The Chuck ToddCast - Trump’s Lawlessness + Showdown With SCOTUS Looming?
Chuck Todd is joined by Benjamin Wittes, editor-in-chief of Lawfare, to break down the widespread legal violations committed by the Trump administration during Donald Trump’s first three months in office.Chuck opens the episode by underscoring the gravity of the moment and why Trump appears to show little respect for the law or the authority of the courts.Ben Wittes then joins the conversation to discuss the constitutional amendments the administration may have violated, whether Trump is defying Supreme Court rulings, and what a potential legal showdown over his immigration policies could look like.They examine the administration’s targeting of law firms and universities, where institutional pressure could serve as a check on executive overreach, and whether lawsuits filed by state attorneys general stand a chance in court.Finally, they unpack Trump’s use of executive orders against his critics, why the U.S. is losing its reputation as a global “beacon of freedom,” and Ben shares one reason he still holds onto a sense of optimism.0:00 First 90 days of the Trump administration has been tumultuous 1:45 Congress is sitting on its hands2:45 The administration is slowing down routine investigations 4:00 This is a dangerous moment for the country5:30 Trump is “flooding the zone”8:15 There are legal ways to handle deportations but Trump isn’t interested9:30 They’ve violated amendments four through nine11:30 Trump left Biden a legal quagmire over the border, but Biden didn’t handle it well12:30 Prices will rise in the next 60-90 days 14:00 Incompetence has defined Trump’s administration thus far15:00 Administration is trending toward monarchy 16:45 Lindsey Graham has gone radio silent18:55 Benjamin Wittes joins the show! 21:10 Trump is violating multiple constitutional amendments 23:30 Is Trump violating the Supreme Court ruling? 25:55 Did the Supreme Court water down their ruling? 27:05 All 9 justices agreed on the premise 28:05 What would satisfy the court's order to "facilitate" the return of Abrego Garcia? 29:40 If Trump asked for the prisoner back, Bukele wouldn't say no 30:45 The White House is brazenly violating court orders 32:10 The administration is extorting law firms 36:45 How will Harvard's decision to fight back affect them? 38:35 Is the administration going out of their way to pick fights? 39:55 They're creating criminal impunity for allies 40:45 Administration is using civil litigation to target enemies 41:55 The government will pay more in damages than money saved by DOGE45:00 John Roberts is issuing rulings meant to avoid confrontation with Trump 46:25 SCOTUS justices are aware Trump is flaunting their ruling 48:45 Trump is putting tremendous stress on his own party 49:25 Are Trump's actions uniting SCOTUS against him? 52:25 What to make of the three liberal justices putting out a press release? 54:55 How alarmed are the six conservative justices? 56:05 Expectations for California's tariff lawsuit? 58:55 The president has civil immunity from defamation lawsuits 1:01:15 Targeting Krebs and Taylor are two of the most egregious acts so far 1:05:25 Trump 2.0 is an entirely different proposition 1:06:55 What authoritarian model does Trump most emulate? 1:07:55 Ben projected "Trump and Vance betrayed the country" on the Washington monument1:10:55 The beacon of freedom has been turned off1:12:25 Ben's hammock studio 1:14:15 Administration is targeting people the public doesn't care much about 1:16:05 The goal is to stop it from getting worse1:18:03 Showdown with SCOTUS looming?1:19:30 Chuck’s Nats rant - Fix the bullpen!(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
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1:22:03
The Chuck ToddCast - Reacting To The JFK Files & Conspiracy Theories
Chuck Todd takes a deep dive into the JFK assassination conspiracy and the latest document release with Jeff Morley, founder of JFK Facts.He opens the episode by exploring how the government’s lack of transparency and honesty has fueled public distrust—and why that environment often breeds conspiratorial thinking.Chuck and Jeff then examine the government's decades-long effort to keep a tight lid on records related to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and how skepticism from high-ranking officials at the time continues to cast doubt on the CIA’s official account.They break down the most recent document releases, discuss why both Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden delayed their full release, and analyze what the timing and redactions might suggest about what the government could still be hiding.The conversation takes a closer look at Lee Harvey Oswald, his potential ties to the CIA, and why the agency has remained evasive about those connections.Finally, they review the key findings from the newly released documents, assess whether any revelations have truly been groundbreaking, and preview what might come next in the ongoing evolution of this historic conspiracy theory.Like and subscribe to The Chuck ToddCast!Timeline:0:00 Introduction02:00 What led to massive distrust of the U.S. government04:00 Chuck’s big questions about the JFK assassination8:40 How did Jeff Morley become JFKfacts?10:10 Oliver Stone’s movie led to congress passing the JFK records act in 199211:40 Released CIA records were a reporting gold mine14:55 Until the internet, the government kept a closed fist on the records15:55 Oswald denied the killing, case was never adjudicated 19:10 Chuck welcoming his son to the conspiracy 21:50 The books that informed Jeff’s thinking on the assassination24:45 Bobby Kennedy never believed the official story25:55 How did Oswald not end up in jail after going to Russia?28:45 Oswald was a known quantity to CIA officials before the assassination29:55 Robert Kennedy asked the CIA director directly about CIA involvement32:10 CIA’s fear was their awful operations being brought to light33:40 Lyndon Johnson didn’t believe the Warren commission34:50 Why did the CIA cover up its affiliation with Oswald?35:40 What did Trump hold off on releasing?37:30 Trump and Biden both punted on releasing files40:40 Trump got back on board after RFK Jr. joined the campaign43:10 The timeline for redactions shows what the government prioritized protecting45:10 Hoover sanctioned FBI agents for their handling of Oswald45:55 Why did the FBI + CIA remove Oswald from the watch list?47:40 Oswald clearly was a CIA asset48:40 Oswald did 5 things that should have landed him in trouble49:55 Oswald goes public with the Fair Play for Cuba Committee51:50 4 people confronting Oswald in the courtroom had CIA connections54:20 Bay of Pigs is the root of Cuban-American support for Republicans59:00 Did we learn anything from old Soviet files?1:01:00 Soviets surveilled Oswald while he was in Minsk 1:03:45 Tulsi Gabbard implied new files had been found1:05:30 CIA hasn’t produced new records that aren’t at the national archives1:06:00 What are we missing on Jack Ruby?1:08:10 CIA motivations for cover up?1:10:15 What if Oswald did it and was part of a conspiracy?1:10:40 There’s no smoking gun proof Oswald did it?1:11:10 Compelling evidence that shots came from in front of Kennedy1:13:10 Investigators botched the chain of possession for evidence1:17:25 Jeff’s experience testifying in front of congress1:18:55 Trump’s motive for declassifying the records1:21:40 Where to find Jeff’s work1:23:10 The CIA was a rogue agency in the 50s 1:24:55 Chuck’s closing thoughts
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1:25:38
The Chuck ToddCast - Is Trump ceding America's power to Xi Jinping & China
Chuck Todd is joined by geopolitical expert and Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer to unpack the global implications of President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the international order.Chuck opens the episode by examining how Trump’s use of tariffs and his zero-sum approach to foreign policy are dismantling decades of established U.S. trade and diplomatic norms.Ian then joins the conversation to assess the ripple effects of Trump’s tariffs on global trade, how key U.S. allies and rivals are likely to respond, and whether China stands to benefit in the long run.He explains how Trump’s policies may be inadvertently strengthening Xi Jinping, why the U.S. is ill-equipped to operate in a “law of the jungle” environment, and what kind of economic damage could be on the horizon.The discussion turns to the rise of anti-American sentiment abroad, the erosion of the rule of law at home, and why the economic fallout may disproportionately affect red states.They then take a global tour of hotspots: debating the prospects for a renewed nuclear deal with Iran, whether Turkey has fully slipped into autocracy, and the likelihood of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in 2025. To wrap up the episode, Chuck answers listener questions in the "Ask Chuck" segment.Timeline0:00 Introduction1:00 Trump is creating a new world order2:00 Trump has a zero-sum view of foreign policy4:00 Could Trump break with Putin over lack of ceasefire?6:00 Trump 2.0 and Trump 1.0 are completely different9:00 Ian Bremmer joins the show10:00 Has Trump broken the world economic order, or temporarily disrupted it?11:15 Countries will begin to de-risk away from the US13:30 Trump using emergency powers to unilaterally break international agreements18:00 China will become dominant in the old architecture built by the U.S.21:15 People voting for a second “Trump 1.0” and are getting something vastly different22:30 Instability will force unity on the EU23:30 Americans don’t understand how good we have it*24:30 The future of power seems to lie with the autocracies and not the democracies25:30 Is Trump throwing a lifeline to Xi Jinping?29:30 The U.S. doesn’t have the right political system to operate in the “law of the jungle”32:00 China’s surveillance state will check any type of middle class uprising34:30 How different would things look if we had the TPP?38:00 How should companies navigate the uncertainty Trump is creating?39:30 Products from China are already becoming unavailable41:00 Companies are all lobbying for exemptions42:00 The hit to the US economy is going to be massive44:20 The rise of anti-American sentiment45:45 The first amendment only applies to citizens now?46:45 The hit to American tourism will be substantial48:00 Economic damage will hit red states the hardest49:30 Mexican government has been willing to cooperate51:45 Trump wants to cut a deal with Iran, even if it makes Israel unhappy54:20 Will Erdogan get away with smashing democracy in Turkey?56:15 What to make of the political turmoil in South Korea?58:00 Will Bolsanaro/Le Pen have their charges stick, or could they win office in the future?1:00:30 Biggest risks to the world? Is Trump at the top of that list?1:02:30 Will the Ukraine/Russia war achieve a ceasefire this year?1:06:20 Ask Chuck1:06:40 What books do you assign your class to best understand this political moment?1:12:00 Are we in a competitive autocracy similar to Erdogan’s Turkey?(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
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1:22:13
The Chuck ToddCast - Trump's Tariff Changes + Predicting Future of Fox News & The Murdoch Empire
First, Chuck reacts to President Trump’s announcement that smartphones, computers, and other electronics will be exempt from tariffs. He also previews what we can expect this week in political news, and breaks down what all these developments mean for our democracy as a whole.Then, Chuck is joined by The Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins to discuss his latest story, “Growing Up Murdoch,” which delves into the Succession-style drama surrounding Rupert Murdoch, his children, and the future of their media empire.They examine Fox News’ enormous influence on American politics, how the network evolved during the Trump era, and how it could undergo major changes once Murdoch’s children take the reins.The conversation explores striking parallels between the Murdoch family and the Roys from HBO’s Succession, including a looming legal battle over the family trust and what it could mean for the company’s direction.McKay explains how Fox News shifted after the departure of longtime CEO Roger Ailes, while Chuck highlights how the potential loss of NFL broadcasting rights could pose an existential threat to the network.Finally, they turn to the Trump family and discuss why its own brewing succession drama might ultimately eclipse that of the Murdochs. Timeline:00:00 Intro02:58 Reaction to Trump’s tariff exemption of smartphones and computers07:45 Are we entering a kleptocracy?14:05 McKay Coppins joins Chuck16:47 Any discussion about making Mckay’s Murdoch article into a book?18:17 Fate of the Murdoch empire impacts the fate of American politics19:32 Murdoch outlets impacted Trumpism, Brexit and other major events22:47 Murdoch used to make the weather, now Trump does26:32 It’s easier to pick a side in media rather than be a neutral observer29:02 Did Succession have an insider account or were the Murdochs that predictable?30:47 The Murdochs are a normal, wealthy dysfunctional family32:17 Status of the Murdoch lawsuit?34:47 Was Rupert Murdoch “honeypotted” by the Chinese government?36:32 Will James and Lachlan reconcile after Rupert dies?38:17 Rupert has pitted his kids against each other39:32 Without Brexit and Trump, would James and Lachlan have worked better together?41:17 James can’t stomach what Fox News became in the Trump era42:17 Fox News went off the rails after Roger Ailes left43:47 Ailes ruled Fox News with an iron fist44:32 The inmates are running the asylum at Fox46:02 If James gets his way after Rupert dies, Fox will change drastically47:17 Fox can never go as far as Newsmax or OAN48:32 The Fox empire was built on its current audience50:32 James is building his own empire52:02 Sisters are embarrassed by Fox News52:17 NFL rights are existential for Fox and big tech can outspend them54:17 Murdoch kids have shielded their kids from the press55:47 WSJ + NY Post will still needle Trump57:32 James has more interest in the media business than Lachlan58:02 The Murdochs and Trumps have similar dynamics59:17 Don Jr. understood the Trump base better than his father1:00:17 Succession style drama is coming for the Trump family
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1:06:26
The Chuck ToddCast - Who Takes The Fall For Tariff Disaster? + Trump’s Enemies List
On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck Todd is joined by Marc Caputo, Senior White House Reporter for Axios.Chuck begins by breaking down how the personnel guardrails that existed during Donald Trump’s first term are now gone—and why a potential second Trump administration would look dramatically different from the first.He and Marc then explore which Trump official is most likely to take the blame for the administration’s disastrous tariff rollout, and outline three key factors that led Trump to temporarily reverse course with a 90-day delay.They also explain why Trump can no longer credibly pin economic challenges on President Biden, and why his plan to boost domestic manufacturing may fall short. The conversation turns to Trump’s use of executive orders to target whistleblowers and critics, and who might be managing his so-called “enemies list.”Finally, they assess which members of Trump’s inner circle are gaining or losing favor with the president, and preview a looming controversy that could shake up the Florida governor’s race.Timeline:0:00 Introduction2:00 Trump 1.0 was NOT a blueprint for Trump 2.04:40 This is a brand new style of governing6:22 Was there insider trading based on Trump’s tweet?8:28 The market and rich people are serving as a guardrail10:00 Anti-american sentiment will affect American businesses11:30 Marc Caputo joins the show12:55 The “dear leader” quality to the administration17:37 Howard Lutnick the likely fall guy for tariffs?18:36 Three factors caused Trump to change course on tariffs23:07 Trump 1.0 was completely different compared to Trump 2.027:50 Does the administration regret that they didn’t pass the tax cut first?29:22 Trump gave up the ability to blame Biden for the economy30:00 Manufacturing plants take years to build31:15 Trump working through an “enemies list”?35:05 Revenge agenda is a slippery slope37:00 Is RJK Jr. being reeled in by the White House?39:56 Trump changes his mind constantly43:31 What is Elon Musk’s current standing within the administration?45:46 Is Rubio’s stock rising or falling?48:09 The administration is using AI to monitor social media feeds50:30 Scandal looming over the Florida governor’s race52:55 Chuck’s final thoughts
The Chuck ToddCast is back! If you're looking for smart, no-nonsense political conversation, you've come to the right place. The Chuck ToddCast goes beyond the headlines, featuring conversations with top reporters, insiders, and newsmakers from D.C. to the heartland. No scripts, no spin—just real discussions about what’s shaping our politics and why it matters.
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