THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Jonathan Cohn, Senior national correspondent for The Bulwark, dives deep into the controversial House GOP bill that threatens to cut Medicaid, revealing stark contradictions between Republican promises and reality. He discusses Senator Josh Hawley's candid acknowledgment of these cuts as a betrayal to Trump supporters. The conversation further critiques the GOP's ongoing strategy of prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of working-class voters, posing crucial questions about the future of the MAGA movement and its impact on everyday Americans.

In this engaging discussion, Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, sheds light on the tumultuous landscape of Trump's tariffs on China. He reveals how recent reports expose these tariffs as a major scam with no real concessions from China. Somin argues that the tariffs are legally weak and outlines the potential for significant legal challenges. The conversation dives into the alarming implications of unchecked presidential power in trade policy, raising essential questions about democracy and economic stability.

Jamie Raskin, a constitutional law expert and Maryland’s 8th district representative, tackles the controversy surrounding Trump accepting a luxury jet from Qatar. He argues this could violate the Emoluments Clause, calling it an outrageous abuse of the Constitution. Raskin delves into the broader implications of Trump’s foreign business dealings, calling for increased oversight and ethical accountability. He also discusses the necessity for legislative solutions to uphold national interests and the upcoming political ramifications of such corruption allegations.

Amanda Marcotte, a sharp Salon columnist, dives into the bizarre world of MAGA politics. She explores the stark contrast between Trump’s perceived strength and his actual behavior, revealing the cult-like adulation evident in recent press briefings. Marcotte discusses the 'MAGA aesthetic,' likening it to pro-wrestling theatrics, and critiques the psychological undercurrents of emotional loyalty among supporters. She highlights how this glorification serves as propaganda, dissecting the troubling dynamics of loyalty, narcissism, and media influence in today's political landscape.

In this discussion with Matt McManus, a political theorist and former Catholic, the backlash from MAGA supporters to the new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, is examined. McManus highlights the Pope's critical stance on right-wing figures and social justice issues. He critiques how some in the MAGA movement misinterpret Catholic teachings, emphasizing that true compassion contradicts the current embrace of nationalism. The conversation also delves into ethical responsibilities and the moral imperative of global empathy in modern politics.

Kristy Parker, a former federal prosecutor and counsel at Protect Democracy, joins the discussion on the turmoil surrounding Trump's nomination of Ed Martin for U.S. Attorney. She emphasizes the critical nature of this role and why Martin's insurrectionist ties make him unfit for it. As GOP Senator Thom Tillis opposes the nomination, tensions within the party rise, triggering backlash from MAGA supporters. Parker shares her cautious optimism about defending the rule of law against Trump’s influence, stressing the importance of civic engagement to uphold democracy.

In this discussion, Matt Hildreth, Executive Director of RuralOrganizing.org, sheds light on the severe impact of Trump's trade war on rural America. He points out how farmers are already suffering and highlights the potential fallout from GOP cuts to Medicaid and food stamps for rural communities. Hildreth shares insights on the shifting political landscape, with rural voters increasingly disenchanted with Trump, revealing a key opportunity for Democrats to connect local issues with effective messaging.

Lakshya Jain, co-founder of the Split Ticket election site, dives into the political fallout for Trump over recent commentary from strategist Karl Rove about his plummeting approval ratings. Jain explains how Trump is surprisingly losing grip on immigration, a supposed strong suit, and explores the shifting public sentiment regarding his controversial proposals. The discussion includes insights on how Democrats can leverage these trends, highlighting the delicate balance between border security and humane immigration policies.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Gertz from Media Matters sheds light on President Trump's explosive dissatisfaction with Fox News due to recent polling that reveals his disapproval ratings skyrocketing. He reveals how Fox News is grappling with this backlash, even as their own viewers begin to see the impact of Trump's policies. Gertz offers insights into the network's tactics to navigate the mounting pressure, indicating that the situation is set to deteriorate further for both Trump and the media giant.

Leah Litman, a legal commentator and author of "Lawless," shares her insights on a crucial federal ruling that deems Trump's actions under the Alien Enemies Act illegal. She discusses how this decision signals the courts may not grant Trump the deference he desires. Additionally, the fiery rant from Stephen Miller highlights the dangers of labeling migrants as terrorists. Litman emphasizes the implications of this ruling for due process, the ongoing legal challenges Trump faces, and the potential for judicial checks on executive power.