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 20, 2026 • 15min
DSR Daily January 20: World Responds to Trump’s Saber-Rattling
The podcast dives into the Justice Department's investigation of protests in Minnesota, sparking discussions about civil rights. Tensions rise as President Trump hints at deploying the military under the Insurrection Act. The hosts also analyze the ongoing Greenland dispute and its implications for NATO and transatlantic trade. Additionally, President Sheinbaum of Mexico vocalizes concerns over U.S. military maneuvers affecting sovereignty. Lastly, U.S. cardinals critique the administration's foreign policies, adding a moral dimension to the political landscape.
Jan 20, 2026 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Rage at Protests Boils Over as ICE Scandal Takes Worse Turn
Investigative journalist Mark Follman, known for his keen reporting on political violence, joins to dissect President Trump’s recent incendiary rhetoric. Follman reveals how Trump’s invocation of the Insurrection Act could dangerously shift power dynamics. They delve into the troubling narratives surrounding ICE and the unjustified Renee Good shooting, highlighting how Trump exploits crises to manipulate public perception. The conversation also addresses the escalating polarization and how such divisive tactics might set the stage for future conflicts.
Jan 20, 2026 • 16min
DSR Weekly Wrap-up: Trump Threatens Insurrection Act
In a riveting discussion, Trump’s threats to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy military forces in Minneapolis take center stage. Concerns about press freedom arise as the Pentagon takes control of Stars and Stripes. A controversial gesture unfolds when María Corina Machado gifts her Nobel medal to Trump, raising eyebrows about its implications. Critiques of Trump's health plan reveal fears of coverage losses, while reflections on MLK Weekend emphasize the ongoing struggle for civil rights. The conversation wraps up with insights on Canada-China relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Jan 16, 2026 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec Erupts in Fury at Media over ICE as Polls Spiral Again
Aaron Reichlin Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council and an expert on immigration policy, joins the discussion on the recent outburst of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt regarding ICE abuses. They explore the alarming polls showing rising disapproval of Trump's immigration stance and increasing public concerns over ICE's impact on safety. Melnick highlights the concerning trends in detention fatalities, the massive funding boost for ICE, and the implications for a growing carceral state amid reduced oversight.
Jan 15, 2026 • 43min
Words Matter: The Steps We Must Take to Stop Trump's American Gestapo
Political scientist Norm Ornstein, a seasoned analyst on governance and democracy, joins David Rothkopf to dissect Trump's escalating authoritarianism. They delve into the troubling implications of Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act amidst civil unrest in Minneapolis. Ornstein highlights the dangers of Trump potentially suspending elections or declaring martial law. The discussion emphasizes the need for public organization, mass protests, and legal resistance against federal overreach, alongside a critique of Republican complicity in enabling such tactics.
Jan 15, 2026 • 16min
DSR Daily January 15: Venezuela War Powers Resolution Fails
The Senate recently shot down a war powers resolution aimed at limiting military action in Venezuela. Trump made headlines by threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota amid civil unrest. Meanwhile, ICE faces scrutiny over its use of AI for recruitment, leading to misclassifications of candidates and concerns about training. The discussion also touches on social media's toxicity and the backlash that forced the Trump administration to reverse cuts to mental health funding, highlighting ongoing issues with funding stability.
Jan 15, 2026 • 24min
The Daily Blast: Mike Johnson Goes Off Rails in Vile Gaslighting Display on Trump, ICE
In this discussion, Sarah Posner, an author and journalist specializing in the religious right, delves into House Speaker Mike Johnson's troubling comments about ICE violence. She explains how Johnson's rhetoric blames victims like Renee Good while framing ICE as a misunderstood agency. Their conversation reveals the intersection of religious and secular authoritarianism within Trumpism, highlighting how some evangelical leaders are calling for prayers not for victims, but for those perpetuating violence. Posner also emphasizes the need for Democrats to reclaim pluralistic values.
Jan 14, 2026 • 41min
Welcome to Crazyland: The Many Wars of Donald J. Trump
Rosa Brooks, a law professor and foreign policy expert, teams up with Ed Luce, a Financial Times columnist, to dissect the chaos of Trump's foreign policy. They explore how global de-risking is reshaping relationships with the U.S. Ed highlights the implications of dollar depreciation and warns of rising U.S. borrowing costs due to foreign sales of Treasuries. The duo also debates Trump's controversial Greenland interests and the inconsistencies of 'America First' tactics, stressing the unpredictable later consequences on international allies.
Jan 14, 2026 • 18min
DSR Daily January 14: Trump Triples Down on Greenland
The discussion heats up around Trump's controversial push to acquire Greenland and its potential NATO implications. Tensions rise as Denmark is urged to reject the proposal firmly. Meanwhile, demonstrations against ICE in Minneapolis reveal rising civil rights concerns amidst federal involvement. The podcast also explores a proposed reconstruction plan for Gaza, raising skepticism about U.S. influence. Lastly, insights on China's substantial trade surplus and its implications for U.S. global standing add depth to the geopolitical analysis.
Jan 14, 2026 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump Tirades about Shooting Get Darker as Polls Turn Brutal on ICE
Melissa Gira Grant, a staff writer at The New Republic focused on immigration and policy issues, joins to discuss Trump’s increasingly dark tirades surrounding a controversial Minneapolis shooting. They dive into how Trump's claims of 'fake' protests are crumbling as public support for ICE dwindles. The conversation sheds light on pressure within the DOJ prompting resignations and the FBI's noncooperation, raising concerns about accountability. Melissa argues that local community resistance remains key to combating this narrative and ensuring justice.
