The Tristan Snell Show

From the alarming ethics of Justice Alito's communications with Trump to Putin's calculated strategy to divide Western allies, today we tackle the debate over presidential immunity, the political maneuvering behind Trump's sentencing, and the Supreme Court's involvement in these landmark cases. The conversation expands to expose how media-manufactured support, territorial ambitions involving Canada, and corporate control over insulin pricing connect to reveal larger truths about power and democracy. All of these threads give a clear picture of how nationalism and fossil fuel interests shape our political reality.

Every Friday, Tristan’s answering question from all of you. This week:

• Musk’s congressional meddling: Legal? Doubtful.

• Trump’s wall and economic fixes: All talk, no action.

• Keeping democracy alive under Trump 2.0: We’ve got options.

Got questions? Hit up Tristan on Substack (TristanSnell.com) or Bluesky (@TristanSnell.bsky.social).

Let’s keep this democracy thing going. 

In the first episode of 2025, we dive into the legal mess that was the Manhattan DA's handling of Donald Trump's prosecution – and how it nearly slipped through the system's fingers. Tristan pulls back the curtain on the office politics, cold feet, and bureaucratic tap dancing that turned a clear-cut campaign finance case into a years-long waiting game. From Michael Cohen's explosive testimony to the eventual trial, he walks us through the behind-the-scenes story of how career prosecutors finally got their shot at justice, despite the higher-ups' best efforts to slow-walk the case into oblivion. Plus, Snell offers a fresh take on Jimmy Carter's environmental legacy and what it teaches us about political courage. It's an honest look at how the justice system works – or doesn't – when powerful figures are in the hot seat.

In this end-of-year episode, Tristan breaks down the dangerous reality of Project 2025 - Trump's playbook for dismantling democratic institutions if he returns to power. From mass detention camps to bypassing Senate confirmation for appointees, Tristan exposes what Trump's team is actually planning and, crucially, how we can fight back. Despite the serious threats ahead, Tristan explains why America isn't over and lays out the vital battles in Congress and the courts that will determine our democracy's future. Plus, a preview of exciting new changes coming to the show in 2025.

We’re reviewing 2024 and breaking down how everything went sideways for American democracy. From DOJ's maddening delays to Alvin Bragg's stop-and-start prosecution, the justice system dropped the ball when it mattered most. Then there’s the mainstream media's double standard between Biden and Trump, driven by ratings and clicks, and the death of old-school TV politics as social media took the wheel. This episode exposes how America's institutions failed spectacularly when faced with their biggest test, while Trump and his allies mastered the new social media playbook that Democrats still haven't figured out.

In this episode of Tristan discusses recent Senators Manchin and Sinema’s vote on an NLRB nominee, debates surrounding the Electoral College and IRS Direct File system, and updates on legal cases involving former President Trump. Snell examines the New York Attorney General’s office’s approach to civil cases and their commitment to addressing fraud across political lines. The episode concludes with an interview featuring Bradley Tusk, author of Vote with Your Phone: Why Mobile Voting Is Our Final Shot at Saving Democracy who presents his proposal for mobile voting as a potential solution to increase voter turnout and engagement in the democratic process.

The episode features two awesome guests- V Spehar from “Under the Desk News” and JoJo from Jerz the host of the “Are you F-ing Kidding Me” podcast. They share their thoughts about the importance of community support, self-care, and focused content consumption in these turbulent times. They also hint at exciting future collaborations within the pro-democracy movement and how we can join together to build a stronger resistance community. Also in this episode, Tristan addresses the emphasizes the power of public pressure on corporations, as demonstrated by Blue Cross Blue Shield’s reversal of a controversial anesthesia coverage policy. He then shifts focus to Donald Trump’s alarming proposal to end birthright citizenship, warning of the dire consequences this could have for millions of Americans. Throughout the episode, Tristan provides crucial legal insights, including advice for same-sex couples and immigrants in light of potential policy changes and he touches on international developments, including Assad’s ousting in Syria and its connection to the Ukraine conflict.

This week we spin the wheel of misfortune for a whammy of a looming economic disaster- Trump’s proposed tariff policies. We break down how these misguided measures could send shockwaves through American households, potentially doubling or even tripling grocery bills and skyrocketing prices on everyday goods. From the devastation of U.S. agriculture to the crippling of international trade, we cover the far-reaching consequences of Trump’s tariff obsession. But it’s not all doom and gloom – learn about the strategic battlegrounds in Congress and the courts where this economic catastrophe can be averted. 

But wait there’s more! Tristan discusses the recent developments in the many legal cases against Trump, the developments in South Korea and so much more. 

This Thanksgiving, Trump’s stuffing his cabinet with the most dangerous nominations. Snell breaks down the jaw-dropping menu, including Dr. Oz potentially overseeing Medicare/Medicaid and Tulsi Gabbard's shocking consideration for Director of National Intelligence—picks that signal a full-scale assault on healthcare and national security. Then we delve deep into the existential threat to the Affordable Care Act and examines Pam Bondi's controversial nomination for Attorney General, revisiting her controversial role in the Trump University scandal.

Later, Tristan welcomes Representative Pat Ryan from New York's 18th congressional district. Ryan provides an insider's perspective on electoral strategy, sharing how Democrats can effectively combat Trump's extremism by connecting with voters through authentic, local messaging. The conversation offers a roadmap for progressive resistance, emphasizing the need to clearly define the political stakes and unite against dangerous political maneuvers.

We’re breaking down Trump's alarming potential cabinet picks, including Matt Gaetz for Attorney General and RFK Jr. for Health and Human Services. We examine the serious implications of these nominations, from Gaetz's ongoing ethics investigations to RFK Jr.'s controversial anti-vaccine stance. Special guest Anthony Scaramucci joins for an insightful discussion about the state of American democracy, the future of political parties, and how Democrats can better connect with working-class voters. The episode also covers Steve Bannon's upcoming trial, Elon Musk's concerning activities, and the challenges of holding Trump accountable in a potential second term.

One week post election, we’re fired up and ready for the new challenges ahead. We’ll talk about the nomination process for Trump’s cabinet positions, legal strategies to oppose extreme MAGA policies using the Administrative Procedures Act and the real economic dangers of Trump’s tariffs.

Later, Maya Wiley, civil rights attorney, former candidate for NYC Mayor and author of the memoir “Remember You Are A Wiley” joins to discuss strategies for protecting democracy. Wiley breaks down the threats outlined in Project 2025, including attacks on civil service and overtime pay, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on shared American values and needs across political lines. The conversation explores how litigation, state ballot initiatives, and local politics can be used to defend democracy. 

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.

In this eye-opening episode, we’re breaking down what Project 2025 could mean for your wallet. We’ll tackle tariffs, the shrinking middle class and we’ll uncover some of Project 2025’s shocking proposals, including dismantling the Patent Office (say what?), privatizing government services (hello, oligarchs?), and census shenanigans that could impact your representation. Don’t miss this crucial installment of “Decoding Project 2025.” It’s your guide to understanding Trump’s economic vision before you hit the polls.

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. Donate at: actblue.com/donate/h4d

In this installment of Decoding Project 2025, we uncover MAGA’s alarming plans to dismantle labor protections, civil rights laws, and transportation safety measures. From eliminating overtime pay to gutting anti-discrimination policies and rail safety regulations, we’ll take a look at how Project 2025 threatens workers' rights and public safety. Spoiler alert! It also reveals plans to cut veterans' benefits and increase political cronyism at the VA. Don't miss this crucial analysis of how a future Trump presidency could reshape labor laws and transportation policy to favor corporations at the expense of American workers and consumers.

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.