According to Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications Director, outspoken Trump critic and co-host of The Rest Is Politics: US, President Trump represents one of the greatest challenges America has ever faced.

During the first half of his second presidency, Trump has waged war on Iran, threatened the future of NATO and clashed with allies. At home he jokes about cancelling elections, threatens the free press and tests the limits of executive power. With inflation biting and his approval ratings falling, November’s pivotal midterm elections will offer the first major verdict on his second term and the future of America.

Is Trump politically vulnerable? Can Democrats capitalise on his mistakes? Is MAGA bigger than Trump—or will the battle to succeed him define the future of the Republican Party? How has Trump transformed American society, and how does he continue to threaten democracy at home and abroad? And after a decade of Trump, what does the next chapter look like for America and the world?

In September 2026 Scaramucci came to the Intelligence Squared stage live at G Live in Guildford, where he was in conversation with Guardian columnist and ch-host of The Rest is Entertainment podcast Marina Hyde. Drawing on his forthcoming book All The Wrong Moves, they discussed how decades of mistakes by both Republicans and Democrats paved the way for Trump’s rise, and explained how America could chart a different course.

---

If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.

For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:

- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts

- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series

- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events 

... 

Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:

- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts

- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series

…

Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access.

…

Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.

⁠⁠https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet has witnessed and reported on some of the most consequential events of our time. She has reported from Iran and Afghanistan since 1988, played a leading role in the BBC’s coverage of the Arab Spring uprisings reporting from Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria, and has covered major wars as well as efforts to make peace in the Middle East since 1994. In 2022 she covered the Russian invasion of Ukraine live from Kyiv as Putin’s tanks crossed the border. And most recently having reported on the ground in Iran in February 2026, Doucet has been a hugely insightful voice explaining the consequences of the U.S-Israeli led war on the country and what it means for the world.

Doucet is renowned for her compassionate, human-centred reporting often in times of war and suffering. In September 2026, she came to the Intelligence Squared stage to share her reflections and insights from the frontlines.

Doucet also discussed the themes and approach of her Women’s Prize-winning book, The Finest Hotel in Kabul, a vivid history of Afghanistan as seen from the iconic Inter-Continental Hotel. Drawing on years of interviews with its staff and guests, the book traces the country’s tumultuous history – from the Soviet withdrawal and civil war to the US invasion and the return of the Taliban – through the prism of this landmark hotel and the lives of the staff who kept it running during war and peace.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications Director, outspoken Trump critic and co-host of The Rest Is Politics: US, President Trump represents one of the greatest challenges America has ever faced.

During the first half of his second presidency, Trump has waged war on Iran, threatened the future of NATO and clashed with allies. At home he jokes about cancelling elections, threatens the free press and tests the limits of executive power. With inflation biting and his approval ratings falling, November’s pivotal midterm elections will offer the first major verdict on his second term and the future of America.

Is Trump politically vulnerable? Can Democrats capitalise on his mistakes? Is MAGA bigger than Trump—or will the battle to succeed him define the future of the Republican Party? How has Trump transformed American society, and how does he continue to threaten democracy at home and abroad? And after a decade of Trump, what does the next chapter look like for America and the world?

In September 2026 Scaramucci came to the Intelligence Squared stage, where he was in conversation with former editor in chief of Tatler, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker, Tina Brown. Drawing on his forthcoming book All The Wrong Moves, they discussed how decades of mistakes by both Republicans and Democrats paved the way for Trump’s rise, and explained how America could chart a different course.

---

If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.

For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:

- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts

- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series

- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events 

... 

Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:

- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts

- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series

…

Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access.

…

Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.

⁠https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every year, Intelligence Squared stages hundreds of talks platforming the world's biggest thinkers, boldest voices and most exciting and urgent ideas. Intelligence Squared Live brings these conversations direct to your ears.

Recorded at our live events, each episode puts you at the heart of the conversation as leading writers, scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and cultural figures challenge assumptions, test ideas and debate the questions shaping our future.

Hear the atmosphere. Follow the arguments. Join the conversation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices