Taking Down Trump

In the aftermath of the election day nightmare, Tristan looks at the missed opportunities to prosecute Trump after the January 6th attemped coup, and the media's role in his ultimate resurgence. He also laments the Democratic party's dated approach to mainstream economic policy, and emphasizes the need for bold actions moving forward - all while urging us to stay deeply engaged in the long fight (to preserve our democracy) that lies directly ahead.

On the eve of Election Day, this final installment of our Decoding Project 2025 series delves deep into MAGA’s radical economic proposals, including massive tax cuts for the wealthy, the elimination of SALT deductions, and plans to defund or privatize critical financial institutions. We‘ll discuss how the proposed gutting of agencies like the IRS, Federal Reserve, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would benefit a small circle of ultra-wealthy individuals while potentially devastating the American economy. Spoiler alert: These policies would disproportionately harm middle-class Americans and residents of blue states while enriching a select group of billionaires.

Dive into the latest election developments as we analyze Trump's controversial Madison Square Garden rally and its impact on Latino voters. Learn how the "floating garbage" comments about Puerto Rico could reshape battleground states like Florida and Pennsylvania. Plus, discover surprising poll numbers from Kansas that might signal a broader shift in the electoral map. We'll break down Kamala Harris's game-changing Medicare home care proposal and what it means for American families, while examining the truth behind inflation numbers and tax policies. Get an insider's perspective on early voting records in Michigan and the potential "quiet majority" that could determine the election's outcome.

Heroes for Democracy Super Show If you missed Tuesday night's LIVE super show on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram, we’ve got you covered. Hosts, Tristan Snell, JoJo from Jerz and Brooklyn Dad Defiant are joined by an army of guests to rally support for Kamala and raise funds to power key Democratic candidates and pro-democracy initiatives. The event features a series of special guests, beginning with Stephanie Miller, Olivia Julianna, Lauren Windsor, Anthony Scaramucci, Ty Ross & D.Knight, Allison Gill, Brian Tyler Cohen, Glenn Kirschner & Martina Navratilova.

In this explosive episode, we dive deep into the latest developments in Georgia's crucial election landscape. Discover how record-breaking early voters are reshaping the political playing field, and uncover the shocking legal maneuvers Trump allies may attempt to manipulate the voting process. We break down the high-stakes battle for democracy, plus Tristan’s perspective on Trump's bizarre 30-minute musical interlude at a recent rally and what it reveals about media bias. Don't miss this essential analysis of the forces shaping America's political future!

Tristan is joined by the formidable Andrea Chalupa, host of the hard-hitting Gaslit Nation podcast. They're peeling back the layers on America's democracy crisis faster than Putin can say "fake news." From Kremlin-backed MAGA influencers to Georgia's neo-confederate voter suppression schemes, they draw chilling parallels between today's threats and history's darkest chapters, all while serving up a masterclass on why enforcing those dusty old laws might just save the republic. Sprinkle in a DOJ critique, and a hefty dose of "let's actually do something about this," and you've got yourself an episode that'll leave you fired up and ready to defend democracy – or at least seriously considering a panic room.

We sit down with Congressman Jamie Raskin for a deep dive into the strategies being employed to combat election subversion and "big lie" propaganda. Later he talks about his work with the January 6th Committee and delivers a passionate call to action for citizens to engage in the democratic process.

Buckle up, folks! In this jaw-dropping episode of Decoding Project 2025, Tristan breaks down the MAGA playbook for turning the DOJ into Trump's personal legal playground. If you thought the DOJ was already in hot water, Project 2025 wants to crank up the heat to 11. Tristan lays out why this matters to all of us who give a damn about democracy and equal justice.

It’s part 8 of our Project 2025 series and we’re exposing the MAGA “GRWM” makeover that would make even Trump's hair look understated. From dismantling government agencies faster than a toddler with a Lego set, to treating federal employees like seasonal retail workers, Project 2025 has it all. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of "Schedule F" - because nothing says efficiency like turning government employment into a game of musical chairs. Join us as we navigate this rollercoaster of proposed changes, where democracy gets a facelift and civil liberties go on a crash diet.

Tristan is joined by Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas, who shares her unique path from aspiring anesthesiologist to rising Democratic star in Congress. Rep. Crockett offers insights on current legislative battles, including government funding and the farm bill, while also reflecting on her role as national co-chair for the Harris-Walls campaign. This episode provides an inside look at the challenges facing Congress and the personal story of a dynamic new voice in American politics.

In this episode, we discuss the fallout following false claims spread by JD Vance and Donald Trump about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, OH and the historical context of xenophobia in America. Later, Representative Ro Khanna joins the show to provide insights from Capitol Hill and discuss the urgent need to counteract these divisive narratives.

From dismantling healthcare as we know it to rolling back civil rights, Project 2025 reads like a dystopian novel—only it's terrifyingly real. We'll dissect the absurdities of these proposals, including pregnancy surveillance and the attack on Medicare.

In this post-debate episode, we’ll talk debate strategy and how Kamala Harris masterfully baited Trump into a frenzy of fact-checkable falsehoods and unhinged outbursts from his weird pet-eating paranoia to his Charlottesville revisionism.

This week on Taking Down Trump, Tristan reflects on his time at the Democratic National Convention, Trump's eyebrow-raising gala for January 6th "guests," and the former president's apparent foray into unauthorized Middle East diplomacy. He’s joined for a conversation with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who pulls back the curtain on Supreme Court corruption. They discuss billionaire influence, ethical gymnastics by certain justices, and potential fixes like term limits and an actual ethics code (gasp!).

It’s Part 5 of our Decoding Project 2025 series and we’re diving headfirst into its assault on America's farmers, food supply, and public health. From slashing aid for struggling farmers and gutting critical SNAP programs that feed hungry families, the real kicker is the elimination of food safety regulations, allowing their corporate cronies to peddle tainted meat and toxic baby formula - because who needs a healthy next generation when there's a buck to be made? It’s a dystopian vision, where children starve, the environment is ravaged, and the only ones who feast are Trump's gluttonous backers.

In this eye-opening installment of "Decoding Project 2025," Tristan Snell dissects the alarming foreign policy proposals in Donald Trump's blueprint for a second term. From gutting the State Department to abandoning NATO, Snell exposes how Project 2025 would cripple American diplomacy and embolden adversaries like Russia and China. Learn about plans to end aid to Ukraine, betray the Kurds, and slash support for Africa. Snell also reveals the document's hypocritical stance on classified information leaks and its potential economic impact on Virginia. Don't miss this crucial analysis of how Trump's isolationist "America First" policy could lead to "America Last" on the global stage.

In part 3 of this series, the focus is on the Project 2025 section about the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the author of this section, Ken Cuccinelli, who proposes turning DHS into an immigrant Gestapo; including detention without due process, and warrantless detention by ICE. Tristan also discusses the mass denaturalization of legal immigrants, mass deportation of Dreamers and refugees, and the weakening of cybersecurity and protection against disinformation. And finally, the plan to gut the Secret Service and eliminate civil rights and civil liberties protection within DHS.

Tristan Snell unpacks the latest from the campaign trail from Tim Walz's VP nod to Trump's desperate rants. But the real kicker? J.D. Vance's not-so-subtle flirtation with authoritarianism. Snell breaks down how this Yale Law grad went from Trump critic to MAGA puppet, peddling dangerous ideas about voting rights and the end of the American republic. Is Vance just weird, or is he the most extreme candidate in America’s history? Tristan exposes the threats to democracy hiding behind Vance’s nerdy political jargon. Keep the couch jokes coming.

In this second episode of Taking Down Trump's special series, Tristan Snell exposes the details behind the dangerous Project 2025 blueprint for dismantling the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and privatizing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Actions which would create immense risks to national security and the safety of millions of Americans. The deep dive focuses on the section written by former Trump administration DHS Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli, which lays out a plan to effectively create an immigration Gestapo, potentially herding millions of men, women, and children into tent-based prison camps.

In this episode of "Taking Down Trump," host Tristan Snell delves into Donald Trump's recent meetings with foreign leaders and explores the potential legal implications under the rarely-invoked Logan Act. The episode also features YouTube legal and political commentator Leeja Miller, who discusses J.D. Vance, Peter Thiel's influence, and Project 2025. Together they examine Biden’s proposed Supreme Court reform and their feasibility.

In this bonus episode, we begin a deep dive into Project 2025, the controversial blueprint for a potential second Trump administration. We’ll expose alarming plans to dismantle the civil service system, politicize government agencies, and reshape the military. From gutting worker protections to imposing extreme ideological tests, we analyze the far-reaching implications of Project 2025 for American democracy and institutions. Join us for the first installment of this critical examination of Trump's vision for reshaping the federal government.

Buckle up, folks! In this whirlwind episode, Tristan analyzes the dramatic shift in the 2024 presidential race following Biden's withdrawal and Kamala Harris's rapid ascension to Democratic nominee. We examine how Harris's background as a prosecutor could be a game-changer against Donald Trump and we apply lessons from Tristan’s book Taking Down Trump to Harris's campaign. Tristan also discusses the implications for key issues like police reform, reproductive rights, and election integrity.

In this episode Tristan unpacks the bizarre reality of J.D. Vance as Trump's VP pick. From Silicon Valley cash to extremist trash, we'll explore how this Hillbilly Elegy author became MAGA's newest darling. Discover the Thiel-Musk money trail, Vance's greatest hits of misogyny, and his apparent allergy to democracy. We’ll also cover recent political developments, including the tragic events in Pennsylvania this past weekend and Judge Cannon's dismissal of classified documents charges against Trump.

Michael Cohen joins the show to give insider perspective on the trial, his star witness testimony, and what Trump's guilty verdict means for the 2024 race. Plus, Cohen serves up some spicy advice for Joe Biden's debate prep and explains why Project 2025 should terrify every democracy-loving American. We'll also dissect the media's age obsession and why recent European elections might give Democrats hope.

Join us for a deep dive into the Supreme Court's recent bombshell decisions, including the reversal of the Chevron doctrine and its implications for federal agencies. Then, Tristan explores the potential silver lining in the Trump immunity case and how it might impact the 2024 election. Joined by Supreme Court expert Dahlia Lithwick, together they discuss the court's increasing extremism, corruption concerns, and potential checks on judicial power.

Tristan and guest Jojo from Jerz analyze the never ending corruption in “Trumpland” plus the Supreme Court's lack of accountability, and the importance of maintaining perspective on the unprecedented nature of current political events.

Tristan delves into the blatant hypocrisy surrounding Donald Trump and the conservative establishment. Is Trump in violation of the same federal gun law that led to Hunter Biden's conviction? Joined by the inimitable Stephanie Miller, the two dissect the erosion of democratic norms, the cowardice of Republicans, and the urgent need for citizens to rally at the ballot box to preserve the nation's values.

Tristan examines the alarming extremism taking root in the Supreme Court. Later, Rick Wilson joins for a dive into the crumbling world of Trump allies.

In this episode, host Tristan breaks down the historic conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 felony counts. Guest Allison Gill of Mueller, She Wrote, The Daily Beans and JACK podcasts also joins to analyze the trial strategy, potential appeals, and what's next for Trump. This episode celebrates the triumph of democratic accountability and the resilience of the justice system against a deeply controversial figure.

As the jury begins deliberations, Tristan dissects the missteps and missed opportunities by Trump's legal team. Tristan is joined by former federal prosecutor, Glenn Kirshner to discuss the defense team's stumbling efforts in closing arguments and throughout the trial.

TAKING DOWN TRUMP is a book, a Substack, and now – a podcast. In just 30 minutes a week, we’ll give you an indispensable go-to pod on Trump’s trials and other top stories impacting law and democracy – with a weekly news roundup, a deeper dive on a topic you need to know about, and special guests. Follow now and join us for new episodes every Wednesday.