Every Friday, Tristan’s answering question from all of you. This week:

• Musk’s congressional meddling: Legal? Doubtful.

• Trump’s wall and economic fixes: All talk, no action.

• Keeping democracy alive under Trump 2.0: We’ve got options.

Got questions? Hit up Tristan on Substack (TristanSnell.com) or Bluesky (@TristanSnell.bsky.social).

Let’s keep this democracy thing going. 

In the first episode of 2025, we dive into the legal mess that was the Manhattan DA's handling of Donald Trump's prosecution – and how it nearly slipped through the system's fingers. Tristan pulls back the curtain on the office politics, cold feet, and bureaucratic tap dancing that turned a clear-cut campaign finance case into a years-long waiting game. From Michael Cohen's explosive testimony to the eventual trial, he walks us through the behind-the-scenes story of how career prosecutors finally got their shot at justice, despite the higher-ups' best efforts to slow-walk the case into oblivion. Plus, Snell offers a fresh take on Jimmy Carter's environmental legacy and what it teaches us about political courage. It's an honest look at how the justice system works – or doesn't – when powerful figures are in the hot seat.

In this end-of-year episode, Tristan breaks down the dangerous reality of Project 2025 - Trump's playbook for dismantling democratic institutions if he returns to power. From mass detention camps to bypassing Senate confirmation for appointees, Tristan exposes what Trump's team is actually planning and, crucially, how we can fight back. Despite the serious threats ahead, Tristan explains why America isn't over and lays out the vital battles in Congress and the courts that will determine our democracy's future. Plus, a preview of exciting new changes coming to the show in 2025.

We’re reviewing 2024 and breaking down how everything went sideways for American democracy. From DOJ's maddening delays to Alvin Bragg's stop-and-start prosecution, the justice system dropped the ball when it mattered most. Then there’s the mainstream media's double standard between Biden and Trump, driven by ratings and clicks, and the death of old-school TV politics as social media took the wheel. This episode exposes how America's institutions failed spectacularly when faced with their biggest test, while Trump and his allies mastered the new social media playbook that Democrats still haven't figured out.

In this episode of Tristan discusses recent Senators Manchin and Sinema’s vote on an NLRB nominee, debates surrounding the Electoral College and IRS Direct File system, and updates on legal cases involving former President Trump. Snell examines the New York Attorney General’s office’s approach to civil cases and their commitment to addressing fraud across political lines. The episode concludes with an interview featuring Bradley Tusk, author of Vote with Your Phone: Why Mobile Voting Is Our Final Shot at Saving Democracy who presents his proposal for mobile voting as a potential solution to increase voter turnout and engagement in the democratic process.

The episode features two awesome guests- V Spehar from “Under the Desk News” and JoJo from Jerz the host of the “Are you F-ing Kidding Me” podcast. They share their thoughts about the importance of community support, self-care, and focused content consumption in these turbulent times. They also hint at exciting future collaborations within the pro-democracy movement and how we can join together to build a stronger resistance community. Also in this episode, Tristan addresses the emphasizes the power of public pressure on corporations, as demonstrated by Blue Cross Blue Shield’s reversal of a controversial anesthesia coverage policy. He then shifts focus to Donald Trump’s alarming proposal to end birthright citizenship, warning of the dire consequences this could have for millions of Americans. Throughout the episode, Tristan provides crucial legal insights, including advice for same-sex couples and immigrants in light of potential policy changes and he touches on international developments, including Assad’s ousting in Syria and its connection to the Ukraine conflict.

This week we spin the wheel of misfortune for a whammy of a looming economic disaster- Trump’s proposed tariff policies. We break down how these misguided measures could send shockwaves through American households, potentially doubling or even tripling grocery bills and skyrocketing prices on everyday goods. From the devastation of U.S. agriculture to the crippling of international trade, we cover the far-reaching consequences of Trump’s tariff obsession. But it’s not all doom and gloom – learn about the strategic battlegrounds in Congress and the courts where this economic catastrophe can be averted. 

But wait there’s more! Tristan discusses the recent developments in the many legal cases against Trump, the developments in South Korea and so much more. 

This Thanksgiving, Trump’s stuffing his cabinet with the most dangerous nominations. Snell breaks down the jaw-dropping menu, including Dr. Oz potentially overseeing Medicare/Medicaid and Tulsi Gabbard's shocking consideration for Director of National Intelligence—picks that signal a full-scale assault on healthcare and national security. Then we delve deep into the existential threat to the Affordable Care Act and examines Pam Bondi's controversial nomination for Attorney General, revisiting her controversial role in the Trump University scandal.

Later, Tristan welcomes Representative Pat Ryan from New York's 18th congressional district. Ryan provides an insider's perspective on electoral strategy, sharing how Democrats can effectively combat Trump's extremism by connecting with voters through authentic, local messaging. The conversation offers a roadmap for progressive resistance, emphasizing the need to clearly define the political stakes and unite against dangerous political maneuvers.

We’re breaking down Trump's alarming potential cabinet picks, including Matt Gaetz for Attorney General and RFK Jr. for Health and Human Services. We examine the serious implications of these nominations, from Gaetz's ongoing ethics investigations to RFK Jr.'s controversial anti-vaccine stance. Special guest Anthony Scaramucci joins for an insightful discussion about the state of American democracy, the future of political parties, and how Democrats can better connect with working-class voters. The episode also covers Steve Bannon's upcoming trial, Elon Musk's concerning activities, and the challenges of holding Trump accountable in a potential second term.

One week post election, we’re fired up and ready for the new challenges ahead. We’ll talk about the nomination process for Trump’s cabinet positions, legal strategies to oppose extreme MAGA policies using the Administrative Procedures Act and the real economic dangers of Trump’s tariffs.

Later, Maya Wiley, civil rights attorney, former candidate for NYC Mayor and author of the memoir “Remember You Are A Wiley” joins to discuss strategies for protecting democracy. Wiley breaks down the threats outlined in Project 2025, including attacks on civil service and overtime pay, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on shared American values and needs across political lines. The conversation explores how litigation, state ballot initiatives, and local politics can be used to defend democracy.