
Show Notes
Donald Trump says he alone can fix Washington — but is one unelected official actually running the show? Chris and Jarv are joined by journalist Andy Kroll to discuss the rise of Russell Vought, the budget chief using the Office of Management and Budget to quietly expand Trump’s power from inside the White House.
Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction
We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod
Follow us on social media:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social
TikTok
Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Jake Preston. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from American Friction
Millions of US citizens abroad could vote in the midterm elections, yet turnout among this group is consistently low. Why, and why is Donald Trump trying to make it harder for them in the first place? Elizabeth Kelly is the co-chair of the Get Out The Vote campaign from Democrats Abroad. She joins Chris to discuss in an extra, unscheduled episode.
James Talarico is in strong form in Texas and it’s all to play for in his Senate race versus Ken Paxton. Just how disastrous would defeat across the Lone Star state be for the GOP? Chris and Jarv ask Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin.
The MAGA brainrot community has a new conspiracy theory… Nikki, Chris and Jarv unpick why when times get desperate, this is all the Trump faithful really have.
Content warning: This episode contains discussions related to executions some might find upsetting. Also, this was recorded before Pete Hegseth said Nidal Hasan’s execution will be live streamed.
Donald Trump is talking about US cities being blown up as if it’s not that big a deal. Well, why not? According to him he can do anything he wants… Nikki, Chris and Jarv breakdown the latest breakdown from the president.