The Mark Thompson Show

While Republicans are bickering about the extent of cuts to America's safety net programs for the poorest among us, they are also concerned about tax cuts, increasing debt ceilings and numbers that may indicate debt that will plague generations to come.We welcome Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston to discuss the nations debt, where we stand with tariffs and much more.Mark sat down with Yale history professor Greg Grandin to explore his new book “America, América.” It's a deep look at what our American ideals have always been and where and why we seem to have fallen shortAre we raising our kids to be kind and ready for a diverse world. In this new anti-DEI landscspe, how can we do better. Mark speaks with psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Sweeney, author of “Culturally Competent Kids: Raising Children to Thrive in a Diverse World.”It's Tech Tuesday. Jefferson Graham, former USA Today technology columnist, will join us to talk about the future of Google.The Mark Thompson Show 5/20/25Patreon 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

Late Sunday night, Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill”cleared an important House Committee. Conservatives that wanted deeper cuts to MedicAid got some changes made that led them toward advancing this massive tax cut and border security package. Speaker Mike Johnson isn't saying what the changes include, calling them minor things. It was a crazy music related weekend for Trump. He posted a video of himself lip syncing Journey's “Don't Stop Believing” and he unleashed verbal attacks on Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift. Michael Shure is in for Mark Thompson today. We welcome iHeart Radio and TV political analyst Gary Dietrich to the show to talk politics. The Mark Thompson Show 5/19/25Patreon 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 

This one is a real head scratcher. The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly considering a reality television show called “The American” that would have immigrants competing for U.S. citizenship. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is said to be supportive of the idea but it has not yet been officially approved. We have thr good fortune to welcome D~L Cauvin to co-host the show. Add in journalist Jim Avila, a dash of Friday Fabulous Florida and The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder, and you've got yourself a great start to the weekend!

Trump‘s “Big Beautiful Bill” isn't so beautiful for poor people. Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted in favor of big cuts to Medicaid. The issue now goes to the House Budget Committee to be merged with legislation from other committees, like the House Agriculture Committee. Ag members voted along party lines to cut as much as $300 billion in nutritional food aid. Both issues affect the poorest Americans and are part of Trump's efforts to slash spending to pay for Republicans' domestic policy agenda. From arguments on birthright citizenship to rumblings that the Trump administration has plans to suspend habeas corpus, there are many legal issues to discuss. Enter former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney, David Katz. J-L Cauvin is in for Mark. His background as both a lawyer and a comedian makes for an intelligent and lively conversation.

Donald Trump's sons Eric and Donald Jr. are about to rake in large sums of money by taking their American Bitcoin mining firm public on the Nasdaq exchange. The company is merging with Gryphon Digital Mining in an all-stock merger. As the Trump administration announces the framework of a tariff deal with China, Chinese President Xi Xinping appears to be sidestepping Trump and looking to smooth trade relations with South American countries while denouncing bullying and isolationism. We welcome Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist and author David Cay Johnston to the show to discuss it all.Jefferson Graham returns for Tech Tuesday. He'll take a look at Apple's fall pricing and whether tariffs are expected to have an effect.The Mark Thompson Show 5/13/25Patreon 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 would be one of the most valuable gifts ever received by the United States of America; a Boeing 747-8. The commercial model sells for $400 million, but the price could go way up if they trick it out for top-notch luxury, extra security and all the bells and whistles you would expect on Air Force One.  If Trump accepts that gift, as he indicates he will, does that mean the United States is beholden to Qatar? Trump advisor Steven Miller says the Trump administration is looking for ways to suspend the writ of habeas corpus. That means you could be arrested and no one has to tell you why, and no one has to make sure that you appear before a judge theoretically, authorities could do anything with you and take you anywhere and your family would never know where you ended up. Are we looking at the end of the Constitutional privileges we all enjoy? We'll explore.IHeart television and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich will join the conversation. The Mark Thompson Show 5/12/25Patreon 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

Trump keeps tapping his favorite Fox talent pool to help fill government jobs. This time, Judge Jeanine Pirro will be stepping in to head the largest U.S. Attorney's office in the country. Trump wants Pirro to be the interim U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C. but there's no word on whether that comes with the possibility of permanence. We have a great guest lineup on today's Mark Thompson Show, including author Sarah Kendzior. In addition to her many books, including: They Knew, Hiding in Plain Sight, The View From Flyover Country and Thd Last American Roadtrip, Sarah Kendzior cohosted the podcast “Gaslit Nation” covering corruption in the US and the rise of autocracy. We'll talk politics with our favorite duo: journalists Michael Shure and Jim Avila. Then we press the fun button for “Friday Fabulous Florida” and The Culture Blaster Michael Snyder will slide in with plenty of pop culture love, movie reviews, and more.

The Vatican makes history with the first Pope from America! Robert Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV. We'll have details. DOGE is working to create a centralized government database that would include pooling the personal information of millions of Americans and non citizen residents. The move violates long held privacy and security protections. Elon Musk and his DOGE crew have been amassing data from across the government. The Washington Post says the single info hub could “advance multiple Trump administration priorities, including finding and deporting undocumented immigrants and rooting out fraud in government payments.” Will there be a Covid booster available this autumn? The head of the FDA, Dr. Marty Makary, said he needs better data when asked if the FDA would be approving Covid boosters before the winter. We welcome Dr. Paul Offit, an internationally recognized expert in virology and immunology, to discuss it. Trump administration lawyers are formally invoking state secrets privileges in an effort not to turn over documents in the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case. We turn to our esteemed legal expert, former federal prosecutor, and now defense attorney, David Katz. Having trouble sleeping? Same. Let's find out how to get a handle on that with Vital Signs featuring our medical expert Dr. Michael Daignault.

Finally, after all kinds of posturing about whether trade negotiations would or would not be happening, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he will start talks with China Saturday in Switzerland. On Fox, Bessent admitted China has been the missing piece as the rest of the world comes to the U.S. to make trade deals. In this case, the U.S. is going to them -meeting in Switzland because the Chinese team is traveling through Europe. Political analyst on presidential historian John Rothmann will join to talk trade and politics. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” with Belinda Waymouth takes us to China where an EV battery revolution is underway.

Four-Star Generals and Admirals are next in line to face DOGE. Pete Hegseth reportedly wants a 20% cut to the U.S. military. That includes active duty military brass and general officers in the National Guard. He's calling the move “Less Generals, more GIs.”The new Prime Minister of Canada will be at the White House today, working on a trade agreement with Trump. Already, some Trump allies, like Howard Lutnick, are calling Canada socialist and  casting doom on the meeting before it even starts. .We'll run it all past our friend and Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston. There's a new organization called Nature is Non-partisan working to bring people of different political ideologies together in support of shared environmental ideals. From hunters to tree huggers, the goal is to protect the planet. We have Meg Haywood Sullivan stopping by to give us details. The Mark Thompson Show 5/6/25Patreon 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

What is now a San Francisco tourist hotspot was once a notorious prison for hardened criminals. Trump wants to turn back the clock and make Alcatraz into the isolated prison for the worst offenders that it once was. If that leaves, you scratching your head, some other things he said over the weekend will too. The president questioned whether he has to follow the constitution. He told the press he would not rule out taking Greenland by force and he says there will be a 100% tariff for foreign films in America.We will talk politics with author Jared Yates Sexton and iHeart TV and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich. Karen Dawn of Dawn Watch will join to help save the animals.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

God, Guns & Dr. Phil. Christianity needs protecting, according to Trump, so he has created the Religious Liberty Commission. Trump is choosing Dr. Phil McGraw, who got his start on Oprah and then hosted his own daytime TV show, to sit on the holy task force. Dr. Phil says he is very proud to see religion coming back to the White House. Trump says his new Religious Liberty Commission is an effort to “vigorously enforce the historic and robust protections for religious liberty enshrined in Federal law.” Also on the RLC, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, and New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan. So far, no Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist or other religions are represented. We've got our Friday A-team in place. Journalists Michael Shure and Jim Avila will join Mark to talk religion and politics. It's just not Friday without a trip to Florida. Get ready for some alligators and some sunshine in this addition of Friday Fabulous Florida. Sliding in on a Friday rainbow, it's our beloved Culture Blaster Michael Snyder bringing movie reviews, streaming options and an infusion of pop culture to the world.

The Trump team is getting inventive about playing off bad ecconomic numbers as good. It's likely hard for Trump, who made promises to voters about his economic prowess, to admit that the US economy just had its worst quarter since 2022. Economists blame Trump's significant policy changes for shaking up consumers and businesses. We welcome Ambassador Francis Rooney to The Mark Thompson Show. He served in Congress representing Florida's 19th Congressional District and served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, under President George W. Bush. We'll ask Ambassador Rooney what Trump's American foreign policy should look like. Former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney, David Katz joins us. He will discuss the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on whether religious schools can be funded with taxpayer dollars.

Despite Trump vowing to cut government spending, hiring Elon Musk and taking chainsaw to federal agencies, your taxpayer dollars are flying out the door faster than ever. Trump's administration has spent about $220 billion more in his first 100 days compared to the same time period last year. According to a CBS analysis, Trump's government is now spending more, day to day, than was spent in nine of the last 10 years. We will look at the details with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann.Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth returns with another attempt to save the world. Join us for, “It's the Planet, Stupid!”The Mark Thompson Show 4/30/25Patreon 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.com

You know it's bad for Trump when Karl Rove appears on Fox saying Trump is in very bad shape in regards to his mismanagement of the economy. Rove says Trump is not only in trouble with voters in the short term but in the long run too, even if he gets his way on tariffs. Rove says recent polls show Americans are angry about how Trump has managed taxpayers' money.Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist David Cay Johnston will join us to discuss this and more. What role did Trump play in Canada‘s election yesterday? The country took a turn toward progressive ideas. We'll talk to journalist, author and professor Andrew Z. Cohen about Trump‘s impact on international politics.The Mark Thompson Show 4/29/25Patreon 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

Fresh polling by multiple agencies shows Trump losing support, bigly. ABC says Trump has the “lowest 100-day approval rating in 80 years.” Results are similar from CNN and AP. Trump's support is falling among voters and also among Republicans in Congress where what appeared to be a unified front a couple months ago now appears to be splintering.  In addition, an RMG Poll of likely voters shows that if an election for Congress were held today, 48 percent would vote for the Democrat on their ballot, while 44 percent would vote for the Republican.We will check the numbers with journalist Michael Shure and iHeart radio and TV political analyst Gary Dietrich.The Mark Thompson Show 4/28/25Patreon 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

Trump seems to have miscalculated when it comes to trying to bully China into a trade deal. Trump says he is making progress with China, but hasnt offered any specifics. China says it is not even engaged in any negotiations with the U.S. The country is working to form an international trade coalition that will exclude the United States. Add that to a rocky ride for investors, concerns about the dollar and a come to Jesus meeting with the CEOs of Target, Walmart and Home Depot and Trump is blinking first, softening his position on tariffs and caving to pressure as China digs in. We've got journalists Michael Shure and Jim Avila on the show today to lay it all out. We'll check in on those crazy kids in Florida and find out about the latest movie and streaming options with the Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder.

Forget world renowned economists and financial experts, it seems to have taken the CEOs of the biggest retailers in America to convince Trump to ease off the Chinese tariffs. The leaders of Target, Walmart and Home Depot met with Trump in the oval office yesterday and finally, Trump seems to be getting the message that his tariffs are bad for business. We'll explore that and more with award-winning journalist Gil Gross. Still no movement in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, despite calls from a judge to bring him back to America. Judge Paula Xinis gave the Trump administration an extension on the time she allotted them to show evidence that they are trying to bring him home while also letting them know she's far from pleased, writing: “Defendants have failed to respond in good faith, and their refusal to do so can only be viewed as willful and intentional noncompliance. That ends now," We will run the case past former federal prosecutor, and now defense attorney, David Katz.

The same day investors learned that Tesla earnings dropped 71% in the first quarter, Elon Musk announced his decision to step away from DOGE. The controversial Trump administration role leaves Musk with a tarnished public image and a company that has born the brunt of public anger toward him. Musk told Tesla investors that next month, he will transition away from DOGE, spending a day or two a week on efforts to cut government waste, fraud and abuse. The move comes even as his efforts to cut $2 trillion fell far short. According to the Washington Post, Musk is ready to check out of Trump's administration as "attacks" from the left have also taken a toll. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will drop by the show to talk about Musk and much more. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” brings eco-journalist Belinda Weymouth to the show. On the heels of Earth Day, Belinda will showcase some of the organizations working to help the earth, despite a policy shift away from environmental protections.

After embarrassing the Trump administration and the Department of Defense multiple times with the careless treatment of America's most sensitive secrets, there are reports that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is being replaced. NPR quotes an anonymous source as saying the White House is already trying to find someone else for the job. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt calls it “fake news”We welcome Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston to discuss We'll talk tariffs and a faltering economy with Michael Hiltzik, an award winning journalist with  the LA Times.The Mark Thompson Show 4/22/25Patreon 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

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appears to be a prolific texter of America's secrets. Because a journalist was mistakenly added to texts on the Signal platform about the timing of a bombing in Yemen, that incident was well reported. Now, there is word of a second Signal group chat regarding the same attack. Even more egregious, this one reportedly happened on his personal phone and included his wife, lawyer and brother. Damaging Infomation about Hegseth is surfacing after the ouster at least four former Pentagon officials Hegseth fired last week.Michael Shure helms the show today.The Mark Thompson Show 4/21/25Patreon 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

Despite everything laid out in Project 2025, Trump 2.0 is a chaotic disaster. While it seems Trump and friends are trying to follow the script, they just can't seem to get anything right. Trump‘s tariff plan put the global economy in the dumpster and made him look like an amateur. His immigration policy, while slowing traffic at the border, has put him on a head-on collision course with the courts. Even his beloved Supreme Court allies are rolling their eyes at the bumbling Trump clown car. The move to cut government spending resulted in an on again off again firing spree, making it difficult for federal workers to function. From measles outbreaks to plane crashes to a ridiculous focus on retribution instead of tackling pressing matters, Trump's second term looks like a full on mess. John Aravosis will stop by to talk politics. You may know him from his wildly successful offerings AmeriBlog or The Aravosis Report on TikTok. We welcome journalists Michael Shure and Jim Avila to the show to recap this week in politics. Their insight, wisdom and witty banter make this a segment not to be missed. We'll pay a visit to our friends in Florida for a little levity on a Friday. Plus, The Culture Blaster Michael Snyder will slide in to share the best in streaming and movies in theaters.

Two judges, overseeing different deportation related cases brought against the Trump administration, are getting more frustrated. Trump officials are ignoring or outright defying federal court orders. It has District Judge James Boasberg announcing that there is probable cause to find the government in contempt after the showing what he called "willful disregard" for his order to stop planes carrying alleged gang members to El Salvador. Federal Judge Paula Xinis says that despite her order for Trump officials to facilitate the return of the deported alleged gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the Trump administration admitted was deported by error, they have not communicated any movement on progress . For that inaction, Judge Xinis is considering whether to hold officials in contempt. We welcome long time talk show host and friend of the show Pat Thurston in the first hour. Then, Former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney, David Katz will join to share his thoughts on the contempt, enforcement of judicial orders and more.

The U.S. District Court Judge overseeing the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador by the Trump administration in what they claim was an administrative error, wants to know what Trump officials have done so far to facilitate his return to the United States. Judge Paula Xinis says the Supreme Court has spoken on the matter and she is now ordering the testimony of four Trump administration from ICE, Homeland Security and the State Department. We welcome Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston to the show. We are taking the pulse of our environment with eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth. She joins us for “It's the Planet, Stupid!”

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is pointing out her colleague Marjorie Taylor Green as an example of the reason a ban on lawmakers trading individual stocks is necessary. A disclosure filing showed the Republican Congresswoman dropped thousands on shares in multiple companies before Trump announced a 90 day pause on tariffs. The Democrat had some harsh words: “We saw Marjorie Taylor Greene buy that dip. I got one question for her: How much did you make? How much did you make off of people's despair? How much did you make off that panic? How much did you make off of that suffering?” We'll go over the details with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann Today, we celebrate the finale of Mark's Madness 2025. Mark will stop in to talk about the contest, the winner and how it all went down. Then, comedian JL Cauvin climbs aboard to help Kim and Tony drive The Mark Thompson Show station wagon. Tech Tuesday brings Jefferson Graham in to talk gadetry and innovation.

Over the weekend, we learned that electronic items will be exempt from tariffs only to find out a day later that isn't permanent. It was great news for tech investors for a few hours. Now, we understand Trump is putting tariffs on semiconductors, which will include electronic  products like phones. Pharmaceuticals will have tariffs soon as well. Senator Elizabeth Warren says Trump is playing a game of “Red-light, Green light” with the economy. Major investors are calling the back and forth disruptive. Internally, GOP members are having more trouble with the president's policies. CBS iHeart television and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich will stop by the show to talk about that and more.The Mark Thompson Show 3/14/25Patreon 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

Nearly every well regarded economist is looking at Trump's tariff plan with disdain. Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called it “the worst self-inflicted wound that I have ever seen an administration impose on a well-functioning economy” to Nobel laureate Paul Krugman who says, “Anyone sounding the all-clear on tariffs, or Trump economic policy in general, should be kept away from sharp objects and banned from operating heavy machinery.” With markets still reacting to an uncertain future, and the possibility of more tariffs, we are not out of the woods yet. We've got journalist, Jim Avila and Michael Shure, who will stop by to talk about the top political stories of the week. We'll stop in to see how the folks of Florida are handling this crazy week. The Culture Blaster Michael Snyder will bring us all the latest details on movies and streaming. Add to that, Mark's Madness and Friday is looking pretty sweet!

Trump‘s next tariff target could mean a big hit to the pocketbook for many Americans. With many people already having to make tough decisions between daily necessities and medical care, Trump's next move could make things so much worse. The reaction of the stock markets following Trump‘s wild swings with tariffs appear to be predictable. That has some asking whether Trump was trying to manipulate the markets on purpose. We'll explore. Former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney, David Katz joins us to talk about the law and politics.

““Please, please sir, make a deal. I'll do anything sir.” -Trump President Trump is relishing attempts by world leaders lining up to negotiate better tariff deals. He described foreign leaders as groveling to get out of his new tariffs. It seems Trump isn't in the mood to talk. Many leaders who have reached out say they're still waiting for a reply or haven't been successful in avoiding increased tariffs. President Trump is exploring legal pathways to “deport” U.S. citizens to El Salvador. You read that right…U.S. citizens. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says it would be limited to people who have committed major crimes. We'll get thoughts from presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” with eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth brings word of damage done by oil to a wetland area in Louisiana.

As if Trump's tariff fallout isn't bad enough, now he is threatening China and they are having none of it.  China announced plans to retaliate against Trump's tariff with a matching 34% tariff against the U.S. Trump claims that if China retaliates, he will raise their tariff to 50%. China is calling Trumps posturing a mistake on top of a mistake as the trade war escalates, markets crash and investors panic. Pulitzer Prize winning author David Cay Johnston joins with a unique perspective about both Trump and the economy. Tech Tuesday brings Jefferson Graham by the show to talk about the latest in gadgets and gear.The Mark Thompson Show 4/8/25Patreon 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

Asian markets took a nose dive overnight. The Nikkei dropped more than 8%. Global markets are caught in the undertow of Trump's new tariffs. Over the weekend, as Trump flew off to play golf, he said of the market downturn, “sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.” This as markets continue to plummet. Iheart TV and radio political analyst Gary Fietrich will be in to talk about the tariff fallout and more.We welcome David Sirota to The Mark Thompson Show. David is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Lever, an investigative news site focused on exposing the negative influence of corporate corruption.Karen Dawn, of Dawn Watch, will stop through to talk about animals.The Mark Thompson Show 4/7/24Patreon 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's tariff liberation day sent shock waves across world markets and now economists say the move is increasing the risk of recession. Trump seemed unaffected saying, “ The markets are going to boom, the stock is going to boom and the country is going to boom.” We'll talk about it as we wrap up “This Week in Politics” with journalists Jim Avila and Michael Shure. Emergency Room Dr. Michael Daignault stops by to talk about an escalating measles outbreak and cuts made by Health and Human Services. Throw in fun times with Friday Fabulous Florida and The Culture Blaster Michael Snyder and you've got a winning Friday show!

Trump's Day of Liberation (the day of his big tariff announcement) has economists describing the plan as a “worse than the worse case scenario." The tariffs range from 10% to 49%. The higher tariffs went to countries Trump considers the “worst offenders” in trade relations. It's a bad sign for tech investors as companies like Apple and Nvidia will likely get slammed by the tariffs Trump is placing on China and Taiwan. Markets are already reacting severely. It turns out, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and the chatters from Signal-Gate have been using the platform to discuss other international matters of importance. At least 20 Signal conversations on issues like Ukraine and Gaza have taken place. We welcome Emmy-winning anchor and investigative reporter Suzanne Rico to the Mark Thompson Show. She has covered major news events and written a best-seller and now Suzanne has a new podcast. Former Federal Prosecutor and now defense attorney David Katz joins us to weigh in on the stories of the day.

Despite the 28 million dollars that Elon Musk splashed out on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court race, his candidate, Republican Brad Schimel lost. County judge Susan Crawford's victory means the nonpartisan court's 4-3 liberal majority will remain in place. More lies from Elon Musk. We already know that he spread around lies that millions of dead people are collecting Social Security. Now, he's saying noncitizens are getting Social Security cards and using them to get benefits and to vote. The lies are another effort by Musk to justify massive governmental cuts. We'll talk about it with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann. It's the planet stupid brings our eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth to the show. She has good news about a couple actions humans taking to help wild animals survive in a changing landscape.

President Trump is telling the media he is the most successful president in history. Traffic at the southern border is down, but some costs remain high. Doge seems to be backfiring and lawsuits are flying over some of his executive orders. Plus, there is a lot of anxiety when it comes to the markets. Is doing a lot more important than doing a lot the right way? We have a poll up this morning asking whether you think Trump has been a successful president so far, based on whether he has done what he has set out to do well or whether he has not done it well. We welcome former ABC White House correspondent Jim Avila to talk about the situation at the border and And Weather deporting criminals is worth the risk of deporting people who have done nothing wrong, and the even bigger risk of disregarding our Constitution.Mark recently sat down with Mike Papantonio. He is an attorney, Podcaster and the author of a new thriller called Middle Man. Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston stops by. We will ask him about senators from both sides of the aisle lining up against Trump'tariffs on Canada. It is Tech Tuesday and that brings Jefferson Graham by the show. He'll talk AI and takes a look at reviews of the latest version of Alexa. The Mark Thompson Show 4/1/25Patreon 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

Elon Musk really wants to turn the Wisconsin state Supreme Court red. With possible congressional redistricting on the line, Musk says this is about the “future of our civilization.”Donald Trump says he's not joking about being president for a third term but how would that work when it seems the Constitution is against him on this issue. Former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney, David Katz joins to explain.iHeart television and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich stops by the show to talk politics.Mark sat down with author and progressive talk host Thom Hartman for conversation you won't want to miss. The Mark Thompson Show 3/31/25Patreon 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 Signal scandal may have been touched off by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, but it's highlighting the inexperience of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth's texting of military operational details about an impending attack on a terrorist organization is making some Trump administration officials question whether he has the good judgement needed to handle a real crisis. We'll recap the week in politics with former ABC White House corrrespondent Jim Avila and journalist Michael Shure. Mark's Madness continues, Friday Fabulous Florida spotlights our most interesting state and The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder, brings the best in entertainment right to you.

Blame and lies are flying as high level officials with the Trump administration try to save face in the aftermath of the Signal scandal. National security advisor Mike Waltz, who allegedly added the reporter from the Atlantic to a private group chat discussing military attack plans, now says he's never even met the reporter. Like magic, two pictures of them standing shoulder to shoulder emerged. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio did his best to try to distance himself from the scandal, CIA director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, both happened to be testifying in front of Congress and did their best to avoid trouble. We'll, lay it all out as we welcome political analyst, and presidential historian John Rothmann to the show. The court cases against President Trump are many. Two fresh rulings against Trump are bringing him ire. We will run it past former federal prosecutor, now defense attorney, David Katz.

In addition to multiple lawmakers calling for the resignations of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz following a ridiculously irresponsible failure to manage our national military plans, comes a damaging op-ed in the National Review. The publication's executive editor called for President Trump to set an example and “hold someone accountable” for actions that if not criminal were in the very least “extraordinarily foolish” and “unbecoming of their offices.” We are excited to welcome author Sarah Kendzior to The Mark Thompson Show. Mark is a huge fan of her writing. Kendzior is the bestselling author of The View from Flyover Country, Hiding in Plain Sight, They Knew and her most recent, The Last American Roadtrip. She's a former podcaster and she has a doctorate in Anthropology. She has a long history of covering the Trump administration. This is an interview you won't want to miss! *Sign up for Sarah's newsletter at: sarahkendzior.com “It's the Planet, Stupid!” returns with Belinda Waymouth. Our eco-journalist is looking at the wild goings on at the EPA - with Trump's plans to get rid of EPA Office of Research and Development and the cancelations of Biden's designated National Monuments. Belinda also has the latest on a huge trillion ton iceberg that ran aground near South Goergia Island. *Programming note: John Rothmann joins us on Thursday this week.

The incompetence shown by Trump's cabinet members and Vice President is staggering. A group text message on the Signal platform accidentally included a reporter along with Vice President Vance and Secretaries Hegseth, Rubio, Gabbard, National Security Advisor Waltz and more discussing pending military actions. No one checked the text group list or thought to take the conversation to a secure government platform before sharing military operational details. Former national security adviser John Bolton says while Signal is encrypted, it is not equivalent to U.S. government secure telecommunications. Planning military strikes via text puts American military members at risk.  Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called for “accountability for a screw-up like this, especially from a president who used to fire people every day on television for sport.”  Republican Senator John Cornryn called it a huge screw up and Senator Susan Collins said it was inconceivable to her.  There are now calls for an investigation. We will ask Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative reporter David Cay Johnston about this and so much more.It is Tech Tuesday on The Mark Thompson Show. Jefferson Graham joins to share details about the Signal platform, take a look at whether it's safe to travel if the government tries to access your phone and what the bankruptcy of 23 & me could mean for you. The Mark Thompson Show 3/25/25Patreon 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

Trump has already labeled protestors who damage Teslas “domestic terrorists” but now he's  got a perhaps not well thought out plan to deal with them. On social media, Trump threatened to deport U.S. citizens who vandalize Tesla dealerships. Can you deport an American citizen? If so, to where? The plan from a man who promised to uphold the constitution, appears unconstitutional in a number of ways. Trump wrote:    “ I look forward to watching the sick terrorist thugs get 20 year jail sentences for what they are doing to Elon Musk and Tesla. Perhaps they could serve them in the prisons of El Salvador, which have become so recently famous for such lovely conditions!” We'll see what Gary Dietrich, CBS iHeart Television & Radio Political Analyst, thinks about that and more. Aviation expert Patrick Weil will stop by. We will ask him about the recent FAA cuts, the need for more pilots, and Southwest Airlines changes. The Mark Thompson Show 3/24/25Patreon 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

Today, Elon Musk is headed to the Pentagon. Trump administration officials say it's just for a visit but the New York Times claims Musk is about to get his hands on super secret military operational details, including America's plan should a possible conflict with China arise. These plans are closely guarded. Trump took to social media to refute the report calling it fake news. We've got some great guests today. Talk Show Host Nikki Medoro will stop by to talk politics and might even stay to help celebrate the glory that is Friday Fabulous Florida. Former ABC White House correspondent Jim Avila will wrap up this week in politics. Then, the Culture Blaster Michael Snyder will join us to share the latest streaming and movie options.

Steve Bannon is telling News Nation the plan is for Trump to run for a third term. The word unconstitutional immediately comes to mind, but Bannon says there are people working on ways for Trump to seek a third term. He told Chris Cuomo he thinks they'll have a couple of alternatives and he said “We'll see what the definition of term limit is.” We welcome attorney John Aravosis to the show, You may know him from his popular The Aravosis Report or Americablog. John is also a Democratic political consultant, journalist and a civil rights advocate. The parade of legal superstars continues with former federal prosecutor, David Katz. He's now a defense attorney in Southern California and always willing to lend us his expertise.

Calling it unconstitutionally discriminatory, a US District judge is putting a stop to one of Trump‘s executive orders. We'll tell you why Judge Ana Reyes Is blocking the pentagon from enacting of one of Trump's campaign promises. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will stop in to talk politics. Vital Signs brings ER Doctor Michael Daignault to the show. From measles to the use of a AI in healthcare, he'll share the latest concerns in medicine. We lighten up the mood with comedian JL Chauvin. He's got a top notch Trump impersonation that will leave you chuckling.

Trump says he's releasing an unredated 80,000 pages that will bring information to light about the murder of President John F. Kennedy. For Trump, declassifying the JFK assassination file is a campaign promise. We welcome journalist and author David Dayen. Much of his work shines a light on corporate greed, certainly relevant in Trump's so called Golden Age. Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative reporter David Cay Johnston stops by to talk politics. The Mark Thompson Show 3/18/25Patreon 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

In a middle of the night Truth Social blast, Trump declared pardons made by President Biden void and vacant. Trump claims former President Biden used an auto-pen and accused some of the people pardoned of being behind the move, indicating they will be “fully investigated.” He's said it before and now Elon Musk is doubling down on calls to impeach judges who don't go along with his and Trump's line of thinking. Over the weekend, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg got in the way of Trump's revival of the Alien Enemies Act and ordered five men to be returned to the U.S. That led Texas Republican Congressman Brandon Gill to announce he'd file articles of impeachment against the judge to which Musk posted on X in response, “Necessary.”When did it become necessary to oust judges for their opinions?We welcome Richard Greene the Civics Dean to talk about it.In the second hour, David Pakman joins to talk politics and tell us about his new book: The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America. The Mark Thompson Show 3/17/25Patreon 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

Hammered by lower court rulings against him, Donald Trump is looking for ways to move his contested executive orders forward faster. Trump is asking the Supreme Court to clear his path and if they do, it will be a game changer. JD Vance got booed big time at the Kennedy Center. He was at a symphony performance with his wife when the crowd let him have it. Jim Avila returns to The Mark Thompson Show. The former network correspondent will talk politics with political journalist Michael Shure. Add that to Friday Fabulous Florida and the movie and streaming reviews of the Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder, and you've got an awesome Friday show!

Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly is offering a warning to the members of the G7, “If the U.S. can do this to us, their closest friend, then nobody is safe.” Canada has been at the mercy of Trump's erratic tariff threats for months. As Canada prepares to host the G7 foreign ministers, Joly says she plans to raise the issue with the European and British members, while advising them that “Canada is the canary in the coal mine." A judge says probationary federal workers will have to be reinstated. It's one of may lawsuits pending against the Trump administration. We welcome Constitutional Law Professor Corey Brettschneider to the show to discuss it. Former federal prosecutor David Katz joins the show to talk about the law and politics.

Since Donald Trump took office and Elon Musk made himself the face of Doge, Tesla stock has dropped 48%. In a show of loyalty, Trump cheapened the front of the White House by turning it into something of a Tesla showroom yesterday. Musk had a Cybertruck and a couple sedans brought over. Then, Musk and Trump posed for pictures as the owner of Tesla sold the non-driving president an electric car. The move brought Tesla stock up 4%. Tesla has also been the target of protestors who have burned charging stations and vandalized vehicles. To them, Trump says he is directing those acts to be considered “domestic terrorism.” Our resident presidential historian, John Rothmann, will have a lot to say about using the Whitehouse as a backdrop to sell cars. Our favorite Britisher Anthony Davis stops by to talk politics. He is the host of “5 Minute News” on YouTube and brings his deep knowledge of world politics to the conversation. Potential Social Security changes are concerning many people. We'll talk about it with Branko Marcetic. He is a journalist, investigative reporter and author. *Programming Note: Belinda Waymouth is off today

Trump could have used his appearance on Fox over the weekend to calm and reassure nervous investors but instead he ratcheted up the anxiety. After a back-and-forth - now he will, now he won't - tariff policy with Canada and Mexico and financial markets across the world reacting badly, economists tell The Guardian, the risk of a Trumpsession is getting bigger.Branco Marcetic will stop by the show. He is a journalist, investigative reporter and author. Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston joins us to talk politics. Tech Tuesdsay brings Jefferson Graham to The Mark Thompson with a look at Apple's latest and the best gadgets The Mark Thompson Show 3/11/25Patreon 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