Podcast appearances and mentions of Bill Press

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, our own foreign policy expert, Joe Cirincione, discussed several pressing foreign policy issues. Cirincione is a National Security Analyst with decades of experience in DC. They began by touching on King Charles' historic visit to Canada for the parliamentary opening—a gesture seen as supportive of Canada amid criticism from Donald Trump. They then shifted focus to Trump's peculiar interest in Greenland, interpreting it as a potential financial motivation rather than geopolitical strategy.The conversation moved towards the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russia launched its largest attacks in three years. Cirincione criticized Trump's lack of military support for Ukraine and highlighted the strategic miscalculations of both Trump and Putin, suggesting that Putin is manipulating Trump for his own benefit.They also talked about the leadership of Ukrainian President Zelensky, praising his resilience in the face of adversity, and provided insights into the situation in Gaza. Cirincione described the Israeli military strategy under Netanyahu as destructive, with plans to essentially depopulate Gaza.The discussion also touched on the U.S.'s dwindling support for its NATO allies, suggesting that Europe may need to step up and take independent action in global politics, particularly given Trump's erratic foreign policy.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More Tariff Chaos. Public Feeling It? Markets Not Happy. Big “Beautiful” Bill. It's Chances in the Senate. Trump's Crypto Corruption. The Used 747 Bribe. White House Shakedowns. The End of the Penny. With Emily Goodin, Senior White House Correspondent for DailyMail.com, Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief of CQ-Roll Call and Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-chief of the National Journal. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill speaks with Sylvia Poggioli from Rome about the new Pope, Leo XIV, and what he might bring to the table. Poggioli is the legendary NPR Rome, Vatican and Senior European Correspondent. They talk about Pope Leo's inauguration mass, which was a big event with around 200,000 people attending. Leo XIV's homily focused on love, unity, and peace, similar to Pope Francis, but with a stronger push for unity within the Church.Leo XIV's background is pretty diverse, and he seems to understand the importance of both unity and diversity in the Church. He's getting praise from both conservative and progressive factions, which suggests he might be a skilled politician. His election was a bit unexpected, but it shows how the College of Cardinals has shifted under Pope Francis.One of the big issues Leo XIV might tackle is the Latin Mass, which has been a point of conflict. Sylvia thinks he might be more open to discussing this and finding a middle ground. Leo XIV is likely to follow Pope Francis' legacy, focusing on outreach and collaboration within the Church, as well as addressing global challenges like immigration and international conflicts.Overall, Leo XIV seems poised to unite diverse factions within the Church and tackle pressing global issues with compassion and collaboration. His background as a descendant of immigrants shapes his perspective, and he might advocate for solidarity with migrants.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are back next week with new episodes of The Bill Press Pod. The 12th and final chapter chronicles the demise of our fictional magazine, Capital Monthly. The pressure from the White House, from advertisers and from Social Media algorithms kills the independent journalism that was, in our stories, documenting what life was like for people under Donald Trump's second term guided by Project 2025. We now have seen, in real life, what evil Project 2025 has wrought. We hope this update of Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal restores in all of us, our commitment to halt the march to disaster that is MAGA, Trump and most of the GOP. 2026 cannot come fast enough. But for us to stop the madness, we must VOTE and convince friends and family to vote as well.We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this series. Especially the talented sound designers Marilys Ernst and Jonathan Moser who worked on every episode. Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is written by David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill had the great fortune of being in Saint Peter's Square when the new Pope was announced. He tells us what it was like and his thoughts on Leo XIVSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill is back next week from his research and writing sabbatical. While he's gone, we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and have the series author, pro-democracy advocate and the author of nine books, David Pepper, tie them to what's actually happened so far. In Chapter 11, set in November in Tallahassee, fictional Florida, Governor Buck Bryce confidently addresses the press regarding Hurricane Timothy, initially predicted to be a manageable Category 1 storm. However, the hurricane unexpectedly strengthens to a devastating Category 4 upon landfall, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life. The governor, previously assured by Washington that all preparations were sufficient, is confronted with the reality of inadequate storm forecasting due to recent cuts to federal meteorological services as proposed by Project 2025 and now DOGE following through.As emergency response efforts falter, Bryce grapples with the new federal policies under Trump that make it difficult to declare emergencies and provide immediate assistance to affected businesses and citizens.(As is now actually happening: Under President Donald Trump, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied federal assistance for tornadoes in Arkansas, flooding in West Virginia and a windstorm in Washington state. It also has refused North Carolina's request for extended relief funding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This fictional but predictive narrative highlights the consequences of disregarding climate science and federal data, resulting in death and destructionAs always, the series author, David Pepper updates on how what he predicted has come to pass.We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode:Mark Ruffalo who read the chapter and others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Jonathan Moser.Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is written by David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical for the next 2 weeks we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and tie them to what's actually happened so far. The first part of Chapter10 introduces the fictional character Dr. Joy Brewer, a dedicated researcher focused on studying cancer clusters affecting Black Americans. Joy learns from her colleague, Dr. Matthias Kunz, that all federal grants linked to race or gender are being canceled, jeopardizing her life's work. Despite her attempts to advocate for her essential research, the political climate forces her into a corner where she must reconsider her direction. This part of the chapter closes with Joy's resolute decision to remain true to her mission, suggesting a significant personal and professional loss amidst the disaster of Trump and his ideological allies.In the second part of chapter, the fictional Webster "Web" Powers, addresses a packed ballroom in Washington, D.C., on a day he considers pivotal for his political ambitions. Web, who has transformed from a simple condo salesman into a powerful figure opposing what he sees as “woke” ideologies in education and government, relishes the fear among his audience—representatives from universities and research institutions. He recalls how his concerns about a lack of patriotic historical education for his children led him on a crusade to eliminate anti-American content from schools, which in turn propelled him into politics. After achieving success in Florida by banning critical race theory and related concepts from education, he is ready to extend his efforts nationally. During his speech, he unveils plans to remove references to race, gender identities, and diversity from federal policies and grants, branding the funding of such initiatives as “racism.” His announcement indicates that billions in federal research funds supporting various racial and gender-focused studies will now be terminated, causing dread among established academics who relied on these grants. Web takes pleasure in exerting control, sensing that his audience, once dismissive towards him, is now subservient to his newfound authority.Ultimately, both narratives illustrate what happens when a Trump second term guided by Project 2025 destroys the lives and work of dedicated individuals committed to social justice and scientific integrity.We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode:Danai Gurira and Joel Hurt Jones who read the chapter and others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Jonathan Moser and Marilys Ernst. Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is written by David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical for the next 2 weeks we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and tie them to what's actually happened so far. The story in this chapter follows fictional Private Troy Marquis, who attends a tense early morning briefing at a military reserve base in Philadelphia. Troy is told that a radical group, Antifa, has invaded the city, prompting a second-term President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act. US law currently prohibits the military from operating on US soil. However, the Insurrection Act of 1807 gives the president broad and sweeping authority to use the military to quell domestic violence or conspiracy that the president thinks is a domestic rebellion or insurrection. Donald Trump tried use the Insurrection Act against Black Lives Matter protests in his first administration and has threatened use the U.S. Military to shut down protests against him in a second term.As the soldiers in Troy Marquis company advance towards City Hall, tensions rise with the conflict between what the soldiers were told and what they see with their own eyes. In the midst of a peaceful protest against police violence, the situation escalates when one soldier purposely makes up a perceived threat, leading to gunfire. The chaos results in the deaths of dozens and many injuries, including their own soldiers. Overcome with horror and guilt, Troy grapples with the aftermath of their actions and the brutal reality of their mission.In a view from the other side, the fictional Julie Brown joins that protest in Philadelphia calling for justice after the police killing of two Black students. Despite her parents' concerns about the increasing hostility towards protesters, she feels compelled to stand up for her beliefs. The protest initially unfolds peacefully, filled with songs and chants, until military forces arrive with orders to disperse the demonstrators. As the military's authoritative tone becomes increasingly menacing, panic ensues when gunfire breaks out, resulting in casualties among the protesters. Julie is injured in the chaos and wakes up in the hospital, facing a representative of military intelligence who informs her that the protest group is being investigated for allegedly attacking the military. Once again in a trump administration up is down and down is up.We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode:Mark Hamill and Andrea Guidry who read the chapters and others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Jonathan Moser and Marilys Ernst. This episode of Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal was jointly written by Daniel Miller—lawyer, writer and democracy advocate—and David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the American Federation of Government employees. More information at AFGE.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical for the next 3 weeks we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and tie them to what's actually happened so far. Project 2025 proposed to eliminate the Department of Education and divert federal education funding into universal school voucher programs, allowing public money to be used for private and for-profit schools. This would result in cuts to critical services and programs at public schools, including mental health counseling, school resource officers, after-school programs, reading/writing specialists, and services for students with disabilities. Classroom sizes at public schools would increase substantially due to the funding cuts, hampering the ability to provide a quality education. The plan also calls for the censorship of curriculum and book banning related to topics like racial equity, LGBTQ issues, and reproductive health. Private for-profit schools receiving voucher funds have been found to use substandard or misleading curriculum, including teaching that dinosaurs and humans co-existed and that slavery was not as bad as portrayed. Overall, the goal of Project 2025 is to end public education in the United States in favor of a privatized, deregulated school system, with devastating consequences for students, especially those from lower-income families and communities.Based on the actual proposals and likely consequences above, the fictional based stories begin as Martha Sheakley, the principal of Southeast Middle School, faces the challenges of new controversial book-banning laws that require the removal of numerous classics from the library. As she meets with librarian Paige Parker, they express their frustration over the vague standards forcing them to censor popular titles, including works by Toni Morrison and Anne Frank. Martha is frustrated with the political landscape affecting education and the consequences of enforcing these new laws. Martha then attends a distressing meeting about school funding. Due to the government's shift to vouchers for private schools, public schools face severe funding cuts. She learns they must eliminate wrap-around services and support staff, including mental health counselors, after-care programs, and special education resources. These cuts threaten the well-being of students and the overall educational environment. The meeting exposes the deepening crisis in public education as more responsibilities are pushed onto families with lower income and fewer resources. After a day filled with painful decisions and meetings, Martha encounters law enforcement taking away censored books from the library, further highlighting the absurdity and tragedy of censorship in education. As the day ends, Martha reflects on the privilege of parents benefitting from the new policies while her own students and staff suffer the consequences.In parallel, Marcus and other parents share their concerns about Blue Ribbon Academy, a new school that seemed promising but delivered a disappointing reality. They discover misleading curriculum materials that trivialize serious historical issues and provide an inadequate education. As they navigate their experiences trying to advocate for better education options for their children, they are met with resistance from the Blue Ribbon administration, which has no accountability to the public.Despite their efforts, the parents ultimately face the grim reality that shifts in educational policy have sidelined their children, particularly those with special needs like Marcus's son, Jamal, who is deemed "not a good fit" for Blue Ribbon due to his ADHD. This reflects a larger trend of public schools becoming underfunded and unable to meet the needs of diverse learners as more families are funneled into less supportive educational environments.We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode: Ever Carradine and Don Cheadle who read the chapters and others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Johnathan Moser.Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is written by David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical for the next 4 weeks we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and have the series author, pro-democracy advocate and the author of nine books, David Pepper, tie them to what's actually happened so far. In this episode of Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal, we see the real-life effects of this assault on unions and workers. In our fictional story, two legendary high school football players, Turk Foster and DeAndre McCollum, still relish their past glory. But they are struggling to navigate the rule changes proposed by Project 2025 that undercut the power of unions and tilt the playing field in favor of the employers to the detriment of employees. Turk struggles with his job as a union electrician as wages and job security diminish. He feels the weight of expectation on his son, who may soon forgo football to support the family by taking a job, previously off limits to teenagers in a plant in town. DeAndre's wife, a nurse, has had her hours cut and has to cope with last minute schedule changes that disrupt their family life.In the second half of the episode, Bruce Lipton, the fictional private equity executive, plays golf with his HR consultant Dudley Brennan. Their conversation reveals the ruthless cost-cutting measures undertaken by their firm, Bald Eagle Capital, and the broader privatized economy shaped by the election of Donald Trump and the deregulation as proposed in Project 2025. Dudley lists strategies like eliminating union protections, utilizing young workers—including hiring teenagers for hazardous jobs—and reducing overtime expenses. Despite his discomfort with these practices, Bruce feels pressured to comply with the aggressive corporate tactics that prioritize profit over worker safety and rights, reflecting an uncomfortable tension between his upbringing in a union household and the cutthroat world of private equity. The chapter concludes with Bruce's disillusionment leading him to leave the golf course, symbolizing his internal conflict over the ethical implications of his work. We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode: Wendell Pierce and Fisher Stevens who read the chapters and others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Marilys Ernst and Jonathan MoserTrump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is written by David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworkers Union. More information at Ironworkers.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical for the next 4 weeks we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and tie them to what's actually happened so far. The story that leads off Chapter 6 captures the struggles of 12-year-old Alvaro and his mother in a fictional detention center in West Texas. Alvaro expresses his hunger to his mother, who is too weak to properly care for herself. As they navigate the deteriorating conditions of the camp—overcrowded with diminishing food supplies, hostile guards, and a sense of fear from both authorities and fellow detainees—Alvaro reflects on lost friendships and longing for better times. His mother's health declines as she sacrifices for him, giving him her piece of bread despite needing it more herself. This highlights Alvaro's growing awareness of their desperate situation. He learns from a friend, Manuel, about possible escape routes and decides to plan his own escape to ensure both his and his mother's safety.In the second half of Chapter 6, in a parallel narrative, soldier Jake Caldwell describes the chaos of the detention center from his perspective. As he witnesses the overwhelming influx of women and children, he feels the systemic failures of the camp. The environment strips away humanity, leading children to escape in search of freedom. As both narratives unfold, Alvaro attempts to escape the camp, filled with hope for a future where he can see his mother smile again even as Jake grapples with the moral dilemmas of his role in the oppressive system. Their stories intertwine themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the harsh realities faced by both detainees and guards in the unjust conditions of the camp.We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode:Mark Ruffalo and Andrea Guidry who read the chapters and others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Marilys Ernst and Jonathan Moser.Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is written by David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill interrupted his sabbatical in Europe to share his thoughts on the death of Pope Francis and who just might replace him. And how important that is for the Catholic Church, and the world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical for the next 4 weeks we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and have the series author, pro-democracy advocate and the author of nine books, David Pepper, tie them to what's actually happened so far. In Chapter 5, Part one, the fictional characters Congresswoman Louise Getty (a stand-in for Liz Cheney) and Senator Wade Stiller, former rivals, meet at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. They reflect on their pasts and express concern over a hostile political climate under Trump's second term, feeling fear and paranoia about being surveilled and targeted by the government. Their conversation reveals a sense of vulnerability as they confront the reality that many of their colleagues have abandoned principles out of fear. Louise recalls the intense political maneuvering and betrayals leading up to and following the January 6 insurrection.In Part Two, Woody Nuxhall, the newly appointed head of the Treason and Political Crime Section of the DOJ, oversees his zealous young team of prosecutors, eager to pursue investigations and vendettas against political enemies. The group discusses tactics to surveil and undermine former colleagues and opposition figures, planning a strategy fueled by partisan loyalty and vengeance, while embracing a radical transformation of the DOJ's role in politics. While these stories are fictional, they are based on Trump's own words and Project 2025.We'd like to thank the artists who contributed their time to make this episode:Richard Schiff and Morgan Fairchild who read the chapters and Jason Kravits, Tony Michaels, Jim Hilmes, Joe Walsh and Omid Abtahi contributed character voices. Sound Design by Marilys Ernst and Jonathan Moser.Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal was written by David Pepper and Produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical, we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and to ask the author David Pepper tie them to what's actually happened so far. This episode tells the fictional story of a middle school that opens its doors to unvaccinated students under a second Trump Regime as Trump eliminates Federal funding for schools with vaccine mandates. The story follows the school nurse, Stephanie Morris, as she navigates the influx of unvaccinated students and the resulting disease outbreaks that spread rapidly through the school and community. The narrative illustrates the real-world implications of the president's policy, with outbreaks of diseases like measles, whooping cough, and the flu causing hospitalizations and even deaths among vulnerable students and staff. The story highlights the challenges faced by the school nurse in trying to protect the health of all students, including her own daughter who has an autoimmune condition, without the backing of mandatory vaccination policies. We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode: Laurie Burke, Leigh McGowan who read the chapters & Audrey Hakes, Joe Walsh, & others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Marilys Ernst and Jonathan Moser. Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal written by David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical for the next 5 weeks we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and tie them to what's actually happened so far. In Chapter 3, the fact-based fictional story of Dr. Yvette Hardman and JJ Newsom depicts the dismantling of expertise and science-based decision making in the federal government under a second Trump administration guided by Project 2025. Dr. Hardman, an experienced infectious disease expert, is removed from her position at the CDC and replaced by JJ Newsom, an unqualified political loyalist with no relevant experience. This reflects Project 2025's plan to fill government positions with partisan appointees rather than nonpartisan experts. The new administration, in this fictional account and now in real life, rejects science-based pandemic response recommendations from Dr. Hardman instead prioritizing political and economic considerations over public health. This aligns with Project 2025's directives to limit the CDC's ability to make public health recommendations. The story highlights the Trump administration's hostility towards science and the displacement of experienced civil servants. Overall, the narrative illustrates how a second Trump term guided by Project 2025 would undermine the role of expertise and independent scientific advice in government, with potentially disastrous consequences for public health and safety.We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode: CCH Pounder, Richard Schiff and Jason Kravits who read the chapters and Omid Abtahi, Laurie Burke and Joanne Carducci who did the voices. Sound design by Marilys Ernst and Jonathan Moser. Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal was written by David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical for the next 6 weeks we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and tie them to what's actually happened so far. Chapter Two depicts the personal story of Eve, a nurse struggling with infertility, whose treatment is threatened by the new president's actions. The episode explores how the president's policies are impacting everyday Americans, particularly women and families, by interfering with reproductive freedom and the right to self-determination. The author of the serialized novel “2025,” upon which this podcast series is based, David Pepper, highlights how the fictional story is turning into fact, underscoring the very real and devastating consequences a second Trump term and the implementation of Project 2025 are having. You can read Chapter Two of David Pepper's “2025: A Novel” at davidpepper.substack.com/p/2025-a-novel-chapter-2We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode. J. Smith Cameron read the chapter and audio finishing by Marilys Ernst. This series is produced by David Pepper, Melissa, Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman. Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and the Bill Press Pod.Today's Podcast is supported by The Ironworkers Union. More information at Ironworkers.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Bill is on a research and writing sabbatical for the next 6 weeks we decided it's important to revisit the horrors we laid out in our Project 2025 podcast series, Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal – and tie them to what's actually happened so far. Chapter One depicts how the lives of everyday Americans would be impacted by the policies outlined in Trump's Project 2025 and the return of Donald Trump to power. The fictional story follows Ammon Maher, a college student and immigrant, as he is detained and deported without due process due to his involvement in past campus protests. This narrative directly reflects Trump's campaign promises and current actions to crack down on student protesters and his administration's policies that target undocumented immigrants. The author of the serialized “2025: A Novel” upon which this podcast series is based, David Pepper, highlights how these policies are being implemented right now. We hope the re-running and updating of the podcast series will encourage even more people to stand up to Donald Trump, strengthen our courage to resist, and lead to a total rejection of Donald Trump and the anti-democratic MAGA movement in 2026.. You can read Chapter One of David Pepper's “2025: A Novel” at davidpepper.substack.com/p/2025-a-novelThis episode is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tarriff Debacle. Trump Defiant. Negotiation Ploy? Countries Fight Back. GOP is Nervous. Margin Slips in Florida Races. Musk Loses Wisconsin Race. Musk White House Turmoil. New Mothers Fight Johnson. Laura Loomer Flex. Booker's Very Very Long Fight. With Sudeep Reddy, Senior Managing Editor at Politico, Nikki Schwab, Chief Political Campaign Correspondent at the Daily Mail and John Bennett, White House Correspondent at CQ Roll Call.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast episode features a conversation between Bill Press and Dahlia Lithwick, Author of Lady Justice, Senior Editor at Slate Magazine, Regular Contributing Analyst at MSNBC and AMICUS Podcast Host . They discuss:* **Concerns about the Rule of Law:** They express concern about the Trump administration's actions testing the legal system, particularly regarding court rulings, executive orders, and targeting law firms.* **Impeachment Threats:** Trump's calls to impeach judges for unfavorable rulings are discussed. Lithwick emphasizes that there's no basis for this and points out John Roberts' statement defending the judiciary.* **Supreme Court and Presidential Power:** They discuss the potential for the Supreme Court to rule against Trump's actions and the implications if he refuses to comply, raising concerns about a constitutional crisis. The "unitary executive theory" and its impact are also examined.* **Targeting Law Firms:** The administration's executive orders targeting specific law firms are scrutinized, focusing on the potential impact on the legal profession and the varying responses from law firms.* **Immigration Issues:** The episode covers the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, highlighting the lack of due process and the problematic legal justification. Cases of students being detained and deported for protesting are also discussed, raising concerns about freedom of speech.* **Weaponizing the Justice Department:** The conversation touches on the concern that the Trump administration is using the Justice Department and the FBI to target its enemies, eroding the separation between the executive branch and law enforcement.The discussion centers on the erosion of legal norms and the abuse of power by the Trump administration.In this toxic legal environment, Bill points to the brave work of the American Civil Liberties Union. They are not caving to Trump. More information at ACLU.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Security Scandal. GOP Crickets. Good Journalism. Stefanik Under The Bus. Special Election Worries. Greenland Fights Back. Car Tariffs. Canada Fights Back. Social Security Cuts. End FEMA? Purge Smithsonian. With Sarah Wire, Senior national political correspondent for USA Today, Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-Chief of The National Journal and Jason Dick, Editor-in-Chief of CQ-Roll Call.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill interviews Ellie Mystal, Legal Analyst and Justice Correspondent for The Nation, on his new book, Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America. Mystal identifies ten laws plus a constitutional amendment that he argues are detrimental to America. During their conversation, they discuss the misconception of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) as redefined by Republicans, the problematic impact of the Hyde Amendment on abortion rights, and the adverse effects of mandatory minimum sentencing from crime bills supported by both Democrats and Republicans. They also delve into voting rights, gun liability laws, and the lack of effective representation in Congress, suggesting reforms like the Wyoming Rule for more equitable representation. Mystal underscores the role of neoliberalism in shaping harmful laws and calls for a reevaluation of laws passed before the 1965 Voting Rights Act.You can purchase your own copy of Elie Mystal's new book here.Today Bill highlights the work of The Nation magazine. A powerful progressive voice for over 160 years. Bill has been a subscriber for decades and it gives a platform for people like Elie Mystal. Sign up at TheNation.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dept. of Education Closed? Impeach Judges! Obey Court Orders? Constitutional Crisis. Musk vs Social Security. GOP Fears Musk, MAGA. Musk Solid with Trump. Town Hall Anger. Dems in Disarray. AOC Rising. Andrew Cuomo Back. Tesla is Political. With Maya King, Political Reporter at The New York Times, Emily Goodin, Senior White House Correspondent for the DailyMail.com and Arthur Delaney, Senior Reporter at HuffPost. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill talks with Anat Shenker-Osario. She is a strategist, pollster and messaging consultant for progressive politicians. organizations and causes in the United States and around the world. Shenker-Osorio argues that progressives are not even "losing" the messaging war but rather failing to participate effectively. She attributes this to: An over-reliance on the idea that "good policies sell themselves." A lack of consistent, repeated messaging. Flawed message testing that doesn't reflect real-world communication. A lack of a "fight" mentality. She emphasizes the importance of controlling the narrative through language. She uses the example of "deportation" versus "abduction," and how conservatives have successfully redefined terms like "critical race theory." To counter MAGA messaging, She advises progressives to: Frame issues around shared values. Clearly identify the "villain" (e.g., "MAGA Republicans"). Offer a positive vision for the future and use the phase"MAGA is a death cult."She stresses that the Democratic party is seen as weak, and that the voters want to see a fight. You can follow Anat Shenker-Osario on Blue Sky at @Anatosauras.bsky.socialToday's Bill Press Pod is supported by the Iron Workers Union. More information at Ironworkers.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Schumer Caves. No Shutdown. Trade War Escalates. Markets Seesaw. Trump Approval Fades. Trump Sells Tesla at White House. Judges Slap Down Musk. Dems Attack Musk & Tax Cuts. With Phillip Bump, Columnist for the Washington Post and author of the newsletter, How to Read This Chart, Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief, White House/Politics Correspondent at the Christian Science Monitor and Igor Bobic, Senior Politics Reporter at Huff Post. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Bill talks with popular progressive podcaster David Pakman. Pakman is the author of the new book, The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America. They discuss the current state of communication and disinformation in the United States, focusing on the challenges faced by progressives in countering right-wing extremism and misinformation. It highlights the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in combating the spread of false narratives, and the need for grassroots activism and strategic political involvement to address these issues. The discussion covers the concept of the "echo machine" that amplifies and propagates disinformation, as well as the role of mainstream media in contributing to the problem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of voting, supporting progressive candidates, and engaging in real-world activism to drive meaningful change. You can pre-order his book here.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by Association of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Backlash to Trump. Tariff Uncertainty. Markets Down. Inflation Risk to GOP. Musk's Power Fading? Cuts Hurting Red States. Education Dept. Done? Trump's Rally at Congress. Dems Fumble Response. Dems Bad Hand. Dems Need a Leader. With John Bennett, White House Correspondent & Editor-at-Large, CQ Roll Call, Kirk Bado, Editor, National Journal Hotline and Evan McMorris-Santoro, Reporter and NOTUS Daily Newsletter writer.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Bill discusses the concerns around the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with Dr. Rob Davidson, ER doc and the Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Healthcare. Davidson expresses concerns about Kennedy's history of anti-vaccine advocacy and his potential impact on public health policies. Key issues discussed include the measles outbreak in Texas, the threat of a bird flu pandemic, the cancellation of a key flu vaccine committee meeting, and the potential cuts to funding for the CDC and NIH that could undermine critical public health research. Dr. Davidson also raises concerns about Kennedy's lack of understanding of key healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medicare, and the risk of these programs being undermined under his leadership. Overall, the episode highlights the significant public health risks posed by having an HHS Secretary with a history of spreading misinformation about vaccines and a disregard for scientific evidence.Today Bill highlights the work of the nations' nurses and their Union, National Nurses United with 225,000 members. More information at NationalNursesUnited.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musk Runs the Cabinet. Town Hall Backlash. Dangerous Fed Staff Cuts. If Government Fails… GOP Medicaid Danger. No Fraud Shown. Zelensky Visit. Tariffs on Tap. Suppressing the Press. With Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief and Columnist for The Chicago Sun-Times, Jasmine Wright, Reporter for NOTUS and Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-chief of The National Journal. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill and Elie Mystal, The Nation Magazine's Justice Correspondent, discuss the ongoing chaos and damage caused by the Trump administration and its close ties to Elon Musk including: The firing of prominent Black figures like Joy Reid of MSNBC and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown Jr., which Mystal argues is part of a broader effort to remove Black voices and influence from the government and media. Concerns about Trump and Musk's disregard for the rule of law, including their apparent willingness to defy court orders and undermine federal agencies and regulations. The lack of meaningful checks on Trump's power, with Mystal arguing the courts and Congress have become ineffective in constraining the executive branch.The broader context of ongoing efforts to roll back Civil Rights progress and return to more overt forms of racism and discrimination under the guise of "merit-based" hiring.Despite the bleak outlook, Mystal maintains a glimmer of hope that the current authoritarian push will ultimately be short-lived, drawing parallels to the fall of other historical regimes that sought to establish long-lasting dictatorships.You can read Mystal at The Nation and pre-order his new book, Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That are Ruining America at Bookshop.org. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal Worker Purge. Cuts Begin to Hurt. Voter Backlash. Trump's Worsening Polls. GOP Senators Fear Trump, MAGA. Death Threats. McConnel's Legacy. Trump Lies About Ukraine. Trump Wants DC Rule. Eric Adams on a Leash. With Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief of CQ-Roll Call, Arthur Delaney, Political Reporter at Huff Post and Amanda Becker, Journalist at 19th News covering politics and Washington. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the latest episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill interviews CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, who discusses his new book, The Pardon: The Politics of Presidential Mercy. (Click the link to purchase.) Before addressing the book, they dive into current legal controversies, notably Trump's influence in New York, where a U.S. Attorney resigned rather than drop a case against Mayor Eric Adams, raising alarms about the politicization of the Justice Department.Toobin compares the situation to the "Saturday Night Massacre," noting the troubling implications and potential quid pro quo involved in the dismissal request. He argues that Trump's administration is projecting its own actions onto others, accusing Democrats of weaponizing the DOJ while engaging in similar behaviors themselves.The conversation shifts to executive orders from the Trump administration that some critics view as legally questionable. Toobin underscores the challenge of accountability, mentioning that state attorneys general have been stepping in to address these overreaches but acknowledges they face difficulties against a Republican-dominated government.Toobin articulates a crucial warning about the potential for a constitutional crisis if the administration openly defies court rulings. He cites historical precedents, noting that the rule of law has long dictated that the courts, not the executive branch, determine constitutionality.They move on to Toobin's book that evaluates the presidential pardon power, emphasizing its political nature rather than legal. Toobin acknowledges that while it is subject to abuse, it can also serve compassionately, highlighting the disparities in pardons by various presidents, including Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden.Lastly, the conversation addresses Trump's pardons, especially the January 6th rioters, which Toobin describes as a grotesque abuse of power, compounding the larger trend towards authoritarianism within the administration. He concludes that these actions contradict principles of equal legal treatment and reinforce systemic corruption by rewarding allies and punishing adversaries.Overall, the episode critiques the current political landscape, underlining the importance of maintaining the integrity of legal institutions in the face of executive overreach.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by More information at Follow Bill on X at @BillPressPods and on Blue Sky at @BillPress.bsky.social.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musk in the Oval. Mass Firings. GOP Afraid of Trump. Where Are the Democrats? “The Price of Eggs.” Cuts Will Hurt. Trump Bans AP Reporters. Trump's Own Gulf. Cabinet Forced Through. Constitutional Crisis. Trump Takes The Kennedy Center. With Geoff Earle, US Deputy Political Editor, Mail Online, Sudeep Reddy, Senior Managing Editor at Politico and Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief, White House/Politics Correspondent at Christian Science Monitor.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, More information at UFCW.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is issuing a steady stream of controversial executive orders that are testing Congress, the courts, and the Constitution. This "flooding the zone with shit" strategy is making it difficult for the media to keep up and provide in-depth coverage. Today Bill speaks with leading Media Reporter, Oliver Darcy. Darcy, formerly with CNN, now writes the excellent daily newsletter, Status. Bill and Oliver discuss how the media is struggling to adequately cover and contextualize the Trump administration's actions, which range from pardoning Capitol rioters to making extreme claims about seizing control of Gaza. There are concerns that some media outlets are caving to pressure from the administration or the administration's allies.Examples of the media's challenges include the Politico subscription scandal, the 60 Minutes lawsuit, and the Pentagon removing longstanding media outlets from their press corps. Darcy calls for the media to adopt a different approach, such as framing coverage as a "national crisis" and devoting more resources and airtime to these issues. Their discussion exposes the Trump administration's efforts to overwhelm and undermine the media, and spotlights the media's struggle to effectively cover and contextualize the administration's actions. Bill is a subscriber to Oliver's newsletter and suggest you do as well. Go to Status.news to sign up.Follow Bill on X at @BillPressPods and on Blue Sky at @BillPress.bsky.social.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gaza Chaos. Trump Never Changes. Elon's Power Grab. Will Trump Dump Musk? USAID and Soft Power Gone. Rubio Falls In Line. Powerless Democrats. NYC Mayor's Race. Shutdown Coming. Constitutional Crisis Already Here. Will Court Orders Be Ignored? With Maya King, Political Reporter for the New York Times based in New York, Philip Bump, Columnist for the Washington Post and author of the How to Read This Chart Newsletter and Kirk Bado, Editor of The National Journal Hotline. Today Bill highlights the work of Jose Andres and the World Central Kitchen. With USAID gone, we need the World Central Kitchen more than ever. Please give whatever support you can at WCK.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Oregon Senator Ron Wyden discusses the chaotic first weeks of the Trump administration, including the firing of inspectors general, threats to federal spending, and Trump's nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS Secretary. Wyden criticizes Trump's disregard for the law and his attempts to undermine the federal government. He argues Democrats must focus on issues like healthcare costs, housing, and education to counter Trump's agenda that benefits the wealthy. Wyden also discusses the importance of principled bipartisanship and his new book "It Takes Chutzpah" which outlines his approach to progressive politics. Overall, Wyden presents a critical view of the Trump administration's actions and calls for Democrats to take bold action to help working families. You can purchase your copy of his book It takes Chutzpah: How to Fight Fearlessly for Progressive Change by clicking on this link. This episode of the Bill Press Pod is supported by the Iron Workers Union more information at Ironworkers.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DC Plane Crash. Consoler-in-chief-Not. False DEI Blame. Funds Freeze Fail. POTUS Power Grab. Deportation Theater. GOP Congress Capitulates. Democrats Muted. Flooding the Zone. Tight Confirmations. With Lynn Sweet, Columnist and Washington Bureau Chief at the Chicago Sun-Times, John Bennett, White House Correspondent & Editor-at-Large at CQ Roll Call and Emily Goodin, Senior White House Correspondent for DailyMail.com.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's back in and tearing up the Constitution, the Federal Government and the World Order. What can elected Democrats do? In this pod, Bill talks with Congressman Mark Pocan of Wisconsin. He is a a long-time advocate for progressive policies. He was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's second congressional district in 2013. A small business owner, union member, Rep. Pocan fights for policies that promote economic and social justice. In the current Congress, he serves on the House Appropriations Committee where he sits on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee; and the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee. He is Chair of the Equality Caucus, Co-Chair of the Labor Caucus, and Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

J6 Pardons. Pardon Backlash. Executive Order Theater. Birthright Citizenship. No Appeal to Unity. Hegseth Vote. Gabbard Iffy. Ramaswamy Out. Musk's Power. Trump to NC and CA. With Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-chief at The National Journal, Igor Bobic, Senior Politics Reporter at HuffPost and Evan McMorris-Santoro, Reporter at NOTUS. Today's Bill Press Pod is The American Federation of Government Employees supported by More information at AFGE.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Susan Glasser, is a staff writer at The New Yorker based in Washington, D.C., writes a weekly column on life in Washington and is a host of the Political Scene podcast. She is the co-author of “The Divider,” a best-selling history of Donald Trump in the White House, which she co-wrote with her husband, Peter Baker. She and Bill talk about the Trump's Inaugural Address and his "Niagara" of Executive Orders. And if there are any guardrails still in place. Spoiler Alert: No. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DOD-Hegseth In. DOJ-Bondi In. DNI-Gabbard?? Trump Dumps Turner. Biden's Warning. TikTok Survives. Day One Exec. Orders. Deep Freeze Inauguration. With Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief and White House-Politics Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor, Jason Dick, Editor in Chief at CQ-Roll Call and Arthur Delaney, Senior Politics Reporter at Huff Post. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode examines what went wrong in 2024 and how Democrats can win back the House, Senate, and White House after Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election. Our guest is one of the smartest political writers in the country. Ron Brownstein is a CNN Senior Political Analyst, and Senior Editor at Atlantic Magazine. He analyzes the factors behind Trump's win, including dissatisfaction with the economy under the Biden administration and Trump's ability to appeal to some pro-choice and economically dissatisfied voters. Brownstein suggests that Democrats will need to focus on issues like cost of living and portraying Republicans as helping the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. He also predicts that the next Democratic nominee will likely take a more centrist tone to neutralize Republican arguments on cultural issues. Overall, Brownstein sees the 2026 midterms as a strong opportunity for Democrats to regain control of Congress but notes the 2028 presidential election will present a greater challenge.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Sentenced. Trump's SCOTUS? Jimmy Carter. Biden Dings Trump. Trump & Obama Chatting. Trump on Greenland. Use the Military? Fact-Free Facebook. One Big GOP Bill? John Fetterman? With Phillip Bump, National Columnist at The Washington Post and author of the How to Read This Chart Newsletter, Amanda Becker, Journalist covering politics and Washington for 19th News and Sudeep Reddy, Senior Managing Editor at Politico. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworkers Union. More information at Ironworkers.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's Bill Press Pod is a wide-ranging discussion between Bill and Congressman Jared Huffman on the political landscape following the 2024 election. Huffman is a Democrat representing the 2nd Congressional District in California. They talked about the contrast between the peaceful transition of power in 2025 and the chaos of January 6, 2021. They looked at challenges facing the new Republican-controlled House under a narrow majority, and the potential for Democrats to withhold cooperation and concerns about the incoming administration's plans to "gut the federal government" and undermine democratic institutions using executive power. Huffman warns about the implementation of Project 2025 and the threat of constitutional crises and the militarization of domestic policy. A strategy for Democrats is to go on the offensive and contrast their agenda with the Republican administration's priorities. And finally, the possibility of Kamala Harris running for Governor of California and her future political aspirations.Today Bill highlights the work of Chef Jose Andres and The World Central Kitchen, working to feed people in need all over the world. Andres was just awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden. You can help by going to WCK.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Speaker Race. Fallout From Race. Small GOP House Margin. Hegseth Up First. Gabbard, Patel, RFK Jr. Next. First 24 Hours. First 100 Days. J6 Pardons. Carter's Legacy. With Sarah Wire, Senior National Political Correspondent for USA Today, Kirk Bado, Editor of the National Journal Hotline and Jasmine Wright, Reporter at NOTUS.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, an in-depth discussion of the life and legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, as seen through the eyes of presidential historian Jonathan Alter. The key points: Carter's remarkable journey from a relatively unknown Georgia governor to becoming the 39th U.S. President, and how the Watergate scandal helped propel him to the White House despite low initial poll numbers. Carter's presidency is often misremembered as a failure, but Alter argues that while Carter struggled politically, he was a "substantive and often visionary success" who achieved significant legislative and foreign policy accomplishments. Carter's post-presidency is highlighted as a model for how former presidents can continue to serve the public, through initiatives like the Carter Center, election monitoring, and Habitat for Humanity. The crucial role and influence of First Lady Rosalyn Carter is emphasized, with Alter describing her as one of the most important and impactful First Ladies in history. The depth of the Carter's 77-year marriage is also noted as an extraordinary love story. Overall, the interview provides a comprehensive and sympathetic reassessment of Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, underscoring his many substantive achievements. You can subscribe to Jonathan Alter's newsletter, Old Goats at OldGoats.substack.com and buy his biography of Jimmy Carter, His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life here. Or his latest book, American Reckoning: Inside Trump's Trial―and My Own here.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we are taking a holiday break, we are re-running two of the episodes of Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal series that we produced before the election. We produced it to warn people of what was coming if Trump were reelected, but now we think it's just as important for people to understand what we can actually expect in the next four years. And we hope it will help fuel our collective opposition and resistance to Trump 2.0 This is the second re-run, The Department of Retribution. In Chapter 5 of Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal, Part one, the fictional characters Congresswoman Louise Getty and Senator Wade Stiller, former rivals, meet at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. They reflect on their pasts and express concern over a hostile political climate under Trump's second term, feeling fear and paranoia about being surveilled and targeted by the government. Their conversation reveals a sense of vulnerability as they confront the reality that many of their colleagues have abandoned principles out of fear. Louise recalls the intense political maneuvering and betrayals leading up to and following the January 6 insurrection.In Part Two, Woody Nuxhall, the newly appointed head of the Treason and Political Crime Section of the DOJ, oversees his zealous young team of prosecutors, eager to pursue investigations and vendettas against political enemies. The group discusses tactics to surveil and undermine former colleagues and opposition figures, planning a strategy fueled by partisan loyalty and vengeance, while embracing a radical transformation of the DOJ's role in politics. The narrative emphasizes the deeply entrenched fear and moral compromise within Washington's political landscape, contrasting the idealistic memories of past sacrifices with the present-day weaponization of governmental power. Overall, the story highlights the erosion of democratic norms, and the personal toll this environment takes on the individuals involved. While these stories are fictional, they are based on Trump's own words and Project 2025. In fact, the New York Times, just last week reported just how Trump would use the Justice Department to go after his enemies.We'd like to thank the artists who contributed their time to make this episode:Richard Schiff and Morgan Fairchild read the chapters and others who contributed character voices.Sound Design by Marilys Ernst and Jon Moser.Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal was written by David Pepper and Produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As The Bill Press Pod team takes a holiday break, we decided to re-run two of the episodes of Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal series that we produced before the election. Though we produced it to warn people of what was coming if Trump were reelected, we think it's just as important now for people to understand what we can now actually expect in the next four years. And we hope it will help fuel our collective opposition and resistance to Trump 2.0This episode tells the fictional story of a middle school that opens its doors to unvaccinated students after a possible second -term President Trump eliminates Federal funding for schools with vaccine mandates. The story follows the school nurse, Stephanie Morris, as she navigates the influx of unvaccinated students and the resulting disease outbreaks that spread rapidly through the school and community. The narrative illustrates the real-world implications of the president's policy, with outbreaks of diseases like measles, whooping cough, and the flu causing hospitalizations and even deaths among vulnerable students and staff. The story highlights the challenges faced by the school nurse in trying to protect the health of all students, including her own daughter who has an autoimmune condition, without the backing of mandatory vaccination policies. Overall, the episode demonstrates how Donald Trump's promise to defund schools with vaccine mandates could have devastating consequences for children's health and safety.We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode:Laurie Burke, Leigh McGowan who read the chapters & Audrey Hakes , Joe Walsh, & others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Marilys Ernst and Jonathan Moser. Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal written by Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2 Days to Govt Shutdown. Elon has the Power. Johnson Out? Can Musk Last? Gaetz Scandal Report. New Hegseth Drama. Gabbard in Trouble. Indict Liz Cheney? ABC Caves to Trump. CEO's Bend the Knee. Drone Mania. With Sudeep Reddy, Senior Managing Editor at Politico, David Jackson, National Political Correspondent for USA Today and Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief and Columnist for The Chicago Sun Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's guest is David Corn, the Washington Bureau Chief for Mother Jones, the progressive magazine and website. He is also and MSNBC contributor. He and Bill talk about the slate of cabinet nominees selected by President Trump, highlighting concerns about their lack of qualifications, experience, and potential conflicts of interest. David says Trump has assembled a "crank" cabinet of "cronies and oligarchs" who are unqualified and inexperienced for their positions, such as Peter Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence. Many of the nominees, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, hold extreme ideological views that are at odds with the mission of the agencies they would lead. Key Trump loyalist Kash Patel, who has pushed conspiracy theories about the Russia investigation, could use his position as FBI Director to go after Trump's political enemies. David is concerned that the media and some corporations appear to be pre-emptively caving to Trump, settling lawsuits and making donations to curry favor rather than standing up to his attacks on the press and democratic institutions. He also criticizes Democrats for not doing enough to forcefully oppose these problematic nominations and Trump's broader authoritarian agenda.David writes a great newsletter, “Our Land,” which you can get here: MotherJones.com/OurLandNewsletter.Today's Podcast is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hegseth Rising. Gabbard Drama. Patel vs FBI. Elon and Vivek. Moguls to Mar-a-Lago. Trump vs The Media. Trump Normalized. Killer to Folk Hero. Syria Fallout. With Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief, White House/politics correspondent at Christian Science Monitor, Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-chief, The National Journal and John Bennett, White House Correspondent & Editor-at-Large at CQ Roll Call. Today Bill suggests a great holiday gift, a handwoven scarf from his wife Carol. These are all works of art in rayon chenille or bamboo. Check them out at CarolPressScarves.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.