To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Tom Nichols: Radicalization of the Armed Forces Jun 14, 2025

Charlie Sykes welcomes Atlantic writer Tom Nichols for a fiery, wide-ranging conversation on a week that felt pulled from a dystopian novel. From a U.S. Senator being manhandled at a press conference to Trump’s military parade dreams and the radicalization of the armed forces, Nichols warns of authoritarian drift masked as political theater. They also dig into Israel’s bold strike on Iran, and whether the world is stumbling into a war it won't be able to control.

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Harry Litman: Trump, the Troops, and the Threat to Democracy Jun 12, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by legal analyst and Talking Feds host Harry Litman for a sobering conversation about Donald Trump's latest maneuvers to militarize immigration enforcement—and what it signals for the future of American democracy. From the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act to the silence of military leadership, the two explore how far Trump might go and whether any meaningful guardrails remain.

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Brian Klaas: Why Are There So Many Psychopaths in Politics? Jun 10, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by political scientist and author Brian Klaas for a sobering look at how modern politics has come to attract the worst kinds of personalities—and why that’s no accident. They unpack the structural rot that fuels a rise in psychopathy, narcissism, and performative extremism among elected officials, and discuss the accelerating shift from public service to influencer-style spectacle. From Trump’s latest authoritarian overtures to the international view of America’s democratic backsliding, Klaas and Sykes make the case that the real danger isn’t the chaos itself—but how numb we’ve become to it.

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Sen. Angus King: The Fragility of American Democracy Jun 08, 2025

Senator Angus King joins Charlie Sykes for a sobering conversation on the erosion of constitutional norms, the rise of authoritarianism, and Congress’s failure to defend its own power. Drawing lessons from history—including Margaret Chase Smith’s defiance of McCarthyism—King warns that America’s democratic experiment is more vulnerable than most realize. From executive overreach to geopolitical isolation, this episode explores what’s at stake when ambition no longer counteracts ambition.

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Adam Kinzinger: The Billionaire Breakup Jun 05, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Adam Kinzinger dig into the political fallout from Elon Musk's dramatic split with Donald Trump, examining what it means for MAGA loyalty, conservative orthodoxy, and the future of Republican messaging. They explore how the culture war has overtaken fiscal policy, the strategic shifts in the war in Ukraine, and the geopolitical implications of China’s dominance in rare earth minerals. The episode also highlights the dangerous consequences of performative politics, from renaming ships to gutting battery research, as America prepares for a new era of warfare.

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Justin Wolfers: Tacos, Tariffs, and the Taquito Economy Jun 03, 2025

Economist Justin Wolfers joins Charlie Sykes to unpack the economic whiplash of Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again trade wars, explaining why the president's tariff policies are more than just political theater—they’re rewriting the rules of international trade. In a lively, metaphor-rich conversation, they explore the constitutional implications of executive overreach, the fragility of global trust, and why bad policy still sticks even after walk-backs. Also on the menu: toxic masculinity, burrito economics, and why we might all be cheering for the churro.

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Julian Zelizer: The End of the Bromance Jun 01, 2025

Historian Julian Zelizer joins Charlie Sykes to discuss Donald Trump’s growing hostility toward former allies—from the Federalist Society to Elon Musk—and what it signals about a second Trump term. They explore the erosion of institutional guardrails, the chilling effects on higher education, and the constitutional dangers of unchecked presidential power. Plus, how Trump’s loyalty-first mindset is reshaping the judiciary, trade policy, and America’s global reputation.

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Ron Fournier: The End of Big, Beautiful Friendships May 29, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by veteran journalist Ron Fournier to discuss the unraveling of Donald Trump’s once-close alliances with Elon Musk, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu. They unpack the transactional nature of power, the scale and brazenness of political corruption, and the challenge of escaping America’s two-party stranglehold. The episode also explores whether a practical, independent political movement—like one emerging in Michigan—might be the key to redefining the nation’s political future.

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Garry Kasparov: The Putinization of America May 25, 2025

Garry Kasparov, Russian dissident and former world chess champion, dissects what he calls the "Putinization" of America. They explore Trump’s admiration for strongmen, the collapse of institutional resistance, and how American democracy is being reshaped by unchecked executive power, corruption, and fear. With lessons from Russia and a warning for 2026, Kasparov lays out why the next move belongs to those who still believe in liberal democracy.

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Chris Cillizza: Can we walk and chew gum at the same time? May 22, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Chris Cillizza discuss the political rise and fall of Elon Musk, the self-inflicted wounds of the Democratic Party, and the continuing fallout from the Biden presidency. From Tesla’s brand implosion to the revelations in Jake Tapper’s book Original Sin, they explore how delusion, denial, and a lack of strategic foresight contributed to Trump’s reelection. if Democrats want to stop Trumpism, they need more than fear—they need honesty, introspection, and a winning alternative.

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Jessica Reidl: The GOP's Coming Debt Bomb May 20, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by conservative economist Jessica Riedl for a deep dive into how the Republican Party abandoned its principles of fiscal responsibility and free market economics. They dissect the illusion of Elon Musk’s DOGE budget cuts, the incoherence of Trump’s tariffs, and the looming threat of a debt crisis Congress seems determined to ignore. Riedl explains why today's GOP is focused more on political theater than sound economic policy—and why that’s a ticking time bomb for America's future.

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David Frum: The Grift, the Gaudiness, and the Guardrails May 17, 2025

Charlie Sykes and David Frum discuss the staggering corruption and cluelessness behind Donald Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million Qatari jet—complete with a backstory of diplomatic white elephants and Vegas-style décor. They explore how Trump’s second term is shaping up to be less about governance and more about retirement planning, international grifting, and institutional erosion.

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Jim Acosta: Focus Like a Laser Beam on Trump's Corruption May 15, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Jim Acosta to break down Donald Trump’s latest scandal—accepting a luxury jet from Qatar—and what it says about the normalization of political corruption. From meme coins to constitutional crises, they explore how shamelessness has become a political strategy and why even Trump’s populist image may start to crack. The conversation also turns to Stephen Miller’s disturbing influence, RFK Jr.'s bizarre water sports, and the urgent need for moral clarity in American politics.

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Chris Cillizza: Planes, Ploys, and Popes May 13, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Chris Cillizza discuss Donald Trump's economic U-turn with China, the murky $400 million jet from Qatar, and the crypto-fueled grift orbiting Trump's inner circle. They also discuss Biden’s awkward media tour, the troubling revelations about John Fetterman, and the stunning rise of an American pope as a global counterweight to Trumpism.

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Tom Nichols: The Anti-Expert Era May 11, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Tom Nichols dive into what they call the “death of expertise,” confronting how America’s most influential institutions are now increasingly led by the unqualified and the absurd. They explore the geopolitical and moral implications of the first American pope, drawing parallels to John Paul II and the Cold War. Finally, they reflect on Donald Trump’s staggering corruption in plain sight, the collective numbness it’s fostered, and the growing sense that the resistance—both moral and institutional—may finally be coalescing.

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Katie Couric: Dolls, Alcatraz, and Narcissism May 08, 2025

Katie Couric joins Charlie Sykes to unpack the psychological underpinnings of Donald Trump’s political appeal and the enablers around him. They explore the disconnect between populist rhetoric and billionaire influence, the crumbling state of local journalism, and why media coverage struggles to keep up with an administration governed by chaos. With stories of real-world consequences, they examine whether dignity, truth, or economic pain can still break through the political cult of personality.

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Susan Glasser: The Grift Presidency May 06, 2025

Charlie Sykes and New Yorker columnist Susan Glasser examine the unprecedented scale and brazenness of corruption in Donald Trump's second term. From billion-dollar business deals and crypto coin pay-to-play schemes to dismantling oversight institutions, they outline how the machinery of government is being turned into a personal profit engine. With watchdogs removed, norms shattered, and accountability elusive, who’s left to stop it?

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Olivia Troye: Military Parades and Doll Rationing May 04, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by former White House Homeland Security advisor Olivia Troye to unpack the surreal and sobering first 100 days of Trump’s return to power—from authoritarian impulses and economic meltdowns to doll rationing and military parades. They discuss how fringe figures like Laura Loomer are influencing national security decisions, the disturbing escalation of deportation policies, and the eerie complacency of American institutions. As the courts push back and allies rethink their trust in the U.S., the conversation turns to whether America is facing a generational crisis—or a historic one.

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Nicholas Grossman: Tariffs, Tyranny, and Tipping Points May 01, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Nicholas Grossman, editor of Arc Digital and political science professor, to dissect the first 100 days of Trump's second term—from the international backlash to his Canada rhetoric to the domestic fallout of authoritarian policies. They explore the growing cracks in public opinion, the danger of a politicized military, and the economic time bomb of Trump’s tariff regime. Plus, they discuss whether civil society—not Congress—holds the real key to stopping the administration’s most extreme ambitions.

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Ryan Lizza: 100 Days of Trump 2.0 Apr 29, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by journalist Ryan Lizza to unpack the first 100 days of Trump's second term and why much of the political media is failing to meet the moment. They discuss Lizza’s dramatic exit from Politico, the dangers of corporate media under pressure, and why journalists — and citizens — must rethink how they cover and confront this new era. Plus, they explore the chilling implications of government weaponization, surveillance, and the slow erosion of democratic norms.

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Adam Kinzinger: Trump's Weakness Abroad, Corruption at Home Apr 27, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Adam Kinzinger unpack Donald Trump's public humiliation by Vladimir Putin, his surrender on Ukraine, and the dangerous implications for America's standing in the world. They also dive into Trump's open market manipulation, the erosion of Congressional power, and why this political moment may be the most consequential in American history. Kinzinger argues it's time for Americans to decide: fight, flee, or acquiesce.

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Kinzinger-Sykes: Trump Arrests a Judge Apr 25, 2025

The FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan. Charlie Sykes and former Congressman Adam Kinzinger gave their reaction.

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Paul Rieckhoff: Rise of the Fake Tough Guys Apr 24, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Paul Rieckhoff to break down the chaos engulfing the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—from classified leaks on Signal to a spiraling internal purge. They explore how a Fox News persona ended up with the nukes, what it means for U.S. national security, and why even Trumpworld is starting to panic. Plus, signs of resistance from Harvard, independent veterans, and the surprising impact of punching the bully in the nose.

More info on Paul's work:

www.IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org

www.IndependentAmericans.us

www.AmericanVeteransForUkraine.org

https://youtube.com/@independentamericans8488?si=_LqnAsAM14Rdh7tV

www.Righteous.us

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Ben Wittes: This is the Fight That Matters Apr 22, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Lawfare’s Ben Wittes to unpack a whirlwind week in Trumpworld—from the Supreme Court’s late-night rebuke of secret deportations to Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon meltdown. They discuss the legal stakes of the Abrego Garcia case, the markets reacting to Trump’s Fed threats, and the eerie silence around Trump’s authoritarian moves.

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Tom Nichols: The Sum of All Fears — Easter Edition Apr 20, 2025

On this Easter Sunday, Charlie Sykes is joined by Atlantic writer Tom Nichols to unpack the dizzying pace of democratic erosion in Trump's second term. From threats to the IRS, FCC, and Fed, to the elevation of conspiracy theorists and foreign propaganda apologists, they examine how fear, intimidation, and nihilism are driving the administration’s agenda. But amidst the chaos, they find reasons for hope—including a judiciary showing backbone and institutions that may yet rediscover their courage.

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Julian Zelizer: The Rule of Law Meets the Trump Doctrine Apr 17, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by historian Julian Zelizer to examine the Trump administration's defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court, the mounting fallout from a chaotic trade war, and the troubling implications of a president who surrounds himself with sycophants and silences dissent. From Harvard's resistance to law firms caving under political pressure, they explore how institutions are — or aren’t — pushing back. Plus, what the long view of history tells us about the dangers of unchecked executive power in a fragile democracy.

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Tim O’Brien: When the Law No Longer Matters Apr 15, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Tim O’Brien of Bloomberg Opinion to unpack the chaos of Trump's tariff war, his public humiliation by Vladimir Putin, and his escalating disregard for the rule of law. They discuss how the president’s unchecked impulses are upending markets, weakening U.S. alliances, and threatening legal norms—all while rewarding loyalty and punishing dissent. From stock tips on social media to ignoring Supreme Court rulings, this episode explores what happens when a president governs entirely by id.

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Amy McGarth & Denver Riggleman: Tariffs, Tyranny and Truth in the Barrel Apr 13, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman for a candid conversation about national security, military norms, and the authoritarian threats posed by a second Trump term. They dive into the dangers of loyalty-driven purges, the collapse of soft power, and why some Americans still fall for bizarre conspiracy theories. With bourbon-fueled honesty and bipartisan grit, the trio also preview Amy and Denver's new podcast, Truth in the Barrel.

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Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes: "Fight" and the Price of Gaslighting Apr 10, 2025

Charlie Sykes talks with Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, authors of Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House, to unpack their explosive behind-the-scenes reporting on the 2024 election. They discuss a Democratic Party in disarray, a media landscape accused of complicity, and the pivotal moments that helped reelect Donald Trump. From Biden’s final days to Harris’s uphill battle, this conversation offers a revealing look at how we got here.

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Peter Wehner: Trump, Denial, and the Collapse of Civic Courage Apr 08, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Peter Wehner to unpack the global economic chaos unfolding under Donald Trump's leadership. They explore the psychological grip Trump holds on his supporters, the failures of institutions to push back, and the dangerous normalization of one-man rule. Together, they reflect on how fear, denial, and the collapse of civic courage have created a moment of reckoning—not just for the Republican Party, but for the country as a whole.

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David French: Tariffs, Sycophants and Signal Apr 06, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by David French for a wide-ranging conversation about the alarming trajectory of Trump’s second term—from potential appointments like Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel to the chaos of $6 trillion in new tariffs. They explore the rise of authoritarian instincts, the collapse of due process, and the moral rationalizations enabling Trump's grip on power. Plus: big law caves, Laura Loomer ascends, and Paula White offers angelic blessings—for a price.

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Josh Kraushaar: Elon’s Flameout & the GOP Fallout Apr 03, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Josh Kraushaar to unpack the political aftershocks of Elon Musk’s failed $26 million intervention in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race. They dig into the GOP’s internal frustrations with Musk, the Trump administration’s growing disregard for due process, and the Democrats’ unexpected resurgence. Plus, the two discuss the rise of Cory Booker, the collapse of institutional resistance, and the dangers of cruelty as political theater.

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David Jolly: Taking Trump's Third Term Seriously Apr 01, 2025

Charlie Sykes and former Congressman David Jolly explore the unsettling prospect of Donald Trump pursuing a third term and the broader implications for American democracy. They examine the collapse of congressional power, the growing influence of Elon Musk in Republican politics, and the corrosive impact of money on elections—including a $100 million Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Jolly also hints at a potential gubernatorial run in Florida and offers sobering insight into the dangers posed by RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine agenda.

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Jim Acosta: Greenshoots in the Fight for America Mar 30, 2025

Charlie Sykes welcomes CNN veteran and Substack writer Jim Acosta for a weekend conversation on fear, power, and political pushback in the Trump era. They discuss the administration's performative authoritarianism, from mass deportations and censorship to threats against institutions and the judiciary—while also spotlighting signs of resistance, electoral shifts, and green shoots of hope. With humor and urgency, Acosta argues that while Trump wants America to be afraid, the cracks in his facade are beginning to show.

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Anne Applebaum: Signal and the Authoritarian Playbook Mar 27, 2025

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Atlantic staff writer Anne Applebaum joins Charlie Sykes to unpack the shocking revelations of the "SignalGate" scandal—an alarming breach of national security and a window into the chaos of the second Trump administration. Applebaum explains how the use of unsecured messaging apps, bizarre bravado among senior officials, and a deep-seated hostility toward Europe signal a broader collapse of institutional norms. The conversation also explores how modern autocratic tactics are taking hold in the U.S., and why the erosion of resistance in American institutions should be sounding alarm bells.

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Olivia Troye Has Entered the Chat Mar 25, 2025

Charlie Sykes and national security expert Olivia Troye react to The Atlantic's bombshell report detailing how Trump administration officials accidentally included a journalist in a Signal group chat revealing real-time U.S. war plans. They also examine the chilling erosion of institutional norms—from the revocation of security clearances for dissenters to the shuttering of Voice of America—and question what happens when authoritarian tactics meet amateur hour governance. Plus, they discuss the bizarre return of Trump’s Greenland obsession and the dismantling of Social Security without a single vote.

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Tom Nichols: Why Are We Still Surprised? Mar 23, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Tom Nichols of The Atlantic to discuss the growing normalization of authoritarianism and the failure of America's institutions to push back. They cover everything from Trump’s war on the judiciary to Elon Musk’s growing influence, the alarming capitulations by law firms and universities, and Vladimir Putin's manipulation of global power dynamics. It’s a wide-ranging, sobering, and often darkly funny conversation about why, even after all this time, we’re still capable of being shocked.

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Kinzinger and Sykes: How Putin Humiliates Trump Mar 20, 2025

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes for a candid discussion on the state of American democracy, Donald Trump's threats, and the exhaustion of fighting political chaos. Kinzinger reflects on the lessons he's learned since leaving Congress, including the importance of resilience in the face of intimidation and the need to maintain a sense of humor. Together, they break down Trump’s continued fixation on revenge, the GOP’s deference to Vladimir Putin, and why strong leadership is essential for Democrats navigating this critical moment.

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Michael Roth: It's Time for Universities to Stand Up to Trump Mar 18, 2025

Charlie Sykes speaks with Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University, about the escalating attacks on higher education under Donald Trump’s administration. They discuss the administration’s sweeping funding cuts, threats to academic freedom, and the reluctance of university leaders to push back against government overreach. Roth offers a candid perspective on why he refuses to stay silent and what must happen to preserve the independence of American institutions.

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David Frum: Trade Wars and Turmoil Mar 16, 2025

Charlie Sykes and David Frum discuss the volatile state of the U.S. economy, the Trump administration’s trade war with Canada, and the potential consequences of Elon Musk’s growing influence in government policy. They analyze Trump’s economic policies, including his fixation on tariffs and trade conflicts, and question the administration’s erratic geopolitical maneuvers, from Ukraine to Panama. The conversation also explores the Republican Party’s surrender to Trump’s agenda and the alarming speed of institutional capitulation in American democracy.

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Nicholas Grossman: Why does Trump have a Putin fetish? Mar 13, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Nicholas Grossman, editor of Arc Digital and professor of political science at the University of Illinois, to dissect the latest political chaos. They explore Donald Trump’s bizarre loyalty to Vladimir Putin, the unraveling of U.S. alliances, and the dangerous shift in global power dynamics. From the potential government shutdown to the erosion of democratic norms, this conversation is a deep dive into the troubling state of American politics and its broader implications.

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Reed Galen: The Disconnect Between Voters and the Establishment Mar 11, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Reed Galen discuss the latest political turmoil, including the potential government shutdown, economic uncertainty, and the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party. They examine the rise of authoritarian figures, the state of the opposition, and the disconnect between voters and the political establishment. The conversation also delves into the broader implications of America's shifting global role, the dangers of Trumpism, and how Democrats can counteract the MAGA movement in an increasingly fractured political landscape.

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Jonathan Martin: Are Trump and Musk Breaking Up? Mar 09, 2025

Charlie Sykes sits down with Politico senior writer Jonathan Martin to break down the latest political chaos, including the explosive clash between the Trump cabinet and Elon Musk. They explore the growing tensions within Trump's cabinet, the unpredictability of his policy decisions, and the broader implications for America's allies. Martin also offers insight into the Democratic Party’s struggles, Gavin Newsom’s surprising stance on transgender athletes, and the nervous atmosphere at the recent Munich Security Conference.

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Karen Tumulty: Trump's Delusions Run Into Reality Mar 06, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty react to President Trump's speech to Congress. They discuss the administration’s approach to governance, including its impact on national security, economic policy, and the broader implications of Elon Musk’s influence. Tumulty and Sykes analyze the Republican Party’s response, the weakening of institutional guardrails, and how the media is navigating this new political landscape.

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Susan Glasser: Why Aren’t We in The Streets? Mar 04, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Susan Glasser discuss the significant geopolitical shifts occurring under Donald Trump's presidency, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia. They analyze the implications of Trump's actions, including his confrontational meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, and the broader consequences for American foreign policy and alliances, especially in relation to NATO and Europe.

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Kinzinger-Sykes, Part II: Vindication Mar 02, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Adam Kinzinger discuss the significant shifts within the Republican Party, particularly in relation to Donald Trump's presidency. They explore the betrayal of traditional conservative values, especially regarding foreign policy and support for Ukraine. They also discuss the feelings of isolation and vindication among those who oppose Trump, and the challenges faced by individuals of faith in a politically charged environment. They also critique Elon Musk's influence on government and the potential dangers of drastic cuts to essential services.

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Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy: A national Disgrace (with Adam Kinzinger) Feb 28, 2025

Charlie Sykes Adam Kinzinger discuss the recent Oval Office meeting between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. They share their reaction to the treatment of Zelensky, the implications of Trump's actions for U.S. foreign policy, and the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party regarding support for Ukraine.

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Kara Swisher: Bezos throws a tantrum; Musk thinks he’s Jesus Feb 27, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Kara Swisher discuss the evolving landscape of media and the influence of billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, and the future of major media outlets like the Washington Post. Swisher talks the motivations behind these billionaires' actions and their impact on society, emphasizing the need for accountability and the dangers of unchecked power. They also discuss the complex relationship between Trump and Elon Musk, Musk's self-perception as a savior and the potential consequences of his actions on Trump's political standing.

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Paul Rieckhoff: Trump’s Assault on the Military Feb 25, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Paul Rieckhoff discuss the recent UN vote where the United States sided with Russia against a resolution supporting Ukraine. They explore the implications of this decision, the perception of America as the 'bad guy', and the ongoing military purge under Trump's administration. they also discuss the culture of the military, the importance of values in leadership, and the chaos that is unfolding within the military ranks. They also touch on the impact of these changes on veterans and the 9/11 health registry. Plus, the critical role of veterans in politics, the manipulation of media and information by the current administration, and the implications of recent appointments within the FBI. They also highlight the challenges faced by the Democratic Party, including a lack of leadership and strategy, and speculate on Trump's consolidation of power and its potential consequences for the future of American politics.

More information:

Independent Veterans of America: https://independentveteransofamerica.org/

American Veterans for Ukraine: https://americanveteransforukraine.org/

Independent Americans: https://independentamericans.us/

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Ben Wittes: The US Switches Sides in Ukraine Feb 20, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by legal analyst Ben Wittes to examine the first month of Trump's second presidency and the shocking realignment of U.S. foreign and domestic policy. They discuss the administration’s abandonment of Ukraine, the erosion of DOJ independence, and the broader constitutional crisis emerging from Trump’s unchecked executive power. With Republican capitulation in Congress and Trump’s open defiance of legal norms, Sykes and Wittes explore the implications for democracy, the judiciary’s role as the last remaining guardrail, and whether Europe can step up as the U.S. retreats from its global leadership.

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Brian Rosenwald: One Month of Trump 2.0 Feb 18, 2025

Charlie Sykes and political historian Brian Rosenwald from the University of Pennsylvania take a look back at the first month of the second Trump administration

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Tim O'Brien: Trump only cares about two things Feb 16, 2025

Charlie Sykes is joined by Tim O’Brien, Executive Editor for Opinion at Bloomberg, for a wide-ranging discussion on Donald Trump’s latest actions and their broader implications. They explore Trump's fascination with power and control, his influence over U.S. institutions, and his ongoing relationship with figures like Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin. The conversation also delves into the fallout from the DOJ’s attempted intervention in the Eric Adams case, Trump's push for tariffs, and the global consequences of his policies.

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Olivia Troye: Standing up to Kash Patel Feb 13, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Olivia Troye discuss the appointment of controversial figures like Kash Patel, the administration’s authoritarian tendencies, and the global implications of Trump’s policies, including mass deportations and weakened alliances. They also explore the growing influence of figures like Elon Musk and Stephen Miller, raising concerns about the long-term consequences for democracy and national security.

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Tom Nichols: Decadent America Feb 11, 2025

Charlie Sykes and Tom Nichols discuss the chaotic first month of Trump’s second term, examining the administration’s internal distractions, its attacks on the rule of law, and the broader implications for democracy. They explore Trump’s erratic priorities—from tariffs and plastic straws to threats against NATO—while considering how authoritarian tendencies are being normalized. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk’s growing influence, the undermining of U.S. institutions, and the dangerous consequences of an increasingly unserious electorate.

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David French: A Constitutional Revolution Feb 09, 2025

Charlie Sykes and David French talk about the chaotic early days of the Trump presidency. They focus on how Trump's actions affected the U.S. Constitution and the balance of power in government. They explain what a constitutional crisis is, how the courts work, and what could happen if people refuse to follow Supreme Court decisions. Their conversation looks at the challenges facing American democracy and why it’s important to understand the laws that limit a president’s power.

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