Taking Down Trump

<p>TAKING DOWN TRUMP is a book, a Substack, and now – a podcast.</p><p>With new episodes every Wednesday, 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 from the political and legal worlds.</p><p>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. He’s now one of the top pro-democracy voices on social media, a legal commentator on MSNBC and CNN, and author of the best-selling book TAKING DOWN TRUMP: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump By Someone Who Did It Successfully.</p>

Trump's Cabinet of Chaos (with Anthony Scaramucci)

We’re breaking down Trump's alarming potential cabinet picks, including Matt Gaetz for Attorney General and RFK Jr. for Health and Human Services. We examine the serious implications of these nominations, from Gaetz's ongoing ethics investigations to RFK Jr.'s controversial anti-vaccine stance. Special guest Anthony Scaramucci joins for an insightful discussion about the state of American democracy, the future of political parties, and how Democrats can better connect with working-class voters. The episode also covers Steve Bannon's upcoming trial, Elon Musk's concerning activities, and the challenges of holding Trump accountable in a potential second term.

11-20
47:43

The Road Ahead (with Maya Wiley)

One week post election, we’re fired up and ready for the new challenges ahead. We’ll talk about the nomination process for Trump’s cabinet positions, legal strategies to oppose extreme MAGA policies using the Administrative Procedures Act and the real economic dangers of Trump’s tariffs.Later, Maya Wiley, civil rights attorney, former candidate for NYC Mayor and author of the memoir “Remember You Are A Wiley” joins to discuss strategies for protecting democracy. Wiley breaks down the threats outlined in Project 2025, including attacks on civil service and overtime pay, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on shared American values and needs across political lines. The conversation explores how litigation, state ballot initiatives, and local politics can be used to defend democracy. 

11-13
01:11:10

Don't Give Up: The Resistance Starts Now!

In the aftermath of the election day nightmare, Tristan looks at the missed opportunities to prosecute Trump after the January 6th attemped coup, and the media's role in his ultimate resurgence. He also laments the Democratic party's dated approach to mainstream economic policy, and emphasizes the need for bold actions moving forward - all while urging us to stay deeply engaged in the long fight (to preserve our democracy) that lies directly ahead.

11-07
35:12

Economic Wrecking Ball - Tax Cuts, Privatization, and the Death of Financial Oversight

On the eve of Election Day, this final installment of our Decoding Project 2025 series delves deep into MAGA’s radical economic proposals, including massive tax cuts for the wealthy, the elimination of SALT deductions, and plans to defund or privatize critical financial institutions. We‘ll discuss how the proposed gutting of agencies like the IRS, Federal Reserve, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would benefit a small circle of ultra-wealthy individuals while potentially devastating the American economy. Spoiler alert: These policies would disproportionately harm middle-class Americans and residents of blue states while enriching a select group of billionaires.

11-04
44:13

The Homestretch

Dive into the latest election developments as we analyze Trump's controversial Madison Square Garden rally and its impact on Latino voters. Learn how the "floating garbage" comments about Puerto Rico could reshape battleground states like Florida and Pennsylvania. Plus, discover surprising poll numbers from Kansas that might signal a broader shift in the electoral map. We'll break down Kamala Harris's game-changing Medicare home care proposal and what it means for American families, while examining the truth behind inflation numbers and tax policies. Get an insider's perspective on early voting records in Michigan and the potential "quiet majority" that could determine the election's outcome.

10-31
46:49

Trump’s Economic Plans Exposed: Tariffs, Taxes, and Trouble?

In this eye-opening episode, we’re breaking down what Project 2025 could mean for your wallet. We’ll tackle tariffs, the shrinking middle class and we’ll uncover some of Project 2025’s shocking proposals, including dismantling the Patent Office (say what?), privatizing government services (hello, oligarchs?), and census shenanigans that could impact your representation. Don’t miss this crucial installment of “Decoding Project 2025.” It’s your guide to understanding Trump’s economic vision before you hit the polls.

10-29
18:03

Heroes For Democracy

Heroes for Democracy Super Show If you missed Tuesday night's LIVE super show on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram, we’ve got you covered. Hosts, Tristan Snell, JoJo from Jerz and Brooklyn Dad Defiant are joined by an army of guests to rally support for Kamala and raise funds to power key Democratic candidates and pro-democracy initiatives. The event features a series of special guests, beginning with Stephanie Miller, Olivia Julianna, Lauren Windsor, Anthony Scaramucci, Ty Ross & D.Knight, Allison Gill, Brian Tyler Cohen, Glenn Kirschner & Martina Navratilova.

10-24
02:02:26

Gutting Labor Rights and Transportation Safety

In this installment of Decoding Project 2025, we uncover MAGA’s alarming plans to dismantle labor protections, civil rights laws, and transportation safety measures. From eliminating overtime pay to gutting anti-discrimination policies and rail safety regulations, we’ll take a look at how Project 2025 threatens workers' rights and public safety. Spoiler alert! It also reveals plans to cut veterans' benefits and increase political cronyism at the VA. Don't miss this crucial analysis of how a future Trump presidency could reshape labor laws and transportation policy to favor corporations at the expense of American workers and consumers.

10-21
25:35

Georgia's Election Showdown: Early Voting Surge and Trump's Legal Battles

In this explosive episode, we dive deep into the latest developments in Georgia's crucial election landscape. Discover how record-breaking early voters are reshaping the political playing field, and uncover the shocking legal maneuvers Trump allies may attempt to manipulate the voting process. We break down the high-stakes battle for democracy, plus Tristan’s perspective on Trump's bizarre 30-minute musical interlude at a recent rally and what it reveals about media bias. Don't miss this essential analysis of the forces shaping America's political future!

10-17
45:47

Democracy Under Siege: Foreign Influence, Voter Suppression, and the Fight for America's Future w/Andrea Chalupa

Tristan is joined by the formidable Andrea Chalupa, host of the hard-hitting Gaslit Nation podcast. They're peeling back the layers on America's democracy crisis faster than Putin can say "fake news." From Kremlin-backed MAGA influencers to Georgia's neo-confederate voter suppression schemes, they draw chilling parallels between today's threats and history's darkest chapters, all while serving up a masterclass on why enforcing those dusty old laws might just save the republic. Sprinkle in a DOJ critique, and a hefty dose of "let's actually do something about this," and you've got yourself an episode that'll leave you fired up and ready to defend democracy – or at least seriously considering a panic room.

10-09
01:03:21

Rep. Jamie Raskin on Trump's Threats and America's Future

We sit down with Congressman Jamie Raskin for a deep dive into the strategies being employed to combat election subversion and "big lie" propaganda. Later he talks about his work with the January 6th Committee and delivers a passionate call to action for citizens to engage in the democratic process.

10-03
44:18

Justice Under Siege: Project 2025's Scary DOJ Makeover

Buckle up, folks! In this jaw-dropping episode of Decoding Project 2025, Tristan breaks down the MAGA playbook for turning the DOJ into Trump's personal legal playground. If you thought the DOJ was already in hot water, Project 2025 wants to crank up the heat to 11. Tristan lays out why this matters to all of us who give a damn about democracy and equal justice.

10-01
16:29

America's Extreme Makeover (MAGA Edition)

It’s part 8 of our Project 2025 series and we’re exposing the MAGA “GRWM” makeover that would make even Trump's hair look understated. From dismantling government agencies faster than a toddler with a Lego set, to treating federal employees like seasonal retail workers, Project 2025 has it all. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of "Schedule F" - because nothing says efficiency like turning government employment into a game of musical chairs. Join us as we navigate this rollercoaster of proposed changes, where democracy gets a facelift and civil liberties go on a crash diet.

09-26
27:25

Rep. Jasmine Crockett on Congress, Campaigning, and Her Unexpected Journey to Politics

Tristan is joined by Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas, who shares her unique path from aspiring anesthesiologist to rising Democratic star in Congress. Rep. Crockett offers insights on current legislative battles, including government funding and the farm bill, while also reflecting on her role as national co-chair for the Harris-Walls campaign. This episode provides an inside look at the challenges facing Congress and the personal story of a dynamic new voice in American politics.

09-24
44:11

Progressive Patriotism (with Rep. Ro Khanna)

In this episode, we discuss the fallout following false claims spread by JD Vance and Donald Trump about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, OH and the historical context of xenophobia in America. Later, Representative Ro Khanna joins the show to provide insights from Capitol Hill and discuss the urgent need to counteract these divisive narratives.

09-19
45:10

Prescription for Chaos in Healthcare

From dismantling healthcare as we know it to rolling back civil rights, Project 2025 reads like a dystopian novel—only it's terrifyingly real. We'll dissect the absurdities of these proposals, including pregnancy surveillance and the attack on Medicare.

09-17
23:02

Fact Checked & Flummoxed

In this post-debate episode, we’ll talk debate strategy and how Kamala Harris masterfully baited Trump into a frenzy of fact-checkable falsehoods and unhinged outbursts from his weird pet-eating paranoia to his Charlottesville revisionism.

09-11
33:16

Gutting Education and Energy: Project 2025 Radical Plans Exposed

In this 6th installment of "Decoding Project 2025," we delve deep into their alarming plans for the Departments of Education and Energy including: dismantling school accreditation, eliminating support for underprivileged students, repealing crucial climate change legislation and stifling renewable energy progress…and so much more!

09-03
22:11

Sound the Alarm on Supreme Court Shenanigans (w/ Senator Whitehouse)

This week on Taking Down Trump, Tristan reflects on his time at the Democratic National Convention, Trump's eyebrow-raising gala for January 6th "guests," and the former president's apparent foray into unauthorized Middle East diplomacy. He’s joined for a conversation with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who pulls back the curtain on Supreme Court corruption. They discuss billionaire influence, ethical gymnastics by certain justices, and potential fixes like term limits and an actual ethics code (gasp!).

08-29
37:23

Trump University: The Art of the Grift

In this week's episode, fresh off the DNC, Tristan Snell breaks down the Trump University scandal. As a prosecutor who led the New York Attorney General's Trump University investigation, Tristan gives us an insider's look at how he brought down one of Trump's most notorious scams, interviewing hundreds of victims and ultimately securing a $25 million settlement. We dive into how the Trump turned his biggest fans into unwitting cash cows, and what it tells us about his political playbook. Grab your MAGA hats and your BS detectors, folks – it's time to go back to school, Trump University style.

08-23
32:19

Wayne Cox

take the Red pill.

09-01 Reply

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