Just Ask The Question Newsletter - 2.27.25
The world descends into chaos...
Welcome back to the Just Ask the Question newsletter where we share insights on the White House and politics through podcast interviews, original articles and commentary.
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Just Ask The Question - Louis Ziskin - MDMA, For-Profit Prisons, and Mending the USA
Veteran White House reporter Brian Karem sits down with former drug kingpin turned tech entrepreneur Louis Ziskin for a raw and unfiltered conversation. They dive into the realities of for-profit prisons, America’s growing divisions, tribalism, and the impact of Trumpism. Ziskin shares his journey from incarceration to innovation, offering unique insights on the battle between Democrats and Republicans and what it takes to rebuild a life after hitting rock bottom. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on power, politics, and redemption.
The king of his Cabinet: Trump’s display of White House power is an ominous sign for democracy
In less than six weeks, Donald Trump has forever changed the country
A few minutes into Donald Trump’s first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, ubiquitous White House guest Elon Musk, stood up and said a few words. Dressed for a Trump rally, or perhaps a trip to a fast food establishment, the shadow president stood in his relaxed “dark MAGA” attire: black slacks, black t-shirt, black jacket and black MAGA baseball cap, and spoke briefly about DOGE and government cuts to the more formally attired Cabinet members. Then he asked if the Cabinet was happy with him.
Trump, who never likes to be upstaged, interrupted his lady in waiting, Musk, to ask the same question, “Is anyone unhappy with Elon?” There wasn’t even a slight pause before Trump added, “If you are, we’ll throw them out of here.”
Naturally, the members of the Cabinet then burst into a round of applause for Musk.
Welcome to Trump Kingdom. All hail the King. You in the back; I didn’t get a harumph out of that guy. (Apologies to Governor Lepetomane and Mel Brooks.)
Trump’s first Cabinet meeting was everything you’ve come to expect from Donald Trump: pandering, applause, lies, smiles, accolades, guest appearances, compliments, wrapped up in a tight package of blaming former president Joe Biden as the cause of everything wrong on the planet. “They spent money like nobody had before,” we were told. And while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the first death from measles in the United States in the last decade, I half expected Trump to blame Biden and the Democrats for that. Otherwise, there was very little substance in Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting…
Just Ask the Press - Is Trump's Honeymoon Period Over?
In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with guests John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid, delve into the current political landscape, focusing on Donald Trump's controversial statements regarding Ukraine and Russia, the Republican Party's response to his actions, and the implications of Elon Musk's influence in the political arena. The conversation highlights the complexities of Trump's relationships with allies and adversaries, as well as the potential fallout from his decisions and the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the evolving political landscape surrounding Donald Trump, including his relationship with Elon Musk, the implications of the stock market's performance, and the controversial appointment of Cash Patel. They also delve into Ukrainian President Zelensky's offer to resign for peace and the broader implications of shifting alliances in global politics.
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Trump’s vision for America is a throne
One month in, Trump declares himself a king
After a little more than a month of the new Donald Trump regime, we’ve learned a few things — at least if we’ve paid attention through the blue smoke and mirrors, the limited press briefings by his “pep” secretary and the inevitable and frequent golf outings at Mar-a-Lago (nine on 31 days by last count). And if you can’t read between the lines, Wednesday the official White House account on “X” posted a picture of the president on a knock off TIME magazine cover called “TRUMP” that declared him king and sported “Long Live the King” in front of a smiling Trump wearing a crown. Laugh or cry, we’ll be here all week. I’d say try the veal, but I’m not sure our food supply is secure enough to do that anymore thanks to budget cuts.
Trump’s deep vision for ruling is to declare “I am the law!” As if he were Judge Dredd. Makes sense because Sylvester Stallone, who originated the role, is a huge Trump fan. As recently as this week Trump reminded the Supreme Court they gave him “unlimited immunity” for any official act he takes. He’s bound and determined to make the most of that as he continues forever changing the face of the presidency and leaving future historians a wealth of material to study — should we survive the coming asteroid.
Trump’s deep vision for ruling also includes an unending number of executive orders that he will defend in court, or defy the rulings of the courts should they issue judgments against him.
But, I digress.
Trump has some very deep visions for us and they’re only now, after a month of chaos becoming clear through the settling haze from the fires Trump set and will later claim to extinguish. Trump’s deep vision for dealing with our allies in Europe is to side with Russia and to blame Ukraine for Russia’s invasion of that country. “Russia fought for that land in Ukraine and lost a lot of soldiers doing it, so Russia should keep it,” Trump said from Mar-a-Lago this week.
With reasoning like that, one can only imagine if Trump were President in 1942 he would say something like, “Germany fought for that land in Russia and lost a lot of soldiers doing it, so Germany should keep it,” then blaming Russia for Germany’s invasion…
Just Ask the Press - Legal Battles and Executive Orders: What's Next?
In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with guests Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett, delve into the recent actions of Donald Trump, including his ban on the Associated Press from the press pool and the implications of his controversial statements. The discussion covers the dynamics of the press pool, the media's response, First Amendment rights, and the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump's executive orders. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by journalists in holding the president accountable and the potential consequences of Trump's actions on the future of the presidency and the media landscape. The conversation delves into the evolving dynamics of the U.S. presidency, the implications of Supreme Court decisions, and the shifting landscape of foreign policy, particularly in relation to Europe. The speakers discuss the rise of right-wing populism, the impact of domestic issues on voter sentiment, and the unpredictability of political predictions in the current climate.
Trump, sensing a lack of solidarity, pushes the press down a slippery slope
Donald Trump demands the Associated Press bend a knee — while the rest of the media falls back
While Vice President JD Vance flew to Munich and angered our closest allies on a variety of subjects, including free speech, the president was busy in Washington D.C. banning the press in an effort to stifle free speech.
Welcome to the 26th day of the new Donald Trump regime.
A few days earlier, the White House press pool gathered to enter the Oval Office for another day of Trump signing and commenting on presidential executive orders and whatever else struck his fancy when a White House official stopped the Associated Press reporter from entering. “No. Sorry,” the official said, as another pooler noted that wranglers looked on “sheepishly.” Though a member of the press pool, the AP reporter wasn’t getting into the Oval Office.
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