The Al Franken Podcast Mark Leibovich on Trump’s Chaos!
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Feb 15, 2026 Mark Leibovich, Atlantic staff writer known for sharp political profiles, dissects Trump's chaos, from humiliation-as-management to corruption tied to policy. He breaks down immigration actions, the Epstein/Bondi fallout, and how Trump's tactics reshape governance. Leibovich also surveys Democratic infighting and the party’s path toward finding a winning future candidate.
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Save America Act Would Restrict Voting Widely
- Trump pushed the 'Save America Act' demanding strict voter ID and proof of citizenship, which would disenfranchise millions.
- Al and Mark agree it won't pass the Senate and is unlikely to survive broad scrutiny.
Humiliation Not Firing As Management
- Mark Leibovich describes Trump's management style as public humiliation rather than firing, using Kristi Noem's Minneapolis episode.
- Noem stayed in her job but was publicly shamed when officials were pulled from the surge.
Policy Moves Reflect Pay-to-Play Patterns
- Mark and Al argue Trump's actions show classic corruption: policy shifts following donor interests, like nursing home rule reversals.
- They warn many Americans either don't notice or can't process the scale of corrupt behavior.
