Mea Culpa

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back fellow MeidasTouch contributor Adam Mockler for a scorching breakdown of Trump’s self-serving presidency and America’s deepening political crisis. Mockler, a Gen Z political commentator and creator known for taking on Republicans head-to-head, joins me to unpack how we can finally get Trump out of office. We dig into this week’s news, from the destruction of the White House East Wing to build his “billionaire ballroom” to false claims of a $20 trillion economic boom, exposing how Trump’s corruption has reached new heights amid a government shutdown. We reveal how farmers, federal workers, and ordinary Americans are paying the price for Trump’s chaos while corporate donors and foreign allies cash in. Finally, we tackle ICE raids, propaganda at the Pentagon, and the DOJ’s weaponization under Trump’s control, showing just how fragile American institutions have become under Trump’s obsession with power. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount plus a $40 bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back my friend Joe Walsh, former Republican Congressman, host of The Social Contract with Joe Walsh, and fierce Trump critic. We break down Trump’s destruction of the White House’s East Wing to build his billionaire ballroom, the hypocrisy of a government shutdown while he enriches himself, and Trump’s gluttonous move to demand that the DOJ give him $230 million in damages for past cases. We also discuss the rise of Christian nationalism, Congress’s collapse as a check on power, and how courts are handling Trump’s orders to deploy the National Guard in American cities. From fake populism to full-blown authoritarianism, this episode confronts what happens when democracy is left undefended. Thanks to our sponsors: True Classics: Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/COHEN! #trueclassicpod Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 30% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN! #indacloudpod Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Loren Piretra, political content creator and host of The Loren Piretra Show on YouTube, for a deep dive into Trump’s latest power grabs. We break down the millions who took to the streets this weekend for the No Kings Day protests and how Trump and JD Vance tried to distract the nation with a hollow military parade. We also unpack how farmers are getting crushed under Trump’s reckless tariffs, the ongoing government shutdown, and the National Guard federalizations that have civil rights advocates sounding the alarm. Thanks to our sponsors: Superpower: Go to https://superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my friend Maria Cardona, Democratic strategist, CNN commentator, Principal at the Dewey Square Group, and founder of Latinovations, for a deep dive into Trump’s mounting influence and the chaos reshaping Washington. We unpack what Trump’s erratic foreign policy means for global stability and his self-congratulatory rhetoric surrounding the Israel-Gaza ceasefire. We also focus on America’s own unrest, from ICE crackdowns and National Guard deployments in our cities to the weaponization of the justice department through indictments of Trump’s political enemies. Together, we expose how Trump’s tactics mirror authoritarian playbooks and explore how Democrats can unify their message ahead of the midterm elections. Thanks to our sponsors: Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: https://shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by David Corn, veteran journalist, author of American Psychosis, and Washington Bureau Chief for Mother Jones. Together we break down Trump’s escalating power grabs, from his reckless deployment of the National Guard to his propaganda-laced military speeches and attempts to impact history with his own commemorative coin. We explain how Trump uses chaos and misinformation to test the limits of democracy, while Democrats struggle to deliver a clear counter-narrative. We dig into the government shutdown, James Comey’s indictment, and how intimidation of prosecutors, journalists, and public institutions threatens to collapse accountability. From martial law “tests” in Portland to Trump’s cult of personality, Corn warns that America’s democratic future depends on whether truth can survive the noise. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount plus a $40 bonus gift. Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN Soul: Go to https://GetSoul.com and use code: COHEN to get 30% OFF your order! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m making amends for January 6th in Portland.” Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Pam Hemphill, the former MAGA supporter turned truth-teller. Once branded the “MAGA Granny” after attending the January 6th riots, Pam now uses her platform to expose how Trump’s lies and fear tactics are tearing America apart. Recently, she traveled to Portland, Oregon, to witness Trump’s militarized crackdown firsthand, and her account of the chaos unleashed by ICE is unforgettable. From the right-wing journalist who faked a black eye to the MAGA influencer arrested and later welcomed at the White House, Pam saw it all. She opens up about breaking free from the cult mentality that still grips millions, and together, we unpack the dangers of government overreach, Trump’s obsession with control, and how ordinary citizens can fight back against authoritarianism. Thanks to our sponsors: Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Leesa: Go to https://Leesa.com for 20% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Adam Parkhomenko, Democratic strategist, former DNC National Field Director, and advisor to Hillary Clinton. As MAGA floods the media zone with its talking points, I wanted Adam’s perspective as a strategist on how to combat Trump’s tightening grip on power and the collapse of political accountability in Washington. We examine how Democrats lost control of the narrative and brainstorm creative ways to reclaim it. We also discuss what James Comey’s indictment reveals about the state of justice, Trump’s failure to improve our international standing, and the impact of Charlie Kirk's murder. From the stalled Epstein files to Trump’s use of the National Guard, we expose how chaos has become the core of Trump’s political strategy, and what it will take to fight back. Thanks to our sponsors: Leesa: Go to https://Leesa.com for 20% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code COHEN Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Dave Aronberg, former Palm Beach County State Attorney, legal analyst, and fellow MeidasTouch contributor. We dig into how Trump is reshaping the political battlefield, from lying about the cause of the government shutdown to staging a military stunt with Pete Hegseth for pure political theater. We break down how he weaponizes immigration debates, twisting health care and border policy into soundbites, while Democrats can struggle to cut through with clear messaging. Aronberg and I also examine Trump’s push to bend the National Guard and the courts to his will, and what James Comey’s indictment signals about accountability in a system under strain. Thanks to our sponsor: Prize Picks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/COHEN and use code COHEN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Brian Karem, veteran journalist, White House correspondent, political commentator, author of Free the Press, and host of the Just Ask the Question podcast. Brian worked alongside me on my book Revenge, exposing how Trump weaponized the DOJ against me. With James Comey’s recent indictment, that history is more relevant than ever. Together, we revisit our fight for public records, the pressure tactics used against us, and what these abuses mean for accountability today. We also dig into Trump’s disastrous UN speech, his looming government shutdown, and what it all reveals about his unfit leadership. Thanks to our sponsor: Prize Picks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/COHEN and use code COHEN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Charlie Sykes, political commentator, author of “How the Right Lost Its Mind,” writer of the Substack newsletter “To the Contrary,” and MSNBC contributor, for a hard-hitting conversation on Trump’s unraveling of American leadership at home and abroad. Once at the center of the conservative movement, Sykes brings invaluable insight into Trump’s grip on the GOP. We break down Trump’s UN General Assembly speech, his pivot to isolationism, and how his rhetoric is reshaping the GOP into an authoritarian, nationalist movement. We also dig into Trump’s attacks on the press, the fight over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, and what escalating political violence means for America’s future. Thanks to our sponsors: Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN Superpower: Go to https://superpower.com and use code COHEN to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Michael Fanone, former Metropolitan D.C. police officer, January 6 hero, author, and political activist, for a powerful conversation about America’s descent into political violence. We reflect on how recent events, from the fallout over Charlie Kirk’s assassination to Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, are reshaping the debate over free speech in America. Fanone also weighs in on the deadly toll of gun violence on police, Trump’s reckless federalization of law enforcement, and how dangerous rhetoric from the top fuels attacks on officers and communities alike. From corporate capitulation to the global rejection of American authoritarianism, this episode issues a stark warning about the danger of apathy and why every American must keep fighting back. Thanks to our sponsors: Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Dr. Steven Hassan, mental health expert, author, and host of the Cults, Culture & Coercion podcast, for a chilling look at how MAGA operates like a mind control movement. Drawing from his own experience in the Moonies and decades of studying coercive psychology, Hassan explains why Trump’s followers remain loyal despite scandals, how repetition and fear fuel authoritarian obedience, and why MAGA loyalists must be seen as victims of psychological warfare. We dig into the overlap between cult tactics, Christian nationalism, and Trump’s constant attacks on the press, as well as how the ongoing Epstein revelations expose the lengths to which the powerful will go to protect themselves. From Putin’s playbook to Supreme Court rulings, this episode reveals how authoritarian influence spreads and how we can break its grip before it’s too late. Thanks to our sponsors: Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN Prize Picks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/COHEN and use code COHEN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After thousands of years, Michael Cohen finally snagged the Mea Culpa guest of a lifetime, the one and only God. In a wide-ranging divine conversation, Cohen and God confront America’s growing epidemic of political violence after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Trump’s reckless push to federalize local police, and the escalating dangers of authoritarianism. God doesn’t hold back on Trump’s lies, Republican scapegoating, or the toxic weaponization of faith for political gain. From school shootings to immigration crackdowns, they explore how fear and division are tearing the country apart, and what moral lessons are being ignored in the process. Equal parts sobering and darkly funny, this episode proves that even God is worried about the state of American democracy. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Prize Picks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/COHEN and use code COHEN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by journalist Allison Gill, the powerhouse behind Mueller She Wrote and The Daily Beans, and now a leading voice on the MeidasTouch Network. A U.S. Navy veteran, former federal government employee, and relentless advocate for truth and accountability, Gill has built a reputation for exposing corruption with sharp analysis and wit. Together, we dig into the explosive release of Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday book, how Trump’s DOJ continues covering up for the powerful, and why survivors are still being denied justice. We also unpack Trump’s authoritarian push to federalize local police, the Supreme Court’s shadow docket rulings that erode civil rights, and the dangerous consolidation of power threatening democracy itself. Thanks to our sponsors: Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: https://shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Dave Marcus, the infamous Roy Cohn’s cousin, a journalist and author who specializes in education, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning former diplomatic correspondent for the Boston Globe. With reporting experience across Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil, Marcus brings a global lens to Trump’s authoritarian playbook. We dig into the Epstein files and how Trump is weaponizing secrecy around Epstein’s crimes, his dangerous coziness with Putin, and his push to rebrand the Pentagon into a “Department of War.” We also break down GOP hypocrisy on vaccines, RFK Jr.’s disastrous Senate hearing, and the economic chaos Trump is fueling with his attacks on the Federal Reserve. From authoritarian summits abroad to loyalty tests at home, this episode exposes how Trump manipulates national attention while dismantling democracy. Thanks to our sponsors: Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: https://shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Jill Wine-Banks, former Watergate prosecutor, legal analyst, podcast host, and author of The Watergate Girl. We unpack the ongoing Epstein cover-up, the survivors demanding transparency, and Ghislaine Maxwell’s cushy prison transfer. Jill and I also tackle Trump’s unlawful federalization of police and the danger it poses to her hometown of Chicago, along with the rise of authoritarian alliances and America’s economic decline under illegal tariffs. From gun violence to Congress’s failure to act, Jill offers a sobering reminder of how fragile justice has become, and what it will take to fight back. Thanks to our sponsor: Prize Picks: Download the app today and use code COHEN to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Nick Akerman, former federal prosecutor, Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor, and Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. We examine how Trump’s rhetoric and actions verge on aiding and abetting Vladimir Putin while he continues to sell false promises to his voters. We also discuss the aggressive gerrymandering and redistricting battles across the country, along with the GOP’s reckless response to gun violence. In the wake of mass firings at the CDC and subsequent resignations, combined with Trump’s attacks on the Federal Reserve and specifically Lisa Cook, we break down how Trump is weaponizing and politicizing government institutions to consolidate power. Thanks to our sponsor: Prize Picks: Download the app today and use code COHEN to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back JoJo From Jerz, political commentator, activist, and host of the Are You F’ng Kidding Me? and The Siren Podcast for a fiery breakdown of Trump’s escalating power plays. From the absurdity of the Cracker Barrel culture wars to his federal police takeover schemes, JoJo and I tackle gerrymandering in Texas, GOP attacks on voting rights, and how Democrats should fight fire with fire. We also dig into Trump’s hollow “law and order” rhetoric, his self-indulgent cabinet meetings, and the dangerous politicization of institutions like the Federal Reserve and FEMA. With humor and hard truth, JoJo exposes how MAGA thrives on distraction while dismantling democracy in plain sight. Thanks to our sponsors: Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Joy Reid, a longtime political commentator, New York Times bestselling author, and host of The Joy Reid Show. We unpack the FBI raid of John Bolton’s home and office and what it signals for other Trump critics. We also analyze how Trump’s embrace of Russia is pushing the U.S. closer to authoritarianism. As GOP leadership in Texas dismantles voting rights, Joy and I discuss how the DNC can and should respond. Finally, we break down how Gavin Newsom’s sharp trolling of Trump is landing with the president and why humor and ridicule can be powerful tools against creeping dictatorship. Thanks to our sponsors: Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Hims: Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Andy Ostroy, political commentator, producer, and host of The Back Room with Andy Ostroy. We dig into Trump’s accelerating authoritarianism, from his push to federalize D.C. police and undermine mail-in voting to his casual talk of a third term. We break down the stakes of President Zelenskyy’s recent visit to the White House, Gavin Newsom’s role in countering MAGA’s propaganda machine, and how the DNC needs to prepare for the midterms. Andy and I also discuss Trump’s growing grip on power, his ties to Epstein that continue to haunt him, and how lies, fear, and raw ambition are reshaping American politics in real time. Thanks to our sponsors: Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN Dupe: Go to https://Dupe.com today and find similar products for less. It’s 100% free to use. Stop wasting money on brand names and start saving with https://Dupe.com today. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices