THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

In this discussion, historian Nicole Hemmer, known for her insightful analysis of right-wing media, breaks down Tucker Carlson’s surprising critique of Trump amidst the MAGA meltdown over Epstein's recent revelations. They dive into how Carlson's critique reveals deep fractures within the MAGA base, as key figures grapple with their past conspiracy support. Hemmer also explores the evolution of Epstein-related conspiracies and their impact on modern conservative narratives, highlighting the tension between loyalty to Trump and the unsettling truths the movement faces.

In a compelling conversation, Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us, highlights the chaos ignited by Stephen Miller's demands on ICE for increased arrest quotas. He reveals how these targets compromise ICE morale, diverting agents from serious threats to pursue low-level offenders. The chat also confronts the dark trend of using vile memes against immigrants, exposing the MAGA mentality behind it. Schulte advocates for a more humane immigration approach and arms listeners with actionable insights to resist harmful policies affecting vulnerable communities.

Mona Charen, policy editor at The Bulwark, shares insights on President Trump's growing frustration with Vladimir Putin as he confronts the reality of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Charen explores how Putin has manipulated Trump, leading to Trump's humiliation. The discussion also delves into the implications of this dynamic for U.S. foreign policy and highlights the evolving divide within the Republican Party regarding loyalty to Trump and views on Putin. Charen provides a compelling look at the interplay between personal motivations and international relations.

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.