The Warning with Steve Schmidt
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There is a very significant, “exhausted majority” of Americans looking to move past this rotten moment in American life. They have lost trust and faith in government, business, media and not-for-profit institutions at a moment of technological, cultural and economic upheaval. Fascism did not rise in the 1930s because it was strong, but rather, because democracy was weak. The cycle is repeating itself with a new extremism rising in 2020s America. On the podcast – consistent with the mission of The Warning newsletter offered on Substack and The Warning YouTube channel – I will be joined by interesting guests – some familiar, and some you may never have heard of – to discuss the political and cultural currents that are shaping our times, as well as the unseen forces driving politics that are rarely discussed on cable news. It's important for you to hear from a diverse range of voices – not just me – about the issues facing America today.
Episodes
Mentioned books
17 snips
Mar 29, 2026 • 24min
Steve Schmidt: Keynote Address at Santa Monica No Kings Rally
A fiery keynote at a No Kings rally calls for defiance against tyranny and rejects any return to hereditary rule. The speech revisits founding ideals, equality, and America’s unfinished promise. It warns about secret police, desecrated institutions, and the moral stakes facing this generation. The tone urges collective resolve and a patriotic, defiant Independence Day spirit.
7 snips
Mar 28, 2026 • 1h 3min
Steve Schmidt & Dean Blundell: The Truth Behind the Trump Regime’s Grift and Chaos
They pull back the curtain on concentrated media control and how messaging shapes public reality. They explore claims of profiteering by the Trump family in defense and surveillance deals. They critique manufactured public personas and alleged shady connections. They analyze military logistics, escalation risks in the Gulf, and how current actions may strengthen Tehran.
Mar 27, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: Trump Is a TOTAL Flop
A sharp week-in-review on sinking approval ratings and political credibility. A rundown of rising gas prices, soaring national debt, and economic contradictions. A focus on the widening Iran war and its ripple effects on fuel, fertilizer, and shipping. A critique of military strikes as a bargaining tool and the instability that creates.
6 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 10min
Steve Schmidt: Donald Trump Is Getting Desperate
A fierce take on ICE agents being deployed to airports and the DHS shutdown's fallout. A call for legal accountability over recent police shootings is raised. Discussion of congressional efforts to condition funding to rein in ICE tactics. Critique of political messaging around law-and-order moves and broader patterns of manufactured crises.
7 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 24min
Steve Schmidt & Don Lemon: The Lies Keep Coming
Steve Schmidt, a former Republican strategist turned political commentator, weighs in on the Iran crisis and the administration's credibility problems. He dissects mixed messages, media failures, and the risks to global trade. He also examines the political stakes of escalation versus retreat and argues for institutional checks to prevent unchecked power.
15 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: MAGA Will Face Extinction
A sharp critique of claims about victory in Iran and the messy reality behind military moves. Mockery of MAGA senators and baffling statements from key figures. Examination of troop buildups, escalation risks, and performative war messaging. Discussion of economic fallout like oil shocks and political distraction tactics.
24 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 28min
Steve Schmidt & Tara Palmeri: GOP Turns on Hegseth?
Steve Schmidt, political strategist turned commentator, weighs in with sharp critique and analysis. He challenges Pete Hegseth's temperament and competence. They probe Pentagon transparency, troop movements and escalation risks. Discussion covers messaging failures, Iran mediation, and foreign influence shaping U.S. policy.
5 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: Trump’s Regime Will Fall, America Will Rise
A blistering look at a presidential Graceland visit contrasted with chaos at major airports. Scathing analysis of an insulated inner circle living lavishly while public services crumble. Examination of hawkish rhetoric about Iran and alarming claims about homeland security and border policy.
14 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 12min
Dead Air Episode 1: The Sunday Morning News Wasteland In The Age Of Trump
Steve Schmidt, political strategist and co-founder of the Save America Movement, critiques Sunday morning news coverage. He and Dean grade hosts, call out soft interviews with Trump allies, and spotlight ignored stories from military rhetoric to airport chaos. Expect sharp media accountability and a rundown of the week’s most evasive political moments.
7 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 10min
Steve Schmidt: A Failed Excuse
A sharp critique of leadership trapped between escalation and retreat. Analysis of mixed messages that mask risky war plans. Breakdown of a controversial island seizure proposal and its logistical dangers. Callouts of political self-interest driving troop deployments and praise for military competence amid poor messaging.
