The Next Level 1056: Secret Podcast: Trump’s DHS Is Eating Itself Alive
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Feb 14, 2026 They unpack a Wall Street Journal exposé about infighting at DHS and whether ICE should stage viral, humiliating raids or operate quietly. They weigh the risks of clownish publicity versus hidden abuses and stress the role of citizen documentation. They also touch on shifting polls that show Biden gaining ground on economic perceptions.
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Visibility Undermines Heavy-Handed Policing
- The Minneapolis protests against ICE created a public backlash that could derail Trump's plans to deploy federal agents broadly.
- Jonathan V. Last argues visible, confrontational tactics erode public support more than secretive operations would.
Match Protesters’ Urgency Publicly
- Activists and Democrats should match the urgency and energy of on-the-ground protesters.
- Jonathan V. Last and Sarah Longwell urge elected officials to publicly stand with frontline defenders.
DHS Split: Viral Theater Versus Quiet Denials
- The Wall Street Journal piece exposes infighting at DHS and highlights a split between showy raids and quiet deniability.
- Sarah Longwell notes Lewandowski and Noem want viral confrontations while Tom Homan prefers discreet operations.