Podcast appearances and mentions of john rothmann

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

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

One phone call is certainly not doing the trick when it comes to bringing Russia and Ukraine together to end the war. Trump had a marathon call with Putin and afterward both men spoke to the press expressing very different opinions about the outcome of the discussion and what comes next. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in front of a Senate hearing discussing deportations and whether the Trump administration has the power to suspend habeas corpus. She told senators “Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country.” She was immediately corrected, but perhaps she should spend less time on hair and make up and more time on learning what's in the Constitution she swore to uphold. Michael Shure is back in the Captain's chair today. We welcome John Rothmann to the show to talk politics. It's the Planet, Stupid! continues with a discussion Mark had with Paul Rice, the founder of Fair Trade, USA.

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

Despite Trump vowing to cut government spending, hiring Elon Musk and taking chainsaw to federal agencies, your taxpayer dollars are flying out the door faster than ever. Trump's administration has spent about $220 billion more in his first 100 days compared to the same time period last year. According to a CBS analysis, Trump's government is now spending more, day to day, than was spent in nine of the last 10 years. We will look at the details with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann.Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth returns with another attempt to save the world. Join us for, “It's the Planet, Stupid!”The Mark Thompson Show 4/30/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

People who rely on Social Security checks may be feeling a little iffy about President Trump's intentions. Trump spoke to a joint session of Congress last night and once again, raised the issue of possible fraud within the Social Security system. He's convinced dead people are getting checks The Social Security administration addressed the matter recently saying the numbers are part of a known problem with the government's data with millions of people over age 100 in the Social Security Administration's database, but the vast majority aren't receiving benefits. Why Trump keeps raising the issue when it's been explained is unclear, but both Trump and Elon Musk have been exaggerating figures and misrepresenting Social Security data as part of the Doge cost cutting agenda We will check in with presidential historian John Rothmann for his perspective on Trump's address. The measles outbreak continues to spread.We will check in with emergency medicine specialist Dr. Michael Daignault. If you have questions for him, we will try to get at least a few on. Find us at themarkthompsonshow@gmail.comProgramming Note: Belinda Waymouth is off today.The Mark Thompson Show 3/5/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

For $5 million dollars, you too can have all the benefits of an American citizen. Trump's latest money grab comes in the form of a US gold card. It beats a green card with a waiting list. Wealthy immigrants will be able to pay their way in to the U.S. in the hopes they'll invest while they are here. Elon Musk is losing his mind over judges backing the U.S. Constitution. It seems he doesn't like to be told no and is calling for the impeachment of judges who go against him. Musk was reacting poorly to court orders blocking the government's attempts to stop funding for foreign aid, federal grants and keeping refugees from coming into America. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will be in to talk about it all. Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth shares delightful video of endangered baby turtles being released into the wild and shares new developments at UC San Francisco to hold corporate polluters accountable.

We are marking the moment we hit 100,000 subscribers here on The Mark Thompson Show and we couldn't have done it without you. From KGO & KFI to now, thank you for your support. Now, let's discuss why Trump is blaming Ukraine for Russia's invasion and why Musk is wrong about Social Sscurity. We'll chat with Mo Kelly from KFI. Presidential historian John Rothmann joins and we're pretty sure he has a lot to say about Trump's second go at the oval. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” brings our favorite eco-journalist, Belinda Waymouth to the show.

He hasn't been confirmed as the Director of the FBI yet, but it seems Kash Patel has taken it upon himself to kick certain FBI leaders out of their jobs. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, says he has "highly credible information" that Patel orchestrated the firings at the FBI and lied during confirmation hearing testimony by denying any knowledge of the purge. Will it keep him from being confirmed? We welcome Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston to discuss this and much more. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will swing by to talk politics. Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth will bring us details on Trump's love for plastic straws and a directive for NOAA scientists not to talk to scientists from other countries. Join us for “It's the Planet, Stupid!”

Taking over land that has been fought over for decades might not sound like the smartest move, but here comes America inserting itself into the middle of a battleground. Donald Trump's latest idea is to permanently relocate Palestinians in Gaza so that America can take ownership and redevelop the area. The question many are asking is whether Trump is serious or whether this is another one of his outrageous comments made to hasten longer term cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Also, Eon Musk's illiegal takeover of government computer systems continues. We welcome, political analyst, and presidential historian John Rothmann to the show to discuss. “It's the Planet, Stupid! “with our eco-journalist, Belinda, Waymouth allows us to take the pulse of the natural world and focus on our environment.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wasted no time. On his second day on the job, Hegseth set about exacting revenge. He revoked the security detail and the security clearance for General Mark Milley and started an investigation into Milley's conduct. All federal workers have been given a choice. Accept a buyout deal worth eight months pay or roll the dice and see if you still have a job after all the layoffs come. We welcome presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann to the show to discuss it at all.Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth joins for “It's the Planet,Stupid!” She brings word of environmental progress abroad.The Mark Thompson Show 1/29/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Big changes are coming to the ability of immigration agents to track down and arrest undocumented immigrants. Long considered out of bounds, the Trump administration says ICE agents are able to make arrests at churches and schools. These sensitive areas are now fair game in the new era of immigration enforcement. While encouraged to use common sense, officials say, “criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense." We'll talk about changes to asylum policies at the border as well as we welcome presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann to The Mark Thompson Show. We are saying goodbye to the Paris Climate Accord once again and the mantra "Drill, Baby, Drill" is back in action under Trump. What does that mean for America's part in taking care of the environment? Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth joins for "It's the Planet, Stupid!"

A cold Inauguration Day brings Trump back to power in America. His return brings swift change. Trump will sweep into office with the intent to sign upwards of 200 executive actions. It's an attempt to try to start keeping some of his campaign promises on Day 1 while wiping away the accomplishments of the Biden administration.We will talk politics with iHeart TV and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich as we follow the day's events. Jefferson Graham joins to take a look at the best tech gadgets to have in an emergency. The Mark Thompson Show 1/20/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth says Pete Hegseth is not qualified to be America's Secretary of Defense. After her questioning brought his lack of knowledge regarding defense issues to the surface, Senator Duckworth said the hearing “seems to be about whether or not women are qualified to serve in combat…and not about whether or not you are qualified to be Secretary of Defense. And let me just say that the American people need a secretary of defense who's ready to lead on day one. You are not that person." Ouch. The hearing continues today. We Welcome, political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann to the show to talk politics. With the Southern California wildfires still raging, Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth talks about worsening Santa Ana winds and the effect of climate change during “It's the Planet Stupid! “

CNN reports the flames from the Palisades Fire are burning through about five football fields every minute. At nearly 3,000 acres, as of Tuesday night, emergency officials warn that a windstorm means the worst is yet to come. As of this writing, Palisades Charter High School has burned along with multiple homes in the Pacific Palisades area. This fire is threatening the Getty Villa Museum. UCLA students received a warning email but have not been asked to leave. We will follow developments of both the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire in the Eaton Canyon area on The Mark Thompson Show. Trump held a press conference at Mar-a-Lago yesterday that brought out some of his wild ideas. In addition to wanting to rebrand the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, the president -elect would not rule out military force in his desire to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal. He appeared to blame Hezbollah for the violence on January 6th. We will discuss it all with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann.

At one point, Trump said he would put sports icon Herschel Walker in charge of missile shields. While Walker's new job, pending confirmation, seems much less complicated, critics are calling it an S-show. We'll tell you where Herschel might be headed on a long-term vacation. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will join us to talk politics. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” brings our eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth to the show to help us save the world. The Mark Thompson Show 12/18/24

Alleged United Health CEO killer Luigi Mangione is getting a flood of messages from people. We'll tell you why. Plus his mother reported him missing in San Francisco about a month before the killing. Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle are on the rocks. What better way to part ways than with a free long term trip to Greece! Guilfoyle is Trump's pick for Ambassador to Greece. It's quite the break-up gift and send-off on the American taxpayer's dime. John Rothmann will stop by to talk politics. We'll ask him about the ouster of Bashar al Assad in Syria and the jockeying for control at the buffer zone near Israel.

When asked about the possibility of pardoning Trump before the election, President Biden laughed it off. Now, following the pardon of Hunter Biden, there are multiple calls for such a move. Political insiders like Senator Joe Manchin and John Dean and commentator Stephen A. Smith all say it's time to put any chares against Trump yo bed. We'll talk about it with Political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann. Television personality Lisa Joyner Is starting up new podcast. We will talk to her about that and more. 12/4/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com#Biden #Trump #Pardon #PresidentialPardon #Politics #Political #PoliticalAnalysis #PresidentialHistorian #JohnRothmann #Podcasting #LisaJoyner #Environment #ClimateChange #EcoJournalist #BelindaWaymouth

Leading Trump's “You're Fired” department, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump wants the brothers grim to head a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in an effort to dismantle government bureaucracy, cut excess regulations and wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” We welcome presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann to talk about this and more. The conversation continues with John Flannery. You've seen him on major network news panels discussing the election and we are excited to welcome him to The Mark Thompson Show.

The pollsters were right about one thing, this presidential election was extremely close. Still, Trump's dominant success was something of a surprise. We'll talk about what happened with this election and what happens to America now. Journalist Anthony Davis will join us followed by presidential historian John Rothmann.

An estimated 70,000 people gathered at the ellipse in Washington, D.C. to watch Vice President Kamala Harris make her closing argument to American voters. She talked about democracy, supporting allies, lifting up the middle class, the economy, reproductive rights and much more. She also touched on the formation of the United States saying. “we wrested freedom from a petty tyrant.” She talked about wars, sacrifice, civil rights struggles and the way that Americans have fought to preserve liberty. “They did not struggle, sacrifice and lay down their lives, only to see us cede our fundamental freedoms, only to see us submit to the will of another petty tyrant.” Trump appeared at a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania where he reiterated many of the negative messages of his campaign. He did single out Catholics telling them he would be their protector. He also says he'll be a protecting women, despite having bragged about taking away women's reproductive rights. Trump also promised voters that America would have a shield or dome over the country for protection. We'll talk politics with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann.

Perhaps Donald Trump has had a lot of time to reflect after the two attempts on his life during this campaign. Perhaps he really caught religion or perhaps he was just trying to play to the Christian voters he was in front of when he said he was chosen by a “supernatural hand” inferring that God selected him. He also told the group of conservative pastors at the 11th Hour Faith Leaders Meeting, “I would like to think that God saved me for a reason.” He still managed to pull out some fear mongering saying the liberal left was out to get Christians and that they would “suffer greatly.” Perhaps if God was really going to send someone to lead us, the person would be more kind, wise and selfless…the opposite of Trump. We will discuss it with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann. A comet is streaking through the sky and a rocket ship is headed to explore the icy moons of a nearby planet. Astronomy Professor Andrew Fraknoi is swinging by to explain what's happening. Get your questions ready!

Yesterday, Donald Trump told a room full of women at a Fox News town hall event that he is the father of IVF. Monday, Trump sat down with Bloomberg Editor John Micklethwait at the Economic Club of Chicago. Rolling Stone called it a total mess, saying, “the former president was incoherent when pressed with real questions about his policies.” It was clear he didn't understand the ramifications of the economic policies he was proposing. Earlier Monday, another Trump town hall took a bizarre turn. After Trump called out a man In the audience having a medical emergency as needing to lose weight, he proceeded to stop taking questions and dance on stage for almost 40 minutes. Add to this, Trump's rhetoric has gotten darker, if that's possible. In recent days, he has talked about using the United States military against American citizens if protests or violence rise on election day. He said it would take one really rough hour or one really rough day, seeming to advocate brutalizing American citizens . Now, Trump's staff is working to cancel some upcoming events, including a planned appearance on CNBC. Is he crumbling as the election winds to a close? Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will join us to discuss this and more.Constitutional law and political science professor Corey Brettschneider will stop by the show. His new book is called “The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It.” Details at coreybrettschneider.comWe'll take a look at our environment with “It's the Planet, Stupid!”The Mark Thompson Show 10/16/24Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com#Trump #Harris #PresidentialElection #Election2024 #Politics #Political #Democracy #PoliticalAnalyst #PoliticalScience #ConstitutionalLaw #CoreyBrettSchneider #JohnRothmann #Environment #Planet #ClimateChange

Hurricane Milton strengthened back into a Category 5 storm as people continue to try to leave danger zones on clogged Florida freeways. One woman told CNN, “This is the one we prepare for but never had.” Those choosing to stay are facing dire warnings. Tampa's mayor is telling her constituents “If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you're gonna die.” The Police Chief of Holmes Beach issued a morbid message “If you don't take heed, you're on your own. You might as well take a Sharpie and write your name and Social Security number on your leg so that when we find you, we have a contact.” We are working to bring ABC7s Spencer Christian on the show to hear his analysis of the forecast. Kamala Harris is topping the latest NY Times national poll. Donald Trump has been chatty with Vladimir Putin since he lost the last election. From presidential politics to foreign policy, John Rothmann will help us dig in to current events. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” returns with our eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth. She's looking at a new plan to get lead out of our water pipes. Progress is also being made on a new air conditioner that could help us fight off the rising heat in the summers.

Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz seemed a bit nervous as the debate started, but got over that pretty quickly. Republican JD Vance was confident from the start and presenting a side of himself that voters have not yet seen, someone who, on the surface, seems reasonable. While the debate was surprisingly civil (mics were only disabled once), Vance masterfully spun lies into his answers and tried to divert Walz attention from the main issues with minutiae. At the end of debate, Walz asked Vance if he could agree that Trump lost the last election. Vance couldn't do it, giving Walz the chance to highlight a major shortcoming. We welcome journalist and political analyst Michael Shure to discuss it. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will join us to talk politics.

It may be a long shot, but a nonprofit called the Haitian Bridge Alliance wants Trump & Vance to legally answer for the lies they've told about Haitians eating pets . They want the two men arrested and facing criminal charges after the claims made without evidence resulted in bomb threats and safety issues. They accuse Trump/Vance of making false alarms, telecommunications harassment, aggravated menacing and complicity. A judge will decide whether the case moves forward. The latest Trump economic policy isn't going over well with members of his own party. Republican lawmakers are not embracing Trump's latest promise to voters to cap credit card interest rates at around 10% if he's elected. Some GOP lawmakers say that might actually prevent access to credit for a lot of people. Republican lawmakers have also shunned Trump's promise for an unlimited federal tax deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) and have turned away from securing access to IVF, voting down such a law twice. We'll talk about why some of these Trump campaign promises might not be realistic. Presidential historian and political activist John Rothmann will be along to discuss it. Logistics expert Jonathan Rosenthal looks at a bus hijacking in Los Angeles and what steps should be taken to make transit secure before a global event like the Olympics is held in LA. Eco-Journalist Belinda Waymouth returns for “It's the Planet, Stupid!” She looks into a new lawsuit filed by the state of California against Exxon for allegedly misleading people about whether plastic can truly be recycled.

Republicans had the chance to protect access to to IVF and require insurance companies to cover such fertility procedures. Instead, they chose to strike down the bill despite knowing that voters are watching reproductive issues closely. Ohio Senator and GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance didn't even show up for the vote opting to attend a campaign rally in Michigan instead. It's the second time this year that Republicans have squashed the idea of federally protecting access to IVF. Political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann joins us today. Will ask him about that IBF vote and will also look into the pager attacks in Lebanon and what that could mean politically. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” is so good! Mark had a chance to talk about the environment with eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth.

The Harris campaign thought last night's presidential debate was so successful, they're looking for another round. They'd like to schedule a second debate. Vice President Harris seemed to know just how to trigger Donald Trump into going off on a series of rants. She also called him out on some of the more ridiculous lies. Even so, it was a mixed bag with Trump closing by pointing out that Harris has has 3.5 years to do all the things she's promising. She looked nervous at times and he had visible moisture on his upper lip and hairline. We welcome journalist and political analyst Michael Shure at the top of the show to get his take on the debate. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will join to talk politics. We have a special post debate appearance by Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are asking Trump about a suspicious 10-million dollar campaign donation during his last run for the White House. Whether Trump illegally accepted millions from the Egyptian government is also the subject of a secret Justice Department investigation. We welcome presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann to the show to discuss.

With polls indicating a tight presidential race, the GOP is thinking strategy after election day. Some Trump election deniers are now in positions of power as election officials. They are part of a vote certification refusal movement. If valid elections are denied certification, it could cause confusion and chaos across the country. We'll talk politics with our favorite Britisher, journalist Anthony Davis. The conversation continues with political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann. We'l turn to the environment with our eco- journalist Belinda Waymouth. She'll share details about how London is doing something interesting to cut vehicle emissions and how designers are coming up with new eco-fabrics.

Immediately, the energy of the 2024 presidential race took on a different feel when Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in. Money and volunteers rolled in rapidly, frightening GOP leaders. Right away, attacks began from Trump posting on social media that it wasn't fair that he spent money campaigning against President Biden, to Republicans raising issues over the Biden/Harris campaign funding to articles of impeachment filed against Harris. Republicans are throwing everything they can at Harris, grasping at plastic straws and hoping they find something that sticks. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will stop in to discuss it all. When considering a Kamala Harris presidency, what would it look like from the environmental standpoint? Eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth lays it out in “It's the Planet, Stupid!”

Day two of the Republican National Convention was an attempt at party unity. Former Trump rivals Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswami all stood on stage in front of Trump in his decorated box seating area and bowed down. Where there was once criticism about Trump's age and attitude now there is loyalty and support. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will stop by the show to discuss the RNC events and more. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” brings eco journalist Belinda Waymouth to the show to talk about new environmental developments, like printable, solar panels and recyclable fabric. Humans are finding inventive ways to help our planet.

An investigation into the most corrupt Supreme Court Justice in history, Clarence Thomas, will finally happen if key legislators follow through.... Day 1 of the NATO Summit in Washington brought interesting comments from the top defense ministers of what Politico calls Europe's most vulnerable countries. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania seem to be betting on Trump by echoing his stance about countries that don't spend heavily on defense and in one case, likening NATO to a golf club membership. Meanwhile, President Biden gave a strong speech in support of Ukraine. During the next few days, his focus will be assuring NATO allies that he remains robust and ready for the job ahead. Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will join us to talk about the goings on at the NATO summit and more. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” with our eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth takes the pulse of the environment. She'll look at the need for an international agreement on plastics, the likelihood that water will become more scarce and a new push to recycling clothing.

More House Democrats are calling for President Biden to step aside. A new poll shows there is one Democrat who may be able to beat Trump. Will they step up? Political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann will be in to discuss all of the options ahead for the Democrats. Singer, songwriter and now author Carol Connors will share details of her new book called Elvis, Rocky & Me. She has stories for days! Carol is the lead vocalist on the Teddy Bears' single, "To Know Him Is To Love Him", written by her bandmate Phil Spector. “It's the Planet, Stupid” brings our eco-journalist Belinda Waymouth to the show to talk about both the troubling and encouraging moves being made when it comes to the environment.

President Biden and his opponent Donald Trump are gearing up for the CNN debate tomorrow night in Atlanta. While President Biden Is engaged in debate practice with his lawyer acting as Trump, Trump is spending more time on the golf course. This one could come down to who is more prepared. Political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann will be on the show to talk about it all. We turn our attention to the planet. Eco journalist Belinda Waymouth takes a look at what we're doing right and what we could do better in “ It's the Planet, Stupid!”

The gag order in Trump‘s hush money case will stay in place. It requires Trump not make any public statements about witnesses in the case, jurors, prosecutors, court staff or members of their families. New York's high court would not hear Trump's appeal on the gag order. The penalty phase is expected to begin July 11th. Political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann will be in to talk about that, and he'll take a look at San Francisco politics as well Beloved Bay Area sports icon Willie Mays died at the age of 93. We'll talk to former KGO Sports Director Rich Walcoff about Mays' impact on baseball and on the Bay Area. Nikki Medoro will join to take part in Stories from the Sy.

Wait! Isn't the justice system rigged? Isn't it a political weapon? That ship sank with the conviction of President Biden's son Hunter for falsifying a gun questionnaire. Trump tries to sidestep reality as he reacts to the verdict. Political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann will join us to discuss it We'll take up the issue of the Electoral College and voting systems in the United States with Ari Berman, author of Minority Rule. If you've ever had questions about why this process is still in place, you won't want to miss this segment. Belinda Waymouth is bringing a special guest to check in on the environment with, “It's the Planet, Stupid!” Stanford Professor Mark Jacobson will discuss how well California is doing with generating windwatersolar electricity and update us on where we are with the renewable energy transition.

Trump is acting out following his felony conviction. In addition to threatening political enemies with jail, he once again denied ever having met writer E. Jean Carol, for whom a judge found Trump liable in her sexual assault. Carol's lawyer says it could open the door to another defamation case. Political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann will stop in to discuss that and more. Belinda Waymouth joins for “It's the Planet, Stupid!” She'll look at Panama's plan to evacuate the first island because of rising sea levels.

America is on verdict watch. The jury in Trump's hush money trial in New York handed a whopper of a case. The panel, comprised of seven men and five women beginning deliberation today after instructions from the judge. SCOTUS judge Samuel Alito will NOT recuse himself from sensitive cases involving Presidential immunity and J6. Even though his wife's personal outspokenness is remarked on by neighbors and friends flags flown at his home and fights with neighbors clearly reflect an intense bias (or at least the outward appearance of extreme bias) Presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann will stop by to discuss at all. “It's the Planet, Stupid!” brings environmental journalist Belinda Waymouth to the show. She has some positive news about a breakthrough in the manufacturing process of cement. She'll also talk about how climate change may be affecting air travel.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was asked this week about Supreme Court Justice Alito having an upside-down US flag at his house. The longtime symbol of distress has been co-opted by the “Stop the Steal” activists pushing the idea that President Biden somehow stole an election despite no evidence to back it up. McConnell had words for a few Republicans who have criticized the move. He said,“ We need to leave the Supreme Court alone.”We will talk to presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann about that and more.Bring on “It's the Planet, Stupid!” with Belinda Waymouth! Today, Belinda will look at Sperm Whale research indicating their clicks are rather like a human language. She looks at recycled plastic made of trash and biodegradable fabric made from an invasive species. The Mark Thompson Show 5/22/24Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.comTrump #SupremeCourt #JohnRothmann #TrumpTrial #Politics #Political #MitchMcConnell #Scotus #Environment #BelindaWaymouth #Pollution #BiodegradableFabric #RecycledPlastic #SpermWhales #Animals #Environmentalist

Is Rudy Giuliani hiding out to avoid being served with an indictment notice? Arizona prosecutors have tried for weeks to find Giuliani to no avail. The building staff at his residence is refusing any deliveries of documents and Giuliani is not responding to any communications. The indictment is connected to the plot to overturn the 2020 Arizona election results. Political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann will share his thoughts. Belinda Waymouth is back with “It's the Planet, Stupid!” She looks at what we will lose if Trump is elected and has to make good on his deal with fossil fuel company leaders.

Stormy spilled it all in court…from giving Trump a naughty spanking with a rolled up magazine to Trump pressuring her for sex in exchange for an appearance on “The Apprentice.” Across the courtroom, Trump looked mighty uncomfortable, shifting in his seat, making head movements and swearing. The judge had to ask his lawyers to make him stop. In the documents case, judge Eileen Cannon, whom Trump appointed, is indefinitely putting the proceedings on hold. We'll talk about this all with political analyst and presidential historian John Rothmann. New York Times bestselling author Mark Sullivan joins us. He will share the true story behind his latest historical novel, “All the Glimmering Stars.” “It's the Planet, Stupid!” Is back in the hands of Belinda Waymouth. She'll talk about the impact cicadas have on the environment, our success with renewable energy and temperatures rising in Asia.

Time Magazine took a deep dive into Trump‘s feelings on several issues. The former president discussed using the National Guard to assist in mass deportations of undocumented immigrants should he be elected. He floated the possibility of pardoning January 6th participants as well as the possibility of weaponizing the Department of Justice. He once again brought up the potential of an unfair election should he lose and regarding the use of violence, Time says Trump “did not dismiss the possibility outright and did not proactively say anything to deter supporters from again resorting to it.” Thank goodness John Rothmann, Presidential historian, political analyst, and former KGO talk show host will be here to discuss it all. According to the FDA, recent tests of milk show one in five samples containing Bird Flu Virus fragments. It indicates infections in dairy cows are widespread. The FDA insists the food supply is safe. UCSF infectious disease specialist. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong will join us to explain. “It's the Planet. Stupid!”continues. Our amazing environmental reporter Belinda Waymouth Is off appreciating the planet and so we turn to Bob Keefe. He is the author of ““Clean Economy NOW: Stories from the Front Lines of an American Business Revolution”. Mark is traveling, Kim and Albert are joined by award-winning Journalist Phil Shuman.