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
14 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: Trump Has Betrayed His Oath
A fierce critique of a president’s conduct and its threat to democratic norms. Comparisons to past leaders highlight contrasts in oath, duty, and respect for institutions. Arguments frame a political movement as an existential challenge to American democracy. Historical quotes on free press and civic restraint are woven throughout.
10 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: Kristi Noem Will Answer to America
Sharp critique of claims about stolen elections and the lack of evidence behind them. Warnings about potential use of federal agents to intimidate voters and questions about policing near polling places. Examination of rhetoric that frames certain voters as the "right" ones and calls for public accountability. Urgent focus on threats to democratic norms and the need for political renewal.
Feb 15, 2026 • 10min
Steve Schmidt & Rep. Jason Crow: Trump Doesn't See A Problem He Thinks He Can't Bomb His Way Out Of
Jason Crow, U.S. Representative and former Army Ranger with a Bronze Star, joins to discuss the risk of military action being used as political distraction. He warns about leaders who think force solves problems. They also talk about public responses to grand jury decisions and what that means for constitutional checks.
12 snips
Feb 14, 2026 • 10min
Steve Schmidt & Jim Acosta: Pam Bondi's Jaw-Dropping Performance
Steve Schmidt, political strategist and organizer against authoritarianism, dissects Pam Bondi's conduct and its fallout for the Justice Department. He calls for accountability and outlines bold political strategy. They also discuss legal precedents and the stakes for civil liberties in America.
Feb 13, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: Trump's Gestapo Is Cracking
A fierce roundup of a Senate showdown over alleged ICE abuses and constitutional rights. Discussion of bold questioning that could mark a political turning point. Debates about the right to film and protest and whether agents could appear at polling places. Claims and contradictions about individual detentions and who labeled protesters as threats.
6 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: Pam Bondi Will Never Recover
A fiery takedown of Pam Bondi's conduct during a high-profile five-hour hearing. Sharp criticism of alleged protection for a former president and moves that weakened DOJ efforts. Questions raised about handling of Epstein survivors' privacy and controversial personnel choices. Claims that institutional credibility suffered long-term damage.
Feb 11, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: Trump’s Reign of Terror Will Fall
Howard Lutnick lied repeatedly about his relationship to Jeffrey Epstein. Steve Schmidt breaks down Lutnick’s deceptions and embarks on a 54-mile march in protest of the Trump regime. Today's Merch: No MAGAhttps://thewarningwithsteveschmidt.com/collections/no-maga SUBSCRIBE for more and follow me here:Substack: https://steveschmidt.substack.com/subscribeStore: https://thewarningwithsteveschmidt.com/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewarningses.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveSchmidtSES/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarningsesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarningses/X: https://x.com/SteveSchmidtSESSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: MAGA Will Not Survive
A breakdown of a Super Bowl halftime controversy and the culture war fury it sparked. A critique of celebrity backlash and claims about official language. An examination of political movements normalizing extreme behavior and misplaced priorities. A call that love will outlast rage.
11 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: Trump Will Lose Everything
A fiery breakdown of Bad Bunny’s halftime message and the sharp backlash it provoked. A moral argument that love, not hate, must counter racism and political vileness. A call for accountability after racist imagery and praise for clear, principled leadership. A warning about threats to institutions and an appeal to choose better politics to defend democracy.
7 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: The Trump Era Will End
A hard look at alleged large-scale corruption and comparisons to kleptocratic regimes. Senate hearings and risks to taxpayer funds get sharp attention. Concerns over firing powers and pressure on financial institutions come into focus. Demands for huge payments from institutions and the scale of alleged personal enrichment are highlighted.
