Pod Save America
Politics
Pod Save America is a no-b******t conversation about politics hosted by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor. It cuts through the noise to break down the week’s news and helps people figure out what matters and how they can help. They’re regularly joined by journalists, activists, politicians, entertainers, and world leaders. You can watch on YouTube or listen to new episodes every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts. For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email [email protected].
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Recent Episodes
50 Shades of Legal Gray
May 24, 2026Norm Eisen, President Obama's "ethics czar" and founder of Democracy Defenders, talks to Alex Wagner about Trump's latest avalanche of corruption: the $1.8 billion slush fund to pay off Jan. 6 rioters...
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Alex Wagner discusses the unprecedented wave of corruption emanating from the Trump White House with ethics expert Norm Eisen, focusing on the controversial $1.8 billion slush fund for January 6th rioters, Trump's immunity from IRS investigations, and various vanity construction projects. They explore the legal challenges, congressional resistance, and the broader implications of these corruption scandals for American democracy.
- The $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Scandal
- Republican Reconciliation Bill Derailed
Trump's Revenge Leads to Republican Revolt
May 22, 2026So much for Trump's iron grip on the party. Just days after Thomas Massie's defeat, Republicans in the Senate and House begin to buck Trump on his top priorities: ballroom funding, the taxpayer-funded...
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Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss Donald Trump's political setbacks, including Republican backlash against his ballroom funding request and January 6th restitution fund, which has caused chaos in the Senate. They also cover the delayed release of the DNC autopsy report and Ken Martin's credibility issues, new polling on Democratic voters' priorities, and Texas Senate politics. Tommy Vietor interviews San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan about his California gubernatorial campaign.
- Trump's Senate Majority Melts Down Over Ballroom and Slush Fund
- The Political Disaster of the January 6th Restitution Fund
The Bruised Hand in the Cookie Jar
May 19, 2026Trump's DOJ launches a $1.7 billion fund to make payments to his allies, as Democrats revive the debate about whether to make Trump's declining fitness—even his increasingly discolored hands—a campaig...
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The Pod Save America hosts discuss Trump's historically low approval ratings, the New York Times poll showing Democrats up 11 points in midterms, Trump's corruption including a $2 billion slush fund and 3,700 stock trades, his revenge tour against Republican dissenters, tensions with Iran and Cuba, and debate whether Democrats should focus more on Trump's age and cognitive decline.
- Trump's Record Low Approval and Democratic Midterm Lead
- Trump's $2 Billion Slush Fund and Brazen Corruption
David Axelrod joins Dan to discuss the Democratic Party's best messengers and its likely 2028 contenders. Together, they break down standout moments from some of the party's rising voices, examine wha...
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Dan Pfeiffer interviews David Axelrod about the 2026 midterms and potential 2028 presidential candidates. They discuss Democratic Senate races across multiple battleground states, analyze the Maine Senate primary upset, debate the Texas governor's race, and evaluate several potential Democratic presidential contenders including AOC, Pete Buttigieg, Josh Shapiro, Andy Beshear, and Jon Ossoff. Axelrod argues Democrats need an outsider candidate focused on structural reform rather than restoration politics.
- Anti-Establishment Wave and Maine Senate Race
- Trump's Corruption and Latino Voter Shifts in Texas
Trump Admits He's for He/Him, Not You
May 15, 2026Republicans attempt to defend President Trump's admission that he does not "think about Americans' financial situations," while his Department of Justice is on the verge of giving him billions of taxp...
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In this episode, hosts John Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss Trump's disastrous China trip where he admitted not thinking about Americans' financial situations, his plan to potentially pocket $1.7 billion in taxpayer dollars through an IRS lawsuit settlement, Democratic strategies for countering Republican gerrymandering, ongoing DNC autopsy drama, and Trump's new 22-foot golden statue at his golf club.
- Trump's 'I Don't Think About Americans' Financial Situation' Gaffe
- Trump's $1.7 Billion IRS Lawsuit Settlement Corruption Scheme
AOC vs. Bezos
May 12, 2026Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivers a blistering response to Jeff Bezos's Washington Post after the editorial board attacks her for criticizing billionaires. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett mull what an AOC...
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Trump's Iran ceasefire appears to be collapsing as he heads to China, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launches a reality show about road trips. The hosts discuss the fallout from Virginia's redistricting ruling, AOC's 2028 ambitions and critique of billionaires, and Trump's various policy announcements including suspending the gas tax and making Venezuela the 51st state.
- Iran Ceasefire on Life Support
- Trump's Plan to Make Venezuela the 51st State
Will Raphael Warnock Hear the Call?
May 10, 2026Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock stops by the studio to talk to Jon about the Supreme Court's dismantling of the Voting Rights Act, his visit to an ICE detention facility, and whether the Democratic Pa...
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Senator Raphael Warnock discusses his new book on Isaiah's moral vision for America's 250th anniversary, the Supreme Court's gutting of voting rights, political violence, faith in politics, and the moral challenges facing the nation. He reflects on Dr. King's legacy, the civil rights movement, systemic injustice, and the Democratic Party's messaging, while offering insights from his unique perspective as both a U.S. Senator and senior pastor of Dr. King's historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.
- The Crooked Places: A Moral Vision for America
- Supreme Court's Assault on Voting Rights
It's One Ballroom, Donald, How Much Could It Cost?
May 08, 2026Congressional Republicans plan to spend $1 billion in taxpayer money on Trump's ballroom, claiming the money is necessary for "security" — and creating a huge political problem for themselves. The pre...
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Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer analyze Trump's Iran crisis, his domestic corruption including the $1 billion ballroom and cash giveaways by FBI Director Kash Patel, and the 2028 GOP primary shaping up between JD Vance and Marco Rubio. John Lovett also interviews California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer about his vision for tackling affordability, housing, healthcare, and corruption in the state.
- Trump's Iran Crisis Spirals as Peace Talks Stall
- Trump Officials Gaslight America on Gas Prices
Trump Is Falling. Are Democrats Rising?
May 05, 2026Just like the ceasefire with Iran, Trump's standing in the polls has effectively collapsed, but Democrats aren't performing better on the generic ballot. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss why, and what D...
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This episode of Pod Save America covers Trump's Iran war escalation, rising gas prices, the Democratic National Committee's internal struggles, and redistricting battles—all while examining whether Democrats can capitalize on Trump's cratering approval ratings. The hosts discuss John Fetterman's potential party switch, Spirit Airlines' collapse, and John Ossoff's corruption-focused messaging strategy. The episode concludes with an interview with Melissa Murray about the latest abortion medication ruling and her new book on the Constitution.
- Iran War Escalation and Energy Crisis
- Spirit Airlines Collapse and Merger Politics
Bernie vs. the Robots
May 03, 2026Lovett sits down with Senator Bernie Sanders about what we need to do rein in AI, getting super PAC money out of Democratic politics, and building support for stopping weapons sales to Israel. Then, L...
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Senator Bernie Sanders discusses the existential risks of AI technology, the need for regulation and international cooperation, and his efforts to block weapons sales to Israel. Journalist Peter Hamby joins to analyze political violence discourse, Democratic primaries in Maine and California, and the responsibility of influencers in shaping political conversation.
- AI's Existential Threat and the Need for Global Action
- The Case for an AI Moratorium
Did Trump's Supreme Court Rig the Midterms?
May 01, 2026In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court guts the Voting Rights Act, setting the stage for Republicans to grab more Democratic seats — but will they be able to do it in time for the midterms? Dan and Alex...
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Dan Pfeiffer and Alex Wagner discuss Trump's continued focus on personal vendettas against figures like Jim Comey and Jimmy Kimmel, Pete Hegseth's contentious testimony defending the Iran war, a major Supreme Court decision gutting the Voting Rights Act, and Maine Governor Janet Mills dropping her Senate bid. Tommy Vietor interviews Iowa Senate candidate Zach Walls about his campaign and political vision.
- Trump's Vendetta Tour: The Jim Comey Seashell Indictment
- Trump Targets Jimmy Kimmel and ABC Through FCC
Why Is the DNC Hiding Its Own 2024 Autopsy?
Apr 29, 2026DNC Chairman Ken Martin wanted to come on and respond to criticisms about his refusal to release the 2024 "after-action report" — despite his promise to do so — and about the Committee's fundraising s...
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Jon Favreau interviews DNC Chair Ken Martin in a tense exchange about the party's decision to withhold the full 2024 election autopsy report, fundraising challenges, and strategic priorities. Despite promising to release the report during his campaign for chair, Martin defends keeping it private while sharing selected lessons. The conversation reveals fundamental disagreements about transparency, financial management, and the party's path forward to 2028.
- The 2024 Autopsy Controversy
- Financial Challenges and Strategic Investments
Political Violence Shocks Washington
Apr 28, 2026As more details emerge about the gunman who tried to rush the White House Correspondents Dinner, one thing is clear: it must be Democrats' fault. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss the reaction to the vio...
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Pod Save America discusses the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where a gunman attempted to attack President Trump, and the resulting political fallout including conspiracy theories, debates over security protocols, and blame-shifting rhetoric. The episode also covers the stalled Iran negotiations and features an interview with California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter about her campaign, policy proposals, and vision for reforming state government.
- The White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting
- Trump's Response and Political Exploitation
Polls showing dropping support for Trump are one thing, but what do his voters actually say when you get them together in a room? Tommy talks to Sarah Longwell, host of The Focus Group Podcast and pub...
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Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, joins to discuss insights from thousands of hours of voter focus groups. She analyzes Trump's crumbling coalition, the effectiveness of corruption messaging, rising stars like John Ossoff and Pete Buttigieg, and how Democratic messaging needs to evolve. Key themes include voter frustration with costs and broken promises, fractures in the MAGA movement, and what Democrats need to do to build a winning 2026 coalition.
- The Pervasive Mood of Discontent
- Trust, Corruption, and System Integrity
Trump Loses the Gerrymander War
Apr 24, 2026Virginia voters approve a new congressional map that could net Democrats four seats, dealing what might be the decisive blow to Republicans in the redistricting war — but Republican groups have a huge...
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This episode covers the ongoing stalemate in Trump's war with Iran seven weeks after his initial victory declaration, the massive financial advantage Republicans hold over Democrats heading into the midterms, Democrats' redistricting victory in Virginia, and issues plaguing Trump's cabinet appointees. Mark Leibovich joins to discuss California's chaotic gubernatorial race and the upcoming White House Correspondents' Dinner where Trump will attend for the first time since 2011.
- Iran War Stalemate and Trump's Deteriorating Position
- Cash Patel's Embattled FBI Leadership
J. Edgar Boozer
Apr 21, 2026FBI Director Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for defamation after they publish a well-sourced article alleging he's frequently drunk on the job. Donald Trump celebrates the reopening of the Strait of Hor...
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This episode of Pod Save America covers Trump's chaotic handling of Iran negotiations, his attempts to win back Joe Rogan with psychedelics policy, and Kash Patel suing The Atlantic over allegations of drinking and erratic behavior. The hosts also analyze speeches from potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates including Jon Ossoff, Pete Buttigieg, and Kamala Harris. The episode concludes with Tommy's interview with Ilan Goldenberg of J Street about navigating the Israel-Palestine debate within the Democratic Party.
- Trump's Premature Victory Lap on Iran Negotiations
- The Ballroom President: Trump's Misplaced Priorities
MAGA Media Turns on Trump (feat. David Pakman)
Apr 19, 2026Political commentator David Pakman joins the show to talk with Dan about the war brewing on the right between Trump and the MAGA influencers who once supported him. The two discuss whether this MAGA r...
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Dan Pfeiffer sits down with progressive political commentator David Pakman to discuss the latest news on Iran negotiations, Trump's economic messaging struggles, and the growing revolt in right-wing media. They explore how Democrats should communicate more effectively in the modern media landscape, the role of algorithms in shaping political discourse, and why progressive content creation has lagged behind conservative media despite recent improvements.
- Iran Negotiations and Trump's 'Arsonist Strategy'
- Trump's Failed Economic Messaging
The Gospel According to Trump
Apr 17, 2026JD Vance and Mike Johnson defend Donald Trump's fight against the pope, while Trump says "he's all about the Gospel" and Defense Secretary Hegseth leads soldiers in prayer using a fake Bible quote fro...
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In this episode, hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer cover the escalating conflict between Trump and the Catholic Church, including attacks from JD Vance and Pete Hegseth. They discuss the ongoing Iran war situation, Trump's affordability tour amid rising gas prices, and Republican concerns about midterm prospects. The show concludes with an interview featuring Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan discussing her Senate campaign, the ICE occupation of Minnesota, and fighting back against Trumpism.
- MAGA's War on the Catholic Church
- The Iran War Stalemate
The Audacity of Pope
Apr 14, 2026President Trump attacks Pope Leo as "weak on crime" in a long social media screed before posting an AI-generated photo of himself as Christ healing the sick. JD Vance fails to broker a peace deal with...
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Pod Save America discusses JD Vance's failed negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, Trump's naval blockade of Iranian ports, his public feud with Pope Leo over war and immigration, and domestic political developments including Eric Swalwell's resignation amid sexual assault allegations and the California governor's race. The episode includes an interview with LA City Council member Nithya Raman about her mayoral campaign focused on housing, homelessness, and basic city services.
- JD Vance's Failed Iran Negotiations and Naval Blockade
- Trump's Holy War with Pope Leo
Political commentator Hasan Piker stops by the studio to talk to Jon about his move into electoral politics and the discussion inside the Democratic Party about whether candidates should associate the...
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Hassan Piker joins Pod Save America to discuss his controversial statements, his involvement in Democratic electoral politics, and the growing debate over whether candidates should associate with him. The conversation covers his recent campaign appearances for Abdul El-Sayed, his views on Israel and Palestine, accusations of anti-Semitism, and his theory of building class consciousness through media.
- Hassan's Entry into Electoral Campaign Politics
- Building Class Consciousness as Political Strategy