Mea Culpa

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Fanone, former Metropolitan D.C. police officer, January 6 hero, author, and political activist. After being brutally injured during the Capitol insurrection, Fanone has become a leading voice for accountability, speaking out on behalf of the officers betrayed that day. In this episode, we explore how Trump’s second term is shaping up to be a full-scale assault on democracy, due process, and basic decency. We also break down the week’s tariff chaos, the disturbing deportations to El Salvador, and how some in law enforcement continue to support Trump despite his blatant disregard for their safety.Thanks to our sponsors:Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHENL-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.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 am joined by Tara Palmeri, an investigative political journalist who has worked for publications like Puck and Politico. Now she is the author of “The Red Letter” on Substack and hosts her own YouTube channel. We discuss a rather turbulent week of news from the Trump administration about Trump’s new tariffs to Signal-Gate. Using Tara’s experience as a global journalist and my deep knowledge of Trump, we predict how the world will react to Trump’s new policies and what is in store for our international relationships.Thanks to our sponsors:VIIA: If you’re 21+, try VIIA during their annual SPRING 420 SALE for Black Friday-level savings up to 35% OFF site-wide! Go to https://viia.co/COHEN and use code COHEN!Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/COHEN and use promo code COHEN  today for 10% off of TRIO!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 Steele, former RNC chairman, former lieutenant governor of Maryland, political analyst, and outspoken Trump critic. We break down the impact of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race after a Democratic victory, Trump’s reckless tariff policies and their economic fallout, and Senator Cory Booker’s record-breaking 25-hour speech on the Senate floor. Steele and I also discuss the state of the Republican Party, from its deep internal fractures to its ongoing struggle to define itself beyond Trump.Thanks to our sponsors:L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/COHEN and use promo code COHEN today for 10% off of TRIO!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 Walter Masterson, comedian, political satirist, and social media provocateur known for infiltrating MAGA rallies and exposing hypocrisy with humor. We break down the fallout from Signal-Gate and how Trump’s allies are spinning the controversy, Chuck Schumer’s latest moves in the Senate and whether Democratic leadership is doing enough to counter Republican extremism, and Trump’s ever-evolving disinformation machine. Walter and I also examine the role of social media in spreading political lies, the dangerous rise of cult-like devotion within the MAGA movement, and how satire can be a powerful weapon against authoritarianism.Thanks to our sponsors:VIIA Try VIIA! https://viia.co/COHEN and use code COHEN!Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/COHEN and use promo code COHEN  today for 10% off of TRIO!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 am joined by Anthony Scaramucci, a fellow Trump confidant turned critic. While he is known for his brief tenure as White House Communications Director under Trump in 2017 - a role he held for just 11 days before being fired - he is also the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, host of "The Rest Is Politics US," and an author. Using The Mooch’s experience, we break down Signal-Gate, which has overtaken the news cycle this week. We also discuss Trump’s legal troubles, the state of the GOP, and the fight for democracy.Thanks to our sponsor:Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/COHEN and use promo code COHEN  today for 10% off of TRIO!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, Michael Cohen is joined by Reed Galen, co-founder of The Lincoln Project and president of The Union, a pro-democracy coalition of grassroots supporters and organizations committed to protecting democracy from the threat of Trump’s authoritarian agenda. Reed and I discuss the state of American democracy, the failures of Democratic leadership, and the emboldened GOP under Trump. We talk about Chuck Schumer’s controversial spending bill decision and the dangerous trajectory of Trump’s second-term agenda. Plus, the weaponization of government, economic chaos, and what it all means for everyday Americans.Thanks to our sponsor:Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/COHEN and use promo code COHEN  today for 10% off of TRIO!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 welcome back Nick Akerman, former federal prosecutor, Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor, and the Assistant United States Attorney in the SDNY, where he specialized in white-collar crime. We break down Trump’s escalating attacks on the judiciary, including his push to impeach Judge James Boasberg and Chief Justice Roberts’ rare public rebuke. Nick explains how Trump’s efforts to undermine judicial independence mirror authoritarian regimes and what legal safeguards remain to check his power. We also discuss Trump’s violations of court orders in deportation cases, the dangers of his expanded executive authority, and the legal battles ahead as he attempts to reshape the government in his image.Thanks to our sponsors:Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/COHEN and use promo code COHEN  today for 10% off of TRIO!VIIA: Try VIIA! https://viia.co/COHEN and use 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 Alex Isenstadt, Axios’ senior political reporter and author of Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power, which hits shelves this week. Alex gives an inside look at Trump’s political comeback, how he weaponized January 6th to strengthen his grip on the GOP, and the key figures shaping his campaign. We discuss Trump’s media strategy, his influence over Republican leadership, and the sweeping government cuts his administration is planning.Thanks to our sponsors:Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/COHEN and use promo code COHEN  today for 10% off of TRIO!L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.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, my friend Tara Setmayer is back. Tara is a prominent political commentator and the co-founder and CEO of The Seneca Project, a bipartisan super PAC led by women that uses rapid-response videos and impactful ads to inspire change through action. We break down the looming government shutdown and the devastating impact of Trump and Elon Musk’s extreme budget cuts, including mass firings at the VA, IRS, and other critical federal agencies. Tara exposes the GOP’s coordinated messaging strategy, the Democrats’ failure to counter it effectively, and the rising influence of Christian nationalism in Trump’s administration.Thanks to our sponsors:Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/COHEN and use promo code COHEN today for 10% off of TRIO!Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.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 my good friend Joe Walsh, former Republican Congressman, host of The Social Contract with Joe Walsh, and fierce Trump critic. We break down Trump’s chaotic economic policies, including his flip-flopping on tariffs, extreme government cuts, and the dangerous grip he has on the GOP. Joe and I discuss how Trump's mass layoffs at the VA and other federal agencies are devastating American workers and veterans, the GOP’s fear-driven politics, and the growing authoritarianism within the Republican Party. We also explore the lack of Democratic opposition and what needs to be done to push back against Trump’s reckless agenda.Thanks to our sponsors:Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/COHEN and use promo code COHEN  today for 10% off of TRIO!VIIA: Try VIIA! https://viia.co/COHEN and use 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