Laden with fiction and heavy blame aimed at Democrats, President Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history — a sprawling, combative marathon marked by sharp mood swings, sweeping claims, and flashes of visible frustration. Familiar boasts about prices, trade, and foreign policy collided with a reality critics say doesn’t match the facts, while a late-stage retirement account proposal appeared unlikely to gain traction. Was this a show of dominance — or a speech revealing political vulnerability? We break down what mattered, what didn’t, and what it signals moving forward.
Presidential historian John Rothmann joins to breakdown Trump’s State of the Union speech. 
The Mark Thompson Show 
2/25/26
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Trouble for Trump and the GOP in a new national poll arriving just as Trump prepares for a major State of the Union moment. The numbers paint a complicated picture. While the administration frames strength and momentum, voters disapprove of the country’s direction, economic realities, and leadership style. The disconnect between political messaging and public sentiment raises a critical question: is the speech meant to reassure voters — or to confront a growing warning sign for Republicans heading toward the midterms?
We welcome Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative Journalist David Cay Johnston to analyze it all. 

A major Supreme Court ruling reshapes the legal landscape around Trump’s sweeping tariffs — but the real story may be what happens next. Instead of stepping back, Trump appears poised to double down, raising new questions about prices, trade strategy, and whether Republicans could face political blowback as affordability remains a top concern for voters. We break down what the ruling actually means, how Trump’s response could redefine the economic fight heading into the midterms, and why some strategists warn the fallout may extend far beyond trade policy.
Gary Dietrich, iHeart TV and radio political analyst, will stop by to talk Trump, tariffs and politics. 
Author and investigative journalist Sarah Kendzior will share her thoughts on trade and the latest Epstein File fallout. 
The Mark Thompson Show 
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Donald Trump suffers a major legal setback as the Supreme Court rules 6–3 that he exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs under emergency powers, delivering a significant blow to his second-term trade agenda. The decision raises major questions about presidential power, congressional authority over taxation, and the future of U.S. trade policy — with potential ripple effects for markets, consumers, and international negotiations. We break down what the justices actually said, why even conservative members of the court pushed back, what happens next for Trump’s tariff strategy, and how this ruling could reshape the balance of power between the White House and Congress. We’ll run it past Michael Shure and Mo Kelly. They join us on Fridays to analyze the biggest stories of the week. Friday Fabulous Florida and The Cultue Blaster, Michael Snyder, kick off some levity for the weekend ahead.

Police in the UK now have Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, in custody. The younger brother of King Charles III was arrested today. Thames Valley Police say he was taken in on suspicion of misconduct in public office and they are searching his addresses. Andrew appeared in the Epstein files in both emails and disturbing pictures, though his arrest appears to have more to do with allegedly divulging British trade secrets than assault. Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist and author David Cay Johnston makes a special appearance to discuss the wide ranging legal implications. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are rising fast as Donald Trump signals a more aggressive posture that critics warn could push the region toward conflict. From military positioning and political rhetoric to the broader geopolitical stakes…Is America being drawn toward another Middle East confrontation? Is this strategic pressure, political messaging, or the early stages of a dangerous escalation? In the second hour, we welcome former federal prosecutor, now defense attorney, David Katz to talk about everything from the Supreme Court grappling with issues of presidential powers to golfers suing Trump over a golf course takeover.

President Trump says Americans must have ID to vote in this year’s midterm elections. He says the requirement is happening regardless of congressional approval. He took to Truth Social to make a declaration:
“There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not!” 
We will talk about the SAVE Act and whether Democrats have a real opportunity to block it.
We welcome presidential historian John Rothmann to the show to talk politics.
The Mark Thompson Show 
2/18/26
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Dysfunction at the highest levels…A major Wall Street Journal investigation pulls back the curtain on chaos inside the Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem, detailing internal power struggles, controversial firings, loyalty, tensions, and questions about leadership and influence behind the scenes. 
We welcome Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist David Cay Johnston to discuss it. 
The Mark Thompson Show 
2/17/26
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A classified intelligence fight is breaking into public view. A whistleblower complaint centered on a secret NSA intercept has brought scrutiny to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, with allegations that intelligence tied to a foreign conversation referencing Jared Kushner may have been restricted from wider review. The details remain heavily redacted and sharply disputed, but it reveals a deeper struggle over oversight, accountability, and the role of political pressure in America’s national security apparatus. This Week in Politics brings Michael Shure & Mo Kelly to the show to review this NSA Whistleblower scandal along with the top stories of the week. We lighten things up for the perfect entry to the weekend ahead. Friday Fabulous Florida celebrated our wildest state. The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder brings movie and streaming reviews to help guide you toward the good things.

A stunning break inside Trump’s own party as House lawmakers push back against his Canada tariffs in a rare bipartisan revolt, signaling growing tension between Congress and the White House over trade powers and economic fallout. With Republicans crossing lines and political pressure mounting, is this the first real crack in Trump’s control — or just the opening move in a bigger showdown? What triggered the rebellion, what it means for markets and U.S.–Canada relations, and why this fight could reshape the political landscape in Washington. We welcome John Aravosis to the show. You may know him from the Americablog and the Aravosis Report. Aravosis is a political consultant, journalist, civil rights advocate, and an attorney. Thursday brings former federal prosecutor, now defense attorney, David Katz to the show to weigh in on the biggest legal cases.

Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing intense scrutiny on Capitol Hill where lawmakers are pushing for answers she may not want to give. The Oversight Committee showdown is exposing deeper questions about DOJ power and political influence.
Presidential historian John Rothmann will stop by to talk politics…from the latest Epstein revelations to our elections to Tulsi Gabbard’s tight lid on whistleblower allegations that appear to point to a national security breach and a cover-up. 
Elliott Morgan brings levity to the second hour. He is a stand-up comedian, writer, host, and founding member of The Valleyfolk. Elliott is also the host of The Fundamentalists, a weekly philosophy based podcast and he’s so much fun!

The Mark Thompson Show 
2/11/26
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