UnHerd with Freddie Sayers

In a fiery discussion, Steve Bannon, former Trump Chief Strategist and host of The War Room, vehemently criticizes Elon Musk, labeling him an 'illegal alien' and suggesting deportation. Bannon dives into the fallout between Trump and Musk over financial controversies, asserting that this rift could signal the end of their alliance. He argues for Trump to seize SpaceX, linking Musk’s actions to national security threats. The conversation highlights the clashes within the populist movement and examines the potential implications for America’s economic future.

Kyle Chan, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton specializing in Chinese industry, discusses the seismic shifts shaping U.S.-China relations. He explores China's rapid rise in tech sectors, particularly AI and electric vehicles, and military implications tied to manufacturing dominance. Chan questions whether U.S. policies might inadvertently foster a 'Chinese Century' and highlights the urgency for the U.S. to enhance its competitiveness and rethink supply chains to offset reliance on China. The future of U.S.-China relations is cautiously optimistic yet fraught with challenges.

Ben Schiller, Managing Editor of Opinion at CoinDesk and a crypto industry expert, discusses the surprising pivot of Donald Trump towards cryptocurrency. They analyze Trump's newfound enthusiasm, his family's significant stake in crypto ventures, and the ethical implications of their involvement. Schiller highlights the launch of a $TRUMP memecoin and examines how political figures like JD Vance are shaping crypto regulations. The conversation raises questions about the intersection of politics and crypto, exploring whether this is a financial revolution or merely a strategic maneuver.

Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister and a sharp critic of EU policies, joins German journalist Wolfgang Münchau to examine Europe's precarious future. They discuss the rise of populism in countries like Romania and Poland, highlighting the paradox of economic growth amid political instability. The duo emphasizes the widening East-West divide in the EU, the impact of nationalism on political dynamics, and the regions' complex economic interdependence, cautioning against the risks of fragmentation in Europe’s cohesion.

Ben Shapiro, a conservative political commentator and co-founder of The Daily Wire, dives into the fractures within the American Right. He candidly critiques Trump’s presidency, highlighting both his successes and missteps. The conversation covers the rising antisemitism and free speech challenges in today's political landscape. Shapiro also addresses the implications of Candace Owens' departure from The Daily Wire and explores the ideological rifts on foreign policy, particularly the shift towards less interventionism among conservatives.

Aris Roussinos, a contributing editor and war reporter, provides firsthand insights from Romania's recent presidential election. He discusses the unexpected victory of a pro-EU candidate, highlighting its implications for Eastern Europe's political landscape amid rising tensions with Russia. Roussinos reflects on the contrasting views between younger urban voters and older rural constituents, while navigating concerns over electoral malpractice and potential Russian interference. The conversation raises questions about Romania's future direction and its impact on regional stability.

Sohrab Ahmari, US editor of UnHerd and a practicing Catholic, discusses the implications of Pope Leo XIV's election, the first American Pope. They explore his controversial social media posts critiquing figures like Trump and Vance, and the potential impact of his papacy on traditional values and politics. The chat delves into the Pope's balancing act between liberals and conservatives, his views on immigration and climate change, and the historic tensions between religious authority and national identity. What does this mean for faith and populism?

Peter Hitchens, a British journalist known for his conservative stances, passionately discusses the complexities of capital punishment. He tackles the moral dilemmas surrounding justice versus revenge and reconciles his views with his Anglican faith. Hitchens highlights recent trends in public opinion favoring the death penalty among younger generations amid rising crime rates. He further critiques wrongful convictions and the current justice system, urging for meaningful reform before considering reinstatement, all while exploring the philosophical and ethical dimensions of this contentious issue.

Yanis Varoufakis, a former Greek Finance Minister and renowned economist, joins Wolfgang Munchau, Eurointelligence founder, to discuss Europe's precarious position in the escalating trade war with the U.S. and China. They dive into the complexities of post-Brexit trade dynamics and critique the EU's outdated economic strategies. The future of global trade is examined, highlighting the need for reforms in response to rising powers like China. Concerns about Europe's diminishing influence and fragmentation amid global tensions are central to their thought-provoking conversation.

Malcolm and Simone Collins, co-founders of the Pronatalist Foundation, tackle the pressing issue of declining birth rates and its societal implications. They discuss the philosophical underpinnings of pronatalism, countering misconceptions linking it to eugenics. The duo emphasizes the role of diverse parenting styles and cultural identity in fostering a high fertility culture. They also navigate the complex interplay between demographic decline and family dynamics, advocating for a cultural shift that honors motherhood beyond financial incentives.