The Mark Thompson Show

It seems Donald Trump is itching to get out of Iran. 
He says he is pausing ‘Project Freedom’, that’s the US mission to guide ships out of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump says the pause will allow time to set up a deal with Iran to end the war. Meanwhile, his blockade of Iranian ports remains and Iran shows no signs of backing down. 
In keeping with the confusing nature of the Trump administration,Trump pressing pause on Project Freedom  contradicts the messages from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They indicated the U.S. secured the strait as a favor to the world and hundreds of commercial ships are lining up to get through. During their press conference, a cargo vessel in the strait reported being hit by a projectile. It doesn’t seem like Iran is pressing pause. 
We’ll talk about it all with presidential historian and political analyst John Rothmann.
The Mark Thompson Show 
5/6/26
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Missiles fired at U.S. warships. A ceasefire on the brink…and Trump still calling it a “mini war.”
Now the pressure is on. 
After Iran’s latest attack in the Strait of Hormuz, the White House faces a critical choice: escalate with force or gamble on diplomacy. With voices like Lindsey Graham pushing for retaliation, the next move could reshape the entire conflict.
Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist and author David Cay Johnston joins to talk Iran, Trump and more. 
Polls show California’s gubernatorial race is far from settled. Democrats are still showing scattered support for multiple candidates. The most recent survey, conducted by the Democratic Party, puts Xavier Becerra, the former Democratic state attorney general and health and human services secretary, and Republican Steve Hilton, the British-born former Fox News commentator, neck and neck with 18% of likely voter support. Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has 15% support from likely voters and billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, 12%. We welcome former San Francisco Chronicle Opinion Editor John Diaz to look at how the race is shaking out. 
Well, also talk redistricting, the Supreme Court decision on the voting rights act, and the latest  Trump demand for voter rolls. 
The Mark Thompson Show words
5/5/26
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A series of fresh national polls signal serious trouble for Donald Trump, with disapproval hitting its highest level yet. Voters are concerned about the economy, cost of living, and the ongoing Iran conflict. Is this the start of a deeper political slide heading into the midterms? We break down what’s driving the numbers, where support is eroding, and whether this marks a turning point for Trump and the GOP. IHeart political analyst Gary Dietrich will join us to discuss this and more. Comedian J-L Cauvin will stop by to talk about his new project.

As Trump’s Iran War continues, the administration is running into yet another problem. According to the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president has to remove military forces from conflict within 60 days if Congress doesn't authorize a war before the deadline. That has House Speaker Mike Johnson claiming this is not a war at all… “I don’t think we have an active, kinetic military bombing, firing or anything like that. Right now, we are trying to broker a peace. I would be very reluctant to get in front of the administration in the midst of these very sensitive negotiations, so we’ll have to see how that plays out.” Meanwhile, Senator Lisa Murkowski plans to introduce an authorization for use of military force when Congress returns, if there’s still a “lack of a credible plan” on Iran. The move could mean an increase in congressional oversight. So is it a war or not? Mo Kelly, in for Mark today, will discuss. This Week in Politics brings journalist Michael Shure by the show to discuss the biggest stories of the week. A spin by Florida and a check in with the Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder, brings us rolling into the weekend.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is answering questions at a House Armed Services Committee hearing. His main objective: trying to defend the 2027 military budget proposal. It shoots defense spending to an historic $1.5 trillion, in part for things like military drones, Trump Class warships and missile defense systems. Hegseth will inevitably face questions about the war in Iran, including the horrific strike on an Iranian school, killing hundreds of children .  We will have the latest details. 
Presidential historian and Middle East expert John Rothmann will join to help us break down Hegseth’s testimony. 
The Mark Thompson Show 
4/29/26
Today's Guests Links
State of the Free Press - Shealeigh Voitl
https://www.project-censored.org/shop/p/state-of-the-free-press-2025
John Rothmann https://www.spreaker.com/show/around-the-political-world
  https://www.youtube.com/@aroundthepoliticalworld_

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Spirit Airlines is in deep financial trouble. There are reports the Trump administration has a $500 million rescue plan to save the discount airline. Is propping up a failing airline necessary? Would America’s airline travelers suffer without Spirit Airlines?  We’ll look at the pros and cons.
Pulitzer prize winning investigative journalist and author David Cay Johnston joins to talk  politics. 
The Mark Thompson Show 
4/28/26
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Following a shot fired outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, President Trump spoke with Norah O’Donnell on 60 Minutes. He praised the quick response and professionalism of security teams, but fell apart when O’Donnell read excerpts from the suspect’s reported manifesto. Trump assumed the claims  of top officials being involved in heinous crimes against women and children involved himself and jumped right into denying it all. 
Authorities identified the suspect as 31‑year‑old Cole Tomas Allen, of California. During his alleged attack, a Secret Service agent was struck but protected by a vest. The suspect was taken into custody. From Trump‘s reaction  on 60 Minutes to the growing sentiment that the attack appears staged, we will dig into it all. 
We welcome, iHeart, political, television, and radio analyst Gary Dietrich to the show.
Dr. Ashely Alker stops by to discuss her new book “99 Ways To Die and How to Avoid Them.” 
The Mark Thompson Show 
4/27/26
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Donald Trump and Richard Nixon have more in common than being president. They now share the dubious distinction of having almost the same numbers when it comes to Americans supporting their impeachment. Anew Strength in Numbers/Verasight poll shows a majority of U.S. adults, or 55%, support a House impeachment vote. The poll shows 37% are opposed and 8% said they are unsure. Pollsters calculated a net “verdict” of +18, by subtracting the number of those who oppose a third Trump impeachment ftom those who approve it. The resullt has Trump very near Richard Nixon’s numbers at the height of the Watergate scandal. We’ll explore what it means and whether an impeachment is realistic as we welcome, Michael Shure and Mo Kelly for ‘This Week in Politics.’ Then we hit pure Friday mode as we slide into the weekend with a swing through Florida and a look at new movies with The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder.

With a naval port blockade in progress and Operation Epic Fury under way, Trump & Company are ditching the leader of the US Navy. Secretary of the Navy, John C. Phelan, a wealthy financier who has held the post for one year, is departing the administration, effective immediately. They gave no explanation, but Politico reports it has to do with a large battleship that caused in fighting at the Pentagon. In his place, Undersecretary Hung Cao, a one time MAGA candidate is now the acting secretary of the navy. Phelan joins General Randy George in unemployment and becomes the second top military official fired this month, despite the ongoing war with Iran. Lawsuits and appellate decisions are flying this week. We welcome former federal prosecutor, and now defense attorney, David Katz to make sense of it all. Redistricting is a hot button issue in the state of Florida. We will check in with Jasmine Burney-Clark. She is the founder of Equal Ground, a group working hard to level the playing field and make sure the voices of all voters are counted.