logo
episode-header-image
May 23
50m 33s

Corruption, Putin… Burritos?

Kcrw
About this episode

President Trump held a private dinner for the largest investors of the $TRUMP coin, a meme coin offered by his family’s cryptocurrency firm. It is the latest controversy surrounding the administration and allegations of corruption. From Elon Musk, to the Qatari government, opponents of Trump say that access and influence to the White House is available to the highest bidder. Is the president just benefiting from Americans’ low expectations about the integrity of their politicians?

There was another significant meeting for the president early this week. He spent two hours on the phone with Russian president Vladimir Putin. The two discussed a pathway to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump has often touted his ability to negotiate with Putin in a way other leaders can’t. Will there be a political price to pay if Russia gets what it wants in the negotiations for peace?

Sports betting, marijuana, pornography - access to these “tempting goods” has never been easier. Now you can add micro loans to the list. But one writer claims that this easy access could be harmful for American citizens. Is that the government’s business?

Up next
Yesterday
Was there any good reason to fire BLS chief?
President Trump fired the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Erika McEntarfer, after the organization released its July jobs report. Trump claimed that several reports under McEntarfer had been manufactured to hurt him and his economic agenda. But will the fire ... Show More
50m 34s
Jul 25
Trump vs. the media
President Donald Trump continued to air his grievances with the mainstream media this week. First, he filed a $20 billion defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal. The suit claims that a “bawdy” birthday letter to Jeffry Epstein that the paper attributed to Trump is a fake ... Show More
50m 34s
Jul 25
When you become the news
Something you should know, from the team at Left, Right and Center. 
3m 30s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
Francis, Pope of Firsts, Dies at 88
A.M. Edition for April 21. The Vatican announces the death of Pope Francis, triggering what Rome-based correspondent Margherita Stancati says will be a succession process that centers on whether to continue the pontiff's progressive legacy. Plus, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is ... Show More
13m 57s
Nov 2024
The Man in Charge of Trump’s Border Policy
President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees and major appointments — which have arrived quickly in the days since he won the election — are more than just a list of allies. The roster is a window into how he sees the mission of a second term.One priority will be immigration and bord ... Show More
31m 44s
Jan 2025
Your guide to Trump’s Europe envoys
Diplomatic credentials? Optional. Deep pockets and loyalty to Trump? Essential. As Donald Trump rolls out his picks for U.S. ambassador posts in Europe — think fast-food executives, Broadway producers, billionaire donors and family insiders — one thing is clear: this isn’t tradit ... Show More
34m 32s
Apr 2025
Who Will Succeed Pope Francis?
Cardinals are meeting in Rome right now, discussing the funeral of Pope Francis and preparing to choose his successor. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is embroiled in a second group chat crisis, but his loyalty to President Trump seems to be paying off ... at least for now. Also, ... Show More
47m 46s
Apr 2025
Disarray at the DOJ
First: A defiant Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, under siege after another Signal chat is revealed, says he's not going anywhere. The White House concurs, at least for now.   Plus: There are fresh warning signs about the Trump trade war sparking a global recession, as the valu ... Show More
43m 4s
Apr 2025
Chaos at the Pentagon
Tommy and Ben discuss the latest scandal engulfing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and why even his defenders say the Pentagon is in chaos, a report about the FBI Director’s jet-setting lifestyle, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s mindless reorganization of the State Departm ... Show More
1h 14m
Apr 2025
Pope Francis’ funeral rites, Harvard sues Trump administration, WH Easter Egg Roll & more
The Vatican marks the beginning of the mourning period for the death of Pope Francis. We’re hearing from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the new fallout from his Signal chat controversy. Another Delta plane incident is under investigation. We have new developments on the Trump ... Show More
6m 51s
Feb 2025
Phil Murphy’s Team Backpedals. Is He Terrified of the Trump Admin?
The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (02/04/2025): 3:05pm- On Tuesday, the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to advance Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to Director of National Intelligence. The vote was 9 to 8 along party lines—with Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Todd Young (R-IN) v ... Show More
3h 11m
Jan 2025
Europe confronts Trump: the politics of transatlantic relations
Less than two weeks into his second term and President Donald Trump is already dominating global headlines. From reigniting trade war threats and doubling down on his ambitions to acquire Greenland, to withdrawing from multilateral agreements and demanding that NATO allies alloca ... Show More
33m 50s
May 2
100 days of Trump
Trump’s first 100 days in office have brought chaos to US foreign and domestic policy. From imperial gestures to institutional erosion, Mark Leonard welcomes Jeremy Shapiro to unpack what this means for American democracy—and for Europe. From territorial provocations and budget s ... Show More
28m 32s