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Trump Claims He Has "Much More Power" in Second Term - The Beat with Ari Melber | Wave AI Podcast Notes

Trump Claims He Has "Much More Power" in Second Term

Fri Mar 20 2026

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on President Trump's attempted power grabs and is joined by Ty Cobb, former White House attorney during the first Trump administration.

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Beat with Ari Melber
Episode: Trump Claims He Has "Much More Power" in Second Term
Date: March 20, 2026
Host: Ari Melber (MSNBC)
Key Guests: Howard Dean (former Vermont Governor and DNC Chair), Ty Cobb (former White House attorney), Jack Coyne (Track Star host), Gus Wenner (Rolling Stone magazine executive chairman)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dissects the consequences of Donald Trump’s ongoing war in Iran, the resulting economic shocks, and the growing domestic dissatisfaction over the war’s cost and impact. It examines Trump’s claims of holding increased power in his second term and the dangers posed by his administration’s approach to executive authority. The episode further pivots to the cultural influence of music in divisive times, featuring a discussion with the creators of the viral music game show “Track Star.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. War in Iran and Economic Fallout

[00:57] – [09:35]

Escalation & Lack of Clarity: The war in Iran, entering its third week, remains undefined in terms of objectives or an endpoint. The cost spirals upwards (Pentagon requesting $200 billion), even as domestic needs go unmet.
Economic Shocks: Major disruptions to global oil supply—oil prices hitting $180/barrel—risk driving the US into recession. Fires at refineries in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia exacerbate the crisis.
Political Blowback:
- Key MAGA Republican Lauren Boebert dissents from war spending, criticizing the “industrial war complex.”
  
  “I am a no on any war supplementals... I am tired of spending money elsewhere.” – (Lauren Boebert clip, paraphrased by Ari, [01:51])
- Public opposition is high—only 7% would support escalation on the ground.
- Contrast in “America First” Rhetoric: MAGA’s anti-war roots seem at odds with Trump’s choices.
Democratic Strategy: Howard Dean points to economic pain and hypocrisy:

“The public is not stupid. They understand Trump is looking to spend huge amounts of money, some of which is going into his own pocket... on a war that nobody asked for, nobody wanted. Most Americans don’t support, including many Republicans.” ([06:34])

2. Gas Prices, Voter Sentiment, and Political Messaging

[05:21] – [10:14]

Voter Disillusionment: TikTok clips and in-studio calls reflect voters’ anger.

“Another day where we don’t have money for healthcare, but we do have money for war.” – Anonymous voter, clip ([05:39])
Past Trump voters express deep regret and self-critique.

“You are a worthless pile of—”
“And you voted for him how many times?”
“Three times.”
“That was my bad. Apparently I’m an idiot.” ([07:34])
Dean’s Advice for Democrats: Focus on bread-and-butter issues and hope over hate.

“We’re not touching people where they need to be touched... Democrats need to be the party of hope, and we need to focus on what ordinary Americans are walking.” ([08:05])

3. Rise of Grassroots Protest & Trust in Leaders

[10:14] – [14:10]

No Kings Protests: Inspired in part by Robert De Niro, these mass actions indicate dissatisfaction with “authoritarian” trends.

“No one voted for new wars. No one voted for higher prices at the pump... No one voted for deporting our good neighbors. And no one voted for government-masked thugs shooting down our citizens in the streets.” – Ari Melber, [10:23]
Dean connects current protests with Vietnam-era activism: Lying leaders drive movements:

“I was against the Iraq war... because the government just plain lied to us. And now we have a situation where the President of the United States and his administration lies every single day to the American people.” ([11:24])

4. Trump’s Authoritarian Moves and “More Power” Claim

[17:32] – [28:09]

DOJ’s ongoing actions against universities (Harvard antisemitism probe) and former officials (Comey, Powell) are contrasted with repeated judicial rebukes.

“I have much more power in my second term, don’t you think?... I don’t know if I could have gotten away with this [in my first term].” – Donald Trump, quoted ([18:24])
Expert Analysis—Ty Cobb: Trump’s claims reflect expanding authoritarian intent, not legal reality:

“The Constitution limits presidential power to the extent that Congress has a spine and the courts can enforce it. But he’s certainly exercising his power in a way that makes him seem as though he can get away with anything, which is what he suggests.” ([20:07])
Weaponization of Loyalty: DOJ lawsuits and firings for lack of Trump loyalty are eroding due process:

“Patel fired every Iranian counterterrorism expert. How safe does that make America? It is ridiculous what’s going on and not American.” – Ty Cobb, [21:36]
Failure Rate: Many Trump-initiated prosecutions are failing or being quashed in courts.

5. Breakdown of DOJ Norms & Legal Checks

[28:13] – [34:19]

Ari highlights courtroom clashes, especially around unqualified, unconfirmed DOJ “temp” prosecutors (Alina Haba).

“It was quite an unusual heated clash.” ([29:50])
The courts are increasingly frustrated with the “dumbing down of DOJ” and persistent violations of appointment rules.

“We’ve got a bunch of Trump loyalists being appointed around the country, six of whom have been disqualified by the courts... Pam Bondi, in her rabid, trashy way... is just playing games...”—Ty Cobb ([31:45])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[03:34] Steve Bannon: “It’s rattling, whether you like it or not... the world's economy and President Trump's economic plan.”
[06:34] Howard Dean: "If the Democrats vote for what Trump wants after healthcare dies, I think they're as good as toast."
[08:05] Howard Dean: “Democrats need to be the party of hope, and we need to focus on what ordinary Americans are walking.”
[10:14] Howard Dean: “No one voted for new wars... higher prices at the pump... for the government masked thugs shooting down our citizens in the streets.”
[18:24] Donald Trump: “I have much more power in my second term, don’t you think?”
[20:07] Ty Cobb: “It’s refreshing to see him [Trump] acknowledging his authoritarian bent. And that’s clearly what he did. He feels more powerful, but he truthfully doesn’t have any more power.”
[21:36] Ty Cobb: “Patel fired every Iranian counterterrorism expert. How safe does that make America? It is ridiculous what’s going on and not American.”
[31:45] Ty Cobb: “Let me go to 30,000ft... what you have is the dumbing down of DOJ... [with] a bunch of Trump loyalists being appointed around the country, six of whom have been disqualified by the courts, including Haba... Pam Bondi in her rabid, trashy way... is just playing games with the courts.”

Music, Culture, and Cross-Generational Unity

[36:09] – [45:46]

Track Star Segment: Amid politics, Ari Melber highlights how music brings unity.
Guests: Jack Coyne (Track Star host), Gus Wenner (Rolling Stone) discuss the viral show’s appeal and new partnership.
Key Insights:
- The show’s realness comes from spontaneity (no previewed song lists, authentic reactions).
  
  “It was a blast since day one... blew my mind the opportunity that we’ve had to speak with some of the biggest legends in music.” – Jack Coyne ([38:56])
- Music As Leveler:
  
  “You could be the most powerful person or have nothing and hear ‘Stand by Me’ on the street... and you can have the same reaction. That is so unifying, so universal.” – Gus Wenner ([43:59])
- Music's resilience compared to the challenges facing film/theaters.
- Dream guests mentioned: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Bruce Springsteen, Jay-Z.

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:57 – Start of substantive content; overview of Iran war, its economic impact.
01:51 – Boebert’s anti-war statement; split within GOP on war funding.
03:34 – Steve Bannon acknowledges economic fallout.
04:38 – 09:35 – Howard Dean on economic, political costs for the GOP.
07:34 – Voter regret: “You are a worthless pile of—. That was my bad... I’m an idiot.”
08:05 – Dean’s advice to Democrats: focus on working-class economic pain.
10:14 – “No Kings” protests, generational parallels.
11:24 – Dean connects leader dishonesty to civic unrest.
17:32 – Trump’s DOJ targets Harvard, Comey; discussion shifts to executive power.
18:24 – Trump: “I have much more power in my second term...”
20:07 – Ty Cobb: Trump’s claim is “authoritarian,” limited by constitutional checks.
21:36 – DOJ firing counterterrorism experts risks national security; loyalty litmus tests.
28:13 – Clash over DOJ appointments; legal guardrails against temp prosecutors.
31:45 – The “dumbing down” of DOJ and judicial frustration.
36:09 – Track Star segment introduction; the power of music.
39:08 – Rolling Stone’s Gus Wenner on music’s lasting impact.
42:53 – Explaining the organic joy and cross-generational appeal of music.
45:22 – Coyne’s dream guests and personal update.

Takeaways

Authoritarian Drift: Trump’s open claims to greater power and DOJ maneuvers signal a constitutional crisis but also consistent legal pushback via the courts.
Economic & Political Risks: The Iran war’s rising costs and public discontent pose major challenges for both parties, especially Republicans.
Grassroots Energy: Anti-war and “No Kings” protests are building rapidly, calling for honest leadership and realignment with popular priorities.
Music Uplift: Even in tense political climates, shared cultural experiences like music remain a source of unity and relief, as highlighted in the “Track Star” segment.

This summary strives to capture the depth, tone, and flow of Ari Melber’s rapid-fire, fact-driven analysis while spotlighting the candid perspectives of guests and the major issues dominating the political and cultural conversation.

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Transcript

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Ari Melbourne (0:57)

Welcome to the Beat. I'm Ari Melbourne. We begin with Trump's war in Iran. The fighting has intensified here, reaching 21 days. U.S. central Command has released this video of the ongoing strikes. These are of Iranian military targets. The US Also grapples with diminishing Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's assault has paralyzed the flow of oil through what is one of the world's key arteries for energy. At home, we've seen confusion because Donald Trump and his aides have not clarified even three weeks in what the war is for and therefore when we would have achieved it. And you have the cost. The Pentagon wants $200 billion, the kind of bill that goes up, not down. Some Republicans are balking at that price tag. There are new doubts about how all of this will play out in the midterms. Many concerned about the impact of an unpopular war. Even Trump allies drawing a line

IXL Learning Announcer (1:50)

Ari Melbourne (1:51)

will not vote for a war supplemental. No. I am a no. I've already told leadership I am a no on any war supplementals. I am so tired of spending money elsewhere. I I am tired of the industrial war complex getting all of our hard earned tax dollars. I have folks in Colorado who can't afford to live. We need America first policies right now and that I'm not doing that. You hear that term America first, which has broadly been understood to mean not starting new wars that are not of a national necessity and not jacking up prices and costs on people in America that they come first. That's how Boebert puts it, which is a contrast to her much beloved MAGA president, who by her standard there isn't doing the America first thing polling shows the war remains unpopular. 7% of Americans would want an escalation of boots on the ground. Iran has also hit a Saudi refinery on the Red Sea. There's fires burning in Kuwait, where two oil refineries have gone up in flames. The economic fallout is already serious. Bloomberg reports that just three weeks into the war, we have now frozen a fifth of the world's oil supply under the Trump policy. They call it a historic oil crisis. Saudi Arabia sees oil prices as high as $180 a barrel. That is a price at which the Wall Street Journal warns you would get into causing just from the energy problems, a spillover into a national recession. Longtime MAGA leader Steve Bannon saying this

Ari Melbourne (28:13)

what if you go to work but don't have a job? It was a great Seinfeld episode, but it's a lot more serious if you are a Trump prosecutor who actually can't prosecute anybody. This brings us to a courtroom clash where the DOJ is on defense. Remember Alina Haba? She was Trump's personal lawyer and then she was appointed basically a temp prosecutor. But there are actual rules and laws on how long you can just be in a temp position because you're not confirmed by the Senate. And a judge found that she went beyond those rules over the 120 day legal limit and she said she stepped down, which was another sign, as I was just discussing with Ty Cobb, that the rules can work and the line is held if people fight or it depends on who is doing the DOJ work, because there is now a suspicion by a federal judge that she might be trying to still wield authority in that office after having left a judge this week. Asking another DOJ prosecutor whether Haba is still secretly or furtively trying to carry out that job, which would be illegal. Now, the prosecutor who works for the Trump DOJ said, none that I'm aware of. The judge said, well, so she could be operating in the office going down this line of questioning. Top prosecutor also defied the judge because, as you may know, if you've ever seen a courtroom drama, you have to be admitted to speak in court. The other people in the room are merely observers, and you have a bailiff there. And if you break those rules as a anyone who's not admitted, meaning you could be in the audience, or you could just be from the government, well, you'll get kicked out. And that's what happened because this other Trump official kept trying to speak. The judge said, I will have the bailiff remove you if you don't remove yourself. Ultimately, that person left. It was quite an unusual heated clash. And there's another hearing set for May. Critics object that Haba has been a Trump loyalist, that she's not serious. And it is interesting that this judge, who is a serious person has reason to at least question whether she is now still trying to break the law. She also got the SNL treatment. My name is Alina Haba. The judge has been very unfair from the beginning, and I want to make this perfectly clear. I am new at this and I am learning. Thank you, Alina. You're great on tv. Maybe the worst lawyer I've ever had,

Ty Cobb (31:45)

So I think that. Let me go to 30,000ft a little bit on this, because what you have is the dumbing down of doj. We've Got a bunch of Trump loyalists being appointed around the country, six of whom have been disqualified by the courts, including Haba and Lindsey Halligan. And what you have is Pam Bondi, in her rabid, trashy way, as she demonstrates every time she testifies on the Hill, is just playing games with the courts. She doesn't allow the courts to appoint the U.S. attorneys when there is a vacancy, as they are allowed to do and supposed to do. And when they do appoint somebody, she immediately fires them. And then we have these leadership voids at the various offices, which is what we have in New Jersey now. And Haba has this sort of special floating role at the Department of Justice, which she's clearly unqualified for, as you point out in the Saturday Night Live skit where they talked about where Trump, the Trump impersonator, said that, you know, she may have been his worst lawyer. Well, we know that she's $83 million worse than the lawyer who first tried, who tried the first E. Jean Carroll case and only lost $5 million and she managed to lose 88. So I think there's a solid basis for that humor. But she was disqualified twice, including by the Third Circuit, first by the district court. It's clear that she's not entitled to that position, but that she visits there often. And they have this triumvirate group rather than the court appointed U.S. attorney, which they deserve. And the courts are fed up. They've issued many rulings going, who's in charge here? What's going on? And, you know, I think the judge was probably arguably a little intemperate. He may have overstepped, but his frustration is understandable for those of us who, you know, have always approached the Department of Justice with a certain reverence and always, you know, when we were in court, respected the judge and gave them honest answers. You know, that's one of the shocking things about America now, which is Judge Friedman from in D.C. in August of 19 or August of last year, you know, warned that the judge, Justice Department was on the verge of forfeiting what's called the presumption of regularity, where, where federal prosecutors are assumed to act consistent with their duties and their oaths. And he said that Trump was on the verge. Well, now, now we have, you know, we have 90 cases where courts have rejected representation.