The Latest

The Oligarchs are in the White House with their Teslas parked out on the front lawn. But this didn’t just happen. What seems like sheer chaos is the result of a four-decades-long systematic plan to dismantle our democracy. It is the greatest transfer of wealth and power in world history, and the billionaires convinced half of us that it was done on our behalf. Anne Nelson, author of “Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right,” joined Maya to break down how it all happened - and what the hell we can do about it because you didn't vote for this!

What really fueled Donald Trump’s 2024 comeback? In this episode Rick sits with journalist and author Alex Isenstadt to discuss his new book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power. They dive into Trump's campaign strategy, his ability to harness cultural resentment, and the political maneuvers that secured his victory. From his outreach to young male voters through podcasts to the decisive role of figures like JD Vance and Elon Musk, Isenstadt provides an insider's perspective on how Trump reshaped his movement. They also explore the psychological impact of the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and how it further galvanized his supporters.

The fight for civil rights wasn’t just waged in the streets, it was built in classrooms led by unsung heroes. In this episode Rick speaks with author Elaine Weiss about her new book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement. They discuss the little-known history of citizenship schools—grassroots educational programs in the 1950s and 60s that empowered Black Americans to pass literacy tests, register to vote, and fight systemic oppression. Weiss sheds light on the broader civil rights movement, the institutional barriers activists faced, and the enduring importance of civic education in today’s political landscape. Elaine's book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement, available now.

If you skipped Trump's "State of the Union" record-setting ramble, this show's for you. Joe and Alex dive in - what actually is the state of our union? Part 1 of where we see the world, the economy, and the state of both parties... Starting with how Joe thinks Trump's second term has completely remade American foreign policy. It's Trump and Putin against the world. He answers maybe the scariest listener question to date. And what about here at home? Turns out, when you burn it all down... it takes a REALLY long time for things to grow back.

Trump has no mandate. Full stop. Does he want to pretend he does? You bet! But it’s a bad bet for Trump and he is way overplaying a bad hand. His sinking numbers with the American people on everything from the economy to Elon tell the story. Lisa Senecal, executive editor of Resolute Square, joins Maya May to punch up at a very deserving bully, Donald John Trump, the POTUS Who Cried Mandate. They discuss why Trump’s attempt to show strength in Tuesday's Castro-esque rant before the joint session of Congress was really a huge tell of where he knows he’s weak and failing.

The balance of power in American democracy is being tested like never before. In this episode Rick is joined by legal expert and author Tristan Snell to discuss the latest legal battles surrounding Trump, the Supreme Court’s role in shaping executive power, and the broader implications for American democracy. They break down key cases, including the limits of presidential immunity, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the growing constitutional crisis if Trump defies court rulings. Visit Tristan's Substack at tristansnell.com.

Trump and his minions have a strategy to dismantle democracy. The fierce opposition must strategically and effectively fight back. Join us on March 4 when writer and international affairs expert Tom Nichols join Rick Wilson, Stuart Stevens, and Joe Trippi to discuss the (in)stability of America's relationships with NATO members and our other allies in the region.

Political scientist, author, and entrepreneur Ian Bremmer -- who's also the founder and president of Eurasia Group and the founder of GZERO Media -- stops by to chat with Rick about how we're fucked, and why we're fucked. There is nothing like sitting down with a good ole expert friend at the beginning of a potential World War to discuss the American economy, AI, global politics, and the growing dangers inside and outside the U.S. democratic government. ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Follow Ian Bremmer at @ianbremmer on X & @ianbremmer.com on Bluesky Check out more of Ian's work at @eurasiagroup.net and @gzeromedia.com

Brian Daitzman writes, "For years, U.S. allies privately acknowledged what had been taboo to say outright: that the United States, under Trump, was falling into autocracy and was no longer a defender of democracy, but an enemy of it." Now, it's all out in public.

America’s political landscape is shifting in dangerous ways. On today's episode Rick is joined by journalist and author Garrett Graff to dissect the current crisis in U.S. democracy, where unchecked power, disruptive media narratives, and the staggering influence of figures like Elon Musk are redrawing the rules of governance. Graff introduces his incisive newsletter, Doomsday Scenario, which reimagines American news as if it were unfolding overseas—casting a stark light on the nation's mounting instability and the erosion of federal institutions. Subscribe to Garrett's newsletter at doomsdayscenario.co.

Eighty years ago, members of the Greatest Generation raised the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in defense of freedom and democracy. Today, the test of our times is a battle against fascism and in defense of democracy on our own soil. Everything is at stake and, this time, winning is on us.

Will Trump and the House GOP end up becoming the dogs that caught the car? What happens with the impending shutdown - and should Democrats try to keep the government open? And why all those horrible polling numbers for Trump in House seats really don't matter to Trump and Elon. It's all a race - can Trump derail democracy before we win back the House? What can we do to stop it?

Last week the folks on Fox continued to elevate Elon Musk as a wildly popular champion of the American people while they pretended proposed $5000 DOGE dividend checks issued to every adult American would not cause inflation. Crime, the economy, transgender athletes, DEI programs, the woke mind virus, border crossings and mass deportations all took a backseat as the network became a DOGE infomercial. Meanwhile in town halls across the country organized by Republican members of congress angry constituents complained bitterly about the reckless unelected billionaire who was destroying jobs and slashing important government programs. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decodingfoxnews.substack.com/subscribe

Killing Democracy In The Darkness of “Asleep” Censorship

Stuart Stevens' Members-Only Weekly Column: We're Right. They're Wrong.

Our institutions are falling like dominoes and our global influence is literally coming. To. An. End. And yet, there are those pundits on the left calling for the Democrats to hit pause on their attacks against fascism. Hit pause? Nothing says you’re getting the shit kicked out of you like desperately begging for a time out. A time out ain't coming. But that begs the question - how in the hell do we fight back? And how do we keep that fight going for the next four years? It’s only been a month for God’s sake! Maya welcomes Santiago Mayer, the Executive Director of Voters of Tomorrow, to talk about running this marathon to win it. He’s spent the last four years organizing, strategizing, and building an army of Gen Z activists who will fight for their futures until the end. They’re the Zelenskies of American opposition politics, and we need to take notice.

Gen Z is at a political crossroads, and the battle for their votes is intensifying. In this episode Rick speaks with Gen Z political commentator Dash Dobrofsky to discuss the shifting political landscape among young voters. Dash shares his journey into political activism, the impact of social media on shaping narratives, and the growing influence of right-wing messaging on Gen Z—particularly young men. They dive into economic frustrations, media strategies, and the urgent need for Democrats to improve their branding and messaging. With insights on the future of digital political engagement and the 2028 election, this conversation sheds light on the evolving battle for young voters' attention and trust.

As Trump continues his war on the media, our guest, journalist and media expert Mark Jacob says this might actually be an opportunity for journalists and outlets to regain their independence from the tyranny of ACCESS. Could these attacks actually make journalism stronger? Catch up now as Mark, Rick, and Joe discuss what the media has to do - and what we all have to do when they don't do their job of holding power accountable.

Prolific and multi-award-winning documentarian Alex Gibney, who's responsible for the most impactful documentaries of our time -- i.e., Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, Totally Under Control, and MANY more --sits down with Rick Wilson to discuss his portfolio of work and how it reflects on the American character. Alex's most recent project, The Bibi Files, uses never-seen-before interrogation footage to tell the story of an investigation into Benjamin Netanyahu and his inner circle and provides an unflinching gaze into the private world behind the headlines. Petty vanity and a sense of entitlement lead to corruption and the unwillingness of the Netanyahus to give up power. The extreme right senses opportunity in Bibi’s weakness, and the dominos fall.