Mea Culpa

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back fellow MeidasTouch contributor Adam Mockler for a scorching breakdown of Trump’s self-serving presidency and America’s deepening political crisis. Mockler, a Gen Z political commentator and creator known for taking on Republicans head-to-head, joins me to unpack how we can finally get Trump out of office. We dig into this week’s news, from the destruction of the White House East Wing to build his “billionaire ballroom” to false claims of a $20 trillion economic boom, exposing how Trump’s corruption has reached new heights amid a government shutdown. We reveal how farmers, federal workers, and ordinary Americans are paying the price for Trump’s chaos while corporate donors and foreign allies cash in. Finally, we tackle ICE raids, propaganda at the Pentagon, and the DOJ’s weaponization under Trump’s control, showing just how fragile American institutions have become under Trump’s obsession with power. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount plus a $40 bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add 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 welcome back my friend Joe Walsh, former Republican Congressman, host of The Social Contract with Joe Walsh, and fierce Trump critic. We break down Trump’s destruction of the White House’s East Wing to build his billionaire ballroom, the hypocrisy of a government shutdown while he enriches himself, and Trump’s gluttonous move to demand that the DOJ give him $230 million in damages for past cases. We also discuss the rise of Christian nationalism, Congress’s collapse as a check on power, and how courts are handling Trump’s orders to deploy the National Guard in American cities. From fake populism to full-blown authoritarianism, this episode confronts what happens when democracy is left undefended. Thanks to our sponsors: True Classics: Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/COHEN! #trueclassicpod Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 30% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN! #indacloudpod Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add 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 Loren Piretra, political content creator and host of The Loren Piretra Show on YouTube, for a deep dive into Trump’s latest power grabs. We break down the millions who took to the streets this weekend for the No Kings Day protests and how Trump and JD Vance tried to distract the nation with a hollow military parade. We also unpack how farmers are getting crushed under Trump’s reckless tariffs, the ongoing government shutdown, and the National Guard federalizations that have civil rights advocates sounding the alarm. Thanks to our sponsors: Superpower: Go to https://superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add 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 my friend Maria Cardona, Democratic strategist, CNN commentator, Principal at the Dewey Square Group, and founder of Latinovations, for a deep dive into Trump’s mounting influence and the chaos reshaping Washington. We unpack what Trump’s erratic foreign policy means for global stability and his self-congratulatory rhetoric surrounding the Israel-Gaza ceasefire. We also focus on America’s own unrest, from ICE crackdowns and National Guard deployments in our cities to the weaponization of the justice department through indictments of Trump’s political enemies. Together, we expose how Trump’s tactics mirror authoritarian playbooks and explore how Democrats can unify their message ahead of the midterm elections. Thanks to our sponsors: Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: https://shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add 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 Corn, veteran journalist, author of American Psychosis, and Washington Bureau Chief for Mother Jones. Together we break down Trump’s escalating power grabs, from his reckless deployment of the National Guard to his propaganda-laced military speeches and attempts to impact history with his own commemorative coin. We explain how Trump uses chaos and misinformation to test the limits of democracy, while Democrats struggle to deliver a clear counter-narrative. We dig into the government shutdown, James Comey’s indictment, and how intimidation of prosecutors, journalists, and public institutions threatens to collapse accountability. From martial law “tests” in Portland to Trump’s cult of personality, Corn warns that America’s democratic future depends on whether truth can survive the noise. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount plus a $40 bonus gift. Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN Soul: Go to https://GetSoul.com and use code: COHEN to get 30% OFF your order! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m making amends for January 6th in Portland.” Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Pam Hemphill, the former MAGA supporter turned truth-teller. Once branded the “MAGA Granny” after attending the January 6th riots, Pam now uses her platform to expose how Trump’s lies and fear tactics are tearing America apart. Recently, she traveled to Portland, Oregon, to witness Trump’s militarized crackdown firsthand, and her account of the chaos unleashed by ICE is unforgettable. From the right-wing journalist who faked a black eye to the MAGA influencer arrested and later welcomed at the White House, Pam saw it all. She opens up about breaking free from the cult mentality that still grips millions, and together, we unpack the dangers of government overreach, Trump’s obsession with control, and how ordinary citizens can fight back against authoritarianism. Thanks to our sponsors: Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Leesa: Go to https://Leesa.com for 20% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add 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 welcome back Adam Parkhomenko, Democratic strategist, former DNC National Field Director, and advisor to Hillary Clinton. As MAGA floods the media zone with its talking points, I wanted Adam’s perspective as a strategist on how to combat Trump’s tightening grip on power and the collapse of political accountability in Washington. We examine how Democrats lost control of the narrative and brainstorm creative ways to reclaim it. We also discuss what James Comey’s indictment reveals about the state of justice, Trump’s failure to improve our international standing, and the impact of Charlie Kirk's murder. From the stalled Epstein files to Trump’s use of the National Guard, we expose how chaos has become the core of Trump’s political strategy, and what it will take to fight back. Thanks to our sponsors: Leesa: Go to https://Leesa.com for 20% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code COHEN Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add 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 Dave Aronberg, former Palm Beach County State Attorney, legal analyst, and fellow MeidasTouch contributor. We dig into how Trump is reshaping the political battlefield, from lying about the cause of the government shutdown to staging a military stunt with Pete Hegseth for pure political theater. We break down how he weaponizes immigration debates, twisting health care and border policy into soundbites, while Democrats can struggle to cut through with clear messaging. Aronberg and I also examine Trump’s push to bend the National Guard and the courts to his will, and what James Comey’s indictment signals about accountability in a system under strain. Thanks to our sponsor: Prize Picks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/COHEN and use code COHEN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add 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 welcome back Brian Karem, veteran journalist, White House correspondent, political commentator, author of Free the Press, and host of the Just Ask the Question podcast. Brian worked alongside me on my book Revenge, exposing how Trump weaponized the DOJ against me. With James Comey’s recent indictment, that history is more relevant than ever. Together, we revisit our fight for public records, the pressure tactics used against us, and what these abuses mean for accountability today. We also dig into Trump’s disastrous UN speech, his looming government shutdown, and what it all reveals about his unfit leadership. Thanks to our sponsor: Prize Picks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/COHEN and use code COHEN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add 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 Charlie Sykes, political commentator, author of “How the Right Lost Its Mind,” writer of the Substack newsletter “To the Contrary,” and MSNBC contributor, for a hard-hitting conversation on Trump’s unraveling of American leadership at home and abroad. Once at the center of the conservative movement, Sykes brings invaluable insight into Trump’s grip on the GOP. We break down Trump’s UN General Assembly speech, his pivot to isolationism, and how his rhetoric is reshaping the GOP into an authoritarian, nationalist movement. We also dig into Trump’s attacks on the press, the fight over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, and what escalating political violence means for America’s future. Thanks to our sponsors: Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN Superpower: Go to https://superpower.com and use code COHEN to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices