How Low Will the Mobster-in-Chief Go?
Summary
David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein condemn Trump’s desecration of the Kennedy Center and his illegal construction projects in Washington, D.C. They trace Trump’s deep ties to Russian organized crime through his history with boxing promoters and real estate dealings. The hosts also critique the FBI director’s congressional testimony and discuss the AI industry’s push for self-regulation. Finally, they analyze the political fallout from Trump’s deteriorating approval ratings and the emerging rifts within the Republican party.
Topics discussed
Intro and banter with Norm Ornstein
Trump's petulance and the Kennedy Center
Kennedy Center board and legal battles
Congressional inaction and building threats
Smithsonian bias signs and White House expansion
Vandalizing DC landmarks and Old Executive Office Building
Supreme Court ruling and Substack promotion
USAA insurance ad
Roy Cohn, mob ties, and Trump's early career
Russian oligarchs, boxing, and Trump Jr.'s wedding
Kushner, Witkoff, and the 'foreign enemy' attack
Kurt Anderson quote and new book on Russia ties
Diesel prices and blaming Ukraine
AI regulation, self-regulation, and distraction tactics
Trump's motive for enrichment and crypto bill failure
Republican distancing and deteriorating approval ratings
JD Vance, Beau French, and racist attacks on Indians
Ashwani Patel testimony and FBI integrity
USAA ad and Putin's intelligence operation
Wedding ties, national security violations, and closing
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