Tristan breaks down how Trump’s latest immigration moves are straight-up medieval—think mass detentions, zero due process, and even outsourcing detainees to El Salvador’s infamous mega-prison. It’s not just a policy debate; it’s a full-on challenge to the rule of law, and the Supreme Court is getting dragged into the mess. Tristan is joined by David Pakman—YouTube OG, host, and author of the bestseller The Echo Machine—for a no-BS conversation about the rise of authoritarian vibes, why loyalty i...
Apr 16, 2025•56 min
Tristan unpacks the far-reaching consequences of America’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)—one of the most damaging foreign policy mistakes in modern U.S. history. With years of diplomatic effort with key allies like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam squandered, Trump has left a power vacuum in Asia that China is now exploiting. Tristan connects this strategic blunder to a broader pattern of policy missteps—from healthcare cuts that threaten millions of Americans, to voting rig...
Apr 15, 2025•55 min
Tristan’s answering your questions about the Supreme Court, from the Trump vs. JGG case to the looming specter of the Insurrection Act. Will Amy Coney Barrett surprise us again? Can Chief Justice Roberts keep the ship from crashing? And what’s the real deal with Trump’s election antics? Join Tristan as he tackles these topics and more.
Apr 11, 2025•51 min
Today we delve into the chaotic world of Trump’s trade policies, featuring an exclusive interview with renowned author and economist James Surowiecki. James offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the infamous tariff charts were created and the dishonesty surrounding them. The episode also examines Elon Musk’s public feud with Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, and how tech billionaires are reevaluating their support for the administration amidst market turmoil.
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min
When the going gets tough, Trump goes golfing. Today, Tristan examines the already infamous tariff charts that contributed to the crisis and discusses potential legal cases that could impact Trump’s future. He analyzes the growing backlash from financial communities and the implications for Trump’s political coalition.
Apr 08, 2025•54 min
In this week’s mailbag episode we discuss Donald Trump’s civil fraud and E. Jean Carroll cases, more fallout of SignalGate and the risks of unsecured military communications and we explore the limits of presidential power, safeguards against reckless military orders. For a good time, we’ll even speculates on the 2028 Democratic presidential field.
Apr 04, 2025•47 min
On this episode of The Tristan Snell Show, we unpack a week of political twists and turns. From a major Democratic victory in Wisconsin to surprising bipartisan action on Capitol Hill, Tristan breaks down what these developments mean for the fight ahead. Plus, the hypocrisy of “pro-family” Republicans is on full display as they block basic accommodations for new mothers. And in New York, the Eric Adams corruption saga takes a new turn—could state charges be next?
Apr 03, 2025•41 min
In this episode of The Tristan Snell Show, Tristan dives into the continuing SignalGate saga, exposing the Trump administration’s use of insecure communication platforms like Signal and Gmail. Tristan also examines Trump’s recent push for retaliatory tariffs, which threaten to raise costs on everyday goods, prescription drugs, and even home insurance premiums. Joining the discussion is Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, a rising Democratic star. Rep. Auchincloss shares his insight...
Apr 02, 2025•56 min
In this mailbag episode, Tristan Snell tackles questions from listeners about the ongoing Signalgate scandal, potential legal consequences for the Trump administration, and the motivations behind Trump’s 2024 election victory. Snell explores the illegality of DOGE, the lack of due process for detained immigrants, and presidential immunities. He also discusses the possibility of retroactive justice for current administration officials and speculates on the best realistic outcome for the next four...
Mar 29, 2025•51 min
Legal expert Elie Mystal joins Tristan Snell to discuss his new book Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America and expose the racist origins of voter registration and immigration laws. Learn how these popular but problematic laws are undermining democracy and enabling cruelty, and hear Mystal’s insights on the Supreme Court’s strategy for dealing with Trump.
Mar 28, 2025•56 min
Tristan and guest Allison Gill (Mueller She Wrote) dive deep into the Signal Gate scandal rocking the Trump administration. They analyze the shocking security breach involving classified military plans shared on an unsecured Signal chat, explore its implications for national security, and discuss how it compares to past controversies. Snell and Gill also examine the potential political fallout, the role of Senate Republicans in investigating the incident, and strategies for communicating the gra...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this special mailbag edition of The Tristan Snell Show, Tristan breaks down the Supreme Court’s controversial presidential immunity ruling, explaining its limitations and implications for Trump’s second term. We know what you’re thinking, what about Elon? Tristan provides detailed answers about whether Elon Musk enjoys presidential immunity protections (he doesn’t), explores the lack of recall mechanisms for federal representatives, and outlines how state governments can serve as bulwarks aga...
Mar 21, 2025•35 min
Tristan Snell unpacks your questions on Trump’s court order defiance, NATO membership controversies, and the administration’s chaotic immigration policies. He shares his insights on the constitutional crises, international alliances, and human rights in this mailbag episode.
Mar 20, 2025•39 min
Tristan Snell is joined by former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner to discuss the implications of the Trump administration defying court orders, the role of U.S. Marshals in enforcing judicial decisions, and provide insights on significant legal cases, including the Eric Adams case. Additionally, they explore the importance of supporting non-profit organizations in the fight to protect democracy.
Mar 19, 2025•57 min
In this week’s mailbag episode, Tristan tackles pressing questions from listeners about the ongoing battles against Donald Trump and Elon Musk. He discusses strategies for pressuring vulnerable Republican representatives, the intimidation of law firms by the Trump administration, and the potential for disbarring lawyers who violate ethical standards. Snell also delves into the abuse of executive orders, the limitations of congressional power, and the hush money case against Trump.
Mar 14, 2025•35 min
Tristan Snell and Brooklyn Dad Defiant break down how Trump's administration has quickly derailed what they call "the best American economy since the 1960s." They examine the market volatility, tariff chaos, and rising unemployment, highlighting February's worst job cuts since 2009. The conversation takes a serious turn discussing veterans' issues, including cuts to burn pit exposure benefits and plans to fire 80,000 VA employees - what Snell calls "the most anti-veteran presidency in American h...
Mar 13, 2025•49 min
In this powerful episode, Tristan is joined by fellow podcast host and legal expert Dahlia Lithwick to analyze the unprecedented constitutional challenges as courts attempt to check executive overreach. They explore whether judicial orders will be followed, the targeting of law firms like Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling, and what collective action might be necessary to preserve the rule of law. This essential conversation tackles the urgent question: can America's institutions withstand an ...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Tristan dives into your burning questions about Elon Musk’s controversial dealings, the Supreme Court’s latest rulings, and the Democrats’ messaging struggles. From billion-dollar contracts to voting reform and the fight for Ukraine, we’re unpacking the chaos. Plus, a deep dive into how we can mobilize non-voters and hold power players accountable.
Mar 07, 2025•56 min
In this episode, Tristan breaks down Trump's inconsistent approach to tariffs, comparing the current situation to the disastrous Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930 that worsened the Great Depression. Snell analyzes how Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico are already creating economic uncertainty, with frequent policy reversals revealing administrative chaos. The episode also explores Europe's strengthening unity in support of Ukraine despite Trump's attempts to weaken NATO alliances, and critiques Tru...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Today we’ll discuss the alarming economic indicators suggesting a potential recession, Elon Musk's unprecedented role in government despite massive conflicts of interest, and the disastrous Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. While Elon is securing billion-dollar government contracts for his companies while serving as an unelected official, Trump's botched handling of Ukraine has revitalized global support for Zelensky. The episode also covers America's broken pro...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 12 min
In this mailbag episode, Tristan Snell tackles listener questions covering today's most pressing issues. He examines why MSNBC and CNN viewership continues to decline, analyzes the Ukraine-Russia conflict's long-term strategic implications, and discusses how Tesla shareholders might hold Elon Musk accountable for plummeting stock values.
Feb 28, 2025•47 min
The Trump administration is showing cracks just weeks in, with prescription drug prices soaring, 9/11 first responder funding cuts (later reversed after public outcry). Tristan analyzes Germany's recent election where the far-right AFD failed to gain power, explains how social media activism successfully pressured the administration to restore 9/11 health funding, and breaks down why Republicans in purple districts are increasingly vulnerable defending unpopular policies. Plus: why Elon Musk's E...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 23 min
From Elon Musk securing lucrative contracts for his own interests while shutting down agencies investigating his companies to the uncertain future of US support for Ukraine. The icing on this sad cake is the explosive investigation into NYC Mayor Eric Adams' alleged corruption scandal involving Turkish bribes and a controversial deal with the Trump administration, leading to dramatic resignations at the Southern District of New York prosecutor's office.
Feb 18, 2025•48 min•Ep. 11
Tristan and Scott Dworkin tackle the challenges of debunking MAGA propaganda and explore how disinformation campaigns are weaponized to manipulate public opinion. They reflect on past battles, including the fight against Trump University, and connect those lessons to current struggles while highlighting the broader stakes: the dismantling of essential programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security under Project 2025, as well as threats to democracy posed by extremist agendas.
Feb 14, 2025•2 hr 53 min•Ep. 10
Today, we’re talking about Elon’s systematic campaign of retaliation against federal agencies and what may be driving his actions. Plus the deceptive trap behind the federal employee "buyout" scheme and his installation of unvetted appointees. Later, Tristan breaks down Trump's alarming plans for a U.S. military occupation of Gaza, his attempts to re-legalize foreign bribery, Kash Patel, and why all of this chaos and reliance on midnight executive orders actually signals weakness, not strength.
Feb 11, 2025•48 min•Ep. 9
On this installment of H4D, Tristan & JoJo (aka JoJo from Jerz) explore how the courts may be the last line of defense against the unconstitutional crap storm that’s brewing. Later, they explore the impact of USAID funding cuts on vital charitable work and the precarious situation federal employees find themselves in right now.
Feb 07, 2025•37 min•Ep. 2
Tristan dives into the political and procedural hurdles of impeaching Donald Trump, explores alternative ways to mitigate his power, and discusses Elon Musk’s controversial involvement in federal systems. From Medicaid shutdowns to the future of Social Security and VA payments, Tristan breaks down the legalities and implications of these unprecedented moves. Plus, he examines how Democrats can better communicate their message in the digital age and shares his thoughts on the GOP’s perennial atta...
Feb 06, 2025•45 min•Ep. 8
Welcome to the cesspool of Trump’s so-called economic genius. We’re talking tariffs - those sneaky, regressive taxes masquerading as “America First” policy. Tristan breaks down how these misguided measures are nothing more than a stealth assault on your wallet, hitting the working and middle class right where it hurts. But wait, there’s more! We’re also shining a spotlight on the orange menace’s love affair with executive orders. Spoiler alert: it’s not because he’s an “efficient” leader. And ju...
Feb 04, 2025•56 min•Ep. 7
Your questions, answered. From examining voter regret to exploring the Supreme Court’s role in democratic governance, Tristan draws from historical patterns while addressing today’s challenges.
Jan 31, 2025•24 min•Ep. 6
Brace yourself for wild ride through the political circus, folks! We are diving headfirst into the chaos that is 2025 and the mind-boggling reality that we’re witnessing Project 2025 being put to work before our very eyes. From mass detention camps to Senate confirmation bypasses, we’re exposing Trump’s playbook for dismantling democratic institutions faster than you can say “covfefe”.
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 5
