The Mark Thompson Show

The fight over maps is getting uglier in Texas. There are threats to get the FBI involved in tracking down Democrats from the Texas State House who left rather than see Republicans hijack the midterm elections. Can they do that? We will ask former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney David Katz to weigh in. Spooked By mRNA technology, RFK Jr. is trying to turn back the clock on medical advancements. He is terminating 22 contracts meant to boost developing mRNA vaccines. He's also closing out other federal investments in mRNA technology, As the Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is supposed to be looking ahead toward future health emergencies, but is putting the brakes on the very same science that was crucial to moving us forward after Covid closed down the world. Save the planet? Yes, please. Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth join for “It's the Planet, Stupid!”

Texas House Democrats, who thwarted Republican plans to vote on redrawing Congressional district maps by leaving the state, are being threatened with civil arrest. Their colleagues across the aisle voted to approve civil arrest warrants for those lawmakers who bailed before a vote could be taken. Republican Governor Greg Abbott says he will kick the Democratic lawmakers out of office for abandonment and he is threatening to send law enforcement to force them to return to Texas. Is it all bravado and bluster?We'll ask Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston for his take. Plus, we'll dig into the latest on the Trump-Epstein connection and why Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell is suddenly in a lower security prison camp. Trump's approval ratings may be dropping, but hardcore MAGA faithful are still holding on tight. From disasterous tariffs, to lies about Jeffrey Epstein to undermining the Constitution and slicing the safety net for America's poor, it seems Trump has given MAGA ample reason to wake up. So why haven't they? We welcome Dr. Steven Hassan. He is a world-renowned cult expert and the author of The Cult of Trump.Plus, Tech Tuesday brings Jefferson Graham to the show for gadgets and good times. The Mark Thompson Show 8/5/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

More than 50 Texas Democrats walked off their jobs serving constituents in the legislature and left the state Sunday. The move was an effort to stop any forward movement by Texas Republicans who planned to vote in the state House on a new congressional district map that will add five GOP seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.. Democrats brought legislative business to a halt, leaving their body without a quorum (the necessary number of legislators needed present to conduct business.) We'll talk about this situation with iHeart Radio and television political analyst Gary Dietrich. From vaccines to research to medicaid policy, we'll get the latest with our emergency room Dr. Michael Daignault.Then, it's “A Word About Animals” with Karen Dawn of Dawn Watch. Let's give some love to all the creatures.The Mark Thompson Show 8/4/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

It's a big Friday show! We'll look at Trump's latest back and forth tariff ultimatums and extensions as he scrambles to make more trade deals.We'll get details on whether Trump's new tax policy will make it easier to slide control of social security to private companies. Alex Lawson with Social Security Works will lay it all out. Oscar nominated writer and director Billy Ray will stop in to talk movies, Hollywood and politics. This Week in Politics brings our beloved Jim Avila and Michael Shure to the show. These heavy hitting journalists will help us highlight the biggest stories of the week. The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder, brings it home with his thoughts on your theater and streaming options this weekend.The Mark Thompson Show 8/1/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

The Mark Thompson Show 7/31/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

The man who helped Trump out of jam after jam and, according to whistleblowers, told Trump administration officials to ignore judicial rulings is now himself a federal judge. It's a lifetime appointment for Emil Bove. Loyalty pays off. Political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann joins to talk politics. Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth helps us save the planet. Oh, and Mark is back!The Mark Thompson Show 7/30/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.come

Here comes the “flying palace.”  It turns out that “free” jet from Qatar will cost US taxpayers nearly one billion dollars to renovate. That money is coming frm a fund meant to upgrade aging U.S. nuclear weapons. Reports indicate that at the end of Trump's term, the plane will go to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. That's a big gift from both Qatar and the Amercan people. Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative reporter David Cay Johnston joins to discuss.The Mark Thompson Show 7/29/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

With her information on Iran's nuclear capabilities brushed aside by Trump, National Security Director Tulsi Gabbard found a new way into the spotlight and Trump's good graces. With allegations that former President Obama lied about Russia's election interference in 2016, Congressman Jason Crow says Tulsi Gabbard has made herself a “weapon of mass distraction.” Michael Shure will be in the Captain's chair to talk about it with iHeart TV & radio political analyst Gary Dietrich. The Mark Thompson Show 7/28/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

It is shaping up to be a difficult September for Attorney General Pam Bondi. Republican leaders in the House are going after information in the Epstein files. Files Bondi reportedly told Trump his name was featured in multiple times, but told the public there were no files to release. MAGA is losing confidence in Bondi and some GOP House members seem to be feeling the same way. Subpoenas are flying and the Epstein case and its bungling will likely carry past the House recess in August and continue to follow Bondi into the fall. We welcome former ABC White House correspondent and award-winning journalist Jim Avila to talk about the Epstein case and more. Friday Fabulous Florida is upon us again. We'll take a look at our fun, Southern friends and their summer shenanigans. The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder joins us with his take on the latest movies in theaters and streaming options. Let the weekend begin!

In May, Trump was briefed and knew his name is all over the Epstein files. Since that briefing, the DOJ's move has been to seal the evidence and keep the public in the dark. Attorney General Pam Bondi's deputy, Todd Blanche (Trump's former defense attorney) are visiting with Ghislaine Maxwell — Epstein's longtime co-conspirator — in prison. It would seem a deal is in the offing. Meanwhile, Trump distracts by raging at Obama, and Tulsi Gabbard happily tosses more gasoline on the conspiracy bonfires about Obama. Award-winning journalist Gil Gross and former federal prosecutor David Katz join us to expose the cover-up, examine the legal risks, and track the growing panic among Trump's GOP allies

CNN is out with old video footage and pictures that further illustrate the tight bond between Donald Trump and the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Pictures show Epstein at Trump's second wedding, video shows the pair joking around at a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and a more ominous picture shows Epstein looking at Trump's two young children. Trump is furious about old images being published and reportedly screamed at and then hung up on a CNN reporter over the release. Meanwhile, the wild rumpus of Trump's outlandish behavior continues as he tries to fire off distractions in all directions. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann joins to talk about this and the politics of the day. We highlight the planet and our changing environment with “It's the Planet, Stupid!” Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth always finds hope for future.

The Trump administration has the will, the plans and now the resources to ramp up immigration enforcement. Trump's Border officials say Americans will soon see ICE agents flood sanctuary cities run by Democrats. At Trump's request, the Republican led Congress earmarked more than $170 billion over the next four years for increased immigration enforcement, detention and deportation. It seems the immigration arrests happening across the country will only become more severe and widespread. We will talk about all of it and so much more with Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist and author David Cay Johnston. The Trump administration now has the go ahead from the Supreme Court to dismantle the US Department of Education. We welcome the Education workers union president, Brittany Coleman. She's the AFGE Local 252 Chief Steward and an attorney for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in Dallas. It is Tech Tuesday once again on The Mark Thompson Show and that means Jefferson Graham will join us to talk about the latest gadgetry. The Mark Thompson Show 7/22/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

A secret meeting at Rupert Murdoch's Montana ranch? Reports indicate Vice President JD Vance and his wife flew into Butte aboard Air Force Two on June 11th. The plane stayed on the ground from around 2:30pm to nightfall. The Associated Press reports Vice President Vance spoke with 94-year-old Murdoch (owner of the Wall Street Journal), his son Lachlan Murdoch and other Fox News executives, though the nature of the conversation wasn't shared. After the meeting, the vice president and his wife enjoyed on a short hike. Just a few weeks later, the Wall Street Journal published a salacious birthday note said to have been written by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, with a drawing of a naked lady and wishes for daily secrets. Now, Trump is suing the Wall Street Journal and those associated with the story for $10 billion. So what was VP Vance doing at Murdoch's Montana Ranch and what went down at that meeting?We'll talk about it with iHeartRadio and TV political analyst Gary Dietrich. We are excited to welcome Dr. Vincent Racaniello to the show. He is a researcher in virology at Columbia and has done groundbreaking work. He is bringing his knowledge to the public with a series of podcasts helping educate people about viruses and vaccines.The Mark Thompson Show 7/21/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Donald Trump is already backing away from an exposé in the Wall Street Journal detailing his bestie relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The WSJ report includes a birthday note Trump reportedly wrote for Epstein that includes a drawing of a naked lady and ominous words about them having so much in common and wishes for ongoing secrets. Trump says it's not his letter, but after slamming closed the Epstein investigation and releasing none of the promised files, that's a pretty tough claim to believe. CBS appears to still be running scared of Trump and his threats of lawsuits and FCC retaliation. The cancellation of Stephen Colbert‘s late night show, which was highly critical of Trump, seems like the latest capitulation to the President. It's a fail for the network of Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather. We'll talk about all of it with journalist Anthony Davis. The political conversation continuous with This Week in Politics featuring Jim Avila and possibly Michael Shure, who might be outside the studio picketing instead due to lack of a Mark Thompson Show coffee mug.

Suddenly, Trump and friends don't want to talk about Jeffrey Epstein or what happened to files and client lists that Trump and his conspiracy theorist supporters spent so much time demanding the release of. As MAGA turns on itself, calling for information from Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI leaders Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, Trump is now blaming Democrats. The President, who was very good friends with Jeffrey Epstein and who many have suspected would have his name all over those files, is blaming Presidents Obama and Biden and accusing them of altering whatever's in the files (the files he likely ordered Bondi not to release.) Trump now says Democrats must've tampered with them. It would appear like a preemptive strike from someone who knows his name will come up. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice just fired former FBI director James Comey's daughter Maureen, who served as the prosecutor in the case against Epstein. From an administration that prides itself on “transparency“ why does it look like a big old cover-up? Former federal prosecutor, now defense attorney, David Katz will swing by the show to talk about the termination of Maureen Comey and recent Supreme Court decisions.

Once again, a Senate vote came down to a tiebreaker cast by vice president JD Vance. This time, the White House was behind a move to “claw back” billions in international aid and public broadcasting funding. The effects of Trump's tariffs and questionable economic policies is finally catching up with him. New data shows the policy is are bad for jobs and inflation. We welcome presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann to the show to talk politics. Belinda Waymouth returns with “It's the Planet Stupid!”

There is a new fear that the Trump administration intends to keep immigrants detained by ICE locked in detention centers indefinitely. A new report by the Washington Post indicates ICE policy is changing to make undocumented immigrants ineligible for a bond hearing. That means that the months and sometimes years it takes to fight removal proceedings would be spent in lockup. We will discuss this and more with Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston.Emergency Physician, Dr. Rob Davidson will stop by. He's the Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Heath Care. He'll share his ideas on healthcare policy and how to keep our healthcare system from collapsing under the weight of Trump's new spending plan.Jefferson Graham swings by on this Tech Tuesday with details about the most expensive mobile phone to date.The Mark Thompson Show 7/15/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com 

The Mark Thompson Show 7/14/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Who has leaked information? Who has betrayed Trump and his cabinet? Who is disloyal? It's like the plot of a political thriller at the FBI where director Kash Patel is forcing dozens of senior officials to take polygraph tests. According to the New York Times, Patel wants to know.whether they have ever said anything bad about him. ICE raids at farms in Southern and Central California targeted workers in the fields. Governor Gavin Newsom posted video of kids being exposed to chemical agents and some crying because their parents were arrested. Is this the America voters wanted? We welcome former ABC White House political correspondent Jim Avila to talk about this week in politics. A lighter moment as we head south for Friday Fabulous Florida… let's see what trouble people are cooking up with hot weather, meth, and gators. The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder, is back and better than ever. Why, it's almost like he's Superman! Michael will be giving us all the details on new movie releases in the theaters and streaming on your TV.

It's unthinkable. At a time when Americans are dealing with a staggering loss of life and were in need of immediate help from the federal government, they got put on hold. Why were search and rescue teams not allowed to set up near the flooding until days after it started? Because Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem decided she needs to personally authorize all costly contracts. Her policy slowed down FEMAs response during a critical time. Meanwhile, good people are out of a job for nothing. DOGE eliminated National Weather Service jobs, but now Trump's nominee to lead NOAA says he wants to hire people to fill those jobs again. Does it seem like a leadership failure? We'll discuss. We'll also look at the latest legal cases with former federal prosecutor, now defense attorney, David Katz.

Sometimes it's hard to know if Trump is just smack talking or if he really means something. When it comes to retribution and payback, it turns out Trump was absolutely serious about going after those he felt wronged him. Trump's Department of Justice now has criminal investigations open for both former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey. Federal officials say both investigations are in connection with the Trump–Russia probe and include allegedly making false statements to Congress. Trump is talking about a federal takeover of Washington DC and possibly New York City too. He's pointing to increased crime as a reason recently staying, “We have tremendous power at the White House to run places when we have to.” We'll talk about all of it with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann.

Back in February, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the list of Jefferey Epstein's clients was on her desk waiting for her to review. Now, she says there is no client list. So, which is it? All of a sudden, it's case closed and nothing to see here? It's so nonsensical, that even the MAGA faithful are suspicious and Elon Musk is gleefully commenting on the farfetched nature of the disappearing client list his as his feud with Trump continues. Investigative Journalist Greg Palast joins us to talk about the latest discoveries when it comes to disenfranchised voters in the 2024 Presidential election. It's Tech Tuesday and Jefferson Graham is honing in on the Amazon Prime Day Deals of interest. The Mark Thompson Show 7/8/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Frustrated with Trump over the so called "Big Beautiful Bill" raising America's debt, Elon Musk says he is starting his own political party called the "America Party." He says it will bring true freedom to Americans. Trump's response?  He's calling Musk a train wreck who has gone off the rails. Trump took to social media to write, "The one thing Third Parties are good for is the creation of Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS, and we have enough of that with the Radical Left Democrats, who have lost their confidence and their minds!”  Over the holiday weekend in Texas, a horrible loss of life - with more than 80 people dead in flash flooding, many of them children attending summer camps along a river.  The New York Times says cuts made by the Trump administration left National Weather Service Positions vacant which may have impacted flooding coordination efforts.We welcome iHeart TV and Radio political analyst Gary Dietrich to the show to discuss.  We'll continue talking politics with attorney and political consultant John Aravosis.  He's the founder and executive editor of AMERICAblog and The Aravosis Report.Then, it's a Word About Animals with Karen Dawn of Dawn Watch.The Mark Thompson Show 7/7/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Paramount, which owns CBS, will pay 16-million dollars to settle a lawsuit brought by Trump over the editing done to a 60 minutes interview with his then rival Kamala Harris. The interview aired on CBS' 60 Minutes before the 2024 election. CBS was not doing anything differently than usual, and they were not changing the tone and meaning of the interview. However, in this era of Trump threats, fear, and pressure, Paramount caved. The money will go toward Trump's presidential library and though na admission of wrongdoing will be offered, CBS will be required to publish transcripts of every presidential interview ftt to I'm now on. So why put the freedom of the press at risk with this outrageous settlement? Paramount is working to merge with Skydance Media, a deal that needs approval from the Trump administration. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann joins the show to talk politics. Former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney David Katz will be in to discuss legal matters. 

It's been an all-nighter for Senators in their so called vote-a-rama - voting on amendments to Trump's  not so "Big Beautiful" domestic policy bill. Republicans hope to pass the legislation by the end of the week, but there are some hold outs.  The pressure on GOP lawmakers raising issues with parts of the bill is intense.  Already, Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, announced his retirement and told his colleagues they are about to “make a mistake on health care"...and they will be "betraying a promise.”There have been some developments in the look into the 2024 election.  Nathan Taylor with Election Truth Alliance joins to explain.  Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist and author David Cay Johnson will stop by to talk politics. A heartwarming story is told in a new book "The Teacher of Auschwitz." We welcome author Wendy Holden to share this inspirational account of a young man determined to give some peace to children going through the unimaginable. It's Tech Tuesday and Jefferson Graham will stop by to talk gadgets and more. The Mark Thompson Show 7/1/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

It doesn't matter if Trump‘s so called “Big Beautiful Bill” will cost your state and constituents considerably, if you're a Republican and you don't vote the way Trump wants you to, you're in big trouble. White House officials increased pressure on Republicans to support the measure, saying that failure to do so by Independence Day “would be the ultimate betrayal.”  That's an official policy statement. We will talk about it with iHeart television and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich.Logistical expert Jonathan Rosenthal will join us. Did you know some of the most well-known people throughout history had some serious drug issues? It's all detailed in a new book called, Human History on Drugs: An Utterly Scandalous but Entirely Truthful Look at History Under the Influence.  We'll hear from author Sam Kelly.The Mark Thompson Show 6/30/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://themarkthompsonshow.com

The Supreme Court's new ruling on birthright citizenship is even worse than feared. By refusing to strike down Donald Trump's unconstitutional executive order outright, and instead gutting nationwide injunctions, SCOTUS has effectively handed the president the power to override the Constitution — and blocked the courts from universally stopping him. We break down exactly how this decision paves the way for two Americas: one where constitutional rights are upheld, and one where they are ignored. “Separate, but unequal” is back, and the consequences could be catastrophic. Journalists Jim Avila and Michael Shure will be in to discuss the Supreme Court rulings. Then, we'lll bring a dose of levity with Friday Fabuloud Florida and The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder.

Attorney General Pam Bondi is claiming she's never heard reports of ICE agents covering their faces with masks during the round ups and arrests of undocumented people. At a hearing yesterday, the issue was raised by Michigan Senator Gary Peters and Bondi denied knowing about the masks but said of the agents: “I do know they are being doxxed … they're being threatened,” and “Their families are being threatened.” We welcome former federal prosecutor David Katz to the show to discuss this and more. Plus, a new anti-vaccine leader is being given a new job related to vaccine safety at the CDC. We'll talk to former CDC medical doctor and scientist. Dr. Charles LeBaron about the state of that agency and the issues at play.

Despite all the peacocking from Trump and Vance claiming they "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program by dropping a trio of bombs, it appears the damage only derailed the program for a couple months, according to intelligence reports. Never one to let facts get in the way of a good social media post, Trump bragged about being nominated for a Nobel Peace Price and then put up a music video with a parody of the Beach Boys song "Barbara Ann" with the words "Bomb Iran" instead playing over a video of B-2 stealth bombers dropping bombs. Even from Trump, it's a shocking display that could inflame tensions with Iran. Could it be meant to divert attention away from something else? We welcome Presidential Historian and political analyst John Rothmann to discuss this and more. We are excited to bring Sue Halpern to the show for the first time. She writes for the New Yorker about politics and technology and has a new book out called "What We Leave Behind."

Though Trump took to social media yesterday touting a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran, both countries say nothing is official.  Iran's foreign minister says there is no ‘agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” but as long as Israel stops “illegal aggression,” Iran has no intention to continue responding. Trump is calling the conflict the “12 Day War” and saying his decision to work with Israel on bombing Iran while still entertaining diplomacy has succeeded. Journalist Anthony Davis, host of “5 Minutes News,” will swing by to examine current events.We welcome Jessica Denson, host of the “Lights On” podcast, to the show. She's been raising some important election security questions. We'll discuss. The Mark Thompson Show 6/24/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Iran is promising the U.S. that a response is on the way after Trump and team dropped three bombs on Iran's nuclear sites. Trump claims the move called “Operation. Midnight Hammer” was successful and that damage obliterated the underground areas of the targeted sites. Whether that's really the case is still being evaluated by the military. Meanwhile, Trump is contradicting his Vice President and Secretary of State who both deny the U.S. is after a regime change in Iran. Trump took to social media last night tearing their work on Sunday talk shows down by writing:“It's not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!,” There's so much more to discuss from talk of sleeper cells in America to an increase in security around the U.S. to the global economic impact from the closure of the Staight of Hormuz to gas prices. We'll talk about all of it with iHeart television and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich.Have you ever been to a festival centered on celebrating some kind of animal? Whether it's the Calaveras Frog Jumping Jubillee or the Pismo Beach Clam festival, author Elizabeth MeLampy has an interesting perspective as she discusses her new book Forget the Camel. The Mark Thompson Show 6/23/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

It will be a couple of weeks until Trump will be ready to make a decision on how involved to get in Israel's conflict with Iran. Trump, who promised to bring peace, is now watching at fighting on three different fronts. Former ABC White House correspondent Jim Avila will stop by to discuss. Then…the weekend fun begins with Friday Fabulous Florida and The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder, packing movie reviews and fun. 

The attacks continue in the conflict between Israel and Iran as Trump tries to decide how much the United States will be involved. There are reports that he has reviewed attack plans for Iran but is still hoping the country backs off its nuclear program. We consider the summer skies today with astronomer Andrew Franknoi. He will tell us what we have to look forward to. Former federal prosecutor David Katz will drop by to talk about the law and politics. We'll look at the recent ruling by the Supreme Court on care for trans people and check on the case between Governor Newsom and President Trump over the federalization of the CA National Guard. The Mark Thompson Show 6/19/25

The Mark Thompson Show 6/18/25 Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshow Maybe you're more into PayPal. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24 And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Trump made an early and hasty exit from the G7 Summit in Canada as he warned anyone in Tehran, Iran to get out. The warning echoed similar calls from Israeli leaders to evacuate Tehran, possibly signaling that a large attack is imminent. Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist and author David Cay Johnston joins us to talk about world events.Pulizer Prize winning historian and author Steven Hahn joins to discuss his book “Illiberal America.”Quoting from the book description on Amazon, “If your reaction to the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol was to think, 'That's not us,' think again.” In Illiberal America, Steven Hahn “uncovers a powerful illiberalism as deep-seated in the American past as the founding ideals.” This should be a fascinating conversation. The Mark Thompson Show 6/17/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Across America in cities large and small, "No Kings" protests were well attended.  From Miami to New York to Portland to San Francisco, people came out to march with signs and sing and chant together.  The events were mostly peaceful, except for a shooting in Utah. Initial estimates from the American Civil Liberties Union and MoveOn.org indicate that more than five million people participated in more than 2,100 rallies and protests.While Americans were rallying against authoritarianism, Trump spent his birthday in DC watching the military march past his large parade stand built to showcase the White House in the background.  Along with the tanks and troops, military equipment like drones and partners like Lockheed Martin were featured.  We welcome iHeart Radio and Television political analyst Gary Dietrich to talk politics. We turn to the economy as the G7 Summit gets underway in Canada, Trump's Tariffs continue to affect the global economy and Crypto takes hold. Dr. William K. Black, associate professor of economics and law at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and author of "The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One," will join.The Mark Thompson Show 6/16/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

The struggle for control of California's National Guard is playing out in the courts. Yesterday, a federal judge ruled the Trump administration illegally federalized California's National Guardsmen and women and ordered command returned to Governor Gavin Newsom by noon today. The Trump administration filed an appeal and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court temporarily blocked that order. Trump retains control of California's troops until at least Tuesday, June 17th, when the appeals court will hold a hearing on the matter. We are fortunate to have former federal prosecutor David Katz help us understand the courts decision with an eye toward how this may all play out. This Week in Politics brings journalist Michael Shure to the show to discuss the stories with the biggest impact. It's not all so serious though…add in Friday Fabulous Florida and The Culture Blaster Michael Snyder with reviews of offerings both streaming and in theaters and you've got a great weekend send off!

From terrorists to deportees, Guantanamo Bay is being transformed into a facility to hold a large number of migrants forced out of America. The Trump administration is preparing to hold as many as 9000 undocumented immigrants at Gitmo as it is running out of space inside the U.S. Mass arrests are underway in Los Angeles, as a curfew goes into place in an attempt to keep people from protesting in the downtown area. The California National Guard is reportedly protecting ICE agents as a battalion of US Marines remains on standby. We'll talk about it all with political analyst and presidential historian Jon Rothmann.

A full U.S. Marine battalion, comprised of more than 700 Marines, is now mobilized to respond to the deportation protests in Los Angeles. Though Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have both called for Trump not to use the California National Guard, some of 4000 guardsmen have also been activated. In order for members of the military to make arrests, Trump would need to invoke the Insurrection Act. So far, the military members may be an intimidating show of force against protesters, but they cannot take on law-enforcement duties. Why is Trump crossing this line? We will ask Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist and the author David Cay Johnston.Author Kyra Davis Lurie will stop by. She is a New York Times best selling author and screenwriter. Her new book, The Great Man, released today, is her first historical fiction novel. In this retelling of The Great Gatsby, the story is set among L.A.'s black elite. It's Tech Tuesday and our Jefferson Graham has some thoughts about newly released features coming to the next iPhones.The Mark Thompson Show 6/10/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com 

A battle between federal and state rights is bubbling to the surface with Trump's latest move to escalate immigration raids in California. After ICE agents rounded up more that 40 people in the LA area Friday, protesters took to the streets. The response from Trump? Call out more than 2k members of the California National Guard over the objections over both LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom. In doing so, Trump federalized California's National Guard using Title 10 rules which allow a president to “repel invasion, suppress rebellion or execute laws.”Is it dangerous that the California National Guard now reports to Trump instead of Newsom? We'll talk about it with iHeart TV and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich.The Mark Thompson Show 6/9/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

The Musk/Trump bromance imploded spectacularly yesterday. What started with Musk criticizing Trump‘s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill”devolved into Trump threatening to pull Musk's government contracts and Musk claiming Trump would not have won the election without him and making allegations that Trump is listed in the Epstein files and that's why they haven't been released. Musk called for Trump‘s impeachment! The public breakup played out in comments made in the Oval Office during a press conference with the leader of Germany, on Trump's Truth Social and on Musk's X. We will ask journalist Michael Shure about this ugly public feud and more with “This Week in Politics.” There are some changes when it comes to recommendations on who should get Covid vaccines and boosters. We'll check in with our doctor, Emergency Medicine specialist, Dr. Michael Daignault. Friday Fabulous Florida is upon us once again and it does not disappoint Culture Blaster Michael Snyder will join us to talk movies and streaming as summer break begins.

Trump is still stuck on exacting revenge against his rivals. He's ordering an investigation into whether former President Joe Biden's aides hid information about his alleged declining mental state and whether staffers were making decisions and using an auto-pen to sign Biden's name. We've got two lawyers joining us today. June Carbone is the Robina chair of law, science, and technology at the University of Minnesota Law School. She wrote the recently released “Fair Shake:Women and the Fight to Build a Just Economy.” Former federal prosecutor, and now defense attorney, David Katz weighs in on legal rulings, legal questions and always has an interesting take on angles where the law intersects with politics.

Elon Musk may have checked out of D.C., but DOGE is far from done. The Trump administration wants to increase funding and staffing for the Department of Government Efficiency. Hidden in the appendix of budget documents released last week, new details about increasing DOGE staff from the current 89 to 150 next year. DOGE would also get more money, $45 million next year with another $10 million for software upgrades. Apparently, it's expensive to save money in America We are lucky enough to get to visit with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann.

Trump is working GOP Senators hard with phone calls and promises in order to get support for his so called Big Beautiful Bill. Though it narrowly passed in the House, moderates and far right-conservatives in the Senate are a big question mark. Republicans are already seeing some pushback after Elon Musk expressed disappointment in the debt this bill will bring. We'll talk about all of it with Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston. A new take on an old mystery from the days of the Civil War. Author Andrew Sillen discusses his book “Kidnapped at Sea.” Tech Tuesday brings Jefferson Graham to the show with a preview of Apple's developer conference next week.The Mark Thompson Show 6/3/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

An intel file on every single American. That's what Trump wants to create. It would include all of the information the government has on its citizens, including tax and financial information, immigration information, social media details about your life and more. This kind of invasive government file would certainly make it easier for Trump to figure out who is on his side and it might just frighten people into staying quiet. Welcome to the United States of China.We welcome, iHeartRadio, television and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich to the show to talk politics.If you've lost a pet, you know the grief can be overwhelming. Talking to most people about it might make you feel silly. We'll talk to you Beth Bigler about the reality of animal loss.Karen Dawn, of Dawn Watch, will join us to continue our discussion about animals.The Mark Thompson Show 6/2/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

The financial uncertainty involving Trump‘s tariffs continues. In addition to Trump‘s own stops and starts, causing all kinds of market volatility, now the courts are involved. Wednesday night, the federal court of international trade, put a stop to Trump‘s tariffs, saying he lacked the emergency authority to put them in place. Hours later, a federal appeal court paused that ruling allowing Trump to move forward with his tariffs for now. Trump is already calling for the Supreme Court to back him up.. We'll check in with journalists Michael Shure and Jim Avila to find out what they think about the latest tariff power struggle. We've heard from a couple of listeners this week regarding a wild Florida story. Let's just say gators are involved. Friday Fabulous Florida is upon us. The Culture Blaster Michael Snyder joins the show to share his thoughts about the latest offerings at the movie theaters and on streaming services.

Trump's tariffs seem to be in violation of U.S. law. Yesterday, a three-judge panel at the US Court of International Trade put the brakes on Trump's tariffs. Trump claimed emergency economic powers when he imposed the tariffs but the court ruled that he overstepped his authority unconstitutionally. Trump's administration has already filed an appeal. The decision would leave the tariffs in limbo, but since Trump has gone back-and-forth on them, it appears the tariffs are already in limbo. We welcome former federal prosecutor, now defense attorney, David Katz to the show. We'll ask him about this little known court and dig into why the judges ruled against Trump in this case. Elex Michaelson, host of “The Issue Is…” and anchor for Fox11 in Los Angeles will join us to talk politics.

Trouble in Trumpland…After all the DOGE cutting, Elon Musk is not pleased that Trump's so called “Big Beautiful Bill' will raise the nation's debt burden. Musk tells CBS he is “disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.” Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will join the show to talk about this and more.

While House Speaker Mike Johnson may conveniently not know anything about Trump's crypto dinner, but the New York Times managed to get a hold of the guest list. More than 200 big spenders paid an average of $1.8 million each to attend a dinner with food that reportedly tasted like cardboard. The meme coin winners were served small portions of food described as dull and beverages that included either water or Trump-branded wine. As for the attendees, many of them are big players in the crypto industry, there were a few sports celebrities, including basketball star Lamar Odom, who is starting his own crypto coin. Many tried to stay out of pictures amid a growing security concern among crypto investors. Trump spent time with the top 25 investors and the rest found themselves disappointed. Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin, who launched another attack on Ukraine, even as an effort for a cease-fire in peace, talks continueWe'll talk about all of it with Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston.Trump is threatening to raise tariffs on Apple products unless more manufacturing is done in the United States. Jefferson Graham joins us on this Tech Tuesday to explore whether that's feasible.Oh, and Mark Thompson is back in the big chair! The Mark Thompson Show 5/27/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Historian Timothy Snyder looks at Trump and the history of tyranny. Please enjoy this important encore presentation. David Sirota, from The Lever, explores the impact of Trump's efforts to dismantle the systems of trade and government in this encore presentation. It's not Friday without Friday Fabulous Florida. We take a look back at one of our best.The Culture Blaster Michael Snyder has a new report for us this week covering the latest movies and streaming options, including the newest installment of Mission Impossible. Programming Note: We Hope you enjoy this “Best of Mark Thompson Show.” In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, we are dark on Monday, May 26th and we will be back live on Tuesday, May 27th. The Mark Thompson Show Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com#Trump #TimothySnyder #Tyranny #DavidSirota #Politics #Political #PoliticalAnalysis #FridayFabulousFlorida #Florida #Movie #Entertainment #MovieReviewReviews #MovieCredit #TheCultureBlaster #MichaelSnyder #BestOf