The DSR Network

Well Volodymyr Zelensky may have worn a suit to the White House this time around, but he still didn’t quite get the results he wanted. The US President had little to offer beyond empty promises, even with the presence of numerous European leaders. Professor Angela Stent and General Mark Hertling join David Rothkopf to share why, despite appearances, this meeting might have been even worse than the last for Ukraine.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the DSR Daily for Tuesday, we discuss the meeting between Zelensky and Trump in Washington, Texas Democrats ending their walkout protest, discussions for the government to take 10% stake in Intel, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Member Air Date: August 12, 2025 The world’s view on Israel has shifted dramatically in the aftermath of October 7th and the invasion of Gaza. There are stark disconnects between the government and average Israelis, and the American Jewish community is undergoing profound changes. J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami and Senior Vice President Ilan Goldenberg join David Rothkopf to explore these complex relationships and what they can tell us about the future of Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, President Trump unleashed a tortured Truth Social rant that lied relentlessly about vote-by-mail—and announced a forthcoming executive order that would end mail voting entirely. That’s not legal, of course. But nothing, no matter how absurd, can be ruled out these days. Trump’s eruption also revealed a bigger set of intentions: To abuse presidential power in every conceivable way he can to swing the midterm elections against Democrats. This comes as Trump’s scheme to get Texas to gerrymander five extra GOP seats is gaining steam. We talked to David Daley, the great analyst of right-wing election subversion, whose latest book is called “Antidemocratic: Inside the Far Right’s 50-Year Plot to Control American Elections.” He explains how Trump will try to help the GOP cheat its way through the midterms, why it might work, and what Democrats must do in response—in this election cycle and, importantly, beyond. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the DSR Daily for Monday, we cover the imminent White House Ukraine meeting, mass protests in Israel, Trump’s targeting of mail-in ballots ahead of the midterm elections, and more.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joyce Vance, a legal commentator and former U.S. attorney, shares her insights on Trump's recent aggressive remarks towards the media, labeling him as a 'dictator.' She discusses the implications of his militarization of law enforcement in D.C. and its alarming effects on self-governance. Vance emphasizes the importance of public awareness, urging disengaged voters to wake up to rising authoritarian threats. The conversation explores the legal ramifications of Trump's actions and the GOP's exploitation of fear, highlighting the need for active civic engagement.

On the DSR Weekly Wrap-Up for August 15, we discuss the HHS reviving a vaccine skeptical task force, Gavin Newsom’s controversial plan to redraw congressional maps, the appointment of DEA head Terry Cole as DC’s emergency police commissioner, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renee DiResta, an associate research professor at Georgetown and author of 'Invisible Rulers', joins to dissect the ongoing distortion of the 2016 election narrative by the Trump administration. They delve into the intricate details of Russian election interference and the contrasting political interpretations that emerged. DiResta emphasizes the risks of misinformation, explores connections between the Trump campaign and Russian figures, and warns about the dangers of politicizing intelligence that can undermine public trust and election integrity.

Amanda Marcotte, a sharp political and cultural commentator at Salon, dives into the chaos surrounding President Trump's plummeting approval ratings and his explosive feud with The View. She dissects Joy Behar's stinging critique of Trump, analyzing how it targets his vulnerabilities. The discussion highlights Trump's growing authoritarian threats, the link between media criticism and political power, and the troubling rise of extremism. Marcotte articulates the shifting cultural landscape, steering the conversation toward the implications for free speech and voter dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Norm Ornstein, a prominent political scientist known for his insights into American politics, joins host David Rothkopf. They dive deep into the politically charged deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., questioning the motivations behind it. The duo compares the treatment of a Subway protester to those from January 6th and explores the bizarre saga involving Laura Loomer and Arby’s. With a blend of absurdity and seriousness, they tackle rising authoritarianism while sprinkling in humor from the quirks of current events.