THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

In this discussion, Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic strategist and author of The Hopium Chronicles, highlights President Trump's retreat on key issues like tariffs and the growing public discontent with his administration. He reveals that recent polling shows surprising weaknesses for Trump, contradicting previous assumptions about voter apathy toward his abuses of power. Rosenberg calls on Democrats to capitalize on this moment, emphasizing the need for a more vigorous resistance to Trump's declining influence and the urgency of engaging the electorate.

Heather Long, a Washington Post columnist and economic commentator, discusses the looming economic danger posed by Trump’s tariffs as new IMF forecasts predict lower growth and increasing layoffs. She explains how Trump's blame game, targeting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, is heightening market turmoil. Long outlines the risks of a recession linked to tariff policies and explores internal administration conflicts over these chaotic strategies, highlighting the dire implications for both the economy and Trump’s approval ratings.

Juliette Kayyem, a former national security official under Barack Obama, dives into the chaos surrounding Pete Hegseth, who faces backlash for leaking sensitive military information. As GOP members call for his resignation, Trump Jr. lashes out at critics, igniting MAGA fury. Kayyem highlights the grave implications of Hegseth's unfitness for leadership, suggesting he could spell deeper problems for Trump. She also explores the risks of hyper-masculine military posturing and its adverse effects on U.S. global influence.

President Donald Trump’s case for leaving Kilmar Abrego Garcia to rot in an El Salvadoran prison continues to collapse. In bizarre, rambling remarks to reporters in which Trump talked about Abrego Garcia’s alleged ties to MS-13, Trump revealed the profound weakness of his own arguments. In particularly ugly fashion, Trump basically admitted he knows little about the supposed evidence linking him to the gang—even though this notion is central to the rationale for refusing to bring him back. Today's guest has done deep research into MS-13: Eric Hershberg, a professor of government at American University and a leading contributor to a major report on the gang. He takes us inside this organization—and explains how implausible the case tying Abrego Garcia to it truly is.Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an extraordinary escalation of President Trump’s rage at Harvard University, the administration just threatened to block Harvard from receiving foreign students if the university doesn’t provide extensive information on students to the government. Trump also erupted at Harvard on Truth Social, making all kinds of other threats. On another front, GOP Senator Lisa Murkowski openly admitted to a sense of widespread terror of retaliation: “We are all afraid.” We talked to Jeffrey Sachs of Acadia University, a shrewd observer of authoritarianism. He walks us through the details of Trump’s new threat toward Harvard, how it can be challenged, the true nature of Trump allies’ long-term game plan, and whether our institutions will crumble in the face of it all. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Melissa Gira Grant, a staff writer at The New Republic and expert on Trump's immigration spectacle, dives into the legal chaos surrounding Trump’s deportations. A federal judge has flagged potential contempt charges over the removal of Venezuelans, signaling a brewing crisis. Grant elaborates on a senator's investigative hurdles in El Salvador and how recent polling indicates Trump may be misjudging public support for his immigration policies, setting the stage for significant backlash against his administration.

Jonathan Friedman, managing director of the Free Expression Program at PEN America, joins the discussion on Harvard's defiance against Trump's demands. They delve into Trump's threats to freeze funding, revealing a tactic of intimidation against academic institutions. Friedman argues that Harvard's pushback could inspire a collective response from other universities, highlighting the importance of institutional independence and the risks posed to free speech. This stance may be key in creating a united front to confront MAGA's political pressures.

Asawin Suebsaeng, a senior political reporter at Rolling Stone and adjunct journalism professor, delves into Trump’s alarming actions and rants following his meeting with El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele. They discuss Trump’s brazen defiance of the Supreme Court regarding deportations, labeling his intentions as 'horrifying.' Suebsaeng highlights the increasing embrace of far-right authoritarianism and the dangerous implications of proposed deportations of U.S. citizens, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy.

Leah Litman, a law professor and author of "Lawless," delves into the alarming implications of Trump's escalating threats and manipulations within legal circles. She discusses how law firms are capitulating under pressure, marking a concerning trend in the erosion of the rule of law. Alina Habba's investigations into New Jersey officials symbolize a dark shift, showcasing the chilling effects of political prosecutions. Litman emphasizes the urgent need for public resistance and solidarity to combat this authoritarian drift and protect democratic integrity.

Nicole Hemmer, a historian and author specializing in right-wing media, dives into the surprising realities behind Trump’s tariff strategies. She highlights how Fox News' narratives attempt to spin economic woes as triumphs, even as the truth emerges from within their ranks. The conversation reveals Trump’s increasing vulnerability as his cabinet’s flattery escalates, showcasing the deepening anxieties among MAGA supporters. Hemmer also examines how Trump's influence is reshaping right-wing media dynamics and the potential shifts in viewer loyalty amid growing economic concerns.