The DSR Network
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 28, 2026 • 46min
Words Matter: Don't Believe the BS That Trump & His Goons Are Changing Tactics
Norm Ornstein, political scientist and longtime analyst of American institutions, offers sharp analysis of the Minneapolis killing, federal raids, and DHS/ICE conduct. He discusses obstructive tactics, witness tampering, and political motives behind agent deployments. The conversation also covers congressional funding fights, calls for public resistance, and corporate complicity.
Jan 28, 2026 • 42min
AI, Energy and Climate: AI, Innovation and the Power Sector: Sandy Grace
Sandy Grace, VP for U.S. Policy and Regulatory Strategy at National Grid, brings utility leadership and regulatory know-how. She discusses why innovation is crucial for electrification and data center growth. She explains regulatory changes to spur tech adoption and shares AI use cases like grid operations, asset mapping, and speeding interconnection.
Jan 28, 2026 • 16min
DSR Daily January 28: Trump ‘De-escalates’ in Minnesota
They dissect Trump’s pledge to ‘de-escalate’ after federal shootings in Minnesota and the calls for investigation. Discussion covers immigration campaign consequences and links to policy-driven harms. A wrongful death lawsuit over a Caribbean strike and debates about U.S. pressure on Venezuela’s sovereignty and readiness for force are highlighted.
Jan 28, 2026 • 27min
The Daily Blast: Trump Advisers Quietly Turn on Stephen Miller as Brutal ICE Poll Hits
Adam Serwer, Atlantic staff writer focused on race and politics, shares on-the-ground reporting from Minneapolis. He explains rising dissent around Stephen Miller and why paramilitary ICE tactics are eroding public trust. Serwer describes multicultural community solidarity and why recent events reshaped political calculations.
Jan 27, 2026 • 41min
Need to Know: Real Heroes: The People of Minnesota are Standing Up to Trump's Terrorists
Dahlia Lithwick, legal journalist and Slate commentator known for Supreme Court and civil liberties analysis, discusses Minnesotans standing up to federal abuses. She frames protests as constitutional defense. They cover courts pushing back, risks protesters face, worries about military tactics, and the long-game legal fight ahead.
Jan 27, 2026 • 22min
DSR Daily January 27: Leadership Changes Rock ICE in Minneapolis
Leadership shakeups at immigration enforcement in Minneapolis after officer shootings. Heated debate over federal tactics and calls to remove senior officials. Controversy over immigration agency involvement in overseas security. Claims of investigations into a congresswoman and threats of heavy tariffs on South Korea.
Jan 27, 2026 • 25min
The Daily Blast: Dem Senator’s Harsh New Takedown of Trump Hits Home: “Breaking Point”
Senator Chris Murphy, Connecticut lawmaker and oversight advocate, delivers a blunt indictment of federal immigration enforcement. He discusses the Minneapolis killing and DHS failures. He critiques Trump’s response and appointments. He outlines reforms like warrants, IDs, body cams and limits on ICE. He frames the fight as a moral moment about holding the line on funding.
Jan 26, 2026 • 24min
DSR Daily January 26: Administration and Democrats Face-off on ICE
A breakdown of a controversial federal shooting in Minnesota and whether evidence and accounts hold up. A look at broader allegations of ICE and Border Patrol misconduct and mounting political pressure. Coverage of Israel returning the last hostage remains and what that means for the ceasefire. A take on a winter storm stressing the power grid and a high-stakes U.S.-Canada tariff threat.
Jan 26, 2026 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump Accidentally Wrecks His Own Case for Tariffs in 3 Crazed Tirades
Steve Benen, political commentator and MSNBC/MSNOW writer, breaks down how Trump’s tariff push is legally shaky. He traces a pattern of whimsical threats from Davos to Greenland. Short, punchy takes on trade deficits, congressional abdication, and what a Supreme Court green light could signal.
Jan 25, 2026 • 21min
DSR Weekly Wrap-Up: Drama Hits Trump’s Board of Peace
Trump rescinding Canada’s invite to an international board sparks debate about diplomacy. Trilateral talks on Ukraine, Donbass deadlock, and enforceability raise skepticism. Lawmakers pass DHS funding amid controversy over immigration enforcement. A U.S. naval armada heads toward Iran, prompting questions about escalation and regional risk.
