US of Ed

"You'd almost wish he was a better dictator, there'd at least be a gameplan there but there's nothing." Wild scenes in Los Angeles as confrontations with ICE agents rounding up immigrants in parts of the city has escalated to full scale warfare, with journalists targeted by LAPD and President Trump deploying the National Guard and Marines to the city. But first, looking at the developing situation in the Middle East where Israel appears to be preparing for a strike against Iran. Also discussing Trump cutting off FEMA funding, the Trump / Musk feud, trade negotiations, and RFK Jr. enacting his anti-vax agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In spite of claims from Trump Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that there was no scenario in which wrongfully deported man Kilmar Abrego García would be returned to the United States, in breaking news this morning that is exactly what has happened. Facing charges of human smuggling over a 2022 incident that police formerly declined to pursue, however, is this a win for due process or the Trump administration trying to retroactively justify its glaring error? We take a look at this developing story as well as the very public breakup of Donald Trump and billionaire backer Elon Musk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"They're not guilty of anything. They may be here illegally, sure, deport them, but treat them humanely." A terrorist attack in Colorado has led to the arrest of not just the perpetrator but his wife and five children as well, living illegally in the United States, with attempts to streamline deportation leading to yet another court battle. Meanwhile, Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill has seen fallout from some surprising quarters but it hasn't slowed Republican attempts to make cuts from the social safety net. Also discussing trade war with China, Ukraine, white South Africans being welcomed, and plans for a national citizen database.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You're asking the House to give up its power, you're asking the Senate to give up its power, and you're asking to dethrone the judiciary. What mad person would vote for that?" In the wee hours of the morning, House Republicans convened to pass Trump's Big Beautiful Bill through to the Senate. But not only does the bill knock a $3.8 trillion hole in the budget and take from the poorest Americans to extend Trump's tax cuts, it's also been specifically tailored to keep Trump from facing consequences for defying the courts. Ed and Sean discuss, along with the latest on tariffs, RFK Jr., Pete Hegseth, war with Harvard, Gaza, Ukraine, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Trump is under siege, he's underwater, and let's hope he'll be under the table soon." News this week that former president Joe Biden is suffering from an aggressive form of cancer raises the question of how the diagnosis was missed while he was still in the White House. Trump is set to be flying high in spite of protests his acceptance of a new luxury 747 is unconstitutional while the FAA continues struggling to deliver safe air travel and his administration now appears to be losing entire plane loads of deported immigrants. Also discussing Trump's tax and immigration package, impeachment, Gaza, and the ousting of Elon Musk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I fear that this is going to be the largest constitutional crisis ever." The first American pope, Pope Leo XIV, has ascended to the head of the Catholic Church in Rome and Ed just so happens to be in Italy to catch the historic moment! Meanwhile, back on American shores, accusations of open corruption are becoming a commonplace feature of the Trump presidency with more gifts and offers showered on the grateful grifter-in-chief. Also this week discussing Iran, Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill on tax and immigration, suspending Habeas Corpus, pharmaceutical prices and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Trump is very large on the global stage. The good thing about that is it's making people wake up, the United States can no longer rule the world." Coming off the back of a similar result in Canada, does a thumping win for the Australia Labor Party and rejection of 'Temu Trump' Opposition Leader Peter Dutton indicate a global rejection of Trumpian politics? Other nations are also jumping at the chance to step into the gap on science and trade that American leadership has left vacant. Also touching on the White House budget proposal, immigration, Israel, India and Pakistan, Marco Rubio, Trump's ongoing mental decline, and Maine's win in court for transgender kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If he can make a shilling, a buck, a penny out of this, he will, and the American people have to say, he must go." Trump has been accused of doing "the most corrupt thing any president has ever done" after creating a buying blitz for his $Trump meme coin this week but for most Americans it appears to have flown under the radar as just another day in Trumpland. Meanwhile, Trump's war on illegal, and legal, immigrants ramps up with the arrest of two judges and orders for ICE agents to invade homes without warrants if they believe they're harbouring potential arrests. Also discussing Pete Hegseth, tariffs, Ukraine, Greenland plans, and an election win for the Canadian Liberal party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"It's more bumbling, more chaotic, and more time between actions." The Trump administration may soon have a job opening with news of a second Signal group chat putting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on thin ice. Meanwhile, China is not backing down in the trade war with Trump as the US and global economy begins to feel the longer term effects. Also discussing deportations, Trump's battle with Harvard, the latest on Ukraine, and the passing of Pope Francis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If Trump is the winner here, it'll be at the expense of the US's future." With some Chinese imports facing tariffs of 245% it remains to be seen just how sustainable Trump's trade war really is, as businesses big and small bear the brunt. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is openly defying the courts in the case of wrongly deported man Kilmar Abrego Garcia, doubling down on their current course in fact, leading to questions of whether anything can be done with a president who openly flouts the law. Also discussing DOGE, Ukraine, Gaza, and the Australian federal election campaign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Clearly there's fraud, chicanery, and all that, but the biggest issue here is stupidity." Trump has enacted a 90 day pause on tariffs after a barrage of opposition but appears less interested in what his trade war is doing to the economy and more on helping the rich get richer. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has given Trump free reign to continue deportations in spite of innocents caught up in his administration's nets and an ongoing refusal to abide by due process. Also discussing measles and bird flu outbreaks, Ukraine, Gaza, and the Hands Off protests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The small guy will be poor, the rich guy will be richer, and the American budget will still be in the toilet." Donald Trump has announced a blanket 10% tariff on all goods being imported into the United States as well as targeting specific nations with further measures in the latest escalation of the US Trade War. But with American consumers set to bear the cost, are the tariffs simply intended as a massive tax hike by another name? Meanwhile, a loss in Wisconsin signals the declining political capital of a spiralling Elon Musk. Also chatting about the Signal group chat fallout, or lack thereof, threats toward Iran and Greenland, third term talk for Trump, Luigi Mangione, and Corey Booker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This is a breach of the law and if nothing's done about it, it says a whole lot about the United States." In the latest stunning show of incompetence, a journalist for The Atlantic has come forward this week to reveal he was accidentally added to a Trump administration group chat discussing top secret war plans on an unsecure app. In the scattered response, The Atlantic has already proven that top officials have lied under oath before the House regarding the chat's content but will anyone in this administration ever take responsibility? Also discussing Gaza, Ukraine, Greenland, trade war, and attacks on the courts and future elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"[Trump] would have used this crisis to declare martial law or something." Leader of the Senate Democrats Chuck Schumer has handed Trump an easy victory on government spending with zero concessions leading to widespread condemnation, but was he so wrong? Meanwhile, Trump is testing his power by defying the court on deportations with little apparent consequences. Also discussing DOGE's latest setbacks, trade war, Israel's betrayal of the Gaza ceasefire, Ukraine, and rewriting history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This is a doomed policy, as the markets are showing." Trump's trade war engulfs markets this week, as tariffs on Canada and Mexico as well as steel and aluminium imports, and the communication surrounding them, create absolute chaos for investors. Meanwhile, the bloodbath for federal workers continues with the Education Department set to cut almost half its workforce with an aim toward vanishing entirely. Also discussing the elimination of Biden's EPA directives, a potential Ukraine ceasefire, protestor and immigration arrests, and Elon Musk's business empire on shaky ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Donald Trump is a Russian agent." Trump has addressed Congress for the first time in his second presidency, fresh off a week targeting the likes of Ukraine and Canada as well as dismantling federal agencies. Europe and other nations continue to come to grips with a world in which the US is not a reliable ally but instead closely aligned with Russia and a potential aggressor in its own right. Also discussing efforts at resistance and the targeting of student protests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This is beginning to hit the very people who voted for Trump." House Republicans have passed Trump's big bill which aims to cut $4.5 trillion in taxes and reduce spending by $2 trillion, a task that will in part fall to Elon Musk's DOGE. Meanwhile, the United States is siding with Russia over the Ukrainian conflict as Europe wrestles with a world without the US as a reliable ally. Also discussing disturbing developments for Gaza, a $5 million 'Gold Card', climate change, Dan Bongino, and the retirement of Mitch McConnell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"What's happening is a pure takedown of democracy." Donald Trump has made moves to further consolidate his power this week with executive orders claiming ownership over the law and independent agencies. With the law powerless, federal agencies hollowed out by freezes and firings, opposition barely existent, and those in charge of the levers of power complicit, it seems nothing will stop this nascent dictatorship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Clearly, if we had a congress, he'd be out. That's what impeachment is about." Team Trump continues to test the limits of their power, this week defying a court order and arguing that a president's executive order overrules the power of the courts. Hamas have suspended hostage releases as they claim Israel is failing to abide by the terms of the ceasefire, leading to Trump threatening to unleash hell. Also discussing Elon Musk and DOGE's increasing hold on power, Ukraine, tariffs, Guantanamo Bay, Tulsi Gabbard, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"An inability to have thoughtful people running the show is going to lead to even more disasters." 67 people have died in an aircraft collision over Washington D.C. and another seven dead in a crash in Philadelphia as questions arise as to just how much Trump's crusade against the FAA and other federal agencies had to do with the incidents. Meanwhile, Trump has doubled down on his proposal about relocating Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip with a suggestion that the US could take over managing the contested area during reconstruction efforts with an eye to ownership. Also discussing Elon Musk and DOGE, Ukraine, tariffs, and the latest on confirmations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This chaos, some of it is on purpose, a lot of it accidental, and all of it has to line Trump's pockets." Trump has sown chaos in the economy, federal agencies, international relationships, and the lives of the American people in his first ten days in office, some through carelessness, some it would appear as a deliberate smokescreen. Discussing the crackdown on illegal immigrants and its effects, the federal funding freeze, Greenland, firings, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This is the beginning of a total authoritarian government." Donald Trump has hit the ground running, as expected, with day one executive orders targeting immigration, climate action, federal workers, trans individuals, and much more. Elon Musk is drawing fire away from the commander-in-chief, however, after the performance of a blatant Nazi salute in front of adoring crowds of billionaires and political backers at Trump's inauguration. Meanwhile, the Gaza ceasefire holds in spite of some uncertainty, Ukraine holds its breath, and social media owners have handed Donald Trump a powerful propaganda machine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The United States is a fragile, big, important entity." Ed and Sean are back for 2025 ahead of the inauguration which will see Donald Trump installed as President of the United States for a second term. We discuss some of the things we've missed over the new year break, such as Trump's new fixations on Canada, Greenland, and Panama, the Trump nothingburger sentencing and January 6th report, Gaza ceasefire, California fires and terror attacks. And as more people are switching off than ever before, we ask what is even the role of media in a nation where no one’s listening?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This is pre-Civil War-like, I think the nation is changed forever." As 2024 draws to a close, we stand at the precipice of what could prove to be one of the most consequential periods in human history. On the hunt to make some sense out of it all, Ed and Sean have a final word on the election campaign and Biden's stewardship, as well as the battle over reproductive rights, gun control, and the unending conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. We'll see you in 2025, have a Merry Christmas, a happy holidays, and enjoy the fireworks on New Year's Eve because there could be many more to come...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"[Trump] wants to go to war with Iran, they don't want to give him that opportunity." Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have acceded to a 60-day ceasefire agreement backed by the United States, with the Lebanese military to act as a mediator in the coming days. But with Hezbollah bloodied but not broken, what are the chances for a longer peace? And what does it mean for Gaza? Also touching on the latest news about appointments to Trump's cabinet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"It is so scary, and so unAmerican." Trump's dream team continues to take shape, but dogged by accusations of sexual misconduct and unfitness for their roles it remains to be seen if the Republican-led Senate will take a stand on appointments or simply let Trump have his way. Meanwhile, ominous plans begin to be put into motion for Trump's promised ouster of illegal immigrants. Also discussing businesses bracing for tariffs, Ukraine and Russia's nuclear threat, Gaza, and Biden's judicial appointments in our last regular chat of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A lot of good, strong, smart people will be leaving the United States." A week on from the shock re-election of former president Donald Trump and a great deal of people and institutions are still reeling as plans are cemented for his second term. Unable to stay away, Ed and Sean look at where it went wrong for Democrats and the rule of law, and how some are planning on fighting back, plus controversial picks for Trump's cabinet, Israel, Ukraine, and Elon Musk's bizarre new role at the heart of the administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We lost the election but we are not defeated." Defying a late surge in the polls for Harris, American voters have returned Donald Trump to the White House with a historical win that has made him only the second president to be voted to two non-consecutive terms and the first Republican to win the popular vote in twenty years. So, what happens now?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We're voting for Kamala to keep the democracy." In the final days of the election campaign, polls continue to run on a razor's edge and the United States appears more divided than the days of the Civil War when the two sides were literally shooting at one another. Are there any closing arguments to be made that really matter? Also discussing the fallout from Trump's Madison Square Garden rally, threats against a free and fair election mounting, Gaza, and Bird Flu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I think you ought to get your divining stick out." The November election is only a couple of weeks away and polls continue to show a result too close to call with nothing having a real impact on the Trump campaign in spite of his many, many, many scandals, slips, and absences. Meanwhile, Russia and China, very possibly the real winners from this US election cycle, have touted their blossoming friendship and a new 'Just World Order'. Also discussing JD Vance's absence from the race and potential results in the House and Senate, Rudy Giuliani, intelligence leaks, Ukraine, and infant mortality on the increase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"They thought they could take her down but she stood up and fired right back." Kamala Harris steams ahead with interviews and new policies this week while Donald Trump dances and amps up his fascist rhetoric, so how the hell does this election still look so close? Meanwhile, the US is getting itself more involved with Israel, not less, apart from threats over humanitarian aid that conveniently pushes the problem past the November election. Also discussing hurricane recovery, China's military drills, Ukraine, early voting, and the reopening of Three Mile Island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Florida is no longer habitable." At time of recording, Hurricane Milton is closing in on Florida shores with devastating winds and storm surges predicted. How did it go so wrong so fast, and how has partisan politics derailed the response? Kamala Harris has been on a media blitz this week, appealing to those less engaged in politics as well as tried-and-true audiences, but does she risk turning off progressive with her 'strongwoman' approach? Also discussing the latest jobs report, the US deficit, October 7th, and a new term for the Supreme Court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If delivery counts, Vance wins. If honesty counts, Walz wins." The VP presidential debate this week appeared more substantive, and certainly more civil, than anything we've seen lately, but does it really matter? And do new polls reflect the performances. Meanwhile, Hurricane Helene has carved a swathe through southern states, leaving at least 120 dead and billions of dollars of damage in her wake. Also discussing the latest from Israel, Jack Smith's case against Donald Trump, the dockworkers strike, and latest from the campaign trail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We're not going to spread it around with handouts, we're going to spread it around with opportunity." Kamala Harris has laid out her economic plans on the campaign trail this week, looking toward investment and manufacturing, as Donald Trump lurches from crisis to crisis. But first, the leaders of Japan, India, and Australia have met with Joe Biden in Washington to discuss tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific. Also discussing Israel's assault on Lebanon, the death of Marcellus Williams, avoiding government shutdown, and Republican efforts to confuse the vote in November.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"What do they say in the Bible? You reap as you sow?" A second alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump barely raises eyebrows this week but not everything surrounding Trump is so harmless. Residents of Springfield, Ohio, have found themselves under siege by bomb threats and neo-Nazis following Trump's claims of Haitian immigrants in the town taking and eating people's pets. Meanwhile, in a move that sounds straight out of a conspiracy theory, Mossad have targeted Hezbollah's communication network with explosives hidden inside pagers and radios as tensions reach new heights in the Middle East. Also discussing the potential for a government shutdown, IVF, rate cuts, and a disappointing endorsement rejection for Kamala Harris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"She acted more like a president than anyone I've seen since Obama." Baby executions, pets being eaten, a failing nation, Donald Trump's vision of America contrasted sharply with Kamala Harris' sense of optimism and forethought in this week's presidential debate. Ed and Sean break down some of the issues discussed, as well as a big time endorsement for Harris, sentencing in Donald Trump's fraud case being pushed past the election, Russia's influence on the rightwing media sphere, and the latest from Gaza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"She's like the little bird flying under mother's wing, and she's just outside mother's wing, she's flying on her own, and gaining wind." The Harris campaign has swung into policy announcement mode, with a sweep of new measures for encouraging small business. But with suggestions Harris needs to do more to distinguish herself from the Biden administration, how does she showcase her differences while still demonstrating she is a safe pair of hands to those who desire continuation? Also discussing criticism of Netanyahu in the ceasefire process, Nippon Steel, Trump's Arlington disaster, and the Apalachee High shooting in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We're really pushing against a ceiling here... she's got to reach deep into her cookie jar and pull out more cookies." Officially the Democrats' nomination for president in 2024, Kamala Harris continues to gain in the polls but Republicans are doing all that they can to keep people from voting with voter purges, lawsuits, and intimidation. Meanwhile, Jack Smith is doing his best to salvage his January 6th case after the Supreme Courts' decision on sweeping presidential immunity. Also discussing the leadup to the debate, RFK Jr dropping out of the race, and the latest from Gaza and Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This is a movement, and I'm saying movement here beyond political parties." Democrats have come together to pull for Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention this week, so just what kind of election platform are we seeing come together as far as policy is concerned? Also, attempts to impeach Joe Biden have died not with a bang but with a whimper as Republicans have found nothing to substantiate allegations of bribery or fraud. Also discussing the latest on lowering drug costs, Gaza, Ukraine and Russia, the NFL's concussion settlement, and RKF Jr rumoured to drop out in the coming week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This campaign now is the Happy Meal, they're announcing happy happy happy, better better better, don't fight all that old, ugly stuff." Kamala Harris continues to make massive gains over Donald Trump in the polls, but is there a risk of complacency setting in if more policies are not announced? Meanwhile, Ukraine has flipped the script on Russia and made an incursion into Russia territory to Putin's outrage. Also discussing the Iranian hack of the Trump campaign, Middle East talks, cancer moonshot, and fears officials may refuse to certify 2024 election results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"So if the nation's in danger, look to the coach." It's official, the Democratic National Convention has nominated Kamala Harris unopposed as their presidential candidate for the 2024 election and she has announced Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate. While Donald Trump was hoping Joe Biden would somehow return to snatch back the nomination, he's got problems enough of his own to distract him with fresh bribery allegations. Also discussing Supreme Court reforms, closing a loophole on politicians who trade in stock, escalation in the Middle East, and race riots in the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Americans are feeling positive... the first thing Kamala did in her first ad was talk about the things she's going to do." The White House has announced anticipated reforms for the Supreme Court this week, including term limits and a binding code of conduct, but just how long before any of it can come into effect? Meanwhile, the Harris campaign is making great strides against her 'weird' opponent, but its still a long road ahead to the voting booths. Also discussing legal developments for 9/11 perpetrators, Israel and Iran, Venezuela, fires in Alberta, and the Olympics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.