TAKING DOWN TRUMP is a book, a Substack, and now – a podcast. Every week, 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.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. As a lawyer, a legal commentator on MSNBC and CNN, and the author of the best-selling book TAKING DOWN TRUMP: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump By Someone Who Did It Successfully. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Powered by your toughest questions, Tristan dives into a whirlwind of legal and constitutional chaos: Can a sitting president be court-martialed for crimes committed in office? (Spoiler: No, but the constitutional crisis scenarios get wild.) Is defying a Supreme Court order impeachable? Absolutely—and Tristan explains why Congress’s refusal to act is a historic failure.
Listeners ask about the slow grind of justice for Trump-era corruption, the legal exposure of law firms and universities targeted for political retribution, and why staffers who “do the criming” might want to lawyer up. Tristan breaks down the myth that undocumented immigrants aren’t protected by the Constitution, using both legal logic and a baguette-wielding tourist for good measure. Plus: Can Americans sue the Supreme Court for its presidential immunity ruling? (Don’t get your hopes up.) And, finally, will embattled officials like Pete Hegseth ever step down—or will dysfunction reign?
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In this episode, Tristan begins with a deep dive into the expanding “Signalgate” scandal, revealing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had a second Signal chat group sharing sensitive military information about Yemen airstrikes with inappropriate recipients, including his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. The scandal has triggered an investigation by the DOD Inspector General and led to a staff purge at the Pentagon.
Tristan also examines the ongoing immigration crisis, discussing the Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision to freeze deportations to El Salvador and highlighting shocking cases of due process violations, including a US citizen detained by ICE despite presenting his birth certificate. Additionally, he warns about the Trump administration’s plans to gut FDA food safety inspections, explaining the historical importance of these regulations in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks and protecting public health.
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Tristan breaks down how Trump’s latest immigration moves are straight-up medieval—think mass detentions, zero due process, and even outsourcing detainees to El Salvador’s infamous mega-prison. It’s not just a policy debate; it’s a full-on challenge to the rule of law, and the Supreme Court is getting dragged into the mess.
Tristan is joined by David Pakman—YouTube OG, host, and author of the bestseller The Echo Machine—for a no-BS conversation about the rise of authoritarian vibes, why loyalty is replacing competence in government, and how the left can actually win by ditching purity tests and building a real coalition. They get into why most people aren’t glued to political podcasts, how the right is dominating lifestyle content, and what it’ll take to reach new audiences (hint: it’s not just more political hot takes).
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In this episode of The Tristan Snell Show, Tristan dives into the continuing SignalGate saga, exposing the Trump administration’s use of insecure communication platforms like Signal and Gmail. Tristan also examines Trump’s recent push for retaliatory tariffs, which threaten to raise costs on everyday goods, prescription drugs, and even home insurance premiums.
Joining the discussion is Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, a rising Democratic star. Rep. Auchincloss shares his insights on the corruption within the Trump administration, its impact on Americans’ wallets, and the erosion of the rule of law.
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In this special mailbag edition of The Tristan Snell Show, Tristan breaks down the Supreme Court’s controversial presidential immunity ruling, explaining its limitations and implications for Trump’s second term. We know what you’re thinking, what about Elon?
Tristan provides detailed answers about whether Elon Musk enjoys presidential immunity protections (he doesn’t), explores the lack of recall mechanisms for federal representatives, and outlines how state governments can serve as bulwarks against federal overreach.
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Tristan and Scott Dworkin tackle the challenges of debunking MAGA propaganda and explore how disinformation campaigns are weaponized to manipulate public opinion.
They reflect on past battles, including the fight against Trump University, and connect those lessons to current struggles while highlighting the broader stakes: the dismantling of essential programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security under Project 2025, as well as threats to democracy posed by extremist agendas.
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Today, we’re talking about Elon’s systematic campaign of retaliation against federal agencies and what may be driving his actions. Plus the deceptive trap behind the federal employee "buyout" scheme and his installation of unvetted appointees.
Later, Tristan breaks down Trump's alarming plans for a U.S. military occupation of Gaza, his attempts to re-legalize foreign bribery, Kash Patel, and why all of this chaos and reliance on midnight executive orders actually signals weakness, not strength.
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Welcome to the cesspool of Trump’s so-called economic genius.
We’re talking tariffs - those sneaky, regressive taxes masquerading as “America First” policy. Tristan breaks down how these misguided measures are nothing more than a stealth assault on your wallet, hitting the working and middle class right where it hurts. But wait, there’s more! We’re also shining a spotlight on the orange menace’s love affair with executive orders. Spoiler alert: it’s not because he’s an “efficient” leader. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, we’ve got Elon Musk playing puppet master with federal operations.
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Brace yourself for wild ride through the political circus, folks! We are diving headfirst into the chaos that is 2025 and the mind-boggling reality that we’re witnessing Project 2025 being put to work before our very eyes.
From mass detention camps to Senate confirmation bypasses, we’re exposing Trump’s playbook for dismantling democratic institutions faster than you can say “covfefe”.
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Every Friday, Tristan’s answering question from all of you. This week:
• Musk’s congressional meddling: Legal? Doubtful.
• Trump’s wall and economic fixes: All talk, no action.
• Keeping democracy alive under Trump 2.0: We’ve got options.
Got questions? Hit up Tristan on Substack (TristanSnell.com) or Bluesky (@TristanSnell.bsky.social).
Let’s keep this democracy thing going.
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This week we spin the wheel of misfortune for a whammy of a looming economic disaster- Trump’s proposed tariff policies. We break down how these misguided measures could send shockwaves through American households, potentially doubling or even tripling grocery bills and skyrocketing prices on everyday goods. From the devastation of U.S. agriculture to the crippling of international trade, we cover the far-reaching consequences of Trump’s tariff obsession. But it’s not all doom and gloom – learn about the strategic battlegrounds in Congress and the courts where this economic catastrophe can be averted.
But wait there’s more! Tristan discusses the recent developments in the many legal cases against Trump, the developments in South Korea and so much more.
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This Thanksgiving, Trump’s stuffing his cabinet with the most dangerous nominations. Snell breaks down the jaw-dropping menu, including Dr. Oz potentially overseeing Medicare/Medicaid and Tulsi Gabbard's shocking consideration for Director of National Intelligence—picks that signal a full-scale assault on healthcare and national security. Then we delve deep into the existential threat to the Affordable Care Act and examines Pam Bondi's controversial nomination for Attorney General, revisiting her controversial role in the Trump University scandal.
Later, Tristan welcomes Representative Pat Ryan from New York's 18th congressional district. Ryan provides an insider's perspective on electoral strategy, sharing how Democrats can effectively combat Trump's extremism by connecting with voters through authentic, local messaging. The conversation offers a roadmap for progressive resistance, emphasizing the need to clearly define the political stakes and unite against dangerous political maneuvers.
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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.
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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. Donate at: actblue.com/donate/h4d
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!).
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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.
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It’s Part 5 of our Decoding Project 2025 series and we’re diving headfirst into its assault on America's farmers, food supply, and public health.
From slashing aid for struggling farmers and gutting critical SNAP programs that feed hungry families, the real kicker is the elimination of food safety regulations, allowing their corporate cronies to peddle tainted meat and toxic baby formula - because who needs a healthy next generation when there's a buck to be made?
It’s a dystopian vision, where children starve, the environment is ravaged, and the only ones who feast are Trump's gluttonous backers.
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Attorney Tristan Snell, the author of TAKING DOWN TRUMP the book, and @TristanSnell on Substack, now joins the fight for democracy in the form of weekly podcasts.
Each week, we’ll give you an indispensable go-to pod on Trump’s actions 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. Follow now and join us for new episodes every week.
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Podcasten The Tristan Snell Show är skapad av Audiocrafty/Bluewave. Podcastens innehåll och bilderna på den här sidan hämtas med hjälp av det offentliga podcastflödet (RSS).
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.