To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Charlie and The New Yorker writer Susan Glasser summarize the year for TTC listeners: The erosion of guardrails, the collapse of institutions, and the differences between 2025 and the first year of Trump 1.0, 2017. They also ask: what the hell is the point of Congress anymore? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Charlie speaks with former GOP political strategist Lucy Caldwell. They discuss the botched release of the Epstein files, Bari Weiss's decision to spike a 60 Minutes segment, MAGA infighting, the problem with RFK, Jr., and a heated Senate race in Maine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger came on TTC to talk about Trump's insistence on marking his territory everywhere -- from the Kennedy Center to the Presidential walk of fame, where he installed new plaques mocking Biden and Obama.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie speaks with TTC regular Tom Nichols, The Atlantic writer and retired professor at the U.S. Naval War College, about Trump wagging the dog in Venezuela and his continued attacks on director Rob Reiner.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie speaks with former US Attorney Harry Litman about the beloved director Rob Reiner and Trump's response to his murder, Admiral Holsey who retired after overseeing the military boat strikes, and some of the latest court decisions. Litman also explains why there's no area of greater corruption than Trump's use of the pardon power.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But we are also not as good as we thought we were before the Trump era, according to David French, a New York Times opinion columnist. He argues that Stephen Miller is miscalculating, and that it's possible to awaken the country's sleeping conscience. In this episode, he and Charlie also discuss the Indiana Senate's rejection of Trump's redistricting bill, the upcoming Supreme Court decision on tariffs, and the "vibe shift." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie speaks with Rachael Bade, political reporter and host of The Huddle, who says the constant rumors about Trump planning to fire his cabinet members are utterly unsubstantiated. They also discuss the affordability "hoax,” Nancy Mace, and what Trump expects in return for a pardon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We recently learned that AG Pam Bondi had issued an 8-page memo that orders the FBI to “compile a list of groups or entities engaging in acts that may constitute domestic terrorism". It's now becoming clear that is not just an aggressive memo, it creates a secret domestic terror list Congress never approved. In this short, special episode, Charlie explain more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Charlie speaks with Charlie Dent, former Congressman from Pennsylvania and National Co-Chair of Our Republican Legacy. Together, they're trying to figure out whether Speaker Mike Johnson has a problem with women, what’s next for health care legislation, and just how much weaker Congress can get. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, Charlie answers readers' questions about RFK Jr., the murderous boat strikes, the ranking of stupidity among cabinet members, and how it's all connected to our children's education. As a bonus, he also talks about his dogs.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Charlie speaks with Ed Luce, US national editor and a columnist for the Financial Times. They discuss Trump's latest racist comments, the US military murderous boat strikes, and the decision that Europe has to make soon on whether to seize Russian assets and turn them over to Ukraine. Also, are we finally starting to imagine a post-Trump world?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with veteran advocate and Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff for a conversation about the escalating crises surrounding Donald Trump’s cabinet, the alleged “kill them all” order, and the looming threat of war with Venezuela. Rieckhoff breaks down the moral and national-security fallout of Trump’s shutdown of Afghan visas, arguing that America’s treatment of its wartime allies will shape our future on every battlefield. He also highlights the growing independent movement among veterans through Independent Americans (https://IndependentAmericans.us) and Independent Veterans of America (https://IndependentVeteransofAmerica.org), where new leaders are stepping up to challenge the political extremes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and Tom Nichols unpack a chaotic stretch in American politics that includes Trump’s fixation on loyalty, his escalating rhetoric, and his increasingly erratic behavior. They discuss the fallout from Trump’s attack on Sen. Mark Kelly, the strain inside the Pentagon, and the surreal spectacle of a president intervening in Hollywood sequels. From GOP dysfunction to Ukraine negotiations, they explore how an aging, insular Trump world is colliding with real-world crises—and why it all feels so much more dangerous this time around. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes speaks with The Atlantic’s Michael Scherer about his in-depth cover story on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now one of the most influential—and divisive—figures shaping American science policy. Scherer discusses Kennedy’s complicated personal history, his fraught relationship with scientific institutions, and his unexpected alliance with Donald Trump. The conversation explores what Kennedy’s ascent reveals about a country losing trust in expertise—and why understanding him matters, even for his critics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and journalist Terry Moran examine a week that showcased two starkly different Americas—from Dick Cheney’s solemn, apolitical funeral to the president’s public calls for executing political opponents. They discuss the escalating authoritarian rhetoric, the Ukraine “surrender plan,” the White House’s embrace of MBS, and the alarming signals around a possible conflict with Venezuela. Moran argues that beneath Trump’s projection of confidence lies a democracy under strain, institutions under pressure, and a country struggling to remember what normal governance looks like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and Susan Glasser break down a stunning Oval Office moment in which Donald Trump defended Mohammed bin Salman and derided a reporter for asking about Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. They explore Trump’s escalating attacks on the press, the gold-plated symbolism of his Oval Office, and the deepening corruption and impunity shaping his presidency. Plus, growing fractures inside MAGA world including Marjorie Taylor Greene’s unexpected revolt, and what these shifts reveal about a movement in turmoil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with Third Way’s Matt Bennett to break down why Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s New York City victory is not a roadmap for Democrats in swing states. Bennett argues that national Democrats must prioritize persuasion over ideological purity—and avoid language and policies that alienate working-class voters. Centrists like Mikey Sherrill, Abigail Spanberger, and others offer a more realistic path to defeating Donald Trump and winning elections that matter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes breaks down why Donald Trump appears increasingly panicked over the Epstein files—and why the attempted cover-up is only making the story bigger. In a solo Q&A episode, he tackles subscriber questions on everything from GOP fractures to the role of the military, free speech, pardons, and the future of accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and legal analyst Harry Litman break down why the newly released Epstein files have Donald Trump and his allies unusually on edge. They discuss the political stakes behind the looming House vote on releasing the full Epstein cache, as well as Trump's sweeping pardons and efforts to rewrite the narrative of January 6th. The conversation also explores recent legal pushback against Trump-era overreach and the shifting public sentiment revealed in the latest elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes talks with political scientist Nicholas Grossman about the Democrats’ sudden surrender after weeks of holding the line against Trump’s budget demands. They break down why the timing baffled strategists, what the fold reveals about the party’s “normal democracy mindset,” and how it may reshape Democratic leadership. The conversation also explores Trump’s latest wave of pardons, the Heritage Foundation’s hard-right turn, and rising fears of another performative foreign war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with former Congressman Adam Kinzinger to discuss his new documentary The Last Republican and the personal and political fallout from his stand against Donald Trump. Kinzinger reflects on January 6th, his deep contempt for Kevin McCarthy’s capitulation, and how small acts of cowardice reshaped the GOP. The conversation also turns to the future of both parties, the shifting Hispanic vote, and why authenticity—not ideology—may be the Democrats’ key to winning back America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and Jonathan Rauch dissect a surprising Supreme Court challenge to Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff powers and what it could mean for the limits of presidential authority. They also break down the recent “blue wave” election results, the shifting loyalties of younger and minority voters, and the growing ideological fractures inside the Republican Party. The conversation explores whether America’s political institutions can withstand another round of authoritarian temptation—and whether either party is ready for what comes next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by political scientist Daniel Drezner for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with baseball’s most thrilling World Series in years and ends with America’s political curveballs. They unpack Trump’s Great Gatsby–style party amid a government shutdown, the pardoning of a crypto billionaire, and the GOP’s flirtation with extremist rhetoric. Along the way, they tackle corruption, creeping authoritarianism, and the vanishing line between populism and privilege in Trump’s second term. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes talks with Simon Bazelon, lead author of Deciding to Win, a new report urging Democrats to refocus on economic and public safety issues. Bazelon argues that since 2012, highly educated donors and advocacy groups have pushed the party away from the bread-and-butter concerns of working-class voters. The conversation explores how Democrats lost touch with moderates, what lessons can be learned from past realignments, and why winning elections begins with listening to voters again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes talks with Lawfare’s Ben Wittes about the erosion of congressional power, Donald Trump’s attempts to reshape the civil service, and the growing danger of a one-man government. They unpack Trump’s $230 million claim against U.S. taxpayers, the ethical chaos inside the Justice Department, and how judges are grappling with lies from the federal government. Wittes also shares the story behind his viral “Who Is the Administrator of Doge?” hat and an unlikely night of Ukrainian lounge music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by historian and journalist Anne Applebaum to discuss the accelerating erosion of democratic norms in the United States. They explore how corruption, institutional fragility, and authoritarian habits are reshaping American politics, and why complacency is our greatest danger. Applebaum warns that the midterms may determine whether America still has the will to defend its democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economist Justin Wolfers joins Charlie Sykes to unpack the puzzling disconnect between Wall Street’s optimism and Main Street’s uncertainty, and what that says about America’s economic direction. They dive into Trump’s tariffs, Argentina’s bailout, and how “crony capitalism” tilts the playing field toward big corporations. Wolfers also reflects on his recent Boyer Lecture, arguing that the erosion of democratic institutions pose the greatest threat to long-term prosperity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and Adam Kinzinger take stock of another chaotic week in American politics, from Donald Trump’s demand for $230 million in taxpayer money and his controversial White House renovations, to Speaker Mike Johnson’s embrace of Trump’s culture-war theatrics. They also discuss the rise of the “No Kings” movement, the corporate backlash over Jimmy Kimmel’s firing, and what it all says about the state of the GOP. Plus, Kinzinger offers a bold idea for ending the war in Ukraine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and Jim Acosta unpack the massive “No Kings” rallies, Trump’s inflammatory AI video targeting protesters, and the unsettling normalization of authoritarian behavior from the Oval Office. They discuss the divide between Trump’s rhetoric and reality, the media’s response to his attacks, and how both parties face a long road ahead in defending democratic norms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with Bloomberg Opinion’s Tim O’Brien to talk about the chaos and consequences of Donald Trump’s second term. From the “No Kings” rallies and the weaponization of the IRS to fears of a politicized military, they examine how America’s democratic institutions are holding up—or falling apart. They also talk about whether a new resistance movement is finally taking shape in a nation struggling to remember its constitutional soul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes welcomes Atlantic writer Tom Nichols for a conversation about the Pentagon’s unprecedented expulsion of the press and what it means for democracy and transparency. They also unpack the MAGA movement’s growing hostility toward free speech, Trump’s chaotic foreign policy moves, and JD Vance’s defense of young right-wing bigots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes turns his attention from the Middle East to the Midwest, where escalating ICE raids, federal court battles, and National Guard deployments have put Chicago at the center of a national storm. WBBM anchor Rob Hart joins to break down the reality on the ground—what’s true, what’s political theater, and how local leaders like J.B. Pritzker and Brandon Johnson are navigating the crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by David French to unpack a week of alarming developments — from Trump’s threatened invocation of the Insurrection Act and deployment of troops to Chicago, to the stunning announcement of a Qatari military base on U.S. soil. Together, they explore how rhetoric, legality, and raw power collide in a presidency that continually tests constitutional limits. Amid escalating tensions at home and abroad, what happens when extraordinary powers become the new normal? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Yorker staff writer Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes to talk about what she calls “TrumpSchmerz” — the constant state of worry that hangs over America in the Trump era. They discuss the weaponization of government power, the collapse of political norms, and whether the country’s institutions or its people will stop the slide toward authoritarianism. It’s a conversation about inflection points, public fatigue, and the uneasy question of what America is willing to tolerate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with Financial Times U.S. National Editor Edward Luce to examine the accelerating retreat of Western liberalism and the fragility of democratic institutions in the Trump 2.0 era. They discuss Jane Goodall’s viral quip about “rocketing” world leaders into space, the performative nature of Trump’s domestic “wag the dog” tactics, and the escalating intimidation of judges across the country. Luce also critiques the Democratic Party’s reactive strategy and outlines why it must abandon its subtractive politics to meet the moment and build a winning coalition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and former U.S. attorney Harry Litman unpack the escalating legal and constitutional crises of the Trump era. From the unprecedented ICE raid in Chicago to the flimsy indictment of James Comey, Litman explains why these actions strike at the core of the rule of law. The conversation also turns to the looming threat of the Insurrection Act and what it could mean for the future of the American experiment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and Olivia Troye take a journey through the week’s political turmoil — from Trump’s Oval Office trolling and the specter of a third term to the weaponization of ICE and the military’s role in domestic politics. Drawing on Olivia’s firsthand experiences inside the Trump administration, the two discuss how fear and intimidation reshape institutions and the lives of public servants. Amid the gloom, they pause to reflect on Jane Goodall’s passing, the lessons of courage she left behind, and the small ways people can still make a difference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Independent Veterans of America, for a wide-ranging conversation about America’s mass shooting crisis, the culture of grievance fueling extremism, and the dangerous consolidation of presidential power. Rieckhoff highlights the role of isolation and disconnection among young men, the failures of political leadership, and the urgent need for new role models. It's not all bad news though. The two also discuss the rise of independent veteran candidates as a possible antidote to partisan dysfunction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Nicholas Grossman to unpack another chaotic week in politics and foreign affairs. From Trump’s bizarre UN speech and a mysterious generals’ meeting to the flip-flop on Ukraine and the Comey indictment, they examine what these moments reveal about America’s democratic resilience and vulnerabilities. They also look at how Jimmy Kimmel’s unexpected comeback has sparked a national conversation about free speech and limits on political power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes welcomes David French back to the podcast to unpack the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s viral monologue and Donald Trump’s failed attempt to cancel him. Together they explore why government pressure on speech crosses a bright constitutional line, how cancel culture has backfired across the political spectrum, and why Americans must return to first principles of free expression. The conversation also dives into Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine, evangelical politics, and the national security stakes of the TikTok fight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and historian Julian Zelizer take a hard look at a whirlwind week of political intimidation, weaponized investigations, and the GOP’s muted response. Zelizer explains how public commands to the Justice Department, lawsuits used as tools of intimidation, and attacks on the press fit into a broader pattern that risks normalizing authoritarian tactics. The institutions that once restrained excess still matter, but they will only hold if citizens and leaders insist on enforcing them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes talks with Daniel Drezner, academic dean and distinguished professor at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, to discuss the evolution of Trump from “toddler-in-chief” to something far more troubling. They explore how Trump’s “Pence-proofed” administration is reshaping American democracy, his escalating attacks on the media, and the international fallout from his foreign policy blunders. From strained alliances in Asia to emboldened adversaries in Europe, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by former Congressman Adam Kinzinger to unpack the mounting threats to free speech in America. They examine Donald Trump’s escalating lawsuits, the dangerous conflation of criticism with “hate speech,” and the broader culture of intimidation that chills dissent. Together, they reflect on the lessons of history, the hypocrisy of cancel culture, and why this is a pivotal moment to defend democratic principles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes and Tom Nichols return to “the gloom” for a conversation about political violence, creeping authoritarianism, and the weaponization of tragedy. They explore how figures like Donald Trump and Stephen Miller are openly embracing rhetoric and policies with fascist undertones, while allies and opponents alike struggle to respond. From propaganda to the weakening of America’s “democratic immune system,” the discussion confronts how fragile democracy has become—and why speaking plainly about the threats is more urgent than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former world chess champion and democracy activist Garry Kasparov joins Charlie Sykes to discuss Russia’s escalating war, including the deliberate drone strike on Poland. He warns how Vladimir Putin thrives on testing NATO’s resolve while Donald Trump’s response further weakens Western unity. Kasparov also explains why America’s fragile democratic norms face their most dangerous test yet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes is joined by Jonathan Rauch of the Brookings Institution and The Atlantic for a conversation recorded just as news of the shooting of Charlie Kirk broke. The conversation touches on the rise of political violence, the collapse of civic norms, and the spread of postmodern thinking on the right. Rauch explains how truth is being replaced by narrative, why patrimonialism defines Donald Trump’s style of governance, and how religion’s bargain with politics has left democracy weaker. They also look ahead at whether Democrats can seize a prosperity message to counter Republican overreach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with historian and journalist Garrett Graff to examine his recent warning that America has entered a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. From federal occupations of U.S. cities and extrajudicial killings abroad to the intimidation of business leaders and the hollowing out of Congress, Graff argues the guardrails of democracy are collapsing. They talk about whether the nation has already crossed the tipping point into fascism—and what it means for the future of American politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with Paula Kerger, the longest-serving president and CEO of PBS, to discuss the unprecedented defunding of public broadcasting. Kerger explains how the loss of federal support threatens hundreds of local stations, particularly in rural communities, and why this moment is a critical test for the future of public media. They also discuss the stakes for children’s programming, emergency alerts, and cultural projects as PBS seeks to survive on viewer and foundation support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tara Palmeri and Charlie Sykes discuss a pivotal week in the Jeffrey Epstein case, as dozens of survivors gathered on Capitol Hill demanding the release of long-secret files. They examine the political maneuvering in Congress, the surprising alliances forming around transparency, and the intense pressure victims face in speaking out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Sykes sits down with David Frum of The Atlantic to unpack the mounting costs of Donald Trump’s foreign policy decisions. From alienating India and Australia to emboldening China and Russia, Frum explains how short-sighted vanity and corruption are leaving the United States increasingly isolated. The conversation also covers Trump’s entanglement with the Epstein story, the misuse of tariffs, and the growing risks of authoritarianism at home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.