The Tristan Snell Show

In this mailbag episode, Tristan Snell tackles listener questions covering today's most pressing issues. He examines why MSNBC and CNN viewership continues to decline, analyzes the Ukraine-Russia conflict's long-term strategic implications, and discusses how Tesla shareholders might hold Elon Musk accountable for plummeting stock values.

The Trump administration is showing cracks just weeks in, with prescription drug prices soaring, 9/11 first responder funding cuts (later reversed after public outcry). Tristan analyzes Germany's recent election where the far-right AFD failed to gain power, explains how social media activism successfully pressured the administration to restore 9/11 health funding, and breaks down why Republicans in purple districts are increasingly vulnerable defending unpopular policies. Plus: why Elon Musk's EV charging station removal hilariously backfires on his own interests.

From Elon Musk securing lucrative contracts for his own interests while shutting down agencies investigating his companies to the uncertain future of US support for Ukraine. The icing on this sad cake is the explosive investigation into NYC Mayor Eric Adams' alleged corruption scandal involving Turkish bribes and a controversial deal with the Trump administration, leading to dramatic resignations at the Southern District of New York prosecutor's office.

Tristan and Scott Dworkin tackle the challenges of debunking MAGA propaganda and explore how disinformation campaigns are weaponized to manipulate public opinion.

They reflect on past battles, including the fight against Trump University, and connect those lessons to current struggles while highlighting the broader stakes: the dismantling of essential programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security under Project 2025, as well as threats to democracy posed by extremist agendas.

Today, we’re talking about Elon’s systematic campaign of retaliation against federal agencies and what may be driving his actions. Plus the deceptive trap behind the federal employee "buyout" scheme and his installation of unvetted appointees.

Later, Tristan breaks down Trump's alarming plans for a U.S. military occupation of Gaza, his attempts to re-legalize foreign bribery, Kash Patel, and why all of this chaos and reliance on midnight executive orders actually signals weakness, not strength.

On this installment of H4D, Tristan & JoJo (aka JoJo from Jerz) explore how the courts may be the last line of defense against the unconstitutional crap storm that’s brewing. Later, they explore the impact of USAID funding cuts on vital charitable work and the precarious situation federal employees find themselves in right now.  

Tristan dives into the political and procedural hurdles of impeaching Donald Trump, explores alternative ways to mitigate his power, and discusses Elon Musk’s controversial involvement in federal systems. From Medicaid shutdowns to the future of Social Security and VA payments, Tristan breaks down the legalities and implications of these unprecedented moves. Plus, he examines how Democrats can better communicate their message in the digital age and shares his thoughts on the GOP’s perennial attacks on NPR and PBS.

Welcome to the cesspool of Trump’s so-called economic genius.

We’re talking tariffs - those sneaky, regressive taxes masquerading as “America First” policy. Tristan breaks down how these misguided measures are nothing more than a stealth assault on your wallet, hitting the working and middle class right where it hurts. But wait, there’s more! We’re also shining a spotlight on the orange menace’s love affair with executive orders. Spoiler alert: it’s not because he’s an “efficient” leader. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, we’ve got Elon Musk playing puppet master with federal operations.

Your questions, answered. From examining voter regret to exploring the Supreme Court’s role in democratic governance, Tristan draws from historical patterns while addressing today’s challenges. 

Brace yourself for wild ride through the political circus, folks! We are diving headfirst into the chaos that is 2025 and the mind-boggling reality that we’re witnessing Project 2025 being put to work before our very eyes. 

From mass detention camps to Senate confirmation bypasses, we’re exposing Trump’s playbook for dismantling democratic institutions faster than you can say “covfefe”.

In this premiere of "Heroes for Democracy," Tristan Snell and Joanne Carducci (JojofromJerz) dive straight into Trump’s first day of darkness. The duo doesn't just rehash history – they connect the dots between Trump's first-day chaos, the ongoing threats to our democracy, and why every single one of us needs to stay in this fight. This isn't your typical political podcast – it's a wake-up call from two of social media's most outspoken defenders of democracy who aren't afraid to tell it like it is. If you're ready to stand up for democracy and sick of the BS, this is your new must-listen show. Because here's the truth: we either learn from history, or we're doomed to repeat it.

Tristan dives headfirst into the chaotic start of Donald Trump’s second term as president. He unpacks Trump’s aggressive use of executive orders, economic policies favoring the wealthy, and a shocking proposal to eliminate the mortgage interest tax deduction—all while the middle class braces for impact. He also dissects internal battles over immigration policy, the growing influence of tech billionaires, and the eerie parallels to America’s Gilded Age. Buckle up—because here we go again.

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. 

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.

In this 6th installment of "Decoding Project 2025," we delve deep into their alarming plans for the Departments of Education and Energy including: dismantling school accreditation, eliminating support for underprivileged students, repealing crucial climate change legislation and stifling renewable energy progress…and so much more!

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!).

In this week's episode, fresh off the DNC, Tristan Snell breaks down the Trump University scandal. As a prosecutor who led the New York Attorney General's Trump University investigation, Tristan gives us an insider's look at how he brought down one of Trump's most notorious scams, interviewing hundreds of victims and ultimately securing a $25 million settlement. We dive into how the Trump turned his biggest fans into unwitting cash cows, and what it tells us about his political playbook. Grab your MAGA hats and your BS detectors, folks – it's time to go back to school, Trump University style.

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 4th 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 Decoding Project 2025 series, Tristan delves deep into Donald Trump's blueprint for a second presidency, focusing on the proposed changes to the Department of Homeland Security. He examines Ken Cuccinelli's plans, which include mass deportations, violating due process, and denaturalizations. Tristan also highlights the contradictions in Trump's stance on border security and immigration, the potential gutting of the Secret Service, and the alarming proposals to defy court decisions.

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 first part of our 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, 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 joins to analyze the trial strategy, potential appeals, and what's next for Trump.

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.

Attorney Tristan Snell, the author of TAKING DOWN TRUMP the book, and @TristanSnell on Substack, now joins the fight for democracy in the form of weekly podcasts.

 Each week, we’ll give you an indispensable go-to pod on Trump’s actions 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 week.