In this eye-opening DMZ discussion, Bill Scher (Washington Monthly) and Matt Lewis break down Donald Trump's sinking approval ratings in February 2026 — down to the low-to-mid 40s (or even 36% in some polls) amid economic anxiety, immigration chaos, tariffs, and self-inflicted controversies.

Is Trump's second term already unraveling? And could a midterm backlash hand Democrats a real shot at flipping the Senate?

They dive deep into the 2026 Senate map:

— Strong pickup chances in Maine (Susan Collins vulnerable) and North Carolina

— Competitive shots in Ohio (Sherrod Brown rematch?), Alaska (Mary Peltola), and long-shot Texas

— Key defenses in Georgia, Michigan, and more

Plus: Should Democrats pursue accountability for Trump-era actions if they win power, or focus on bread-and-butter issues to avoid backlash? Don't miss this great analysis and conversation!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A

– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.

Buy Matt's books:

FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Trump's Commerce Sec Admits Epstein Island Lunch – Why He Won't Resign

The Bulwark's Will Saletan and Matt Lewis break down the mounting scandals rocking the Trump administration in February 2026.

Howard Lutnick, Trump's Commerce Secretary, admitted under oath to lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on his private island in 2012 — years after claiming he'd cut ties in 2005 over disgust at Epstein's behavior. Despite bipartisan calls to resign, Trump stands by him. Is this more proof of "no apologies, no accountability" in MAGA world?

Plus:

— Trump's threat to block the Gordie Howe bridge after Lutnick met the rival Ambassador Bridge owner — classic cronyism sold as "America First

— The House GOP revolt against Trump's tariffs (Massie, Kiley, Bacon defecting) signals real pain for working families from regressive taxes.— Tulsi Gabbard joins FBI raid on Fulton County 2020 ballots—setting up election interference claims for 2026 midterms?

— Trump's speeches mocking biblical principles: bragging about stolen oil, defending murderers, zero fruits of the spirit. How did evangelicals get here?

— And MUCH more!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Jonathan Martin, POLITICO's senior political columnist and politics bureau chief, joins Matt Lewis for a candid deep dive into the 2026 midterms. With Donald Trump in year two of his second term, is the Senate truly in play for Democrats?

Martin breaks down:

— Why the map is a structural nightmare for Dems (tough targets in Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, plus defending Michigan & Georgia)

— How 2025 special elections show Democratic energy and turnout potential Democrats' pushback against the "questionnaire-industrial complex" — why filling out extreme litmus tests (e.g., trans surgery for prisoners) hands ammo to Republicans

— GOP fears over ICE shootings and immigration chaos — but why no one dares criticize Trump openly due to the personality cult Trump's vanity-driven politics, landmark renamings, and predictions for chaos ahead

— What both parties must redefine post-Trump (what are they actually FOR?)

— Timely insights on polarization, midterm turnout, and the road to 2028. Perfect for anyone following U.S. politics, Trump era fallout, or 2026 election forecasts.

— And MUCH more!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today’s Substack LIVE conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis discuss...

— Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show

— Trump’s angry reaction and Truth Social meltdown

— MAGA counter-programming failure (Kid Rock & TPUSA event)

— Trump’s blatantly racist post about the Obamas

— How ICE is buying off local police departments

— J.D. Vance booed at the Olympics!

— Sen. Jon Ossoff’s great speech in Atlanta

— Despite leading in the primary polls, Rep. Jasmine Crockett doesn’t seem to be running much of a campaign in Texas

— And MUCH more!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2025, BBL & BWL, LLC

The Atlantic's David Frum returns to discuss Donald Trump's second term one year in.

From making $1-4 billion through family enrichment and foreign deals (including Abu Dhabi investments tied to national security favors), to unprecedented corruption on a scale never seen in American history, Frum argues Trump has turned the presidency into a personal ATM — dwarfing petty scandals like Hunter Biden's.

We dive into why corruption is an underrated story, the collapse of checks and balances, Supreme Court impunity, tariff-driven price hikes, the Epstein fallout shattering Trump's myth for some supporters, ICE controversies including the Minneapolis shootings, cracks in Trump's coalition (from Thomas Massie to far-right figures), JD Vance's risky plays, Kamala Harris's future, and threats to 2026/2028 elections via voter intimidation.

Frum warns of kleptocracy risks, national security betrayals, and why Trump's betrayal of core conservative values (like guns) could be fatal to his movement.

And that's just for starters. This is a must-listen for anyone tracking Trump's impact on democracy.

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.

Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2025, BBL & BWL, LLC

In this raw, must-watch conversation, former GOP Rep. Joe Walsh joins Matt Lewis to unpack the growing backlash against Trump's second term.

They discuss:

— The stunning Democratic upset in Texas Senate District 9 (a 31+ point swing from Trump's 2024 margin in a red stronghold)

— Why shocking videos of masked ICE agents dragging people from streets/parking lots/Home Depot are turning public opinion (even among non-political Americans)

— How tariffs and economic pain are eroding Trump's "secret sauce" Epstein files secrecy fueling distrust, GOP cracks (Massie, Rand Paul pushing back), and why images are more powerful than words in shifting opinion

— Walsh's Warning: Trump may try to interfere with 2026 midterms – don't underestimate authoritarian moves

— Plus lighter moments on Eagles fandom and calls for prayers over Savannah Guthrie's missing mom in Arizona Walsh (a former Trump voter turned fierce critic) and Lewis (original Never Trumper) argue Democrats could retake the House in a "blue tsunami" driven by Trump's overreach – but must build a real vision for 2028.

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A

– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

In this important episode, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis break down the stunning Texas Senate special election upset: Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips a +17 Trump district by 14 points (31-point swing!) despite massive GOP spending and Trump intervention.

Is this the start of a midterm wave driven by ICE overreach, Minneapolis protests/shootings, and cratering Hispanic support?

We also discuss:

— The heartbreaking-then-hopeful story of 5-year-old Liam Ramos released from ICE detention after a scathing judge's opinion

— Fresh Epstein file dumps raising Russian ties and elite scandals

— Why Trump's mass deportation chaos is backfiring and supercharging Democratic motivation

— And MUCH more!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

In this double-feature episode of the podcast, veteran journalist Jason Zengerle joins to unpack his new book 'Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind.'

We dive deep into Tucker's early days as a sharp, contrarian writer at The Weekly Standard, his pivot at the Daily Caller for traffic over facts, the lessons from Breitbart, his rise at Fox News, and how he mastered anti-liberal outrage to influence policy and the right's direction.

Then, author Daniel Flynn discusses 'The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer' – the former Communist turned fusionism pioneer whose ideas united traditionalists and libertarians, powering Goldwater, Reagan, and the post-war right.

From MI5 files to living next to Bob Dylan, Meyer's wild life shaped conservatism in ways few remember.

Buy the books:Hated by All the Right People by Jason Zengerle: https://www.amazon.com/Hated-All-Right-People-conservative-ebook/dp/B0CYHTV6H9

The Man Who Invented Conservatism by Daniel J. Flynn: https://www.amazon.com/Man-Who-Invented-Conservatism-Unlikely/dp/1641774495

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books:

FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

#tuckercarlson #Conservatism #FrankMeyer #JasonZengerle #DanielFlynn #NeverTrump #PoliticalPodcast #ConservativeHistory

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC