What A Day

Tonight, President Trump will give his first major address to the nation since the inauguration of his second term. He’ll probably talk about how great of a job he's doing, the Gulf of America and deporting undocumented immigrants. Who knows, he might even rant about the Russian influence investigation some more. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut tells us why he won’t be attending Trump's address — and why the president is vying to become Russian President Vladimir Putin’s new best friend. And later in the show, California Democratic Representative Lateefah Simon is set to deliver the Working Families Party response to the president. She previews her speech for us.In headlines: Trump’s 25-percent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports are set to take effect today, First Lady Melania Trump made her first public appearance since Inauguration Day, and the Senate confirmed Linda McMahon as Education Secretary.Show Notes: Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8 Support victims of the fire – votesaveamerica.com/relief What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, delves into the fallout from a notable meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. He discusses how Trump’s criticism bolsters Russia’s position while weakening U.S. influence. The tensions of U.S.-Russia relations and the support for Ukraine from European leaders are examined. McFaul warns about the ideological alliances between the far-right in America and Putin, highlighting the broader implications for global stability.

Join Sam Sanders, host of KCRW’s ‘The Sam Sanders Show’ and ‘Vibe Check,’ as he delves into the Oscars and their cultural relevance. He critiques this year’s nominees, questioning the Academy's decisions amid ongoing scandals and marketing shenanigans. From the fall of a once-promising Best Picture contender to the creeping influence of AI in filmmaking, the conversation highlights the Oscars' struggle to keep pace with modern societal issues. Prepare for insightful commentary mixed with a dose of humor as Hollywood's flaws are laid bare.

Lindsay Owens, an economist and executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, dives into the complex world of tax policy and economic inequality. She discusses the fallout from the Trump administration's decision to cut IRS workers just as tax season begins. Lindsay explains potential Republican tax cuts and highlights the negative impact of budget cuts on low-income healthcare. The conversation also touches on rising economic uncertainty and the implications of misinformation surrounding recent health crises.

Matt Yglesias, a seasoned journalist and author of the Substack newsletter 'Slow Boring', discusses the precarious position of the Democratic Party in a landscape dominated by Trump and Musk. He dives into the party's struggles with clear communication and regaining voter trust after recent electoral defeats. Yglesias emphasizes proactive steps to expand the party's influence and encourages political engagement among citizens. Additionally, he touches on the pressing issues of consumer confidence and the impact of contentious policies in today's political climate.

In this conversation, Sarah Kliff, an investigative healthcare reporter for The New York Times, dives into the proposed cuts to Medicaid that would impact around 20 million Americans. She explains the complexities of the funding structure and the political dynamics within the Republican party, where leaders face a tough balancing act. Kliff highlights the dire consequences these cuts could have on vulnerable populations, especially in states that expanded Medicaid. The discussion also touches on the broader implications for public perception and the health of millions.

Elle Reeve, a CNN reporter and author of 'Black Pill,' dives deep into the alarming rise of the far-right in American politics. She discusses the recent CPAC gathering, spotlighting figures like Jack Posobiec and their influence. The conversation explores the evolution of alt-right rhetoric and its troubling merge with mainstream conservatism. Elle reveals the internal conflicts within the alt-right and reflects on the implications of political decisions impacting national security, setting the stage for an unsettling future.

Unpacking the aftermath of Trump's funding cuts, the conversation reveals how millions reliant on USAID are facing dire consequences, particularly vulnerable populations in Africa. A former USAID deputy highlights the tragic effects on healthcare for HIV and tuberculosis patients. The discussion also emphasizes America's moral responsibility to support global aid amidst rising political tensions, including the controversial confirmation of the new FBI head. Listeners are invited to reflect on compassion versus indifference in responding to global crises.

Julia Ioffe, a Washington correspondent at Puck News and expert on Russian politics, dives into the geopolitical implications of the U.S. potentially selling out Ukraine. She discusses the alarming shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, emphasizing how sidelining Ukraine could destabilize Europe and alter global perceptions of American reliability. Ioffe also explores the concerning tactics used by authoritarian leaders, connecting them to the current political atmosphere in the U.S. and raising critical questions about democracy's future.

Katherine Jacobsen serves as the program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, focusing on threats to press freedom. In this discussion, she delves into Trump's ongoing battles with major news organizations like the Associated Press and CBS, outlining the dangerous implications for journalists. Jacobsen emphasizes the rising risks they face under the Trump administration, including legal actions and media suppression. She also highlights the financial and mental health challenges that modern journalists encounter, underscoring the critical need for a free press in democracy.