
The DSR Network
This podcast will take you on a smart, direct, sometimes scary, sometimes profane, sometimes hilarious tour of the inner workings of American power and of the impact of our leaders and their policies on our standing in the world. Hosted by noted author and commentator David Rothkopf and featuring regulars Rosa Brooks of Georgetown Law School, Kori Schake of AEI, and Ed Luce of the Financial Times, the program will be the lively, smart dinner table conversation on the big issues of the day that you wish you were having...without the calories. Sometimes special guests will join the conversation and always the emphasis will be on providing the unvarnished perspectives others shy away from. Deep State Radio is the insider perspective on American national security and foreign policy that you can't find anywhere else.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider becoming a member by visiting thedsrnetwork.com.
Latest episodes

Apr 11, 2025 • 19min
The DSR Daily for April 11: Back and Forth With China
The hosts dive into escalating trade tensions with China, discussing the impact of retaliatory tariffs on the economy. A significant Supreme Court ruling is analyzed, demanding the return of a wrongfully deported man, challenging the government's immigration stance. They also examine rising water conflicts with Mexico amidst drought-related challenges. Additionally, a tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River is recounted, reflecting on the personal loss while acknowledging the lighter moments that follow.

Apr 11, 2025 • 24min
The Daily Blast: Fox News Accidentally Wrecks Trump’s Tariff Spin as MAGA Panic Worsens
Nicole Hemmer, a historian and author specializing in right-wing media, joins to unpack the chaos surrounding Trump's tariffs. She reveals how Fox News spins Trump's economic missteps as brilliance, despite the reality of bond market fears. Hemmer discusses the unsettling sycophancy within Trump’s cabinet and the increasing anxiety among MAGA supporters. With tensions rising, she explores how the right-wing media landscape is adapting to maintain support while facing economic turmoil.

Apr 10, 2025 • 38min
Oy Gevalt
This week, the hosts dive into the economic chaos fueled by Donald Trump's tariffs, unraveling the devastating impact on the American economy and Social Security. They discuss the questionable political maneuvers of Democrats confirming Republicans and the risks of disenfranchising voters. Historical parallels offer chilling insights into governmental mismanagement, while stark contrasts between the burdens on working-class Americans and the lip service to fiscal responsibility are highlighted. The urgent climate crisis and political extremism add another layer to the unfolding disaster.

Apr 10, 2025 • 30min
The DSR Daily for April 10: Lunatics Running The Country!
The hosts celebrate spring's arrival in D.C., intertwining nature with politics. They dive into the controversial rollback of tariffs, raising concerns about rising prices and trade wars. A legislative bid by House Republicans to limit judicial powers sparks debate over judicial independence. The fallout from visa revocations on international students highlights the threat to cultural diversity in U.S. education. The discussion culminates in examining military actions against Iran, questioning the effectiveness of Trump's negotiating style and the risks of stifling free speech.

Apr 10, 2025 • 29min
The Daily Blast: “Trump Is Backing Down Again”: Hakeem Jeffries Mocks Tariff Flip Flop
Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, discusses the recent turmoil in Trump’s tariff policies, reflecting his political vulnerability. He highlights how these changes create opportunities for Democrats, especially in red districts, as they prepare for upcoming elections. Jeffries also critiques the GOP's plans to cut Medicaid, stressing the need for accountability on critical issues that affect vulnerable populations. His insights underscore the importance of a strategic response from Democrats to capitalize on the current political landscape.

Apr 9, 2025 • 47min
The Markets Prove Once Again They Have the Whip Hand With Trump
David Sanger, a New York Times national security correspondent, and Rosa Brooks, a Georgetown Law professor, tackle the chaotic world of U.S. tariff policies and their implications. They dive into the unpredictable nature of Trump's decision-making, examining its impact on international relations and financial markets. Hear insights on the tensions with China and Russia, and how economic decisions shape national security priorities. The discussion also critiques recent Supreme Court rulings expanding executive power, highlighting the risks for civil liberties.

Apr 9, 2025 • 21min
The DSR Daily for April 9: Tariffs Continue to be a Disaster
The discussion highlights the disastrous impact of tariffs on the economy, linking them to rising identity fraud during tax season. A recent Supreme Court decision pro-Trump raises eyebrows, while Trump's own comments on tariffs clash with economic realities. The episode critiques the chaotic governance affecting foreign aid cuts and dissects a leadership crisis at the IRS amid privacy concerns. Overall, the urgent need for a reevaluation of trade strategies and political leadership takes center stage.

Apr 9, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Sotomayor’s Harsh Dissent on Trump Arrests Offers a Terrifying Warning
In this insightful discussion, guest Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, delves into the troubling rulings surrounding the deportation of Venezuelans during the Trump administration. He interprets Sonia Sotomayor's powerful dissent, which highlights alarming risks to due process and the potential for wrongful deportations. Reichlin-Melnick also examines the haunting implications of legal errors in cases like that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and emphasizes the critical need for judicial safeguards against government overreach.

Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 14min
The Emergency Polycrisis Episode
Dahlia Litwick, a brilliant legal expert, delves into the chaotic legal developments currently unfolding in Washington, highlighting systemic issues within the government. Gillian Tett, a Financial Times columnist, examines the economic ramifications of Donald Trump’s tariffs, exploring how nationalism and populism influence global economic policies. Together, they illuminate the intertwined crises of law and economy, revealing the urgent need for reevaluation and political action.

Apr 8, 2025 • 25min
The DSR Daily for April 8: Billionaire Breakup
The discussion kicks off with the escalating U.S.-China trade war and Trump's tariff threats, revealing their economic impact on everyday Americans. Rising iPhone costs are scrutinized alongside Bill Ackman's economic critiques, tying into broader global issues. A notable Supreme Court ruling on deportations sparks concern over immigrant rights and the use of outdated laws in modern times. The chat also touches on the cancellation of Trump's birthday military parade, addressing financial implications and potential civil unrest linked to such spectacles.
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