US of Ed

"What's happening is a pure takedown of democracy."

Donald Trump has made moves to further consolidate his power this week with executive orders claiming ownership over the law and independent agencies. With the law powerless, federal agencies hollowed out by freezes and firings, opposition barely existent, and those in charge of the levers of power complicit, it seems nothing will stop this nascent dictatorship.

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"Clearly, if we had a congress, he'd be out. That's what impeachment is about."

Team Trump continues to test the limits of their power, this week defying a court order and arguing that a president's executive order overrules the power of the courts. Hamas have suspended hostage releases as they claim Israel is failing to abide by the terms of the ceasefire, leading to Trump threatening to unleash hell. Also discussing Elon Musk and DOGE's increasing hold on power, Ukraine, tariffs, Guantanamo Bay, Tulsi Gabbard, and more.

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"An inability to have thoughtful people running the show is going to lead to even more disasters."

67 people have died in an aircraft collision over Washington D.C. and another seven dead in a crash in Philadelphia as questions arise as to just how much Trump's crusade against the FAA and other federal agencies had to do with the incidents. Meanwhile, Trump has doubled down on his proposal about relocating Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip with a suggestion that the US could take over managing the contested area during reconstruction efforts with an eye to ownership. Also discussing Elon Musk and DOGE, Ukraine, tariffs, and the latest on confirmations.

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"This chaos, some of it is on purpose, a lot of it accidental, and all of it has to line Trump's pockets."

Trump has sown chaos in the economy, federal agencies, international relationships, and the lives of the American people in his first ten days in office, some through carelessness, some it would appear as a deliberate smokescreen. Discussing the crackdown on illegal immigrants and its effects, the federal funding freeze, Greenland, firings, and more.

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"This is the beginning of a total authoritarian government."

Donald Trump has hit the ground running, as expected, with day one executive orders targeting immigration, climate action, federal workers, trans individuals, and much more. Elon Musk is drawing fire away from the commander-in-chief, however, after the performance of a blatant Nazi salute in front of adoring crowds of billionaires and political backers at Trump's inauguration. Meanwhile, the Gaza ceasefire holds in spite of some uncertainty, Ukraine holds its breath, and social media owners have handed Donald Trump a powerful propaganda machine.

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"The United States is a fragile, big, important entity."

Ed and Sean are back for 2025 ahead of the inauguration which will see Donald Trump installed as President of the United States for a second term. We discuss some of the things we've missed over the new year break, such as Trump's new fixations on Canada, Greenland, and Panama, the Trump nothingburger sentencing and January 6th report, Gaza ceasefire, California fires and terror attacks. And as more people are switching off than ever before, we ask what is even the role of media in a nation where no one’s listening?

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"This is pre-Civil War-like, I think the nation is changed forever."

As 2024 draws to a close, we stand at the precipice of what could prove to be one of the most consequential periods in human history. On the hunt to make some sense out of it all, Ed and Sean have a final word on the election campaign and Biden's stewardship, as well as the battle over reproductive rights, gun control, and the unending conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. We'll see you in 2025, have a Merry Christmas, a happy holidays, and enjoy the fireworks on New Year's Eve because there could be many more to come...

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"[Trump] wants to go to war with Iran, they don't want to give him that opportunity."

Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have acceded to a 60-day ceasefire agreement backed by the United States, with the Lebanese military to act as a mediator in the coming days. But with Hezbollah bloodied but not broken, what are the chances for a longer peace? And what does it mean for Gaza? Also touching on the latest news about appointments to Trump's cabinet.

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"It is so scary, and so unAmerican."

Trump's dream team continues to take shape, but dogged by accusations of sexual misconduct and unfitness for their roles it remains to be seen if the Republican-led Senate will take a stand on appointments or simply let Trump have his way. Meanwhile, ominous plans begin to be put into motion for Trump's promised ouster of illegal immigrants. Also discussing businesses bracing for tariffs, Ukraine and Russia's nuclear threat, Gaza, and Biden's judicial appointments in our last regular chat of the year.

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"A lot of good, strong, smart people will be leaving the United States."

A week on from the shock re-election of former president Donald Trump and a great deal of people and institutions are still reeling as plans are cemented for his second term. Unable to stay away, Ed and Sean look at where it went wrong for Democrats and the rule of law, and how some are planning on fighting back, plus controversial picks for Trump's cabinet, Israel, Ukraine, and Elon Musk's bizarre new role at the heart of the administration.

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