TAKING DOWN TRUMP is a book, a Substack, and now – a podcast.
Every week, Tristan Snell gives you an indispensable go-to pod on Trump’s trials and other top s...
Trump's Six-Week Economic Wreckage & the VA Betrayal w/ Brooklyn Dad Defiant
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 history." BDD shares his frustration over watching predicted disasters unfold, comparing the situation to comic book villains becoming reality. The duo closes with sharp commentary on corruption, discussing how removing government services pushes Americans toward private alternatives that benefit Trump's wealthy allies.
--------
49:16
Legal Guardrails: Can Courts Restrain Executive Power? W/ Dahlia Lithwick
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 authoritarian assault, or are we witnessing democracy's unraveling in real-time?
--------
1:09:45
The Mailbag: Lions, Tigers, and Billionaires
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.
--------
55:38
Global Chess: Europe's Unity Strengthens While American Trade Policy Falters
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 Trump's address to Congress, highlighting numerous factual inaccuracies about taxes, defense spending, and healthcare.
--------
1:13:34
Government by Billionaires for Billionaires: Musk's Power Grab & Ukraine's Ambush
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 promises to Ukraine and the consequences for U.S. standing in the world.
TAKING DOWN TRUMP is a book, a Substack, and now – a podcast.
Every week, Tristan Snell gives you an indispensable go-to pod on Trump’s trials and other top stories impacting law and democracy – with a weekly news roundup, a deeper dive on a topic you need to know about, and special guests.
Tristan Snell led the NY AG’s successful prosecution of Trump University, recovering $25 million for Trump’s victims in the first major legal loss he ever suffered. As a lawyer, a legal commentator on MSNBC and CNN, and the author of the best-selling book TAKING DOWN TRUMP: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump By Someone Who Did It Successfully.