Today, Explained: "Trump's Other Big Breakup"
Episode Release Date: June 10, 2025
Hosts: Sean Rameswaram and Noel King
Network: Vox Media Podcast Network
1. Introduction: Trump's Rift Beyond Elon
The episode opens with Sean Ramses highlighting the ongoing public focus on Donald Trump and Elon Musk's breakup [00:00]. However, the discussion swiftly shifts to a more profound separation: Trump's strained relationship with the Federalist Society, colloquially known as FedSoc [00:05].
2. Trump's Breakup with the Federalist Society
Andy Kroll delves into the complexities of this split, emphasizing that Trump's disillusionment stems from FedSoc's influence over judicial appointments. He recounts his initial reliance on FedSoc for recommending judges, only to later perceive them as being controlled by Leonard Leo, whom he labels a "sleazebag" [00:24–00:36]. Kroll argues that Leo's maneuvering threatens presidential authority, asserting, “If allowed to stand, this would completely destroy presidential power” [00:36].
Notable Quote:
“The President of the United States must be allowed to protect America against those that are doing it economic and financial harm.”
— Andy Kroll [00:45]
3. Judicial Appointments and the Conservative Legal Movement
Kroll provides a historical perspective on FedSoc’s role in shaping the judiciary, noting that Trump had previously relied heavily on FedSoc-backed judges. He points out that despite numerous appointments, FedSoc judges have not supported Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, ruling against him approximately 72% of the time [03:54].
Notable Quote:
“Conservative legal movement is not what it was then. It is fractured in many of the same ways that the political, the elected Republican world has fractured.”
— Andy Kroll [11:50]
4. The Supreme Court's Rejection of Trump's Election Lawsuit
The episode highlights a significant judicial event where the Supreme Court dismissed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's lawsuit aimed at overturning Joe Biden’s election victory [04:17–04:33]. This decision exacerbates the rift between Trump and FedSoc, as it underscores the judiciary's independence from political pressures.
5. Leonard Leo’s Expanding Influence into Entertainment
Transitioning from politics to culture, the hosts discuss Leonard Leo's latest endeavors funded by a substantial fortune of $1.6 billion inherited from Barry Seide, a "power strip magnate" [17:53]. Leo is channeling these funds into the entertainment industry to reshape American culture through media projects like the Amazon Prime series "House of David," a remake of "Dr. Dolittle," and the movie "Pinball" [20:12–22:50].
Notable Quote:
“Politics is downstream from culture and that you can win all the elections you want. You can change the Supreme Court. You can start and grow a whole political movement, if you will, talking about the MAGA movement. But if you don't have a cultural influence, you're always losing the war.”
— David French [25:16]
6. The Strategic Shift: From Judicial to Cultural Influence
David French underscores Leo's strategic pivot from solely influencing the judiciary to embedding conservative values within popular culture. By funding mainstream entertainment, Leo aims to create a lasting cultural impact that aligns with conservative principles, recognizing that political victories alone are insufficient without cultural dominance [24:25–25:16].
7. Implications for Future Judicial Appointments
Kroll speculates on the long-term effects of Trump's fallout with FedSoc on future judicial nominations. He suggests that Trump may increasingly favor MAGA-aligned lawyers over traditional conservative judges, potentially leading to fractures within the Republican-appointed judiciary [10:12–12:07]. This shift could influence retirement decisions among senior judges, as some may resist being replaced by more ideologically extreme appointees [11:50].
8. Conclusion: A Fractured Alliance
The episode concludes by reflecting on the deepening divide between Trump and the Federalist Society, highlighting the broader implications for the conservative movement and its institutional structures. The rift signifies a pivotal moment in the interplay between politics and the judiciary, with lasting repercussions for America's legal and cultural landscapes [27:01–27:42].
Key Takeaways:
- Trump’s Disillusionment with FedSoc: Initially relied on FedSoc for judicial recommendations, but grew resentful due to perceived overreach and lack of support in critical judicial decisions.
- Leonard Leo’s Influence: A central figure in FedSoc, Leo is now targeting cultural spheres like the entertainment industry to expand conservative influence.
- Judicial Independence: Despite numerous FedSoc-backed appointments, the judiciary has frequently ruled against Trump, undermining his strategies to reshape the legal landscape.
- Shift to Cultural Dominance: Leo's new ventures indicate a strategic move to embed conservative values within popular culture, recognizing the limitations of political maneuvers alone.
Notable Quotes:
- “The President of the United States must be allowed to protect America against those that are doing it economic and financial harm.” — Andy Kroll [00:45]
- “Politics is downstream from culture...” — David French [25:16]
- “Conservative legal movement is not what it was then...” — Andy Kroll [11:50]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from the "Today's Explained" episode on Trump's significant breakup with the Federalist Society and the broader implications for American politics and culture.