The Lonely Liberal

Week of June 8: No Kings Protests, Tensions in the Middle East, and Cuomo is Back

This week was packed with fireworks — and not just the kind Trump wanted at his birthday parade. From dramatic legal battles in California to global tensions in the Middle East, here’s what went down:
Trump says he’d support arresting Gov. Gavin Newsom
More Marines deployed to California as protests intensify
Newsom and California’s AG sue Trump over National Guard takeover
Trump’s military birthday parade faces high costs and low attendance
“No Kings” protests erupt in all 50 states
Two Democratic state lawmakers shot in Minnesota — one fatally
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Rep. Melissa Hortman, whose life was tragically taken in this political attack. Her service and leadership will not be forgotten.
Israel bombs Iran; U.S.–Iran nuclear talks are paused
RFK Jr. removes all 17 members of CDC vaccine advisory committee
75 Democrats face backlash for voting to thank ICE in a GOP-sponsored resolution
Andrew Cuomo is running for NYC mayor
Trump issues an executive order for flying cars
Marco Rubio congratulates Russia on “Russia Day”
Craigslist ad recruits fake crowd for Trump’s military parade — White House calls it fake
Michelle Obama says Bruce Springsteen is her and Barack’s personal mentor
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The Death of the Republican Party: What Happened to Conservatism?

Is the Republican Party still the party of small government, personal responsibility, and traditional values? In this episode, we look at how far the GOP has drifted from its conservative roots—and how much of that shift is intentional.
We compare Reagan and Bush-era policies with Trump’s modern-day agenda, break down the authoritarian pivot of the party, and expose just how deeply Trump’s second term aligns with the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 blueprint. From mass purges of federal workers to the military enforcement of immigration policy, this isn’t the party of your parents—it’s something entirely new.
We ask: Is Trump the cause of the GOP’s transformation, or is he just the vessel for a deeper ideological takeover? And what does that mean for the future of American democracy?
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Is Donald Trump Really a Fascist?

The word fascist gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? In this episode of The Lonely Liberal, we break down the true definition of fascism, explore how it differs from authoritarianism and populism, and examine whether Donald Trump's leadership, especially in his second term, is really crossing that line.
We examine the rhetoric, policies, and power grabs shaping Trump’s current administration and compare them with historical patterns from leaders like Mussolini, Orbán, and Duterte. From the politicization of the Justice Department to attacks on the press and voting rights, we unpack where the signs are real and where they might be exaggerated.
Is this just strongman politics? Or is it something more dangerous?
This episode is all about clarity, context, and calling it like it is—with facts, not fear-mongering.

Week of June 1: Elon and Trump Breakup, ICE Protests, and Loyalty Pledges

This week on The Lonely Liberal, Rick and I cover a whirlwind of headlines that span the outrageous, the authoritarian, and the just plain bizarre.
In the news:
Elon Musk finally turns on Trump—so naturally, Steve Bannon wants to deport him.
Trump signs a proclamation to restrict student visas and ban entry from 12 countries.
A new investigation into Biden’s cognitive health is underway,
The administration says federal jobs will now go to “Patriotic Americans” first
The National Guard is deployed to LA to crack down on ICE protestors.
The Trump administration moves to remove Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship.
Louisiana passes a bill banning chemtrails (yes, those chemtrails).
A 22-year-old named Thomas Fugate is now apparently leading terror prevention efforts.
Chuck Schumer starts calling the GOP bill the “we are all going to die” bill.
Democrats launch the SAM Project to study young men 
And Hong Kong’s health chief wants people to stare at smokers until they stop.
It’s a week that perfectly encapsulates our new political era—equal parts dystopia and parody. Let’s break it all down.
 
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What Is Going on With the U.S. and Canada?

In this special cross-border episode, we are joined by the wonderful Delia, Canadian energy and supply chain maestro, to unpack the complicated, often overlooked dynamics between the United States and Canada. From Trump's past and present jabs at America’s northern neighbor to the surprising ways U.S. politics influence Canadian elections, we ask: What’s really going on here?
We explore:
Trump’s shifting relationship with Canada: trade wars, pipeline politics, and “blame Canada” rhetoric
How U.S. political chaos spills across the border — and what that means for Canadian elections
The clean energy connection: How Canadian hydro, offshore wind, and critical minerals tie our economies together
Plus: Why Canada is watching the 2028 U.S. election just as closely as we are
Whether you’re American, Canadian, or just curious how global neighbors influence each other, this episode dives deep into one of the world’s most important — and strained — partnerships.
 
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Week of May 25th: TACO Tuesdays, Bird Flu Cuts, and Biden the Robot?

This week, Rick and I break down the chaos in Trumpworld and beyond:
Serious Headlines
Trump’s tariffs ruled illegal — then reinstated by an appeals court.
Trump claims he lowered China tariffs to protect them from civil unrest.
Steel tariffs are set to double, prompting fears of a trade war rerun.
“TACO” — Trump Always Chickens Out — goes viral (and he’s not thrilled).
Lobbyists reportedly charging for help securing Trump pardons.
Trump cancels a $766 million Moderna bird flu vaccine grant — during an actual bird flu outbreak.
The MAHA report cites studies that don’t exist (including one that links to a dog food site).
The State Department considers an “Office of Remigration” — a term borrowed from European far-right parties.
PBS sues the Trump administration, just days after NPR did the same
Weird and Funny Stuff
Trump retweets a conspiracy theory that Biden died in 2020 and was replaced by a robot.
Elon Musk allegedly did so much ketamine while advising Trump that it affected his bladder.
A newspaper publishes an AI-generated summer reading list with fake books
Senator Joni Ernst, asked about Medicaid cuts, says: “Well, we’re all going to die.”
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The GOP’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is TERRIBLE for Red States

It’s called the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—but it might just be a big betrayal. In this episode, we break down the GOP’s new budget and how it slashes healthcare, food assistance, and clean energy investments that overwhelmingly benefit red states. If you live in rural America, you might want to tune in—because you’re footing the bill.

Week of May 18th: Trump's Golden Dome, Harvard Drama, and Polygraphs at The White House

This week on the Lonely Liberal, Rick and I break down all the major news. From billion-dollar defense bubbles to billion-dollar visas, we break down the Trump administration’s latest flurry of announcements, controversies, and cartoonish chaos. We also bring you the best of the ridiculous: AI mishaps, polygraphs at the White House, and Marjorie Taylor Greene fighting with a bot. 
Major Headlines
Golden Dome Missile Defense: Trump unveils a $175B next-gen missile shield.
"White Genocide" Video: Trump shocks South African President with fake footage.
GOP Reconciliation Bill: Mike Johnson declares Trump the “most respected modern president.”
Qatari Jet Becomes Air Force One: A $400M gift raises Emoluments Clause alarms.
TrumpCard.gov: “Gold Card” visa program launches for wealthy foreign investors.
Harvard Ban: International students blocked from enrolling, citing CCP “concerns.”
Supreme Court Ruling: Allows president to fire independent watchdogs at will.
Absurd
White House Polygraphs: Staffers undergo lie detector tests to plug leaks.
Lutnick Tariff Flop: Asked if Americans are feeling the pain—crowd yells “Yes!”
“Gold Standard Science” EO: Trump signs a bizarre executive order reshaping federal research.
Farewell to Pennies: Treasury says goodbye to the one-cent coin by 2026.
Russian Orthodox Surge: U.S. men flock to church in search of “manliness.”
MTG vs AI: Marjorie Taylor Greene gets into a theological argument with Grok, Musk’s AI bot.
Kid Cudi vs. Diddy: Rapper claims Diddy broke into his house and unwrapped Christmas gifts.
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Crypto King: Inside Trump's Digital Gold Rush

Donald and Melania Trump have officially turned crypto into a family business — and maybe a political strategy. From $TRUMP and $MELANIA memecoins to the family-backed USD1 stablecoin powering billion-dollar Gulf investments, this episode of The Lonely Liberal unpacks the meme coin presidency, the ethics of crypto deregulation, and what happens when the First Family goes full Web3.
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Week of May 11: GOP Spending Bill, Tariffs, and RFK Is Not a Doctor

In this week’s episode of The Lonely Liberal, Rick and I break down the latest whirlwind of serious policy updates and absurd political theater. From billion-dollar budget cuts to bacteria-filled PR stunts, here’s what you need to know—and what you wish you didn’t.
 News:
Medicaid cuts buried in Trump’s $4.9 trillion tax plan
U.S. denies plan to relocate 1 million Palestinians to Libya
U.S. and China agree to pause on escalating tariffs
Trump signs executive order slashing prescription drug prices
April sees surplus thanks to tariffs, but U.S. spending still up 13% YTD
Global poll shows China now more popular than the U.S.
Moody’s downgrades U.S. credit rating due to rising debt and deficits
Ridiculous Headlines:
Biden reportedly didn’t recognize George Clooney at fundraiser
Oklahoma adds 2020 election conspiracies to high school curriculum
RFK Jr. swims in a bacteria-infested pond: “Don’t take my medical advice”
Commerce Secretary Lutnick: “Started at 10, ended at 10”
Utah senator introduces bill to criminalize pornography
DHS considers immigration reality show where contestants compete for U.S. citizenship
Tune in for the full breakdown, some laughs, and a few sighs.
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