To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Charlie Sykes is joined by David French for a wide-ranging conversation about the alarming trajectory of Trump’s second term—from potential appointments like Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel to the chaos of $6 trillion in new tariffs. They explore the rise of authoritarian instincts, the collapse of due process, and the moral rationalizations enabling Trump's grip on power. Plus: big law caves, Laura Loomer ascends, and Paula White offers angelic blessings—for a price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Josh Kraushaar to unpack the political aftershocks of Elon Musk’s failed $26 million intervention in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race. They dig into the GOP’s internal frustrations with Musk, the Trump administration’s growing disregard for due process, and the Democrats’ unexpected resurgence. Plus, the two discuss the rise of Cory Booker, the collapse of institutional resistance, and the dangers of cruelty as political theater. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and former Congressman David Jolly explore the unsettling prospect of Donald Trump pursuing a third term and the broader implications for American democracy. They examine the collapse of congressional power, the growing influence of Elon Musk in Republican politics, and the corrosive impact of money on elections—including a $100 million Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Jolly also hints at a potential gubernatorial run in Florida and offers sobering insight into the dangers posed by RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine agenda. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes welcomes CNN veteran and Substack writer Jim Acosta for a weekend conversation on fear, power, and political pushback in the Trump era. They discuss the administration's performative authoritarianism, from mass deportations and censorship to threats against institutions and the judiciary—while also spotlighting signs of resistance, electoral shifts, and green shoots of hope. With humor and urgency, Acosta argues that while Trump wants America to be afraid, the cracks in his facade are beginning to show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Atlantic staff writer Anne Applebaum joins Charlie Sykes to unpack the shocking revelations of the "SignalGate" scandal—an alarming breach of national security and a window into the chaos of the second Trump administration. Applebaum explains how the use of unsecured messaging apps, bizarre bravado among senior officials, and a deep-seated hostility toward Europe signal a broader collapse of institutional norms. The conversation also explores how modern autocratic tactics are taking hold in the U.S., and why the erosion of resistance in American institutions should be sounding alarm bells. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and national security expert Olivia Troye react to The Atlantic's bombshell report detailing how Trump administration officials accidentally included a journalist in a Signal group chat revealing real-time U.S. war plans. They also examine the chilling erosion of institutional norms—from the revocation of security clearances for dissenters to the shuttering of Voice of America—and question what happens when authoritarian tactics meet amateur hour governance. Plus, they discuss the bizarre return of Trump’s Greenland obsession and the dismantling of Social Security without a single vote. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Tom Nichols of The Atlantic to discuss the growing normalization of authoritarianism and the failure of America's institutions to push back. They cover everything from Trump’s war on the judiciary to Elon Musk’s growing influence, the alarming capitulations by law firms and universities, and Vladimir Putin's manipulation of global power dynamics. It’s a wide-ranging, sobering, and often darkly funny conversation about why, even after all this time, we’re still capable of being shocked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes for a candid discussion on the state of American democracy, Donald Trump's threats, and the exhaustion of fighting political chaos. Kinzinger reflects on the lessons he's learned since leaving Congress, including the importance of resilience in the face of intimidation and the need to maintain a sense of humor. Together, they break down Trump’s continued fixation on revenge, the GOP’s deference to Vladimir Putin, and why strong leadership is essential for Democrats navigating this critical moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes speaks with Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University, about the escalating attacks on higher education under Donald Trump’s administration. They discuss the administration’s sweeping funding cuts, threats to academic freedom, and the reluctance of university leaders to push back against government overreach. Roth offers a candid perspective on why he refuses to stay silent and what must happen to preserve the independence of American institutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and David Frum discuss the volatile state of the U.S. economy, the Trump administration’s trade war with Canada, and the potential consequences of Elon Musk’s growing influence in government policy. They analyze Trump’s economic policies, including his fixation on tariffs and trade conflicts, and question the administration’s erratic geopolitical maneuvers, from Ukraine to Panama. The conversation also explores the Republican Party’s surrender to Trump’s agenda and the alarming speed of institutional capitulation in American democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.