The Reason Roundtable

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason Senior Editor Robby Soave to discuss the $1.5 billion renewal of South Park and why the show remains one of the most important libertarian pop culture creations of the past 30 years. They reflect on its enduring relevance, its crude but effective political metaphors, and its broad appeal across ideological lines. The panel also revisits the Hulk Hogan lawsuit which led to the fall of Gawker and what it revealed about public trust in media, then turns to President Donald Trump's new AI executive order and the growing tendency to frame tech policy as part of the culture war. A listener question sparks discussion of Trump's deregulation record and how it connects to the One Big Beautiful Bill, followed by a look at the latest developments around a potential government shutdown.

00:59—South Park's renewal and the political implications

08:19—Late night TV, the Paramount merger, and cord cutting

17:20—The legacy of Hulk Hogan's Gawker's lawsuit

28:15—Trump's anti-woke AI executive order

36:05—Listener question on Trump's deregulation track record

42:24—Are we heading toward another government shutdown?

50:52—Weekly cultural recommendations

"South Park Libertarians," by Nick Gillespie and Jesse Walker

"The FCC's Paramount/Skydance Decision Aims To Reshape Broadcast Journalism by Bureaucratic Fiat," by Jacob Sullum

"Meet Stephen Colbert's Biggest Fans: Congressional Democrats," by Robby Soave

"By Settling Trump's Laughable Lawsuit Against CBS, Paramount Strikes a Blow at Freedom of the Press," by Jacob Sullum

"Gawker Was Killed for Publishing Embarrassing Truths. That's Bad News," By Brian Doherty

"Gawker Documentary Fails to Make Case for Publishing Sex Tape," by Glenn Garvin

"'Woke' AI Is the Latest Threat to Free Speech," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Baseball, and the Vanishing Art of Forgiveness," by Matt Welch

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The post South Park Is Saving Free Speech! appeared first on Reason Magazine.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch examine what, if anything, the Jeffrey Epstein saga reveals about the MAGA movement and its ties to conspiracy culture. They debate whether the scandal could derail President Donald Trump's agenda or simply reinforce the need for more government transparency. The editors also weigh in on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's explosive allegations that former President Barack Obama and his administration engaged in a "treasonous conspiracy" to discredit Trump's 2016 victory. Then they turn to the GOP's $9 billion Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) rescission bill and its impact on public broadcasting. Plus, a listener question prompts reflections on how the Roundtable crew really gets along behind the scenes.

00:26—Epstein conspiracies come full circle

06:13—The Epstein files and government transparency

16:52—Trump's made-for-TV administration showing cracks

21:42—Gabbard and the treasonous conspiracy accusations

38:03—Listener question on panelist relationships

45:27—DOGE rescissions and public broadcasting cuts

56:08—The declining influence of institutional media

1:00:28—Weekly cultural recommendations

"The Case Against Ross Ulbricht Was About Government Power," by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"Free Ross Day One," by Nick Gillespie

"Trump, Who Wants To 'Straighten Out the Press,' Sues The Wall Street Journal Over 'Fake' Epstein Letter," by Jacob Sullum

"Enigmas Never Age," by Liz Wolfe

"MAGA's Epstein Files Fight Shows the Long Tail of QAnon," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"The CEO of NPR Made the Best Case for Defunding It," by Billy Binion

"The Senate Was Right To Defund NPR and PBS," by Robby Soave

"How To Keep Your Radio Station Going When the Government's Checks Don't Come," by Jesse Walker

Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing

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The post What Should Libertarians Make of the Epstein Files? appeared first on Reason Magazine.

Join us on July 15 at 6:20 E.T. to hear from Reason's Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch for a live episode of The Reason Roundtable from New York City.

It will be a night of unscripted, uncensored, and unhinged conversation about whatever the hell is happening in America this week—including the bizarre reality that President Donald Trump and New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani each represent a kind of populism. What does it mean when a word applies to both a billionaire president and a leftist intellectual? Chaos, apparently. You don't want to miss this. Watch live on Youtube here.

The post Trump and Mamdani Battle for the Populist Crown appeared first on Reason Magazine.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie and Reason reporter Eric Boehm unpack the passage of President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, focusing on its tax carve-outs, its special-interest subsidies, and what happens when key provisions expire in 2028. They also examine the potential fallout from Trump's looming trade deadline with the European Union, answer a listener question about the legality of masked federal law enforcement, and discuss the viability of Elon Musk launching a new political party.

0:00—America is still the greatest country on earth

6:18—The One Big Beautiful Bill becomes law

12:39—Medicaid cuts and what they mean

20:51—Sunset clauses will cause more instability

33:33—Listener question on masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents

42:16—Elon Musk announces new third party

49:47—Weekly cultural recommendations

"The Secret Police Are Here," by Mike Brock

"Errol Morris and Jacob Soboroff: Trump's Immigration Policies Are Indefensible," by Nick Gillespie

The Reason Roundtable Live in NYC! July 15

The Soho Forum Debate: Jacob Hacker vs. David Goldhill, July 16

Today's Sponsors:

Future of Freedom: If you're tired of cable news debates and Twitter shouting matches, and you're looking for serious, good-faith conversations between people who actually care about liberty then it's time to check out the Future of Freedom podcast. Each episode dives deep into a single topic—tariffs, campus speech, the Department of Government Efficiency—and brings together two guests who disagree on the best path forward. But here's the twist: This isn't a debate show. No interrupting. No dunking. If you believe the future of freedom depends on more than just winning arguments and you're ready for something deeper than the usual echo chambers, check out the Future of Freedom podcast. Real disagreement. Real ideas. Real conversations. Subscribe to Future of Freedom wherever you get your podcasts.

The post The Insanity of Trump's Big Beautiful Bill appeared first on Reason Magazine.

This week, Reason editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson to analyze Zohran Mamdani's primary win over Andrew Cuomo in New York City's mayoral race and what it signals about the future of Democratic politics. They also discuss the Senate GOP's version of President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" and how Republican views on gay marriage have shifted since the Obergefell decision in 2015. Finally, a listener question prompts a discussion on Modern Monetary Theory and the risks it poses from a libertarian perspective.

0:00—What does it mean to be a party pollster?

2:53—Socialist Mamdani wins NYC Democratic primary

11:59—The politics of the housing crisis

15:18—The abundance agenda and Mamdani

21:15—Mamdani as the Trump of the left

27:07—Listener question on Modern Monetary Theory

37:15—Senate GOP version of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill"

42:45—Republican voters shift on gay marriage

48:28—Is the GOP more libertarian under Trump?

50:28—Chances Trump might prove us wrong on Iran strategy

54:22—Weekly cultural recommendations

"On Housing, All New York Politicians Are Socialists," by Christian Britschgi

The Reason Roundtable Live in NYC!, July 15

The Soho Forum Debate: Jacob Hacker vs. David Goldhill, July 16

Today's Sponsors:

Future of Freedom: If you're tired of cable news debates and Twitter shouting matches, and you're looking for serious, good-faith conversations between people who actually care about liberty, then it's time to check out the Future of Freedom podcast. Each episode dives deep into a single topic—tariffs, campus speech, the Department of Government Efficiency—and brings together two guests who disagree on the best path forward. But here's the twist: This isn't a debate show. No interrupting. No dunking. If you believe the future of freedom depends on more than just winning arguments and you're ready for something deeper than the usual echo chambers, check out the Future of Freedom podcast. Real disagreement. Real ideas. Real conversations. Subscribe to Future of Freedom wherever you get your podcasts.

The post Did NYC Vote for Socialism or Against the Establishment? appeared first on Reason Magazine.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch examine the latest U.S. military strike on Iran, unpacking the bipartisan pattern of anti-war campaign rhetoric followed by hawkish foreign policy once in office. They debate whether intervention is ever justified, what escalation might look like, and why Congress keeps abdicating its war powers. The hosts also tackle a listener question about public land sales and libertarian principles. Finally, they survey the baffling state of big city governance and the New York City mayoral primary battle between former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani.

00:22—President Donald Trump abandons "no new wars" promise

9:11—Vice President J.D. Vance kisses the ring

13:28—Are there any good arguments for war with Iran?

19:57—Israel set off a ticking clock

23:22—Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard contradicts Trump's narrative

26:27—What Congress should do now

36:24—Listener questions: public lands selloff

43:41—Big city governance and the NYC mayoral primary

55:32—Weekly cultural recommendations

"Just Don't Call It a War," by Christian Britschgi

"The Attack on Iran Is Unlawful," by Eric Boehm

"Trump Shreds the Constitution By Bombing Iran," by Matthew Petti

"Now Let Us Give Thanks for War," by Nick Gillespie

"Is Trump's America a Reliable Ally?" by Open To Debate

"The Federal Government Owns Too Much Land. Selling It Helps Rural Communities," by Jack Nicastro

"Utah Tells the Feds To Pound Sand," by J.D. Tuccille

"28 Years Later Is Terrifying and Life-Affirming," by Peter Suderman

Today's Sponsors:

The post Anti-War President Starts New War. Again. appeared first on Reason Magazine.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason reporter Matthew Petti to break down the fallout from Israel's strike on Iran, the likelihood of escalation, and what role the U.S. is already playing in the conflict.

They also cover the Minnesota assassinations and the growing fears of political violence, and offer a firsthand account from one of the nationwide No Kings protests. Finally, they answer a listener's question about libertarian reactions to anti-ICE demonstrations and examine the broader implications of President Donald Trump's shifting immigration enforcement policies.

0:00 - Political violence in America

8:17 - What role does America play in the Israel and Iran conflict?

17:56 - The risk of escalation and expansion in the Middle East

25:26 - How Trump differs from Bush on foreign policy

28:41 - What have we learned from this Middle East conflict?

33:09 - Listener question: Why are libertarians critical of the anti-ICE protests?

38:59 - Observations on the No Kings protests

46:29 - Trump's shifting stance on the ICE raids

51:27 - Is Trump policy driven by personal enrichment?

54:31 - Weekly cultural recommendations

"Israel Attacks Iran—and Burns Down the Off-Ramp With America," by Matthew Petti

"Are We Going to War With Iran or Not?" by Matthew Petti

"Cutting Off Israel," by Matt Welch

"Prediction: 2024 Will See Deadly Political Violence in the Streets," by Matt Welch

"The Tom Cotton Do-Over," by Matt Welch

"More Than 1,800 'No Kings' Protests Aim for Nonviolent Pushback Against Trump Policies," by Nancy Rommelmann

"ICE on Ice," by Eric Boehm

"California Immigration Raids Are Hurting American Citizens Too," by Autumn Billings

"Los Angeles Is Not Burning," by Nancy Rommelmann

"Brian Wilson Was an Exemplary American," by Brian Doherty

Today's sponsors:

The post Israel Strikes Iran. Is Escalation Inevitable? appeared first on Reason Magazine.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by Reason reporter Eric Boehm to discuss the political fallout from President Donald Trump's immigration raids and deployment of the National Guard to riots in Los Angeles. They also cover last week's feud between Trump and Elon Musk over the GOP's mega spending bill. Finally, they examine the evolving role of drone warfare, particularly in Ukraine, while expressing concerns about technological militarization.

0:00—Protests over illegal immigration in L.A.

6:08—Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are "too happy" about the protests in L.A.

9:03—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is rounding up immigrants who are working in jobs and contributing to society.

11:04—The importance of "rule of law"

18:24—Is it OK to call in the National Guard to handle protests in L.A.?

21:12—The big, beautiful breakup between Musk and Trump

27:00—An important moment for debts and deficits

34:19—Markets for the win

38:07—Listener question: Should we sunset older laws to stop lawmakers from using obscure laws today?

44:18—Drone strikes increase in the war between Russia and Ukraine

55:08—Weekly cultural recommendations

"Americans' Views of Deportations," by Luis Noe-Bustamante and Jens Manuel Krogstad

"Migrant Arrests at US-Mexico Border Near Record Low in February," by Ted Hesson and Kristina Cooke

"Full List of Republicans Who Voted Against Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'," by Sonam Sheth

"Full List of Senate Republicans Who Might Vote Against Trump's Tax Bill," by James Bickerton

"Ukraine Changes the Face of War Forever," by Nick Gillespie and Regan Taylor

Today's sponsors:

The post Fake Immigration Crisis Triggers Actual Violence appeared first on Reason Magazine.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping jobs, education, politics, and personal identity—sharing examples from scam calls and students cheating to Darth Vader swearing in Fortnite. The panel also discusses how Democrats are failing to attract young men, no matter how much money they spend. Finally, they examine President Donald Trump's latest trade policy contradictions from the past week.

0:32—What is one way AI has made life weird?

3:08—Writing with AI is about to get a lot weirder

9:12—Excitement and fear about AI

11:13—How to make entry-level workers more productive

16:12—Has AI created any cultural problems?

22:49—Is AI helping students "cheat" in college?

26:27—How is AI affecting grade school students?

29:18—The AI race with China

36:20—Do Democrats have a problem with men?

44:42—Listener question: Is White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller correct in saying that the 'big beautiful bill' will actually reduce the deficit?

49:28—What is going on with Trump's tariffs in the courts?

53:19—Weekly cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Budget Reconciliation: Tracking the Trump 2025 Tax Cuts," by Erica York, Garrett Watson, William McBride, Alex Muresianu

"MP holds up a naked photo of herself in parliament to prove an important point," by Sarah Hooper

"The Southern Surge: Understanding the Bright Spots in the Literacy Landscape," by Karen Vaites

"Stephen Miller Egregiously Misrepresented a Supreme Court Order While Trump Nodded Along," by Damon Root

Nick Gillespie on X: "After almost two decades of waning interest in recorded music, Napster rekindled my interest in buying CDs, mostly by acting as a listening service."

Upcoming Reason events:

Reason Versus debate: Jacob Sullum and Billy Binion vs. Charles Fain Lehman and Rafael Mangual, June 24

Reason Speakeasy: Nick Gillespie and Elizabeth Nolan Brown on the MAHA Movement, June 25

The Reason Roundtable Live in NYC! July 15

Today's Sponsors:

The post Artificial Intelligence Is Making Everything Weird appeared first on Reason Magazine.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by The Gist's Mike Pesca to discuss the Trump administration's escalating campaign against Harvard. The conversation explores how government overreach in education threatens civil liberties and stable institutional governance. They also discuss corruption concerns they have over Donald Trump's memecoin.

0:00—Introduction

2:53—Trump continues to attack Harvard

7:10—Trump is using the power of the state to punish his enemies

13:35—Are taxes on endowments a good idea?

17:23—Trump wants to give Harvard's money to trade schools instead.

23:41—Trump's memecoin dinner corruption

32:02—Listener question: If someone magically waved a wand and got rid of all federal discretionary spending, would it actually feel like government only got a 25 percent to 30 percent haircut?

37:49—The U.S. Mint has made its last order of pennies.

38:47—Should we eliminate the Institute for Peace?

40:08—Should we eliminate the Saturday service of USPS?

41:31—Should we get rid of everything that is free for congressmen at the U.S. Capitol?

43:34—Should we eliminate the Selective Service?

49:11—Weekly cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

Today's Sponsors:

The post Trump's War on Harvard appeared first on Reason Magazine.