Taking Down Trump

Tristan Snell returns with a scorching deep dive into the first 100 days of Trump's second term-a period marked by economic freefall, plummeting consumer confidence, and a stock market in retreat. With the U.S. economy officially shrinking and Trump's approval rating at a pathetic 39%, Tristan unpacks how tariff taxes, business uncertainty, and self-inflicted policy wounds have driven the country to the brink of recession.But this episode isn't just a post-mortem. Tristan lays out a simple, powerful roadmap for the pro-democracy coalition: focus on the economic wreckage, expose how Trump's billionaire cronies are profiting from middle-class pain, and hammer the rampant corruption infecting Washington. Drawing lessons from Canada's stunning political turnaround and past Democratic victories, Tristan explains why clear, direct messaging on kitchen-table issues is the key to winning in 2026 and beyond.

Let's take a big-picture look at the first 100 days of Donald Trump's second term; the least popular start to any presidency in modern American history. With approval ratings plunging as low as 39%, Tristan breaks down why Trump's support has cratered so fast, from economic mismanagement and spiraling prices to broken promises on law and order and the rise of billionaire bros in government.This episode unpacks the political science behind presidential approval, why independents are abandoning Trump in droves, and what these numbers mean for the coming midterms.

Powered by your toughest questions, Tristan dives into a whirlwind of legal and constitutional chaos: Can a sitting president be court-martialed for crimes committed in office? (Spoiler: No, but the constitutional crisis scenarios get wild.) Is defying a Supreme Court order impeachable? Absolutely—and Tristan explains why Congress's refusal to act is a historic failure. Listeners ask about the slow grind of justice for Trump-era corruption, the legal exposure of law firms and universities targeted for political retribution, and why staffers who “do the criming” might want to lawyer up. Tristan breaks down the myth that undocumented immigrants aren't protected by the Constitution, using both legal logic and a baguette-wielding tourist for good measure. Plus: Can Americans sue the Supreme Court for its presidential immunity ruling? (Don't get your hopes up.) And, finally, will embattled officials like Pete Hegseth ever step down—or will dysfunction reign?

Tristan dives into Harvard University's landmark lawsuit against the Trump administration. As the stock markets head for their worst April since 1932, Tristan examines how Harvard is fighting back against what it sees as unconstitutional government overreach threatening academic freedom and free speech. The episode breaks down the legal arguments on both sides, focusing on First Amendment protections and Administrative Procedure Act violations, while explaining why this case represents a critical moment in the ongoing struggle between higher education institutions and a government Tristan characterizes as seeking political retribution. Beyond Harvard's $53 billion endowment and legal position, Tristan explores the broader implications for research universities nationwide and what's at stake for American scientific advancement if federal funding to these institutions is threatened.

In this episode, Tristan begins with a deep dive into the expanding “Signalgate” scandal, revealing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had a second Signal chat group sharing sensitive military information about Yemen airstrikes with inappropriate recipients, including his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. The scandal has triggered an investigation by the DOD Inspector General and led to a staff purge at the Pentagon. Tristan also examines the ongoing immigration crisis, discussing the Supreme Court's 7-2 decision to freeze deportations to El Salvador and highlighting shocking cases of due process violations, including a US citizen detained by ICE despite presenting his birth certificate. Additionally, he warns about the Trump administration's plans to gut FDA food safety inspections, explaining the historical importance of these regulations in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks and protecting public health.

From the legality of deporting citizens to foreign detention camps, to why Elon Musk hasn't faced prosecution for alleged election interference, to the prospects for impeaching a president who defies the rule of law—Tristan answers your questions. We'll unpack the constitutional bedrock of habeas corpus, the dangers of circumventing due process, and the real-world consequences of unchecked executive power. Submit your questions for the next mailbag at tristansnell.com

Tristan breaks down how Trump's latest immigration moves are straight-up medieval—think mass detentions, zero due process, and even outsourcing detainees to El Salvador's infamous mega-prison. It's not just a policy debate; it's a full-on challenge to the rule of law, and the Supreme Court is getting dragged into the mess. Tristan is joined by David Pakman—YouTube OG, host, and author of the bestseller The Echo Machine—for a no-BS conversation about the rise of authoritarian vibes, why loyalty is replacing competence in government, and how the left can actually win by ditching purity tests and building a real coalition. They get into why most people aren't glued to political podcasts, how the right is dominating lifestyle content, and what it'll take to reach new audiences (hint: it's not just more political hot takes).

Tristan unpacks the far-reaching consequences of America's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)—one of the most damaging foreign policy mistakes in modern U.S. history. With years of diplomatic effort with key allies like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam squandered, Trump has left a power vacuum in Asia that China is now exploiting. Tristan connects this strategic blunder to a broader pattern of policy missteps—from healthcare cuts that threaten millions of Americans, to voting rights rollbacks that risk disenfranchising vast swaths of the electorate.

Tristan's answering your questions about the Supreme Court, from the Trump vs. JGG case to the looming specter of the Insurrection Act. Will Amy Coney Barrett surprise us again? Can Chief Justice Roberts keep the ship from crashing? And what's the real deal with Trump's election antics? Join Tristan as he tackles these topics and more. 

Today we delve into the chaotic world of Trump's trade policies, featuring an exclusive interview with renowned author and economist James Surowiecki. James offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the infamous tariff charts were created and the dishonesty surrounding them. The episode also examines Elon Musk's public feud with Trump's trade advisor, Peter Navarro, and how tech billionaires are reevaluating their support for the administration amidst market turmoil.

When the going gets tough, Trump goes golfing. Today, Tristan examines the already infamous tariff charts that contributed to the crisis and discusses potential legal cases that could impact Trump's future. He analyzes the growing backlash from financial communities and the implications for Trump's political coalition.

In this week's mailbag episode we discuss Donald Trump's civil fraud and E. Jean Carroll cases, more fallout of SignalGate and the risks of unsecured military communications and we explore the limits of presidential power, safeguards against reckless military orders. For a good time, we'll even speculates on the 2028 Democratic presidential field.

On this episode of The Tristan Snell Show, we unpack a week of political twists and turns. From a major Democratic victory in Wisconsin to surprising bipartisan action on Capitol Hill, Tristan breaks down what these developments mean for the fight ahead. Plus, the hypocrisy of “pro-family” Republicans is on full display as they block basic accommodations for new mothers. And in New York, the Eric Adams corruption saga takes a new turn—could state charges be next?

In this episode of The Tristan Snell Show, Tristan dives into the continuing SignalGate saga, exposing the Trump administration's use of insecure communication platforms like Signal and Gmail. Tristan also examines Trump's recent push for retaliatory tariffs, which threaten to raise costs on everyday goods, prescription drugs, and even home insurance premiums. Joining the discussion is Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, a rising Democratic star. Rep. Auchincloss shares his insights on the corruption within the Trump administration, its impact on Americans' wallets, and the erosion of the rule of law.

In this mailbag episode, Tristan Snell tackles questions from listeners about the ongoing Signalgate scandal, potential legal consequences for the Trump administration, and the motivations behind Trump's 2024 election victory. Snell explores the illegality of DOGE, the lack of due process for detained immigrants, and presidential immunities. He also discusses the possibility of retroactive justice for current administration officials and speculates on the best realistic outcome for the next four years. 

Legal expert Elie Mystal joins Tristan Snell to discuss his new book Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America and expose the racist origins of voter registration and immigration laws. Learn how these popular but problematic laws are undermining democracy and enabling cruelty, and hear Mystal's insights on the Supreme Court's strategy for dealing with Trump.

Tristan and guest Allison Gill (Mueller She Wrote) dive deep into the Signal Gate scandal rocking the Trump administration. They analyze the shocking security breach involving classified military plans shared on an unsecured Signal chat, explore its implications for national security, and discuss how it compares to past controversies. Snell and Gill also examine the potential political fallout, the role of Senate Republicans in investigating the incident, and strategies for communicating the gravity of the situation to voters.

In this special mailbag edition of The Tristan Snell Show, Tristan breaks down the Supreme Court's controversial presidential immunity ruling, explaining its limitations and implications for Trump's second term. We know what you're thinking, what about Elon? Tristan provides detailed answers about whether Elon Musk enjoys presidential immunity protections (he doesn't), explores the lack of recall mechanisms for federal representatives, and outlines how state governments can serve as bulwarks against federal overreach.

Tristan Snell unpacks your questions on Trump's court order defiance, NATO membership controversies, and the administration's chaotic immigration policies. He shares his insights on the constitutional crises, international alliances, and human rights in this mailbag episode.

Tristan Snell is joined by former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner to discuss the implications of the Trump administration defying court orders, the role of U.S. Marshals in enforcing judicial decisions, and provide insights on significant legal cases, including the Eric Adams case. Additionally, they explore the importance of supporting non-profit organizations in the fight to protect democracy.

In this week's mailbag episode, Tristan tackles pressing questions from listeners about the ongoing battles against Donald Trump and Elon Musk. He discusses strategies for pressuring vulnerable Republican representatives, the intimidation of law firms by the Trump administration, and the potential for disbarring lawyers who violate ethical standards. Snell also delves into the abuse of executive orders, the limitations of congressional power, and the hush money case against Trump. 

Tristan Snell and Brooklyn Dad Defiant break down how Trump's administration has quickly derailed what they call "the best American economy since the 1960s." They examine the market volatility, tariff chaos, and rising unemployment, highlighting February's worst job cuts since 2009. The conversation takes a serious turn discussing veterans' issues, including cuts to burn pit exposure benefits and plans to fire 80,000 VA employees - what Snell calls "the most anti-veteran presidency in American history." BDD shares his frustration over watching predicted disasters unfold, comparing the situation to comic book villains becoming reality. The duo closes with sharp commentary on corruption, discussing how removing government services pushes Americans toward private alternatives that benefit Trump's wealthy allies.

In this powerful episode, Tristan is joined by fellow podcast host and legal expert Dahlia Lithwick to analyze the unprecedented constitutional challenges as courts attempt to check executive overreach. They explore whether judicial orders will be followed, the targeting of law firms like Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling, and what collective action might be necessary to preserve the rule of law. This essential conversation tackles the urgent question: can America's institutions withstand an authoritarian assault, or are we witnessing democracy's unraveling in real-time?

Tristan dives into your burning questions about Elon Musk's controversial dealings, the Supreme Court's latest rulings, and the Democrats' messaging struggles. From billion-dollar contracts to voting reform and the fight for Ukraine, we're  unpacking the chaos. Plus, a deep dive into how we can mobilize non-voters and hold power players accountable.

In this episode, Tristan breaks down Trump's inconsistent approach to tariffs, comparing the current situation to the disastrous Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930 that worsened the Great Depression. Snell analyzes how Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico are already creating economic uncertainty, with frequent policy reversals revealing administrative chaos. The episode also explores Europe's strengthening unity in support of Ukraine despite Trump's attempts to weaken NATO alliances, and critiques Trump's address to Congress, highlighting numerous factual inaccuracies about taxes, defense spending, and healthcare.

Today we'll discuss the alarming economic indicators suggesting a potential recession, Elon Musk's unprecedented role in government despite massive conflicts of interest, and the disastrous Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. While Elon is securing billion-dollar government contracts for his companies while serving as an unelected official, Trump's botched handling of Ukraine has revitalized global support for Zelensky. The episode also covers America's broken promises to Ukraine and the consequences for U.S. standing in the world.

In this mailbag episode, Tristan Snell tackles listener questions covering today's most pressing issues. He examines why MSNBC and CNN viewership continues to decline, analyzes the Ukraine-Russia conflict's long-term strategic implications, and discusses how Tesla shareholders might hold Elon Musk accountable for plummeting stock values.

The Trump administration is showing cracks just weeks in, with prescription drug prices soaring, 9/11 first responder funding cuts (later reversed after public outcry). Tristan analyzes Germany's recent election where the far-right AFD failed to gain power, explains how social media activism successfully pressured the administration to restore 9/11 health funding, and breaks down why Republicans in purple districts are increasingly vulnerable defending unpopular policies. Plus: why Elon Musk's EV charging station removal hilariously backfires on his own interests.

From Elon Musk securing lucrative contracts for his own interests while shutting down agencies investigating his companies to the uncertain future of US support for Ukraine. The icing on this sad cake is the explosive investigation into NYC Mayor Eric Adams' alleged corruption scandal involving Turkish bribes and a controversial deal with the Trump administration, leading to dramatic resignations at the Southern District of New York prosecutor's office.

Tristan and Scott Dworkin tackle the challenges of debunking MAGA propaganda and explore how disinformation campaigns are weaponized to manipulate public opinion. They reflect on past battles, including the fight against Trump University, and connect those lessons to current struggles while highlighting the broader stakes: the dismantling of essential programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security under Project 2025, as well as threats to democracy posed by extremist agendas.

Today, we're talking about Elon's systematic campaign of retaliation against federal agencies and what may be driving his actions. Plus the deceptive trap behind the federal employee "buyout" scheme and his installation of unvetted appointees. Later, Tristan breaks down Trump's alarming plans for a U.S. military occupation of Gaza, his attempts to re-legalize foreign bribery, Kash Patel, and why all of this chaos and reliance on midnight executive orders actually signals weakness, not strength.

On this installment of H4D, Tristan & JoJo (aka JoJo from Jerz) explore how the courts may be the last line of defense against the unconstitutional crap storm that's brewing. Later, they explore the impact of USAID funding cuts on vital charitable work and the precarious situation federal employees find themselves in right now.  

Tristan dives into the political and procedural hurdles of impeaching Donald Trump, explores alternative ways to mitigate his power, and discusses Elon Musk's controversial involvement in federal systems. From Medicaid shutdowns to the future of Social Security and VA payments, Tristan breaks down the legalities and implications of these unprecedented moves. Plus, he examines how Democrats can better communicate their message in the digital age and shares his thoughts on the GOP's perennial attacks on NPR and PBS.

Welcome to the cesspool of Trump's so-called economic genius. We're talking tariffs - those sneaky, regressive taxes masquerading as “America First” policy. Tristan breaks down how these misguided measures are nothing more than a stealth assault on your wallet, hitting the working and middle class right where it hurts. But wait, there's more! We're also shining a spotlight on the orange menace's love affair with executive orders. Spoiler alert: it's not because he's an “efficient” leader. And just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, we've got Elon Musk playing puppet master with federal operations.

Your questions, answered. From examining voter regret to exploring the Supreme Court's role in democratic governance, Tristan draws from historical patterns while addressing today's challenges. 

Brace yourself for wild ride through the political circus, folks! We are diving headfirst into the chaos that is 2025 and the mind-boggling reality that we're witnessing Project 2025 being put to work before our very eyes. From mass detention camps to Senate confirmation bypasses, we're exposing Trump's playbook for dismantling democratic institutions faster than you can say “covfefe”.

In this premiere of "Heroes for Democracy," Tristan Snell and Joanne Carducci (JojofromJerz) dive straight into Trump's first day of darkness. The duo doesn't just rehash history – they connect the dots between Trump's first-day chaos, the ongoing threats to our democracy, and why every single one of us needs to stay in this fight. This isn't your typical political podcast – it's a wake-up call from two of social media's most outspoken defenders of democracy who aren't afraid to tell it like it is. If you're ready to stand up for democracy and sick of the BS, this is your new must-listen show. Because here's the truth: we either learn from history, or we're doomed to repeat it.

Tristan dives headfirst into the chaotic start of Donald Trump's second term as president. He unpacks Trump's aggressive use of executive orders, economic policies favoring the wealthy, and a shocking proposal to eliminate the mortgage interest tax deduction—all while the middle class braces for impact. He also dissects internal battles over immigration policy, the growing influence of tech billionaires, and the eerie parallels to America's Gilded Age. Buckle up—because here we go again.

From the alarming ethics of Justice Alito's communications with Trump to Putin's calculated strategy to divide Western allies, today we tackle the debate over presidential immunity, the political maneuvering behind Trump's sentencing, and the Supreme Court's involvement in these landmark cases. The conversation expands to expose how media-manufactured support, territorial ambitions involving Canada, and corporate control over insulin pricing connect to reveal larger truths about power and democracy. All of these threads give a clear picture of how nationalism and fossil fuel interests shape our political reality.

Every Friday, Tristan's answering question from all of you. This week:• Musk's congressional meddling: Legal? Doubtful.• Trump's wall and economic fixes: All talk, no action.• Keeping democracy alive under Trump 2.0: We've got options.Got questions? Hit up Tristan on Substack (TristanSnell.com) or Bluesky (@TristanSnell.bsky.social). Let's keep this democracy thing going. 

In the first episode of 2025, we dive into the legal mess that was the Manhattan DA's handling of Donald Trump's prosecution – and how it nearly slipped through the system's fingers. Tristan pulls back the curtain on the office politics, cold feet, and bureaucratic tap dancing that turned a clear-cut campaign finance case into a years-long waiting game. From Michael Cohen's explosive testimony to the eventual trial, he walks us through the behind-the-scenes story of how career prosecutors finally got their shot at justice, despite the higher-ups' best efforts to slow-walk the case into oblivion. Plus, Snell offers a fresh take on Jimmy Carter's environmental legacy and what it teaches us about political courage. It's an honest look at how the justice system works – or doesn't – when powerful figures are in the hot seat.

In this end-of-year episode, Tristan breaks down the dangerous reality of Project 2025 - Trump's playbook for dismantling democratic institutions if he returns to power. From mass detention camps to bypassing Senate confirmation for appointees, Tristan exposes what Trump's team is actually planning and, crucially, how we can fight back. Despite the serious threats ahead, Tristan explains why America isn't over and lays out the vital battles in Congress and the courts that will determine our democracy's future. Plus, a preview of exciting new changes coming to the show in 2025.

We're reviewing 2024 and breaking down how everything went sideways for American democracy. From DOJ's maddening delays to Alvin Bragg's stop-and-start prosecution, the justice system dropped the ball when it mattered most. Then there's the mainstream media's double standard between Biden and Trump, driven by ratings and clicks, and the death of old-school TV politics as social media took the wheel. This episode exposes how America's institutions failed spectacularly when faced with their biggest test, while Trump and his allies mastered the new social media playbook that Democrats still haven't figured out.

In this episode of Tristan discusses recent Senators Manchin and Sinema's vote on an NLRB nominee, debates surrounding the Electoral College and IRS Direct File system, and updates on legal cases involving former President Trump. Snell examines the New York Attorney General's office's approach to civil cases and their commitment to addressing fraud across political lines. The episode concludes with an interview featuring Bradley Tusk, author of Vote with Your Phone: Why Mobile Voting Is Our Final Shot at Saving Democracy who presents his proposal for mobile voting as a potential solution to increase voter turnout and engagement in the democratic process.

The episode features two awesome guests- V Spehar from “Under the Desk News” and JoJo from Jerz the host of the “Are you F-ing Kidding Me” podcast. They share their thoughts about the importance of community support, self-care, and focused content consumption in these turbulent times. They also hint at exciting future collaborations within the pro-democracy movement and how we can join together to build a stronger resistance community. Also in this episode, Tristan addresses the emphasizes the power of public pressure on corporations, as demonstrated by Blue Cross Blue Shield's reversal of a controversial anesthesia coverage policy. He then shifts focus to Donald Trump's alarming proposal to end birthright citizenship, warning of the dire consequences this could have for millions of Americans. Throughout the episode, Tristan provides crucial legal insights, including advice for same-sex couples and immigrants in light of potential policy changes and he touches on international developments, including Assad's ousting in Syria and its connection to the Ukraine conflict.

This week we spin the wheel of misfortune for a whammy of a looming economic disaster- Trump's proposed tariff policies. We break down how these misguided measures could send shockwaves through American households, potentially doubling or even tripling grocery bills and skyrocketing prices on everyday goods. From the devastation of U.S. agriculture to the crippling of international trade, we cover the far-reaching consequences of Trump's tariff obsession. But it's not all doom and gloom – learn about the strategic battlegrounds in Congress and the courts where this economic catastrophe can be averted. But wait there's more! Tristan discusses the recent developments in the many legal cases against Trump, the developments in South Korea and so much more. 

This Thanksgiving, Trump's stuffing his cabinet with the most dangerous nominations. Snell breaks down the jaw-dropping menu, including Dr. Oz potentially overseeing Medicare/Medicaid and Tulsi Gabbard's shocking consideration for Director of National Intelligence—picks that signal a full-scale assault on healthcare and national security. Then we delve deep into the existential threat to the Affordable Care Act and examines Pam Bondi's controversial nomination for Attorney General, revisiting her controversial role in the Trump University scandal.Later, Tristan welcomes Representative Pat Ryan from New York's 18th congressional district. Ryan provides an insider's perspective on electoral strategy, sharing how Democrats can effectively combat Trump's extremism by connecting with voters through authentic, local messaging. The conversation offers a roadmap for progressive resistance, emphasizing the need to clearly define the political stakes and unite against dangerous political maneuvers.

We're breaking down Trump's alarming potential cabinet picks, including Matt Gaetz for Attorney General and RFK Jr. for Health and Human Services. We examine the serious implications of these nominations, from Gaetz's ongoing ethics investigations to RFK Jr.'s controversial anti-vaccine stance. Special guest Anthony Scaramucci joins for an insightful discussion about the state of American democracy, the future of political parties, and how Democrats can better connect with working-class voters. The episode also covers Steve Bannon's upcoming trial, Elon Musk's concerning activities, and the challenges of holding Trump accountable in a potential second term.

One week post election, we're fired up and ready for the new challenges ahead. We'll talk about the nomination process for Trump's cabinet positions, legal strategies to oppose extreme MAGA policies using the Administrative Procedures Act and the real economic dangers of Trump's tariffs.Later, Maya Wiley, civil rights attorney, former candidate for NYC Mayor and author of the memoir “Remember You Are A Wiley” joins to discuss strategies for protecting democracy. Wiley breaks down the threats outlined in Project 2025, including attacks on civil service and overtime pay, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on shared American values and needs across political lines. The conversation explores how litigation, state ballot initiatives, and local politics can be used to defend democracy. 

In the aftermath of the election day nightmare, Tristan looks at the missed opportunities to prosecute Trump after the January 6th attemped coup, and the media's role in his ultimate resurgence. He also laments the Democratic party's dated approach to mainstream economic policy, and emphasizes the need for bold actions moving forward - all while urging us to stay deeply engaged in the long fight (to preserve our democracy) that lies directly ahead.

On the eve of Election Day, this final installment of our Decoding Project 2025 series delves deep into MAGA's radical economic proposals, including massive tax cuts for the wealthy, the elimination of SALT deductions, and plans to defund or privatize critical financial institutions. We‘ll discuss how the proposed gutting of agencies like the IRS, Federal Reserve, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would benefit a small circle of ultra-wealthy individuals while potentially devastating the American economy. Spoiler alert: These policies would disproportionately harm middle-class Americans and residents of blue states while enriching a select group of billionaires.