On this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Nick Akerman, former federal prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney in the SDNY, where he specialized in white-collar crime. Akerman, also renowned for his role as Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor, shares his expertise as we discuss Judge Merchan’s decision to deny Trump’s motion to dismiss in the Manhattan DA case. We delve into the implications of Trump’s promise to pardon January 6th insurrectionists and the erosion of democratic guardrails under his authoritarian agenda. Akerman highlights Trump’s ability to exploit the legal system, particularly leveraging recent Supreme Court rulings that could shield him from accountability. Together, we explore the chilling impact of Trump’s litigation strategies and his disregard for constitutional norms.Thanks to our sponsors:Simplisafe: Head to https://SIMPLISAFE.com/meaculpa to get 50% off any new system with a select professional monitoring plan.Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 70% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Popok, host of MeidasTouch’s Legal AF, and the Executive Managing Partner of the New York City office of Zumpano Patricios & Popok. Utilizing Popok’s expertise in the intersection of law and politics, we explore how the legal system can act as a safeguard against the incoming presidency of Donald Trump. We discuss Trump’s troubling promise to pardon January 6th rioters, whom he refers to as 'hostages.' Popok and I also examine Trump’s plans for mass deportations, executive orders that threaten democratic norms, and the critical legal battles Democrats must prepare for to protect the Constitution and uphold democratic values.Thanks to our sponsors:Simplisafe: Go to https://SIMPLISAFE.com/meaculpa to get 50% off a select professional monitoring plan!Tommy John: Save 25% on your first order when you go to https://TommyJohn.com/COHENSubscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by David Pepper, political strategist, former Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, and author of several books on preserving democracy in America. David provides insights into the Democratic Party’s shortcomings that contributed to Trump’s victory, including ineffective messaging and the failure to hold him accountable after January 6th. We also discuss recent events, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dining at Mar-a-Lago and Luigi Mangione’s alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and their impact on public perception of Trump’s policies and actions. Finally, we address Trump’s promises of retribution and the need to protect those, like me, who speak out against his authoritarian agenda.Thanks to our sponsors:Simplisafe: Go to https://SIMPLISAFE.com/meaculpa to get 50% off a select professional monitoring plan!Tommy John: Save 25% on your first order when you go to https://TommyJohn.com/COHENSubscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my friend David Corn, Washington, DC bureau chief of Mother Jones and New York Times bestselling author of “American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy.” David shares his perspective on what Trump’s win means for our country, particularly its impact on democracy and foreign relations. We discuss the dangers of Trump’s foreign policy stance on NATO, Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war. I also get David’s take on Trump’s controversial cabinet picks and how they could undermine key federal agencies and pose significant risks to public safety.Thanks to our sponsors:Tommy John: Save 25% on your first order when you go to https://TommyJohn.com/COHENOllie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 70% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Brooklyn Dad Defiant, a left-wing political commentator with over 1 million Twitter followers, known for his outspoken defiance and humorous take on today’s political climate. Author of The Bigliest Loser, BDD and I dive into Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including figures like Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, and the alarming implications of his plans to dismantle key federal agencies like the EPA and Department of Education. We also critique Trump’s divisive rhetoric and discuss the Democratic Party’s ongoing struggle to counter the GOP’s powerful messaging machine.Thanks to our sponsor:Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN for your personalized ED treatment options.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by 21-year-old Gen Z political influencer Harry Sisson, known for his over one million TikTok followers and interviews with figures like President Biden. While we discuss topics I’ve explored with other guests like Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, mass deportation plans, and how misinformation played a significant role in his recent campaign success, I value Harry’s insight as a representative of the younger generation. Harry offers a unique perspective on the Democrats' messaging failures and the critical need to engage younger voters through independent media. Together, we highlight the importance of clear communication to counter Trump’s authoritarian agenda and protect democracy.Thanks to our sponsor:Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 70% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m replaying an important episode from November 2021 with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Given RFK’s involvement in Trump’s transition team and his nomination as Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this conversation remains as relevant as ever. In a striking twist, RFK discusses how he once sued the very agency he is now set to lead. Our conversation delves into science, misinformation, his controversial views on vaccines, and the dangerous narratives he has fostered around public health.Thanks to our sponsor:Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN for your personalized ED treatment options.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Tristan Snell, former Assistant NY Attorney General, legal commentator, and author of Taking Down Trump, to discuss Trump’s unprecedented return to the presidency and its implications for the rule of law. We explore the fate of Trump’s legal troubles due to presidential immunity, which undermines public trust in the justice system. Tristan unpacks Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, chosen for loyalty over qualifications, and how his authoritarian agenda threatens to destabilize government institutions. We also discuss Trump’s mass deportation plans, disregard for due process, and efforts to concentrate executive power, raising serious concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.Thanks to our sponsors:Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN for your personalized ED treatment options.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Harry Litman, former U.S. Attorney, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, law professor, and host of Talking Feds, to discuss the dire implications of a second Trump term. We explore Trump’s alarming cabinet picks, whose lack of qualifications and controversial histories could destabilize federal agencies and undermine public trust. Harry and I also examine Trump’s authoritarian plans for mass deportations and militarized enforcement, highlighting the profound constitutional and humanitarian dangers of his agenda. Check out Harry’s new Substack here: https://harrylitman.substack.com/Thanks to our sponsors:Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 70% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Simplisafe: Go to https://SIMPLISAFE.com/meaculpa to get 60% off a select professional monitoring plan!HumanN: Give your cholesterol health advanced support with a free month’s supply of SuperBerine™ plus 15% off. Go to https://superberine.com and enter promo code COHEN.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Fred Wellman, veteran, pro-democracy advocate, political strategist, and host of On Democracy, to discuss Trump’s authoritarian agenda and its impact on veterans. We explore the growing disillusionment among veterans with Trump, fueled by his disrespectful comments toward the military and his proposals to politicize the armed forces. Fred highlights how conservative media has fostered loyalty among some veteran communities despite Trump’s rhetoric. Together, we stress the urgency of protecting democratic values and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting our country.Thanks to our sponsors:Lumen: Take the next step in improving your health, go to https://lumen.me/COHEN to get 15% off your Lumen.ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/MEACULPA to get 15% off any ZBiotics probiotic when you use code: MEACULPA at checkout.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices