THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Join economist Paul Krugman, known for his incisive critiques and thought-provoking analyses, as he rips into Trump's celebrated trade deal with the EU. He exposes Europe’s concessions as mere illusions, asserting that the deal won't enhance U.S. manufacturing but will indeed hike prices for consumers, especially lower-income voters. Krugman also scrutinizes the media's failure to report on the true incompetence behind these policies, suggesting it’s a grand 'scam' on Trump’s supporters, rather than a significant win for America.

In this poignant conversation, Ming Li Hui, affectionately known as Carol, shares her heart-wrenching story after being arrested in Kennett, Missouri, where she has lived for 20 years. A beloved waitress and community member, she faces deportation, stirring shock and regret among locals, even those who supported Trump. Her lawyer, Raymond Borloffi, discusses the fight to reopen her case, reflecting on the emotional toll of her situation. They delve into the complexities of immigration, community support, and the human cost behind political rhetoric.

Joining the conversation is Alex Shephard, Senior Editor at The New Republic, who dives into the alarming decline in Trump's polling data and the fracturing of his base. The discussion highlights press secretary Karoline Leavitt's bizarre praise of Trump amid these troubling numbers. Their analysis reveals how this flattery might backfire politically and insists that the media must confront Trump's unpopularity. Shephard also argues that Democrats need to rethink their strategies as Trump's coalition shifts, making him appear increasingly vulnerable.

James Downie, an MSNBC.com columnist and author who focuses on Democrats and midterm elections, joins the discussion on Trump's mounting political woes. He reveals how the Fed's recent decisions on interest rates undermine Trump's policies and illustrate his declining approval ratings. The conversation also touches on the implications of evolving political dynamics for Democrats, emphasizing the need for them to capitalize on Trump's vulnerabilities ahead of the midterms. Downie encourages Democrats to harness their base's enthusiasm for the upcoming elections.

In this conversation with Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate economist, listeners dive into the fallout of Trump's recent trade deal with the EU. Krugman dishes out skepticism, calling the concessions 'fake' and emphasizing that this is more a 'scam on his voters' than a real win. He critiques the media's portrayal of Trump’s victory, revealing substantial burdens on lower-income households due to new tariffs. The discussion unveils the contradictions in U.S. trade policies and highlights the negative implications for American consumers and manufacturing.

Jennifer Rubin, Editor-in-chief of The Contrarian and a keen observer of Trump and the Epstein scandal, dissects Trump’s recent bizarre claims about the Epstein case. She points out his contradictory statements and questions why he hasn’t released Epstein’s files if they implicate Democrats. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk's suggestion that Trump might consider a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, highlighting the political risks involved. Rubin emphasizes the urgency of a Democratic win in the 2026 elections to counter these unfolding narratives.

Join lawyer Philip Rotner, an expert on political and legal matters, as he dives into Donald Trump's recent comments about pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell. He explores the dubious meeting between Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Maxwell, suggesting it’s less about truth and more about protecting Trump. Rotner highlights the MAGA movement's irony, having demanded Epstein's files, only to find themselves avoiding transparency. He speculates on the implications of a potential pardon and the absurdity surrounding it, painting a vivid picture of political maneuvering.

Amanda Marcotte, a staff writer at Salon known for her political insights, joins the discussion to analyze President Trump’s declining approval ratings amid rising tensions with the media. They dive into Joy Behar's biting critique of Trump’s envy towards Barack Obama, revealing how this insecurity fuels his rhetoric. The conversation also touches on the dangerous implications of Trump's escalating threats against media freedom and how the backlash reflects a cultural shift against authoritarianism in America.

Tara McGowan, the Publisher of Courier Newsroom and a media strategist dedicated to pro-democracy efforts, joins to unfold the turmoil surrounding Trump amid the Epstein scandal. They discuss how this situation reveals Trump's vulnerability and his struggle to manage media narratives. McGowan emphasizes the need for Democrats to tackle this scandal directly, framing it as a crucial moment to rally voters against political corruption. The conversation highlights internal tensions within Trump's administration and the disillusionment brewing among his supporters.

Ryan Enos, a Harvard Government Professor specializing in authoritarianism, dives into President Trump's escalating rhetoric against Barack Obama and political opponents. He highlights the troubling manipulation of the bureaucracy for political prosecutions. Enos articulates how Trump's aggressive strategies mirror global authoritarian threats, arguing that we must either actively combat this shift or risk accepting it as America’s new normal. The conversation underscores the urgent need for accountability and public engagement to preserve democratic values.