

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

Oct 23, 2025 • 32min
Siliconsciousness: A Conversation with Representative Ted Lieu
The US government has taken a ‘light touch’ approach to regulating artificial intelligence under Trump and a Republican controlled Congress. Should our government be doing more? California Representative Ted Lieu joins David Rothkopf to explore the pitfalls of hands-off federal regulation, how AI has become a critical component of national security and the labor market, and more.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 21min
DSR Daily October 23: White House Escalates Sanctions on Russia
On the DSR Daily for Thursday, we cover JD Vance’s harsh comments on Israel, the administration introducing new sanctions on Russia, Trump’s demolition of the East Wing, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 2025 • 33min
Glimmers of Hope for Ukraine
After more than three years of expanded conflict, there might be some glimmers of hope for Ukraine. President Trump’s frustrations with Putin are growing, but Trump’s flip-flopping on the issue has continued to vex world leaders. So what can we expect from Trump? Has he really had a turn of heart? Ambassador Bill Taylor and Rosa Brooks join David Rothkopf to shed light on the latest news and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec’s Flattery of Him Goes Awry as Ballroom Fiasco Worsens
We’re seeing a confluence of events that suggest President Trump’s corruption has crossed over to an ugly new place. Trump is destroying a White House building to create a ballroom for him and his rich friends. He’s demanding that the Justice Department hand over $230 million in taxpayer funds to compensate him for “damages.” And Democrats from Senator Chris Murphy to Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries are going after all this in a newly aggressive way. Into this mess stepped White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who issued an extraordinary new defense of Trump’s ballroom fiasco. It was absolutely laden with comically cultish devotion to the Audience of One, but the hagiography also revealed something darker. We talked to New Republic staff writer Matt Ford, author of a great new piece about Trump’s self-dealing. He explains how all this corruption and all this worshipful propaganda reveals Trump’s profound contempt for the rule of law, for DOJ independence, for the idea of the public good, and even for the American people.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 19min
DSR Daily October 22: Trump Won’t Budge on Shutdown
On the DSR Daily for Wednesday, we break down Trump’s demands for a meeting with Democrats, Trump potentially seeking $230 million from the Justice Department, the White House pulling back on promises for a meeting with Putin, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 22, 2025 • 25min
The Daily Blast: Trump Is Screwing His Voters So Badly that It Shocked this MAGA Farmer
Not long after President Trump floated a $20 billion financial bailout for Argentina, he proposed importing beef from Argentina to bring prices down in the United States. This angered American beef producers and produced a backlash from farm-state Republicans. But the most interesting response came from Meriwether Farms, a beef producer in Wyoming that promises to “preserve the traditions of American ranching.” Meriwether posted a long lament on Twitter, professing “love” for Trump but urging him to change course. Meriwether warned that Trump was on the verge of an “absolute betrayal” of the “American cattle rancher” and of “the very people who put food on the table for us.” Does this mean Trump is screwing his own supporters so badly that they’re finally getting angry about it? We talked to Matt Hildreth of RuralOrganizing.org, whose own family has been in farming for generations. He explains the perfect storm of terrible policies hitting Trump’s rural supporters, discusses whether this will help Democrats rebound in those areas, and details how the party is changing its organizing approach in them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 21, 2025 • 24min
DSR Daily October 21: National Guard Deployment to Portland Now Possible
A recent court ruling opens the door for National Guard deployment to Portland, stirring debate on presidential power. Meanwhile, Putin stands firm against a ceasefire in Ukraine, complicating diplomatic relations. Trump's nominee for the Office of Special Counsel faces intense backlash due to disturbing revelations about his past. The podcast also delves into America's gun culture, debating the implications of a Supreme Court case challenging firearm possession by drug users, and condemns the troubling rise of white supremacy in politics.

Oct 21, 2025 • 26min
The Daily Blast: Deep in Texas Trump Country, a “No Kings” Display Brutally Shames MAGA
Ana Marie Cox, a writer and commentator for The New Republic, dives into the remarkable "No Kings" protests in Texas, challenging the narrative pushed by Trump and Republicans. She shares insights on the diverse demographics of the protesters, emphasizing their peaceful, patriotic display. The conversation highlights the disconnect between Trump’s rhetoric and the on-ground reality, as well as the existential threat many feel from Trumpism. Cox also discusses the movement's grassroots energy and the importance of sustaining momentum for future actions.

Oct 20, 2025 • 26min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Fury at Dems Goes Nuclear as Crushing New Shutdown Poll Hits
Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic strategist and author of The Hopium Chronicles, joins to dissect the chaos following Trump's fury over the government shutdown. He reveals how Trump’s termination of the NY-NJ tunnel project is a deranged act of retribution against Chuck Schumer. The discussion dives into Trump’s declining popularity, evidenced by a CNBC poll blaming him for economic fallout. Rosenberg warns that Trump’s escalating authoritarianism might backfire in the midterms, emphasizing the need for Democrats to unify and broaden their message to combat his strongman image.

Oct 19, 2025 • 25min
DSR Weekly Wrap-Up: John Bolton Charged
The hosts dissect John Bolton's indictment under the Espionage Act, debating the political implications of DOJ actions. They recap the intense first NYC mayoral debate, highlighting the clash between insiders and outsiders. A conversation on Venezuela reveals tensions as Maduro mobilizes troops amid U.S. military maneuvers. They also discuss the shift in counterterrorism funding towards Republican-led states, and reflect on Trump’s proposed meeting with Putin, questioning the effectiveness of diplomatic pressure.


