THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Mona Charen, a conservative commentator and host at The Bulwark, breaks down the chaos from Trump's disastrous Davos speech. They discuss how his slurred remarks and blunders, particularly the Greenland-Iceland mix-up, have drawn brutal criticism. Charen likens Trump's MAGA spin to a cult, spotlighting press secretary Karoline Leavitt's absurd praise. The conversation explores the erosion of U.S. credibility with allies, and how Trump's policies primarily benefit the wealthy while leaving everyday Americans behind.

Elizabeth Saunders, a political scientist and author specializing in international relations, digs into President Trump's alarming comments linking the Nobel Peace Prize to military action on Greenland. She highlights how this rhetoric symbolizes a troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy and violates post-1945 norms, causing unease among European allies. Saunders warns of the implications of Trump's disregard for international boundaries and discusses the potential for a significant geopolitical shift. She emphasizes the urgent need for a bipartisan inquiry into presidential fitness.

Mark Follman, an investigative writer for Mother Jones specializing in politics and violence, discusses President Trump's recent incendiary rhetoric regarding protests and the implications of the Insurrection Act. He highlights the unjustified shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents and warns about the dangers of using the Insurrection Act as a tool for intimidation. Follman also analyzes how Trump's distractions serve to deepen societal divisions while creating a narrative of a leftist threat, ultimately examining the broader political ramifications of these actions.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, joins the discussion on the intense fallout from a press clash involving White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt over ICE abuses. They explore public concerns about ICE's reputation and accountability, along with alarming polling data indicating a rise in disapproval of Trump’s immigration tactics. Reichlin-Melnick highlights the escalating dangers associated with ICE detention, forecasting a troubling future of intensified enforcement and lack of oversight.

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.