THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Rick Wilson, a former GOP strategist and Never Trumper, breaks down the escalating feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. He explains how Musk’s attacks could trigger MAGA's paranoid responses and why he believes Musk holds the upper hand in this clash. Wilson highlights the White House’s escalating concern over the fallout, as Trump threatens to cut government contracts to Musk’s companies. With social media power dynamics in play, the implications of their rivalry could reshape the political landscape.

Danielle Deiseroth, Executive Director of Data for Progress, dives into the escalating tensions between Donald Trump and Elon Musk following Musk's criticism of a crucial GOP bill. The conversation reveals alarming new data from the Congressional Budget Office about potential deficits and healthcare cuts. Deiseroth highlights how this rift and the bleak data might sway public sentiment against the GOP bill. She also urges Democrats to sharpen their messaging on healthcare and clean energy to leverage this moment as they approach the midterms.

Alex Shephard, Senior Editor at The New Republic, dives into Trump's explosive reactions to a faltering GOP bill and Musk's surprising criticism. They dissect Musk's tweets that obliterate the bill's financial claims, revealing his underlying motives. Shephard connects Musk's actions to a larger pattern of Republican policy shifts that favor the wealthy and undermine essential social programs. The conversation highlights the contradictions in Trump’s rhetoric about spending cuts while risking vital support for Medicaid. Predictions about GOP strategies add intriguing depth.

Paul Waldman, co-author of 'White Rural Rage,' joins to dissect the alarming implications of a GOP bill pushed by Trump that threatens the financial security of working-class voters. He reveals how this legislation disproportionately favors the wealthy while cutting crucial support programs. Waldman also discusses the rants by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, which exemplify the disconnect between GOP policy and the needs of their base. He warns that MAGA supporters are being misled, and that this time, the GOP may struggle to pull off their usual tricks.

Ming Lee Hui, known as Carol, is a long-time immigrant from Hong Kong living in Kennett, Missouri, and she faces deportation after her arrest. In a heartfelt conversation, she reflects on her life in the tight-knit community, where she has raised a family and earned the support of locals despite political tensions. Her lawyer, Raymond Borlochi, discusses the legal complexities surrounding her case, shedding light on the emotional struggles of immigrants like Carol amid shifting views on immigration. Their stories urge empathy in the often divisive national conversation.

Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University and lead attorney challenging Trump's tariffs, joins the discussion on recent legal turmoil. The court’s ruling against the tariffs reveals deep vulnerabilities and sharpens the scrutiny on Trump’s use of emergency powers. Somin explains how the legal defeat fuels uncertainty in trade negotiations and exposes potential overreach by the executive branch. With reactions from Trump's advisors echoing outrage, they argue the ruling undermines presidential authority and sets a crucial precedent.

Katherine Stewart, a writer known for dissecting right-wing narratives, joins to explore Trump's increasingly bizarre rants about Harvard. She connects his attacks to a broader assault on truth and learning, warning that this rhetoric undermines educational integrity and fuels authoritarian tendencies. As Trump faces legal setbacks, Stewart emphasizes the importance of standing firm against political manipulation in education and maintaining the rule of law as a defense against his attempts to instill fear and chaos in democratic institutions.

Cathy Young, a staff writer at The Bulwark, dives into the troubling dynamics between Trump and Putin. She discusses Trump's mounting frustration as Putin escalates attacks on Ukraine, undermining Trump's peace efforts. Young highlights Trump's misunderstanding of Putin's motivations, exposing his inadequacies in foreign policy. With Republicans now pushing for tougher sanctions, the conversation touches on the implications for U.S. political dynamics and the grim long-term prospects for the war. Young's insights reveal a landscape full of tension and uncertainty.

Monica Potts, a Class Politics Reporter at The New Republic, dives into President Trump's conflicting remarks on tariffs and their impact on American manufacturing. She highlights how Trump's claims lead to contradictions that undermine his agenda, such as the inevitable rise in consumer prices and the low-quality jobs that automation will create. Potts critically examines the nostalgic view of manufacturing jobs under Trump's policies, revealing how they actually erode worker rights and protections. Her insights illuminate the disconnect between rhetoric and reality in Trump's economic approach.

Jonathan Friedman, a commentator on free speech and academic issues at PEN America, joins to discuss Trump's recent attacks on Harvard University. They explore the controversial decision to revoke Harvard's right to enroll foreign students and the potential legal fallout from such government overreach. Friedman emphasizes how this move is backfiring, igniting solidarity among universities and drawing public support for academic freedom. He also examines the broader implications for higher education and the necessity for institutions to stand firm against political pressures.