The Golden Age with Andrew Zucker

Did Trump Tower Predict the East Wing Demolition?

On this episode, Andrew is joined by USA Today senior editor Dan Morrison. Dan reveals how Trump’s pattern of construction during his time as a private real estate developer help explain the White House Ballroom build. Dan discusses Trump Tower, the old Commodore Hotel, and the Old Post Office.

Why Did Trump Pardon George Santos?

Andrew sits down with Amy Gaines McQuade, the producer behind Deep Cover: George Santos to unpack the latest in the fabulist’s wild tale and commutation.  McQuade discusses how he scammed donors, landed a seven-year sentence, and, ultimately, served just a small amount of time. McQuade also discusses what Santos’s future career could look like and whether more prosecutions lie ahead.

Are We in a Golden Age of Sycophancy?

Globe and Mail features writer Ian Brown joins host Andrew Zucker to discuss his latest piece, “We Live in a Golden Age of Sycophancy.” Brown discusses global leaders’ use of flattery with Trump, how Canada reacted to the Carney-Trump meeting, and the dangers of bootlicking in business and beyond. Read Ian’s article: [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-trump-presidency-society-of-sycophants/]

Who Really Controls The TikTok Feed?

Emily Baker-White, the author of Every Screen on the Planet, joins host Andrew Zucker to discuss TikTok’s rise and its ties to the Chinese government. Baker-White also reveals why Trump changed his tune about the app, and talks about the proposed deal to sell TikTok’s U.S. arm and what that means for the app’s all-powerful algorithm.  Get more info about Emily’s new book  "Every Screen on the Planet: The War Over TikTok" - https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324086673 [https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324086673]

Meet The Man Behind Pete Hegseth’s Church

Wall Street Journal reporter Aaron Zitner joins host Andrew Zucker to discuss the rise and beliefs of Doug Wilson, the firebrand Christian nationalist pastor. Wilson’s controversial denomination, the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, has incredibly incendiary beliefs and recently expanded to D.C. Although tiny, CREC is becoming more popular on the right and Pete Hegseth attends one of CREC’s member churches. So what is Christian nationalism and will Wilson be a force in Republican politics in the years ahead? Zitner answers all of that and more