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
Dec 19, 2025 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: Trump Is No Kennedy
Steve Schmidt passionately addresses Trump’s audacious renaming of the Kennedy Center, labeling it a mark of narcissism. He mocks Trump’s attempts to connect with ordinary Americans while criticizing his elitist behavior. The infighting within the MAGA movement is explored, with Schmidt calling out prominent figures. He also condemns Turning Point USA for its racist actions and reflects on the serious implications of Trump’s reckless comments about violence. Throughout, Schmidt underscores Trump's unfitness to carry iconic legacies.
Dec 18, 2025 • 8min
Steve Schmidt EXPOSES Trump's Broken Promises
In a compelling discussion, Steve Schmidt critiques Trump's relentless self-promotion amid collapsing approval ratings. He dismantles false claims about economic achievements, exposing the harsh realities of civil rights abuses and institutional corruption. Highlighting the dangers of a spectacle-driven governance, Schmidt warns of America facing a democratic decline. He calls for action to hold Trump accountable and urges voters to reclaim their power by 2026, aiming to restore decency in politics.
4 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 8min
Steve Schmidt BLASTS Trump Regime for Incompetence
In a critique of a recent Vanity Fair interview, Steve Schmidt reveals the incompetence of the Trump administration through Susie Wiles' admissions. He dissects Wiles' role as an enabler and challenges media portrayals of her brilliance. The discussion includes Trump's alarming media strategy, attacks on the vice president, and the toxic consequences of their policies. Schmidt concludes with a stark assessment of the administration as corrupt and dangerous, underscoring the gravity of their actions.
Dec 16, 2025 • 8min
Steve Schmidt SLAMS MAGA’S Trump Worship During Tragedies
Steve Schmidt highlights the contradictions in Lindsey Graham's praise for Trump, contrasting it with Graham's earlier warnings about Trump's dangers. He discusses the decline of the conservative movement and the rise of fascism in modern politics. Schmidt critiques GOP figures and the media's role in distorting reality, warning of the risks posed by a president who seems to hate half the nation. He also addresses the alarming rhetoric surrounding immigration and predicts a deepening division in the country.
Dec 15, 2025 • 9min
Bari Weiss’s Cowardice Fuels Extremism
In a critical analysis, the discussion centers on the sanitization of extremism in media. It highlights Bari Weiss's failure to challenge dangerous narratives during her interview with Erica Kirk. Steve Schmidt exposes the connections between media figures and extremist ideology, warning of the ramifications of uncritical coverage. He asserts that the rise of Christian nationalist propaganda poses a significant threat, inciting violence and undermining democracy. The conversation emphasizes the responsibility of the media in addressing radicalization.
Dec 15, 2025 • 11min
Steve Schmidt REACTS to Donald Trump's Vile Slurs Against Rob Reiner and His Wife
The discussion centers around the disturbing comments made by the president following the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. Schmidt condemns Trump's cruel words, highlighting their moral bankruptcy. He reminisces about Rob Reiner's talent and patriotism, contrasting it with the vitriol from MAGA media and supporters who enable such rhetoric. Schmidt warns that this represents a deeper sickness in society, reflecting a growing cancer of cruelty. His insights provide a poignant commentary on the state of public discourse.
Dec 12, 2025 • 8min
Steve Schmidt Destroys Kristi Noem
Kristi Noem's dramatic exit from a congressional hearing raises serious questions about accountability. Congressman Seth Magaziner confronts her over the deportation of a U.S. veteran, highlighting potential lawlessness. Allegations accumulate as Noem is accused of ignoring federal orders and misrepresenting facts. The discussion turns critical, as the role of the Department of Homeland Security under her leadership is scrutinized for enabling authoritarian behavior. The episode is a powerful examination of political responsibility and its troubling implications.
4 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 8min
Xi Jinping Just Proved Trump Has Lost His Mind
A controversial decision allows the sale of Nvidia H200 chips to China, increasing their military strength and jeopardizing U.S. service members. The discussion critiques military strategies that seem outdated against a rising Chinese navy, along with technological overreach from the Trump era. Steve Schmidt draws parallels to Eisenhower’s warnings about the military-industrial complex, highlighting its risks to democracy and national security. The reckless implications of Trump's leadership are also examined, raising alarms about global stability.
6 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 8min
Why Did Trump Give America’s Struggling Economy an “A+++”?
Trump claims the economy deserves an 'A+++,' but many Americans are struggling just to buy groceries. Steve Schmidt critiques this disconnect and highlights recent voter dissatisfaction, evidenced by a Democratic win in Georgia. He argues that Trump's policies mainly benefit his inner circle while ordinary people face financial hardships. Schmidt warns against the unsustainable AI bubble and emphasizes the economic damage caused by Trump’s administration, particularly to farmers and small businesses. He concludes with hope that voters will reject Trump's untrustworthiness.
5 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 10min
Why Pete Hegseth Should Terrify America
The discussion delves into a controversial speech by Pete Hegseth, critiquing his extremism and its implications for the U.S. military. Steve Schmidt highlights how Hegseth's actions and rhetoric disgrace the honor of service members. Historical warnings against totalitarianism and the politicization of the military draw parallels with Hegseth's dangerous narrative. The podcast argues that Reagan would have firmly opposed such divisive views, calling for a reevaluation of American identity and leadership in the face of troubling ideologies.
