To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Gal Beckerman, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of How to Be a Dissident, brings historical and contemporary perspectives on resistance. He discusses why people choose to resist, the role of humor and recklessness, the moral question of living with oneself, witnessing injustice, and building small civic spaces that sustain long-term dissent.

Molly Jong-Fast, writer and New York Times contributor known for sharp political commentary, joins to unpack the Senate GOP’s proposed ballroom funding and the political risks it creates. They trace cracks in the Trump coalition, react to the Trump-as-Jesus polling, and explain why the abortion-pill ruling has reignited national political drama.

Greg Lukianoff, attorney, NYT bestselling author and CEO of FIRE, defends civil liberties and free speech law. He and Charlie map how power is being used to silence critics. They discuss the Comey indictment, FCC pressure on comedians like Jimmy Kimmel, strategic media lawsuits, campus illiberalism, jawboning of platforms, and the Supreme Court’s mixed role.

Susan Glasser, New Yorker staff writer known for sharp political analysis. She digs into threats to press freedom and how legal moves have become political revenge. She discusses Trump’s escalating grandiosity as popularity falls, fraught Ukraine and Russia policy shifts, and why modern warfare and drone tactics demand urgent reform.

Peter Wehner, contributing writer at The Atlantic and senior fellow at the Trinity Forum, brings sharp commentary on politics, religion, and public life. He and Charlie unpack King Charles' address to Congress, Trump's clashes with the pope, public stunts and intimidation tactics, and how faith and leadership intersect in today’s polarized landscape.

Anne Applebaum, journalist and historian who writes on authoritarianism and geopolitics, discusses Trump’s fixation on theatrical displays like the White House ballroom and how symbolism shapes power. She explores the collapse of shared reality, the fallout from Hungary’s Viktor Orbán defeat, strains in transatlantic relations over Iran, and why monuments and performance matter to authoritarian leaders.

Justin Wolfers, economist and University of Michigan professor who provides macroeconomic analysis. He rails about Kevin Warsh’s nomination and why Fed independence matters. They explore markets’ reactions to geopolitical shocks, concerns around private credit and shadow banking, and how insider trading and billionaire influence shape public trust.

Adam Kinzinger, former congressman turned author and critic of Trump-era politics. He discusses gerrymandering and its personal impact. He warns about attacks on institutions like the FBI and Congress culture shifts. He outlines a Day One plan for a new president to roll back Trump-era honors and restore norms. He calls for accountability, investigations into foreign influence, and symbolic removals of Trump names.

Tom Nichols, political scientist and Atlantic staff writer known for The Death of Expertise, joins to dissect anti‑vax trends, tragic measles outcomes, and why persuading communities matters. He also tackles U.S. strategy toward Iran, the Strait of Hormuz’s leverage, and how military strikes differ from strategic victory. Conversations include the political costs of aligning with Israel and the erosion of expertise in politics.

Richard Stengel, former Under Secretary of State and ex-managing editor of TIME, discusses soft power, diplomacy, and disinformation. He critiques performative Christianity and examines how U.S. influence has eroded. They explore Trump’s diplomacy, cuts to aid and broadcasting, shifting alliances, and the risks of aligning with illiberal leaders.