.com/undercurrents/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.