The Chuck ToddCast - Trump's Tariff Changes + Predicting Future of Fox News & The Murdoch Empire
First, Chuck reacts to President Trump’s announcement that smartphones, computers, and other electronics will be exempt from tariffs. He also previews what we can expect this week in political news, and breaks down what all these developments mean for our democracy as a whole.Then, Chuck is joined by The Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins to discuss his latest story, “Growing Up Murdoch,” which delves into the Succession-style drama surrounding Rupert Murdoch, his children, and the future of their media empire.They examine Fox News’ enormous influence on American politics, how the network evolved during the Trump era, and how it could undergo major changes once Murdoch’s children take the reins.The conversation explores striking parallels between the Murdoch family and the Roys from HBO’s Succession, including a looming legal battle over the family trust and what it could mean for the company’s direction.McKay explains how Fox News shifted after the departure of longtime CEO Roger Ailes, while Chuck highlights how the potential loss of NFL broadcasting rights could pose an existential threat to the network.Finally, they turn to the Trump family and discuss why its own brewing succession drama might ultimately eclipse that of the Murdochs. Timeline:00:00 Intro02:58 Reaction to Trump’s tariff exemption of smartphones and computers07:45 Are we entering a kleptocracy?14:05 McKay Coppins joins Chuck16:47 Any discussion about making Mckay’s Murdoch article into a book?18:17 Fate of the Murdoch empire impacts the fate of American politics19:32 Murdoch outlets impacted Trumpism, Brexit and other major events22:47 Murdoch used to make the weather, now Trump does26:32 It’s easier to pick a side in media rather than be a neutral observer29:02 Did Succession have an insider account or were the Murdochs that predictable?30:47 The Murdochs are a normal, wealthy dysfunctional family32:17 Status of the Murdoch lawsuit?34:47 Was Rupert Murdoch “honeypotted” by the Chinese government?36:32 Will James and Lachlan reconcile after Rupert dies?38:17 Rupert has pitted his kids against each other39:32 Without Brexit and Trump, would James and Lachlan have worked better together?41:17 James can’t stomach what Fox News became in the Trump era42:17 Fox News went off the rails after Roger Ailes left43:47 Ailes ruled Fox News with an iron fist44:32 The inmates are running the asylum at Fox46:02 If James gets his way after Rupert dies, Fox will change drastically47:17 Fox can never go as far as Newsmax or OAN48:32 The Fox empire was built on its current audience50:32 James is building his own empire52:02 Sisters are embarrassed by Fox News52:17 NFL rights are existential for Fox and big tech can outspend them54:17 Murdoch kids have shielded their kids from the press55:47 WSJ + NY Post will still needle Trump57:32 James has more interest in the media business than Lachlan58:02 The Murdochs and Trumps have similar dynamics59:17 Don Jr. understood the Trump base better than his father1:00:17 Succession style drama is coming for the Trump family
--------
1:06:26
The Chuck ToddCast - Who Takes The Fall For Tariff Disaster? + Trump’s Enemies List
On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck Todd is joined by Marc Caputo, Senior White House Reporter for Axios.Chuck begins by breaking down how the personnel guardrails that existed during Donald Trump’s first term are now gone—and why a potential second Trump administration would look dramatically different from the first.He and Marc then explore which Trump official is most likely to take the blame for the administration’s disastrous tariff rollout, and outline three key factors that led Trump to temporarily reverse course with a 90-day delay.They also explain why Trump can no longer credibly pin economic challenges on President Biden, and why his plan to boost domestic manufacturing may fall short. The conversation turns to Trump’s use of executive orders to target whistleblowers and critics, and who might be managing his so-called “enemies list.”Finally, they assess which members of Trump’s inner circle are gaining or losing favor with the president, and preview a looming controversy that could shake up the Florida governor’s race.Timeline:0:00 Introduction2:00 Trump 1.0 was NOT a blueprint for Trump 2.04:40 This is a brand new style of governing6:22 Was there insider trading based on Trump’s tweet?8:28 The market and rich people are serving as a guardrail10:00 Anti-american sentiment will affect American businesses11:30 Marc Caputo joins the show12:55 The “dear leader” quality to the administration17:37 Howard Lutnick the likely fall guy for tariffs?18:36 Three factors caused Trump to change course on tariffs23:07 Trump 1.0 was completely different compared to Trump 2.027:50 Does the administration regret that they didn’t pass the tax cut first?29:22 Trump gave up the ability to blame Biden for the economy30:00 Manufacturing plants take years to build31:15 Trump working through an “enemies list”?35:05 Revenge agenda is a slippery slope37:00 Is RJK Jr. being reeled in by the White House?39:56 Trump changes his mind constantly43:31 What is Elon Musk’s current standing within the administration?45:46 Is Rubio’s stock rising or falling?48:09 The administration is using AI to monitor social media feeds50:30 Scandal looming over the Florida governor’s race52:55 Chuck’s final thoughts
--------
54:31
The Chuck ToddCast - Trump’s Tariff Turbulence + How The OJ Trial Changed News Media
On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck reacts to President Donald Trump’s decision to pause his sweeping tariff regime — and explains why it reveals his continued responsiveness to the wealthy political donor class.He also reflects on how the O.J. Simpson trial forever changed the news media landscape, incentivizing networks to prioritize profits and ratings over journalistic value.Finally, Chuck answers listener questions in another edition of Ask Chuck.0:00 Trump rescinds the tariffs0:45 Trump blinked 2:15 First term personnel guardrails are gone4:00 Congress feeling heat from donor class6:15 Trump still cares what rich people think8:45 Trump should have passed tax cuts before tariffs 10:15 If tariffs come back, they’ll be more methodical11:30 Business leaders are preparing for worst case scenarios12:45 The OJ trial changed the media15:00 CNN chased ratings and changed TV journalism19:30 Trump tariffs could fracture GOP20:00 Colin Allred could beat Ken Paxton in Texas, Senate in play?22:12 Ask Chuck22:45 What can news consumers do to be the solution to partisanship?25:40 Did Obama not going after banks in 2008 lead to Trump?27:40 Do you think Bernie would have beaten Trump?30:30 Have voters shown they won’t elect a woman for president?(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
--------
35:47
The Chuck Toddcast - How To Cover Trump As An Independent Journalist With Tara Palmeri
On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck dives into the new waters he’s swimming in—the world of independent media and journalism.He shares his concerns about attacks on the free press by the Donald Trump administration and the lack of a unified pushback from the media. He explains how the erosion of local news sowed the seeds of public distrust, and he expresses his goal to help rebuild media from the ground up.Later, he’s joined by independent journalist Tara Palmeri to dissect the new media landscape.Tara describes her journey into independent media and why authenticity resonates more than polish with digital news consumers. They discuss bias in journalism, why the WHCA made a mistake in selecting comedian Amber Ruffin to host the Correspondents’ Dinner, and why the Trump administration’s adversarial stance toward the media is a façade.Finally, Chuck explains his theories behind the “SignalGate” scandal, asks Tara how her relatives in Poland are processing the threat of the Ukraine war on their border, and discusses why both of them find the American right's embrace of Russia deeply disturbing.Timeline:0:00 Introduction1:45 Kicking AP out of press briefings is unconstitutional4:00 Traditional media has capitulated, lost trust7:00 Appeal of independent media11:00 OJ trial + Craigslist changed everything12:00 Loss of local news broke trust16:15 Local media was a character reference for national media19:00 Need to rebuild local media21:57 Tara Palmeri joins the show22:57 Going independent as a journalist27:56 Lack of trust in mainstream media30:52 Authenticity resonates on social media34:32 All journalism is affected by bias37:17 Is mainstream media pulling punches?41:36 Mistake picking Amber Ruffin for WH correspondents dinner45:26 Trump administration officials court the media50:07 Anchors were drinking before reporting Bin Laden was killed52:15 Where Tara gets her news57:11 Is there more to “SignalGate”59:25 Trump DOESN’T like to fire people1:02:41 Tara’s Polish citizenship/How are Poles feeling about the Ukraine war?1:08:30 American right’s embrace of Russia1:10:47 Where to find Tara’s work1:13:16 Chuck’s closing thoughts(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
--------
1:16:44
The Chuck ToddCast - Trump Won’t Recover From Disastrous Tariffs + Will Congress Take Tariff Power From Trump?
On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck explores why America is undergoing a major political realignment, and why President Donald Trump’s approval rating may never recover following the disastrous rollout of sweeping tariffs.Later, Republican Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) joins the show to discuss the impact of those tariffs on his constituents in Omaha and whether Congress could move to limit the president’s tariff powers. They also talk about the need for moral clarity from the U.S. in the Russia-Ukraine war and why abandoning the global order that has benefited America for the past 80 years is a mistake.Rep. Bacon shares his deep concerns about the recent firing of top military and intelligence officials, and they debate whether one—or both—of America's political parties could be headed for a split.Finally, in the “Ask Chuck” segment, Chuck responds to a listener question about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez outpolling Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in New York—and whether Democrats should rethink their strategy as a result.Timeline:0:00 Introduction3:15 We’re in the middle of a political realignment6:00 What if America was a 4 party system?10:30 Tariffs are Trump’s Afghanistan withdrawal - He won’t recover from it*16:15 Could the turbulence from the tariff destruction fracture the R party? 17:04 Rep. Don Bacon joins the show!19:42 How will tariffs negatively impact 21:38 Did the White House notify congress before imposing the tariffs?22:45 What is the goal of the tariffs?26:11 Will congress take its tariff power back from Trump?31:42 We need moral clarity in the Russia/Ukraine war34:11 Does Trump have a mobster mentality when it comes to geopolitics?36:27 The last 80 years have been great for America. Why do people think otherwise?38:30 Lack of official US government response to the crisis of democracy in Turkey41:28 Does Rep. Bacon consult with his wealthiest constituent, Warren Buffet?44:02 Concern about firing top military leaders and Laura Loomer’s influence 48:59 Could we see a fracture in one or both political parties?55:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Rep. Bacon and potential cracks in both of America’s political parties57:30 “Ask Chuck” - Does the latest poll showing AOC beating Chuck Schumer by 19 points could cause a change in direction or strategy for the Democrats?(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
The Chuck ToddCast is back! If you're looking for smart, no-nonsense political conversation, you've come to the right place. The Chuck ToddCast goes beyond the headlines, featuring conversations with top reporters, insiders, and newsmakers from D.C. to the heartland. No scripts, no spin—just real discussions about what’s shaping our politics and why it matters.
Ireland