Pod Save the World

Tommy and Ben explain why Trump backed off his threat to take Greenland by force and debate whether European leaders have finally found a playbook for how to push back, the backlash to Trump’s disgraceful denigration of NATO troops and their service in Afghanistan, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s bold attempt to break from the United States and forge a new international order. Then they cover the purge of top military leaders in China and widespread rumors of a coup attempt against Chinese President Xi Jinping, Jared Kushner’s much-derided PowerPoint presentation on the future of Gaza, new details about how the Iranian regime crushed the recent protests and why there may now be an even greater likelihood that the US bombs Iran (again), a humiliating and terrifying profile of Kash Patel’s first year at the FBI, and why a real estate forum in Saudi Arabia made us want to cry. Then Tommy speaks with Kenneth Rosen, author of Polar War: Submarines, Spies, and the Struggle for P...

Tommy and Ben talk about the growing and very real threat of President Trump attempting to take Greenland by force, the spectrum of reactions from world leaders from feckless NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to scorning French President Emmanuel Macron, and how this would lead to the end of NATO if Europeans don’t stand up to the US. They also discuss how Trump’s walking back of military threats to Iran led to the death of thousands of protesters, the confusing and corrupt intentions behind the “Board of Peace”, a rocky ceasefire between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces, Grok’s sexualized image crisis, and a bizarre tribute to Stephen Hawking. Then, Ben speaks to Sky News Africa Correspondent, Yousra Elbagir, about Uganda’s contested election. Preorder Ben’s new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches, out on May 26.

Tommy and Ben talk about the historic protests in Iran and reports of the regime’s brutal crackdown with potentially tens of thousands dead, President Trump’s threats of military intervention (and why they’re a bad idea), and Iranian exiles vying for power as regime replacements from the safety of Washington, DC. They also talk about the next steps in Venezuela, including opposition leader María Corina Machado’s tricky positioning, why ramping up Venezuelan oil production might be extremely difficult, expensive and take years, and how oil factors into Russia’s reaction. Then they talk about Trump’s ongoing threats of military intervention in Mexico, the chances of political and economic collapse in Cuba, and the G7 being shifted to accommodate Trump’s UFC themed birthday bash. At the end of the show, Tommy speaks to Jason Rezaian, Director of Press Freedom Initiatives at the Washington Post, former political prisoner in Iran, and host of the podcast 544 Days about the anniversary of...

Tommy and Ben discuss Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, his request for F-35 fighter jets and a NATO-like security guarantee, the real estate deals the Trump family might get in return, and how corruption is driving US foreign policy, including in the case of a gold-bar bribe from the Swiss. Then they talk about new reports on embattled (and embarrassing) FBI Director Kash Patel, what leaked emails tell us about Jeffrey Epstein’s relationship with Israeli intelligence and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, how Chinese hackers used AI in a game-changing new way, why the former prime minister of Bangladesh was sentenced to death, a massive corruption scandal in Ukraine, an update on civilians fleeing violence in Sudan, and a new documentary about how Adolf Hitler’s teeny tiny secret caused big problems. Then Ben speaks with author and former assistant administrator at USAID, Atul Gawande, whose new documentary “Rovina’s Choice” highlights the stagger...

Tommy and Ben discuss Syrian transitional President Ahmed Al-Shaara’s historic and improbable visit to the White House, Trump’s sanctions waiver and special favors for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of his election, why the US is boycotting the G20 in South Africa, and how a sham election in Tanzania that’s led to mass protests and potentially thousands dead. Then they talk about how Trump could bring an end to bloodshed in Sudan with one phone call to the United Arab Emirates, a new list of problems undercutting Trump’s case for the Nobel Peace Prize, why Trump is suing the BBC for $1 billion, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s colossal infrastructure failure in the desert. Then Tommy speaks to Josh Paul and Tariq Habash about why they resigned from the Biden administration over Gaza, and how they’re trying to change Democrats' approach to US-Israel policy with their organization, A New Policy.

Live from Crooked Con, Tommy and Ben look back at the last year since Trump was re-elected and unpack the worst and most surprising moments of Trump 2.0 foreign policy, including the president’s bogus claims that he’s a “peacemaker,” the continuing horrors of Russia’s war on Ukraine, the administration’s incoherence on China, and the catastrophic gutting of USAID. Then the guys are joined by Representatives Yassamin Ansari and Ro Khanna to discuss the future of Democratic foreign policy. They talk about how the next generation of Democrats should lead on immigration, Israel, Iran, climate change, Venezuela, and more.

Ben and Tommy discuss President Trump’s threat to invade Nigeria to stop a (nonexistent) genocide against Christians and the international community’s total failure to stop an actual genocide happening in Sudan. Also covered: why Trump’s pitch to restart testing of nuclear weapons might be his worst (and scariest) foreign policy idea to date, why FBI Director Kash Patel’s trip to visit his girlfriend is getting slammed by right-wing commentators, the uproar in Israel over a torture investigation, election wins for left-wing candidates in Ireland and the Netherlands, Trump’s overtly racist refugee policy, and the final nail in the royal coffin for Prince Andrew. Then Ben speaks with Sanna Marin, the former Prime Minister of Finland, about the double standards women in leadership face, and her new book Hope in Action: A Memoir About the Courage to Lead.

Tommy and Ben discuss President Trump’s visit to Asia: the weird dancing, his meetings with the new prime minister of Japan and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and his annoying victory laps when Trump “solves” problems he himself created. They also unpack two recent examples of blatant government corruption, including Trump’s pardon of a crypto billionaire and an Army contract to purchase drones from a company “advised” by Donald Trump Jr. Then they discuss the “next generation” of the Pentagon press corps (one filled with MAGA sycophants), a rebel group’s capture of a major city in Sudan and how the UAE is fueling the Sudanese civil war, more US strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Pacific, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s announcement that he has ordered “forceful strikes” on Hamas and what it means for the Gaza ceasefire agreement, a legislative election win for President Javier Milei in Argentina, an anti-tariff ad in Canada that invoked Ronald Reagan, and Katy P...

Tommy & Ben break down the deal between Israel and Hamas–how we got here, who deserves credit (and who doesn’t), why the hell it took so long, and then dig into the many questions still to be resolved: Will Hamas disarm? How will Gaza be run? And who might make up the proposed “International Stabilisation Force”? They also talk about Trump’s victory lap in Israel and Egypt (including a quick pit stop for some corruption with Indonesia’s president), the pervasive media narrative that Israel’s “victory” over Iran led to this deal, Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future, Drop Site News’s rebuttal to the Free Press’s vile “reporting” on starving Palestinian children with preexisting conditions, and whether Trump’s peacemaking is contagious and could spread to Ukraine. Also covered: how the US’s bailout of Argentina will benefit hedge funders in Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s circle, French President Emmanuel Macron’s surprising replacement for his short-lived Prime Minister, and why ...

Tommy & Ben grit their teeth and dive into Trump’s rambling, insulting address at the United Nations and fact-check his ridiculous claim that he solved seven wars. They cover Trump’s proposed bank bailout for Argentina, his threat to re-invade Afghanistan, Pete Hegseth’s crackdown on journalists’ access to the Pentagon, and Russia’s continuing incursions into NATO airspace. They also discuss a trio of immigration stories: the administration’s new goalposts for high-skilled H-1B visas, the ending of Temporary Protected Status for Syrians, and the chilling deportation order for Mahmoud Khalil. Finally, updates on America’s rogue attacks on alleged drug boats off the coast of Venezuela, a potential new approach to nuclear negotiations with North Korea, how French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are fighting back against conspiracy theorist Candace Owens, and potential U.K. Prime Minister Nigel Farage’s incredibly undignified side hustle. Then, Ben speaks with Robert Mal...

Tommy & Ben start with Gaza: the UN Human Rights Council’s finding that Israel has committed genocide, and Israel’s ground operation into Gaza City. They discuss how Marco Rubio signaled that Trump has given up on brokering a peace deal in Gaza, and why the Netanyahu government is telling the press that Trump is lying about his knowledge of the IDF airstrike in Qatar. Also covered: Kash Patel’s combative Senate hearing about the rampant dysfunction at the FBI, the global reaction to the murder of Charlie Kirk and the dark conspiracy theories that have emerged around it, the long-term harm to the US-South Korea relationship caused by the ICE raid on a Hyundai plant in Georgia, Nepal’s democracy by Discord, Trump’s UK state visit amid Jeffrey Epstein fallout and far-right protests, Trump’s ultimatums to NATO, and Conor McGregor’s aborted bid for the Irish presidency. Then, Tommy speaks to Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordi...

Tommy & Ben discuss China’s summit in Tianjin, which brought together leaders from 20 countries, including India, Iran, Russia, and North Korea, and how it signals a major shift in global alliances. They talk about the schism between Trump and India’s President Narendra Modi and how Trump keeps conceding to China on issues like AI and student visas despite his many empty threats. Also covered: the administration’s illegal airstrike on a Venezuelan boat allegedly carrying drugs, the new for-profit ethnic cleansing plan for Gaza, how the gutting of USAID is hobbling the response to Afghanistan’s devastating earthquake, and Steve Witkoff’s stupendous incompetence in his role as special envoy for….everything. Then, Tommy speaks with journalist Jasper Nathaniel, who covers the West Bank on his Substack, Infinite Jaz. They talk about what life is like for Palestinians there, the far-right’s goal of achieving total annexation of the territory, and the pipe dream of a two-state solution.

Tommy & Ben sift through the week’s flurry of meetings on Ukraine, including Putin and Trump’s Alaska summit and Zelensky’s White House visit. They discuss how territory and security guarantees factor into negotiations, what Putin means by the “root causes” of the war, and how Russia won the optics game. They also talk about why a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel isn’t likely, massive anti-war protests in Israel, the Free Press’s ghoulish “reporting” on starving Gazan children, Laura Loomer’s malicious influence on medical visas for injured Palestinian kids, and the imprisonment of a 16-year-old Palestinian-American boy in Israel. Also covered: a rightward shift in Bolivia, Trump’s mobilization against cartels, and we say a fond farewell to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Then, Ben speaks with Representative Ro Khanna about his letter supporting the recognition of a Palestinian State and how to think about the future of Democratic Foreign Policy.

Ben and guest co-host Yalda Hakim, Sky News’ Lead World News Presenter, discuss Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s upcoming Alaska summit, previewing what might unfold, Ukraine's predicament, and how Europe has struggled with being sidelined. They also talk about Trump’s fixation on the Nobel Peace Prize and his ‘real estate diplomacy,’ as well as Israel’s frightening plan to take over Gaza, the targeted killing of several Al Jazeera journalists, and Europe’s uncoordinated response to Israel’s expanding war and the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Finally, they discuss the fourth anniversary of the fall of Kabul and what life is like for women and girls under the Taliban’s rule. Then, Tommy speaks with Michael C. Horowitz, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Development and Emerging Capabilities, about how drones and artificial intelligence have ushered in a new era of warfare, and why the US military is lagging behind. Check out Yalda’s podcast, The World with ...

Tommy and Ben respond to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s baseless accusation that the Obama administration masterminded a “treasonous conspiracy” against Trump and Trump’s subsequent call to arrest Barack Obama. They also talk about the President’s ongoing beef with Brazil and how it’s backfiring, the exile of a leading human rights organization from El Salvador, the deal to release prisoners from El Salvador and Venezuela, and the blatant hypocrisy behind this administration’s Latin America policy. Also discussed: the latest horrors from Gaza and the statement from 28 countries condemning the humanitarian crisis there, Benjamin Netanyahu’s bizarre foray into YouTube, the daylight between Trump and Bibi on Syria, the massive fallout from a British security leak, the rise of anti-establishment nationalist politics in Japan, the French Prime Minister’s deeply unpopular proposal to strip France of two public holidays, and some tidbits out of North Korea. Then, Ben spe...

Tommy and Ben take a break from impersonating Marco Rubio to cover Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington to kiss Trump’s ass, the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar, the IDF’s latest plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza, and shifting opinions on Israel within the Democratic Party. They also discuss Trump’s confusing about-face on sending weapons to Ukraine, the continued incoherence of Trump’s tariff policy and his needless antagonism of the BRICS countries. Finally, they talk about the finger-wagging at Tucker Carlson for his interview with Iran’s president, the border crisis in Afghanistan, the Dalai Lama’s succession plan and how China could interfere, the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia that’s caused a political meltdown in Bangkok, and the administration’s cruel termination of Temporary Protected Status for Hondurans and Nicaraguans. Then, Ben speaks with Representative Jason Crow about how the “Big Beautiful Bill” will tank America’s global...

Tommy and Ben grapple with the fallout from Trump and Netanyahu’s war with Iran. They talk about how America’s massive bunker buster bombs didn't solve the problem of Iran’s nuclear program, why the strikes were illegal under international law, and how the drumbeat for regime change will never go away. They also discuss the short-term thinking and triumphalism running rampant in DC and the media and Israel’s own under-the-radar nuclear program. Additionally, they cover this week’s NATO summit and Trump’s less-than-reassuring statement on mutual defense for member countries, some rare good news about a prisoner release in Belarus, how companies like Palantir could fast-track us into a surveillance state, and why Jeff Bezos’s Venice wedding is going off the rails. Then, Ben speaks with Nilo Tabrizy, a visual forensics reporter at the Washington Post and co-author of the forthcoming book, For the Sun After Long Nights: The Story of Iran's Women-Led Uprising, about how Iranian civilians...

Tommy and Ben discuss Israel’s ongoing military assault on Iran–breaking down who and what got hit, why the timing was a surprise, and what the Trump administration knew ahead of time. They also talk about how the attacks could impact Iran’s nuclear program and current regime, what retaliation could look like, and how Democrats should respond.

Tommy and Ben unpack Trump’s cruel and incoherent travel bans, the administration’s callous stranding of migrants and ICE agents in Djibouti, the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the US and his immediate prosecution, and the revival of the plan to send thousands of migrants to Guantánamo. They also discuss Trump’s upcoming North Korea-style military (and birthday) extravaganza and Trump’s abuse of the military for his personal interests. Also covered: Israel’s interception of Greta Thunberg’s Freedom Flotilla to Gaza and her subsequent deportation, the continuing chaos of Israel’s disastrous humanitarian aid plan for the strip, Israel arming Gazan clans to fight Hamas, and the intra-MAGA war being waged over Trump’s Iran policy. Finally, they take a tour through Tulsi Gabbard’s dark twisted nuclear fantasy. Then, the guys speak with Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, about how Covid changed global politics, working with big tech to reduce radicalization, and the ...

Ben and guest co-host Ali Velshi kick off the show with a conversation about how Trump’s policies are accelerating US brain drain, Tulsi Gabbard’s Fox News-style overhaul of the Presidential Daily Brief, and the eyebrow-raising new press secretary at the Pentagon. They also talk about Ukraine’s massive surprise drone strike on Russia and the stalemate between Putin and Zelensky. Additionally, they cover the horrific attack on Jewish demonstrators in Colorado, Israel and America’s disastrous aid distribution operation in Gaza, the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, and the future of the two-state solution. Also discussed: China’s advantages in the trade war, how trade wars can become real wars, and far-right politics in Poland, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Finally, Ali takes a step back to talk about being a journalist covering Trump 2.0. Ali’s show Velshi airs weekends on MSNBC, and his book is Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy.

Tommy and Ben discuss President Trump’s policy changes on Syria and his man-crush on its president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, what lifting sanctions on Syria could (and should) look like, more details on how Qatar’s plane bribe came together, and Tulsi Gabbard’s shocking politicization of the intelligence community. They also talk about the continuing crackdown on journalists and human rights activists by Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, the dire–and indefensible–humanitarian situation in Gaza, the lack of any meaningful progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and elections in Portugal, Romania and Poland. Then, Ben speaks with Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, a trauma surgeon who has volunteered twice in Gaza, about his experience treating patients in Khan Younis. Finally, Ben and Tommy are forced to endure some selections from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Tommy and Ben discuss El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele’s White House meeting with Trump and their coordinated assault on due process in America, the terrifying prospect of Trump sending American citizens to foreign prisons, Daniel Noboa’s re-election in Ecuador, and disgraced military contractor Erik Prince’s attempts to privatize and profit from right-wing autocracy. They also talk about Trump’s failures to end the war in Ukraine, the administration's talks with Iran about its nuclear program and the fight to define what a successful Iran deal 2.0 could look like, and the anti-Trump effect on Australia and Canada’s upcoming elections. Then, Tommy speaks to Josh Rogin, author of Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the Twenty-First Century, about Trump’s chaotic China policymaking in the first term and who in the administration is influencing his decision-making as he launches a massive trade war.

Tommy and Ben discuss the disastrous impact of Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, how a fringe right-wing conspiracy theorist got Trump to fire top national security officials, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington and the upcoming talks between the Trump administration and Iran. Then they explain why South Sudan is teetering on the edge of civil war, and the dramatic end of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s time in power. Finally, Tommy speaks to Noah Bullock, Executive Director of Cristosal, about the brutality of El Salvador’s prison system and why Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele have forged such a close relationship.

Tommy and Ben discuss French far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s embezzlement conviction and what it could mean for France’s political future, reactions from world leaders to Trump’s promised “Liberation Day” when US tariffs on global imports will supposedly go into effect, and a spate of incompetent national security staffing stories from Elise Stefanik losing the UN nomination to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth bringing his wife to meetings. They also talk about the chilling effects of deportations and student visas being revoked and how the latest version of the Ukraine mineral deal will only lead to corruption and grift from Trump’s goons. Then Ben speaks with International Rescue Committee President David Miliband about the hole USAID cuts have left in the humanitarian response to crises in Myanmar, Sudan, and global health. Sign up for our Friends of the Pod community at crooked.com/friends to start your 30-day free trial!

Tommy and Ben discuss Bibi Netanyahu restarting the war in Gaza as he creates a new domestic political crisis, why Trump's airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen are likely to fail, and the gutting of Voice of America. They also cover the latest in Trump's efforts to harness the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members to El Salvador, how Putin continues to play Trump in negotiations over Ukraine, Serbia's wave of student-led protests over government corruption, and why patrons at a popular Chinese hotpot chain are getting more than just a full refund. Then Ben speaks with Pankaj Mishra, author of The World After Gaza: A History, about how Israel's relationship with the legacy of the Holocaust has shifted, decolonization in the 20th century, and how a writer can be of service in these dark times.

Today we're excited to bring you the first episode of Shadow Kingdom: God's Banker. In the summer of 1982, the Vatican’s top money man was found dead. Roberto Calvi was at the center of a prolific money laundering scheme that put him in the crosshairs of the Sicilian mafia, a secret far-right chapter of the Freemasons, and the Catholic Church. Forty years after his death was ruled a suicide, Shadow Kingdom host Nicolo Majnoni got a tip that there was more to the story. So who killed God’s banker? Shadow Kingdom is a new series from Crooked Media and Campside Media. Each season starts with a crime, and as the layers are peeled back to find out who or what is at the center of it, a larger system at play is revealed. Subscribe to Shadow Kingdom: God’s Banker wherever you get your podcasts or join Crooked's Friends Of The Pod subscription community to hear the full season right now. Join Friends Of The Pod at crooked.com/friends or subscribe through the Shadow Kingdom Apple feed.

Tommy and Ben discuss the increasing divide between the US and Europe on the issue of the war in Ukraine just as the world marks the three year anniversary, including a mineral reserves deal and America’s vote against a UN resolution calling for an end to Russian aggression. They also talk about Germany’s election results and the likely new Chancellor Freidrich Merz, the right wing podcaster who is Trump’s new Deputy FBI Director, firings at the Pentagon, an update on migrants sent to Guantanamo Bay and Panama, a parade of international right wingers at CPAC, and strains in the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel after the return of the remains of the Bibas family. Then, Tommy speaks to Bloomberg Businessweek reporter Zeke Faux about the Argentinian President’s memecoin and how it relates to the Trump family’s crypto schemes.

Tommy and Ben discuss the assault on USAID by Trump and Elon Musk, how Democrats can best make the argument to support it, and why putting it under the purview of the State Department is a bad idea. They also discuss a purge at the FBI, Marco Rubio’s first overseas trip as Secretary of State, the moral and logistical stupidity of both sending US prisoners to El Salvador and undocumented migrants to Guantanamo Bay, Trump launching air strikes in Somalia, and Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump at the White House. Then, Ben speaks with Sky News Africa Correspondent Yousra Elbagir about the violence unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tommy and Ben discuss Trump’s freeze on foreign aid and the deadly consequences of stopping programs like clearing unexploded bombing and HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, Trump’s move to revoke security details for former officials like Anthony Fauci, Mike Pompeo, and John Bolton. They also talk about Trump’s tariff threats and foreign policy bullying with the leaders of Colombia and Denmark, his call for “clearing out Gaza” and sending Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt, troubling developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, China’s DeepSeek upending assumptions about AI development, the latest from Syria, and outrage in France over a contemporary addition to the Notre Dame cathedral. Then, Tommy speaks to Peter Beinart about his new book, Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza, and the challenges surrounding open dialogue about issues like antisemitism and Israeli policy.