THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Mona Charen, a conservative columnist from The Bulwark, joins to dissect Trump’s escalating threats against Jimmy Kimmel and implications for free speech. They discuss how Trump’s rhetoric reveals authoritarian tendencies and inadvertently exposes lies pushed by Fox News regarding Kimmel’s return. Charen highlights the cultural backlash that fought back, illustrating a resilient civil society. Together, they navigate the dangers of appeasement and the hope for successful resistance against authoritarian pressures.

Nicholas Grossman, an international relations professor and U.S. foreign policy commentator, joins to dissect Trump’s controversial UN speech. He describes it as a 'middle finger' to allies, warning it signals U.S. unreliability. Grossman highlights how Trump's dismissal of climate initiatives could embolden China, while his mixed messages on NATO raise concerns over deterrence against Russia. With domestic policies undermining clean energy, he fears lasting damage to U.S. global standing. The conversation reveals the precarious future of international trust.

Asawin Suebsaeng, a Rolling Stone reporter specializing in Trump-era politics, delves into Trump's alarming demand for Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute his political foes. He sheds light on the reactions within Trump’s inner circle, revealing that even his staunch advisors are taken aback by the public nature of his threats. Suebsaeng also discusses the implications of this power play, highlighting how it illustrates a disturbing trend toward authoritarianism in politics. Tune in for insights on this critical moment in American democracy.

Brian Finucane, an editor at Just Security and expert in national security law, dives into the troubling implications of recent military strikes ordered by Trump against vessels in the Caribbean. He discusses the lack of evidence for these bombings and the alarming draft bill that seeks to expand presidential military authority. Finucane highlights the misapplication of counterterrorism laws and the potential for serious abuses of power, raising concerns about a shift towards lawlessness in U.S. military operations.

In this engaging discussion, political commentator Jennifer Rubin, editor-in-chief of The Contrarian, analyzes Trump's recent rants and their implications for democracy. She highlights how Trump's attempts to stifle media criticism showcase his authoritarian tendencies. The conversation delves into the chilling effects on institutions and media, warnings about potential abuses of power, and strategies for Democrats to resist this consolidation. It's a compelling look at the battle for the First Amendment and the resilience needed to uphold democratic values.

Historian Nicole Hemmer, an expert on the modern American right, joins to dissect the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. She delves into Trump’s claims that the allegations are a Democratic hoax while analyzing Kash Patel's wobbly testimony during a congressional hearing. Patel's inadvertent revelations challenge the MAGA narrative, unveiling cracks within its ranks. Hemmer connects these events to a broader historical pattern of right-wing conspiracies and deceptions, questioning how long Trump's team can keep the scandal under wraps.

In this engaging discussion with Paul Waldman, a writer known for his insights on political dynamics, the focus is on Trump's escalating fury towards the media. Waldman points out how Trump's recent lawsuit against The New York Times is laden with his own rants, showcasing his fraught relationship with journalism. They dive into a new poll revealing troublingly low support among independents, signaling cracks in Trump's once-solid grip on power. The conversation reveals how Trump's anger may signal a significant shift in his political narrative.

Asha Rangappa, a former FBI special agent and commentator, dives into the chaotic tenure of FBI Director Kash Patel, recently criticized even by Fox News. She highlights Patel's mismanagement and contrasts his approach to law enforcement with his predecessors. The conversation also delves into Stephen Miller's alarming rhetoric, suggesting potential federal crackdowns on the left. Asha warns about the implications of organized political violence and examines how presidential pardons could normalize such behavior, raising critical concerns about accountability in the Justice Department.

Will Sommer, a staff writer for The Bulwark, dives deep into Trump's recent incendiary rhetoric on Fox News, suggesting far-right violence can be justified against the liberal left. He uncovers disturbing implications of Trump's signals, which many far-right individuals may interpret as a call to action. The conversation explores the rising MAGA fury and the potential for organized violence in response to recent events, revealing the escalating nature of political extremism and the urgent need for moderation in today’s charged environment.

In this engaging discussion, Scott Anderson, a senior editor at Lawfare and author, dives into the controversial bombing of a boat in the Caribbean that killed 11 people. He explores the legal ramifications, questioning whether the strike was illegal or even a war crime. The podcast highlights a revealing letter from Senator Tim Kaine, emphasizing the weak legal justifications from the Trump administration. Anderson also discusses new evidence suggesting the boat may have been retreating, raising further ethical concerns about the military action.