The Daily Beast Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Trump Chaos Hits a Breaking Point Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

David Rothkopf and Joanna Coles dive into a week of extraordinary political turmoil, from alarming warnings about Donald Trump’s reshaping of America’s national security apparatus to growing fears over the future of democratic institutions, the intelligence community, and a rapidly escalating Middle East crisis. Along the way, they unpack protests erupting overseas over Trump-linked business ventures, the fallout from Trump’s explosive confrontation with NBC’s Kristen Welker, and the stunning upheaval at 60 Minutes that has veteran journalists questioning the future of independent media. With sharp analysis, insider reporting, and plenty of the chemistry that makes their conversations so compelling, Rothkopf and Coles connect the dots between power, corruption, media intimidation, and a changing political landscape—culminating in a provocative discussion about why so many Americans seem unwilling to confront what they see as the defining crisis of the era.

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How My Uncle’s Con Is Fully Exposed: Mary Trump Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Mary Trump returns to the Daily Beast Podcast on the week of her uncle Donald's 80th birthday to deliver one of her starkest assessments yet of a president she says is facing pressures unlike anything in his life. Drawing on her perspective as both a clinical psychologist and a member of the Trump family, Mary argues that Donald Trump is struggling to maintain control of the narrative as political setbacks, growing criticism, and the fallout from his decision to strike Iran begin to converge. She breaks down what she sees as signs of mounting instability, reflects on the family dynamics that shaped him, examines his increasingly isolated position inside the White House, and explains why she believes some of the myths that have sustained him for decades are now colliding with reality. From foreign policy and political loyalty to personal humiliation and family relationships, Mary offers an unfiltered look at the forces she believes are defining one of the most consequential moments of Trump's presidency.

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Spineless GOP Are Finally Turning Against Trump Jun 07, 2026

Show notes

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dissect the growing backlash against Donald Trump's inner circle, from Stephen Miller's escalating deportation agenda to the stunning appointment of Bill Pulte to oversee America's intelligence apparatus. They explore why Republican senators are suddenly questioning the loyalty-first culture that has defined Trump's administration, examine the political fallout from Todd Blanche's rise at the Justice Department, and reveal why even some of Trump's allies are struggling to defend his latest moves. The conversation then shifts overseas as Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump face protests in Albania over their luxury island development, before turning to the Democratic Party's identity crisis through the controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and the rise of unconventional political figures. Along the way, Wolff and Coles debate war, authenticity in politics, Kamala Harris's failed campaign, and why the conflict in Ukraine may ultimately overshadow Trump's place in history.

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How Trump's 'Stupid' Move Backfired on Him Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama, speaks with Joanna Coles about why he believes Donald Trump is repeating the mistakes the Obama administration spent years trying to avoid, from Iran and the Strait of Hormuz to the unraveling of decades of American diplomacy. Drawing on his firsthand role in the Iran nuclear negotiations and the reopening of relations with Cuba, Rhodes explains how complex deals are actually made, why expertise matters in moments of crisis, and what happens when governments ignore it. He also reflects on Trump's transformation of the White House, the growing influence of tech billionaires, the future of Democratic leadership, and the deeper battle over America's identity that inspired his new book, All We Say. Rhodes offers a rare insider's view of diplomacy, power, and the long-term consequences of decisions that could reshape the global order for years to come.

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Why Trump’s Now Losing on a ‘Daily Basis’: Wolff Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dive into what Wolff argues is the beginning of a dramatic unraveling of Donald Trump’s political project, tracing how the fallout from the Iran conflict, slipping poll numbers, congressional resistance, and growing fractures inside the Republican Party are exposing deeper weaknesses in Trump’s leadership. Along the way, they unpack Trump’s relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu, the blame game unfolding inside the administration, the chaos surrounding CBS News and 60 Minutes under its new ownership, the strange politics of California’s governor’s race, and the enduring role of scandal, ego, and media power in shaping American politics.

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How I’ll Hold Royals to Account Over Epstein Ties Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Lownie returns to the Daily Beast Podcast to discuss the explosive new paperback edition of his hit book Entitled, revealing how fresh disclosures, newly surfaced Epstein-related material, and a widening police investigation have intensified scrutiny of ex-Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, and the wider royal family. Lownie argues that what began as a story about one disgraced royal has evolved into a far larger reckoning over privilege, secrecy, and accountability at the heart of the monarchy, while detailing allegations of financial dealings, palace protection, and behind-the-scenes efforts to contain the fallout. He also explains why King Charles may have mishandled the crisis, why Prince William reportedly wants a much tougher approach, what life looks like now for Andrew and Fergie, and why he believes the biggest revelations may still be ahead as more sources come forward and his next book begins to take shape.

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I Know Why Trump Is in His Shameless Cash Grab Era Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles unpack into a week of chaos inside the Trump White House, from a failed attempt to push through what Wolff calls an unprecedented political “grift” to Trump’s growing frustration over a war he can’t seem to escape. They unpack reports of a furious showdown with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the surprising rise of loyalists with little traditional experience, the mounting political cost of RFK Jr.’s influence, and new questions surrounding Trump’s health as speculation swirls around his recent medical visits. Along the way, Wolff shares a remarkable campaign-trail story involving Jeffrey Epstein’s former plane, reveals why Trump may care more about controlling the Republican Party than winning elections, and examines the latest controversy surrounding Melania Trump’s past, offering a revealing look at the obsessions, grievances, and calculations driving the president’s decisions behind closed doors.

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This Is Why Trump’s Dark Fantasies are Crumbling Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

David Rothkopf and Joanna Coles dive into a week of chaos surrounding Donald Trump, from a weekend barrage of Truth Social posts and increasingly bizarre self-mythologizing to mounting questions about his health, judgment, and grip on reality. Rothkopf argues that Trump’s latest behavior reveals a president trapped by crises of his own making—from Iran and a crumbling political coalition to what he describes as a dangerous fantasy world where everyone else plays the victim. The pair also unpack the growing signs of Republican unease, the political fallout heading into the midterms, and why a larger generational reckoning may be reshaping global leadership. As the conversation builds toward a chilling conclusion about power, aging, and the risks of desperation, Rothkopf delivers one of his starkest assessments yet of the man occupying the Oval Office.

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I Know Why Trump's Pathetic Circus Is Collapsing Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Kurt Andersen and Joanna Coles dive into the spectacle, symbolism, and political theater surrounding Donald Trump’s latest White House ambitions, from plans for a UFC-style event on the South Lawn to a MAGA-branded America 250 celebration that’s already losing major performers. Andersen explains why Trump’s embrace of entertainment, celebrity culture, and grievance politics was visible decades ago, tracing the roots of what he calls America’s long-running “Fantasyland” obsession with self-created narratives. Along the way, they unpack the cabinet’s astonishing displays of loyalty, Trump’s fixation on revenge, the unraveling politics around Iran, and a startling 1991 MAD Magazine cartoon that seemed to predict Trump’s future with uncanny accuracy. It’s a conversation about power, performance, and why some of the strangest moments in American politics may reveal more than the biggest headlines.

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I Know Why Mad King Trump Loves to Sue: Wolff May 31, 2026

Show notes

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles unpack another week of chaos inside Trumpworld, from a judge forcing Donald Trump to strip his name from the Kennedy Center to a court challenge threatening his controversial $1.8 billion IRS settlement fund. They dig into Trump's newly disclosed weight gain, his obsession with public enemies, and why Wolff believes targeting figures like E. Jean Carroll matters more to Trump than winning in court. The pair also explore the growing influence of Todd Blanche, the fallout from the Epstein files controversy, and signs that Trump may already be turning on J.D. Vance as a potential successor. Along the way, they re-open the book on Usha Vance's baffling podcast, the deepening Iran crisis that Trump can't seem to escape, and the reality-show logic that continues to drive the presidency.

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