Jonathan Alter on Trump’s Authoritarian Police State
The Al Franken Podcast - A podcast by The Al Franken Podcast - Sundays

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We're joined by journalist and best-selling author, Jonathan Alter, to dig deeper into the latest in Trump’s America. Jonathan’s most recent piece in Washington Monthly explains how the BBB’s enormous funding for ICE will turn America into a police state. With over 75 billion dollars, ICE will now be bigger than all American law enforcement agencies combined. We discuss Trump's authoritarianism, including the ongoing shake down of American universities and law firms. Plus, Texas Republicans are redistricting the state to add 5 new Republican seats to the House. How can Democrats fight back? Can California and New York do the same? Amid all of the depressing news, Alter also brings a message of hope! He deeply believes in the importance of people power. Citizens are learning ways to resist and make their voices heard. And with the coming midterms, he's optimistic that Democrats CAN take back the House. DONATE to World Central Kitchen and help feed the starving people of Gaza: https://donate.wck.org/ READ Jonathan's piece on ICE in Washington Monthly: https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/07/14/america-is-now-a-police-state/ CHECK OUT Jonathan’s Substack, Old Goats: https://oldgoats.substack.com/ For information on our newest sponsor, Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/franken