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
Mar 5, 2026 • 7min
Steve Schmidt: Trump's Bad Judgement Will Cost Lives
A blistering takedown of inflammatory public rhetoric and its real-world consequences. Sharp critique of boastful war talk and calls for unchecked military escalation. Worries about allies, lack of planning, and the risk of widening sectarian conflict. A warning about reckless behavior that could endanger troops and civilians.
4 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 12min
Steve Schmidt: Kristi Noem got SERVED
A heated Senate hearing is unpacked with focus on luxury jet purchases and alleged misuse of funds. No-bid contract ties and possible payments to political allies are examined. Graphic anecdotes about animal killings and concerns about leadership behavior are revisited. Tense confrontations over ICE conduct and accountability are highlighted.
4 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: This War Will Finish Trump
Discussion of the unclear rationale driving U.S. military action in the Middle East. Critique of vague objectives and claims about reshaping Iran. Warnings that air strikes alone may spiral into a ground war and possible draft. Concerns about unequal burdens and long-term political fallout for the country.
Mar 2, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: This War Will Haunt Trump
Discussion of the fallout from the Ayatollah's death and what it means for U.S. policy in the Middle East. Debate over whether America is effectively at war and how public statements shape that reality. Scrutiny of the absence of a clear plan for Iran and the risks of escalation. Critique of improvised decision making and who will be held responsible for future casualties.
9 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 1h 9min
Steve Schmidt & Dean Blundell: A Warning to King Charles: Don't Stand With An American Tyrant
Dean Blundell, a Canadian media personality known for blunt commentary, joins to debate politics and royal drama. They discuss King Charles' contested U.S. visit and the call for abdication if he aligns with an American autocrat. They also spar over Team USA hockey’s controversial White House visit and how sports, power, and public accountability collide.
9 snips
Feb 28, 2026 • 43min
Steve Schmidt, Malcolm Nance & Ken Harbaugh on the US at war with Iran
Malcolm Nance, retired Navy senior chief and intelligence pro, offers counterterrorism and asymmetric warfare perspective. Ken Harbaugh, former Navy aviator and commentator, analyzes operational and political implications. They discuss sudden US strikes on Iran, questions about decision-making and legality, asymmetric responses Iran may use, risks to service members, and regional strategic fallout.
Feb 27, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: Trump and JD Vance Are Finished
A blistering takedown of J.D. Vance's self-promotion and MAGA hypocrisy. Sharp criticism of masked agents, armed rioters, and political privilege. Calls out officials who defend abusers and misuse power. Claims about government fraud and provocative comparisons to American political myths.
7 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 10min
Steve Schmidt: They Have Stained Their Victory
A sharp critique of how a U.S. men’s hockey triumph was turned into a political moment with MAGA figures. Exploration of historical parallels between medals and fascist symbolism. Debate over accepting presidential honors tied to controversial politicians. Examination of sportsmanship, performative masculinity, and generational failures in character and coaching.
9 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 13min
Steve Schmidt: We Will Defeat Trump and Reclaim America
A blistering rebuttal to a misleading State of the Union and a warning about a historic national crisis. A call for civic defiance and renewed public courage. Scathing critique of elites, corporate complicity, and erosion of rights. Allegations about a detention site and concerns over racial scapegoating and authoritarian tactics.
8 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 10min
Steve Schmidt: Trump Will Fall
A sharp critique of a former president’s return to the Capitol and the moral consequences of that moment. Strong accusations about character, criminality, and responsibility for January 6. Disturbing descriptions of detention sites and warnings about systemic abuses. Predictions of political collapse and a looming reckoning for those in power.
