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
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.
Feb 5, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: Trump Will Be Judged
A blistering look at how soft media coverage normalizes dangerous political behavior. An examination of federal actions in Minneapolis and their constitutional implications. A critique of evasive political accountability and the erosion of public trust fueled by elite corruption. A call to recognize threats to democratic norms without ignoring systemic failures.
Feb 4, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: Trump Will Not Stop the Elections
A forceful rundown of Republican plans to federalize elections and why those plans clash with the Constitution. A detailed rebuttal of claims that extended vote counts equal fraud. An argument that intimidation tactics aim to scare voters but are unlikely to stop the voting process. A call for Democratic leaders to push back against threats to election administration.
9 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: Why MAGA Lost Its Mind
A brisk takedown of MAGA’s culture war against artists and entertainers. Clips and commentary highlight attacks on Bad Bunny, media figures, and the Grammys. Discussion centers on political fear of art, immigration rhetoric tied to culture, and why artistic influence threatens power.
16 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 12min
Steve Schmidt: Donald Trump Will Be Held Accountable
Todd Blanche, then Deputy Attorney General of the United States, is pressed on DOJ actions and public statements. Conversations cover defenses of Georgia election decisions, prosecutorial priorities and political pressure. Discussions also probe document redactions tied to high-profile cases and accusations of corruption. The tone is confrontational and focused on accountability.
6 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: Trump and the Collapse of Decency
A fierce takedown of a high-profile movie premiere framed as corruption and a disguised payoff. Discussion of poor box office performance and critical media response. A sharp critique of the premiere’s attendees as defenders of a damaged political movement. Warnings about protests, public safety, and the theft of a victim’s legacy.
16 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: Trump’s Abuses Will Spread
A sharp look at federal immigration enforcement tactics used in Minneapolis and why they feel like militarization. A critique of officials who gave evasive or hostile answers about agent conduct. A warning that these abuses could spread if the system is not held accountable. A call to view funding decisions as a moral crossroads.
13 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: Why This Should Terrify Every American
Revelations about ICE, DHS, and Trump-aligned operatives are exposed. Media failures and normalized cruelty are called out. Patterns of abuse and interchangeable dishonesty among key figures are cataloged. Warnings are raised about a slide toward authoritarianism and the need for stronger oversight of homeland security agencies.
23 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 10min
Steve Schmidt: Trump’s Coalition Is Collapsing
A look at a fracturing political coalition and the fallout from rising political violence. Examination of propaganda tactics, media narratives, and public backlash against key figures. Calls for accountability within federal agencies and scrutiny of aggressive enforcement tactics. A rallying cry to protect democratic institutions and rebuild civic trust.
