logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2025
1h 26m

Trump's War on Blue America

Crooked Media
About this episode

Donald Trump orders National Guard troops to Chicago and Portland, making good on his promise to generals to use American cities as "training grounds." Jon, Tommy, and Lovett discuss the court order—issued by a Trump-appointed judge—that blocked the deployment in Portland, the military-style immigration raids that rocked Chicago last week, and the signals that Stephen Miller and the rest of the Trump administration are sending about what's next for blue America. Then, the guys check in on the ongoing government shutdown, react to Trump's unexpected hint that he may be willing to negotiate with Democrats on healthcare subsidies, and discuss what it'll take for Prop 50—California's redistricting response act—to pass in November. Then, Ben Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Semafor and host of the Mixed Signals podcast, joins Tommy to talk about Bari Weiss taking over CBS News, the right's attack on free speech and Jimmy Kimmel, and the future of network media.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Up next
Jul 19
The Democratic Party's Civil War
Amanda Litman, president and co-founder of Run for Something, joins Dan to talk about what the spate of divisive of primaries means for Democrats and how progressives should be feeling heading into the midterms. They dive into the recruitment and vetting crisis that led to Graham ... Show More
1h 5m
Jul 17
Trump's Explosive Diarrhea of the Mouth
Trump delivers an incomprehensible prime-time address to push election interference conspiracy theories, both old and new. Dan and Jon attempt to make sense of the speech and discuss what Trump's focus on election interference could spell for the midterms. They check in on three ... Show More
1h 26m
Jul 14
Trump Honors Dead Friend, Restarts War
Sen. Lindsey Graham unexpectedly dies and President Trump notifies Congress that the military has resumed strikes against Iran. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett discuss Trump's announcement that the United States will become "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT" and begin charging a 20% toll ... Show More
1h 19m
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2025
Fed Versus Blue
For the past four months, President Donald Trump has been sending the National Guard into cities that protest his policies. First, it was Los Angeles. Then, it was Washington D.C. And now, it’s Portland, Oregon and Chicago. An Oregon federal judge blocked Trump’s deployment of th ... Show More
27m 33s
Aug 2025
“I’m Not A Dictator”: Trump On Sending Troops To U.S. Cities
A look at Trump’s legal strategy to deploy federal troops in cities across the country. Plus, a look at the face-off happening between the President and a Federal Reserve board governor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
47m 9s
Oct 2025
Why is Trump deploying forces to US cities? | The Bottom Line
Arguing that some places in the United States – primarily those governed by Democratic officials – are rampantly crime-infested, President Donald Trump has been deploying military forces to cities from Los Angeles to Washington, DC. Former National Security Council official Kori ... Show More
23m 56s
Nov 2024
Trump’s Looming MAGA Military Purge
Tommy and Ben discuss how Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard could reshape and politicize the US military and intelligence community, and how Trump’s choice to lead the FBI will signal how intensely he plans to go after his political enemies. They also talk abou ... Show More
1h 9m
Oct 2025
Troops Headed To Chicago; Troops To Portland Blocked For Now
Donald Trump versus American cities, red states versus blue states. A battle over power boils over between the gavel and the ground. Plus, as ICE confrontations multiply across Chicago, the city is now declaring some areas free from raids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ... Show More
45m 4s
Jun 2025
Trump Deploys National Guard To L.A. Amid Immigration Protests
First: California clashes. Trump deploys the National Guard to crack down on immigration protests. As sources say the president could cut funding for the Golden State. How will this end? And: Breakup. Trump's feud with Elon Musk threatens his coalition. Can the president's agenda ... Show More
41m 4s
Sep 2020
Trump’s military complex
Tommy and Ben discuss reports that Trump routinely denigrates American servicemembers and veterans, including those killed in battle, an update on the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, trouble for Brexit, the BLOB biting back, another Mulan controversy, a Twi ... Show More
59m 22s
Sep 2025
Trump denies enemies list, Kimmel’s show restored, ICE officer backlash & more
President Donald Trump is threatening to target his perceived political foes after James Comey’s indictment. The blackout of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is over. An ICE agent’s courthouse confrontation is sparking outrage. New details are emerging about Pete Hegseth’s surprise gathering ... Show More
6m 38s
Oct 2025
Trump's Failed End Run Around Fed Judge
A new ruling overnight blocks the president from sending guard troops to Portland ... How Trump boxed in Israel to get a yes on his Gaza plan ... The shutdown blame game continues. Could it backfire on the GOP or Democrats? ... An ex-NFL player is stabbed but now faces charges .. ... Show More
46m 43s