With Labor Day behind us, Trump’s honeymoon is over and his march into fascist authoritarianism is in full force. This week Rachel and Aaron look at his latest distraction from a nosediving economy and the Epstein Files: an armed, federal invasion of America’s third-largest city. Plus, market instability rocks America’ farmers as Trump’s tariffs take a toll, a grilling for RFK junior (and no, we’re not talking about his face), and Gov. Newsom’s master class in political mockery looks awfully familiar.

LINKS:

• Substack - The Cycle: A Blue Tsunami is Headed for Virginia and New Jersey
• Substack - The Cycle: Democrats Want to Run on Affordability: Here’s How to Do it Right
• American Soybean Association: ‘A trade and financial precipice’
• Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game

Why are Republicans trying to give themselves an edge in Congress? In the words of one GOP lawmaker: “Because we can.” This week, Rachel and Aaron separate the facts from JD Vance’s alt reality as some Democrats prepare to fight fire with fire. Plus: Trump takes federal control over Washington DC. And South Park sends up America’s most notorious puppy killer.

LINKS:

• YouTube: President Trump holds news conference on plans to address D.C. crime
• Gavin Newsom to Trump: ‘You Are Playing With Fire’
• The Cycle (Substack): Appeasement Didn’t Work Then; It Won’t Work Now

Facts are stubborn things, at least two of Trump’s predecessors have said. And for Trump on the economy—and Jeffrey Epstein–-there’s nothing to see here. This week Rachel and Aaron look at what the latest job numbers mean for Trump 2.0. Plus, Trump is making his own list… of political enemies. And secret documents in a secret annex at FBI Headquarters? Pssh.

LINKS

• New York Times: Until Trump Fired Her, She Was an Economist With Bipartisan Support
• ABC News: Joe Rogan slams Trump administration over Epstein investigation: 'Trying to gaslight'
• The Breakfast Club: Charlamagne Responds To Donald Trump’s ‘Truth Social’ Post About Him
• The Cycle (Substack): The Anatomy of “Othering”: How Authoritarians Build Permission for Violence
• Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game’