THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Journalist Sarah Posner, known for her insights on the religious right, joins to dissect House Speaker Mike Johnson's problematic defense of ICE and its violent tactics. She highlights his disturbing blame of victim Renee Good and the trend of portraying protesters as responsible for state violence. The discussion also delves into the troubling evangelical calls to pray for ICE leaders rather than victims, revealing a blend of religious and secular authoritarianism in Trump-era politics. Her upcoming podcast, 'Reign of Error,' promises further exploration of these themes.

Melissa Gira Grant, a staff writer at The New Republic specializing in immigration enforcement, joins the discussion on Trump's controversial tirades following a Minneapolis shooting. She highlights how Trump's narrative about 'fake' protests undermines public trust amidst growing disapproval of ICE. Grant explains the resignations of Minnesota prosecutors pressured by the DOJ and explores the implications of white nationalist rhetoric in this context. As polling shows a significant public backlash against the ICE shooting, she emphasizes community organizing as a critical tool for accountability.

Tim Dickinson, a senior writer at The Contrarian, provides sharp insights into the tragic killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent. He discusses Trump's alarming justification for the shooting and highlights a troubling report on federal agents firing into civilian vehicles, with deadly outcomes. Dickinson narrates his experience at a Portland protest, emphasizing the culture of impunity within law enforcement and the protesters' determination to seek justice. The conversation underscores the administration's provocative tactics and the urgent need for accountability.

Amanda Marcotte, a savvy journalist and political commentator, joins to dissect Trump's furious reactions to GOP defections. She outlines how five Senate Republicans challenged his Venezuela war powers, igniting his wrath. They discuss Trump's delusions of absolute power and the anxiety in his camp as dissent grows. Amanda critiques the narratives surrounding recent events, like the Minneapolis ICE killing, emphasizing the importance of accurate public documentation. Overall, she stresses the need for resistance against authoritarian tendencies.

Eric Swalwell, a U.S. Representative from California and former prosecutor, teams up with fellow Representative Daniel Goldman from New York, who also has a legal background. They discuss the escalating scandal around ICE's controversial actions and their proposal, the ICE Out Act, which aims to eliminate qualified immunity for ICE agents. The conversation highlights the need for state prosecution of those involved in the shooting of Renee Good and critiques GOP defenses of the incident. They explore necessary reforms to hold ICE accountable and the push for dramatic changes in its operations.

Felipe De La Hoz, a contributing editor at The New Republic and an expert on immigration enforcement, joins to discuss the troubling shooting of a U.S. citizen by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. They dissect the misleading narratives promoted by President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Felipe argues that the shooting highlights a pattern of ICE's rogue behavior, emphasizing the need for accountability. The conversation also touches on local officials' outrage and the implications for federal oversight of law enforcement practices.

Leah Litman, a law professor and legal commentator focused on constitutional issues, joins to dissect the clash between Senator Mark Kelly and Donald Trump. They explore Kelly's emphatic response to Trump's attack, highlighting the importance of refusing illegal military orders. Litman discusses the weak legal basis for disciplinary actions against Kelly, emphasizing First Amendment protections. The conversation reveals how this incident reflects Trump's contempt for public service and the potential chilling effects on dissent. A compelling analysis of law, power, and service!

Nicholas Grossman, an international relations professor, delves into Trump's recent tirade against the media over tariffs and international threats. He argues that Trump's aggressive rhetoric reflects personal weakness rather than strength, weakening U.S. alliances. Grossman explains how Trump's style, marked by fear, contrasts with effective leadership built on trust. With updated polls showing low support for his Venezuela actions, there's a chance for Democrats to redefine the narrative of strength, focusing on stability over bluster.

In this discussion, Norm Eisen, a legal expert and publisher of The Contrarian, unpacks Marjorie Taylor Greene's unexpected critique of Trump regarding the U.S. intervention in Venezuela. He argues that her remarks expose the corruption at the heart of MAGA, questioning Trump’s commitment to anti-interventionism while hinting at ulterior oil motives. Eisen also highlights the potential legal violations of the raid, and outlines how these actions might trigger global repercussions, reshaping the narrative around America's international conduct.

Moira Donegan, a journalist for The Guardian known for her sharp political analysis, joins to discuss the bizarre renaming of the Kennedy Center after Trump. They explore the growing cult-like worship surrounding him amidst his physical and political decline. Moira highlights alarming Fox News poll findings showing waning support and links Trump's need for public reassurance to his health issues. The conversation delves into the implications of these dynamics for the future of MAGA and Trump's diminishing influence.