THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Harry Litman, a former U.S. attorney and insightful podcaster, joins to dissect Trump's volatile response to a Fox News poll revealing his waning approval. They explore the absurdity of the White House's attempts to paint a picture of widespread support for Trump, contrasting it with his aggressive rhetoric on immigration. Litman highlights how Trump's combative strategies may only deepen his disconnect with voters, warning of increasing authoritarianism in a landscape where public backing is fraying.

Moira Donegan, a columnist for The Guardian, dives deep into the unsettling implications of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s testimony amid intense questioning by Senator Elyssa Slotkin. They discuss how Hegseth's reluctance to clarify the military’s stance on unarmed protests reflects a troubling loyalty to Trump’s agenda. Donegan links this to the authoritarian flair of Trump’s military parades, emphasizing their role in cultivating a spectacle of power that threatens democracy. The conversation sheds light on the dark dynamics of military and political allegiance.

Matt Duss, the Executive Vice President at the Center for International Policy and a seasoned national security expert, shares insights into Trump's concerning fixation on war with Iran. He unpacks how Trump’s decisions are swayed by Fox News narratives, leading him to call for Iran's 'unconditional surrender.' Duss illustrates the weak case for conflict and discusses the political implications, emphasizing the potential backlash within the Democratic Party as they navigate a landscape shaped by shifting anti-war sentiments.

Kim Scheppele, a Princeton scholar specializing in authoritarianism, delves into the frightening rise of political violence in the U.S. after recent tragic events, including the assassination of a Democratic legislator. She analyzes how Trump's inflammatory rhetoric and threats against Democrats exacerbate this climate. Scheppele highlights the stark contrast between peaceful protests and escalating hostility from the MAGA right, urging for awareness of this dangerous trend as democracy faces unprecedented challenges.

In this discussion, guest Will Sommer, a senior reporter at The Bulwark known for covering right-wing media, tackles Trump's alarming endorsement of 'remigration,' closely tied to white nationalist ideologies. The conversation highlights the MAGA movement's increasing sadism and violent rhetoric, alongside implications for American identity and immigration policies. Sommer unveils the troubling connection between online extremism and political mobilization, warning that these developments could lead to a critical turning point in U.S. politics.

Tori Gavito, President of Way To Win, digs into the recent clashes over immigration policies, focusing on President Trump’s surprising admission that mass deportations hurt farmers reliant on undocumented workers. The discussion highlights the tensions within the GOP and shocking incidents during congressional hearings that underscore aggression towards marginalized communities. Gavito shares insights from new polling indicating that Democrats might capitalize on these issues to gain ground with Latino voters, revealing a potential shift in the political landscape.

Jennifer Rubin, editor-in-chief of The Contrarian, dives into the alarming parallels between California's political climate and Trump's authoritarian tactics. She argues that the media's portrayal of militaristic governance is dangerously misleading, enabling Trump's unpopular strategies. A heated White House press briefing revealed deep frustrations about press questioning surrounding military deployments on protests. Rubin emphasizes the urgency for a more robust media response to counteract normalization of these tactics, especially as Trump's approval ratings dwindle.

G. Elliott Morris, a data analyst and author of the Strength in Numbers Substack, dives into the concerning rise of authoritarian rhetoric from Donald Trump. He highlights Trump's alarming threats against protesters and how these tactics backfire politically. The discussion reveals that public sentiment largely disapproves of Trump's aggressive measures, particularly his deployment of National Guard troops. Morris critiques media narratives that downplay Trump's violent statements, emphasizing the need for fact-based reporting over sensationalism.

Barbara McQuade, a former federal prosecutor and author of "Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America," delves into Trump's alarming decision to call in military troops amid protests in California. She highlights the legal tensions between Trump and Governor Newsom, who is suing to stop this move. McQuade questions the frightening trend of political arrests and the implications of federal overreach on domestic law enforcement. Her insights reveal a critical examination of whether America is passing or failing the test of rule of law.

In this discussion, economist and commentator Kathryn Edwards dives into the economic failures tied to Trump's agenda, revealing how recent job reports are impacting the political landscape. Fox News hosts aggressively challenge Trump officials about job losses in manufacturing, signaling a significant shift in the narrative. Edwards highlights the chaotic effects of inconsistent government policies, likening the volatility in the job market to a man-made disaster, and warns that these economic missteps could lead us toward a recession.