Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down turmoil at the Pentagon as leadership shake-ups hit during an active conflict and new warnings emerge about control in the Strait of Hormuz.

Online, a network of AI-generated MAGA accounts is exposed, designed to fake support and drive influence ahead of the midterms.

And the DOJ targets the Southern Poverty Law Center in a controversial indictment now raising major questions about motive and evidence.

Frank Figliuzzi, former FBI counterintelligence chief, joins to break it down.

This week, we launch GTFO ICE: a rapid response network designed to stop ICE camps before they’re built.
In partnership with The Save America Movement and Project Salt Box, you’ll get real-time alerts and tools to take action in your community.
Join the network. Tell ICE Camps to GTFO!

Today on your Defiance Members Weekly Mission Briefing, we take on one of the biggest threats to democracy: election sabotage.Miles Taylor is joined by Kim Rogers of State + Local Elections Alliance, Max Flugrath of Fair Fight Action, and Representative Dan Goldman to break down what’s happening and where this fight goes next.

Then, Democracy Oprah: Defiance members direct this week’s grant to an organization actively working to stop election sabotage in the 2026 midterms. Who will it be?

Plus, real actions you can take right now. Join us in bringing talk into action!

Action Links:

* Check your voter registration to ensure you haven’t been purged here.

* Sign up to become a poll worker here or here.

* Want bragging rights? Share this week’s badge across socials to show your work in action. Find it @defiancedotorg across all platforms.

This morning, Donald Trump posted that “a whole civilization will die tonight.” With hours before his deadline, Miles and guest host Maritsa break down what comes next as Iran cuts off talks and retaliation risks spread across global energy systems. Sue Gordon and Gen. Mark Hertling assess the military and intelligence stakes. As Iran mobilizes civilians to defend infrastructure, cracks grow at home with MAGA voices starting to break ranks. UC Berkeley professor and authoritarian expert Dr. M. Steven Fish joins to put it all in context.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles Taylor and guest host Maritsa Georgiou @GroundedPcast joined by Cliff Schecter @Cliffs_Edge break down growing calls to invoke the 25th Amendment on Donald Trump and what is driving the pressure.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down a death in ICE custody now ruled a homicide, as plans for new detention centers stall and backlash grows inside Trump’s own base. At the DOJ, Pam Bondi is out and quickly erased, while her replacement signals a move to drop the Epstein files despite missing records. Scott MacFarlane and Harry Dunn join.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Trump pushing out Attorney General Pam Bondi as pressure closes in on him. At the Supreme Court, even conservative justices question his attempt to end birthright citizenship. And one year after “Liberation Day,” Trump’s tariffs leave higher prices, fewer jobs, and billions owed back. Alexa Speed of Cut Off the Spigot joins to show how consumers can push back.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, a court slams Trump’s immigration crackdown as states move to block new ICE sites. New reporting raises corruption questions around defense investments ahead of the Iran war, while a military incident leads to suspensions. And Trump tells allies to take over the fight in Iran as they respond by shutting him out.
Ken Harbaugh, Navy veteran of VALOR Media Network joins us to discuss where we stand with our allies, and his new documentary, “The Drone Hunters of Kherson.” Then finally, Who’s Joining the Defiance shows how spreadsheet fans can bring accountability to Trump.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander track Trump’s threat to hit Iran’s energy and water systems as his own team splits on strategy. Iran keeps control of the Strait of Hormuz and is now making more money off oil than before the war. Meanwhile, Russian oil moves into Cuba with no pushback. Back home, new polling and a CPAC moment show the first real cracks inside Trump’s base. Lev Parnas joins to pull back the curtain on what he’s seeing from inside Trump’s orbit

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down how Republicans blocked their own DHS deal, extending the shutdown as TSA workers go unpaid. As the Iran conflict disrupts global shipping, fertilizer prices spike and put food supply at risk. And we debut MAGA L’s of the Week, highlighting the biggest cracks inside Trump’s coalition. Iowa Senate candidate Zach Wahls joins to connect the impact on farmers and voters.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down suspicious market trades ahead of Trump’s Iran decisions, raising new questions about who may be profiting from the war. As pressure spreads to Ukraine, the U.S. weighs redirecting weapons and pushing territorial concessions. And online, meme warfare and shifting signals from the White House blur what’s real. National security expert Dan Prieto joins to break it down.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles Taylor and Xander Schultz lead this week’s mission: First Amendment in Action.

Indivisible co-founder Leah Greenberg and Committee for the First Amendment co-chair Rashad Robinson break down NO KINGS III and what it demands next.

Then, grantee spotlight Flare USA gives you clear actions you can take now to defend your rights and make your voice count.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down a growing fight over the 2026 elections as states push back on Trump’s efforts to reshape the map.

At the same time, cracks inside MAGA deepen as top voices begin to admit they were wrong and voters start to follow.

And on Iran, Trump claims a deal is coming, but talks fall apart, JD Vance cancels his trip, and his own team scrambles to contain the fallout.
Founder and CEO of Independent Veterans of America, and host of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff joins.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Trump attacking mail-in voting while casting his own ballot, as a Supreme Court case threatens how those votes are counted. In Minnesota, prosecutors sue the federal government over ICE-related shootings and blocked evidence. And at the Pentagon, officials move to restrict press access after losing a First Amendment case. Voting rights expert Max Flugrath of Fair Fight Action joins to explain what’s at stake.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down how Trump’s rejection of a DHS funding deal is now hitting airports across the country, with ICE agents deployed as TSA staffing collapses. Plus, Ms. Rachel speaks out after interviewing detained children, and the White House shifts its stance on Iran as sanctions ease and threats stall. Former energy official David Sandalow joins to explain how Trump’s lift on Iran oil complicates his stance.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down the Trump administration’s immigration “rebrand” as enforcement expands behind the scenes, new reporting on ships paying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and how AI-generated propaganda is shaping the war narrative online. Author and journalist Ellie Leonard joins to unpack what this means for media and democracy and the power of citizen journalism.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Trump’s expanding “grand conspiracy” probe targeting James Comey and other officials, with more than 130 subpoenas issued. The war with Iran escalates as new developments challenge the administration’s claims and drive costs higher at home. And intelligence officials struggle to defend the case for war under pressure on Capitol Hill. NIH whistleblower Jenna Norton joins to discuss a new effort targeting OMB Director Russell Vought and what federal workers are seeing inside the government. Please visit impeachvought.com to join the campaign!

This week’s DEFIANCE Mission Briefing launches a new campaign to stop the expansion of ICE detention facilities nationwide. We’re partnering with Steve Schmidt of the Save America Movement and journalist Martisa Georgiou to block new sites and expose federal overreach. Author and authoritarianism expert Jason Stanley joins to ground this moment in history and break down what it takes to fight back.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down the Senate fight over the SAVE Act as Republicans push a bill they don’t have the votes to pass. A nationwide blackout in Cuba deepens as Trump talks about “taking” the country. And a top U.S. counterterrorism official resigns over the Iran war as allies refuse to back the operation. Former national security official Olivia Troye joins to break down what’s happening inside the system and if more defectors are to come!

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Trump’s threats to prosecute news organizations over Iran war coverage and new warnings from the FCC about broadcast licenses. U.S. allies refuse Trump’s call to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz as the conflict widens with drone attacks in the UAE and a major cyberattack hitting a U.S. company. Former FBI Special Agent Asha Rangappa joins the show to unpack the national security risks.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down new reporting showing FEMA responders were left without critical tornado tracking data during deadly Midwest storms. A federal judge blocks a Justice Department investigation targeting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling it political pressure over interest rates. And the war with Iran expands as U.S. casualties rise and the Pentagon deploys more forces. Defense correspondent Barbara Starr joins the show to unpack the latest.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down a developing attack at Temple Israel in Michigan as authorities investigate possible connections to rising tensions with Iran. As Tehran vows retaliation and intelligence warnings circulate inside the U.S., new questions emerge about national security preparedness. And while the country faces growing external threats, the Trump administration continues probing election records and advancing controversial voting legislation. Max Flugrath joins the show to discuss the fight over voting rights and what it means for the next election cycle.

Today on the DEFIANCE Mission Briefing, Miles and Xander highlight a surprising Democratic win forcing a runoff in Georgia’s 14th district before diving into this week’s mission: mobilizing independent veterans. Joined by Sue Gordon and Frank Figliuzzi, Defiance digs in as Trump sends mixed signals about the war with Iran, lifts pressure on Russia to stabilize oil markets, and the Pentagon weakens civilian casualty oversight, the stakes for American leadership are growing.
Paul Rieckhoff joins to launch a new effort with DEFIANCE to organize veterans and push for No More Forever Wars, giving members real actions to take this week.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles Taylor and Xander Schultz break down explosive new reporting on FBI Director Kash Patel, including allegations of erratic behavior and his threat to file a $250 million lawsuit.

We also track rising tensions in the Iran conflict as Trump is reportedly sidelined during key military decisions.

Plus, economist Wesley Yin joins to break down the real impact of tariff reimbursements—and why consumers are being left behind.

Dispatches for the Defiant. Live at 5 PM ET.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander push through technical difficulties to bring you the latest reporting linking a U.S. Tomahawk missile to the deadly strike on a school in Minab, Iran. They also break down Trump’s push to expand the SAVE Act ahead of the midterms and new lawsuits over possible federal involvement at polling places. Plus, billions in Pentagon end-of-year spending and thousands of unusable ICE vehicles raise new questions about government waste. Simon Rosenberg joins to offer key insight on how Democrats can rise to the occasion in 2026.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down the Trump administration’s push for Maricopa County election records, raising fears of federal meddling ahead of the 2026 midterms. As the Iran war drives oil higher, rising gas prices are putting pressure on the White House. And Fox News scrambles after trying to shield Trump during coverage of a solemn transfer for fallen U.S. service members. Terry Moran joins the show.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Kristi Noem’s sudden exit from DHS after clashing with the White House over a massive taxpayer-funded ad campaign. As the war with Iran drives oil higher, reports show Chief of Staff Susie Wiles scrambling for ways to bring down gas prices. And chaos during the Texas primaries raises new warnings that voter suppression tactics could be a preview of the 2026 midterms. Baratunde Thurston joins the show to offer a path of light for 2026 (and maybe a bit of stand up comedy).

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander ask whether Trump’s war with Iran just triggered an oil shock that could rattle the global economy, why the White House still can’t give a straight answer on the mission, and whether personal grievances are driving foreign policy. As markets swing and the Strait of Hormuz sits on edge, JoJo from Jerz joins to break it down. PLUS, Kurt Bardella reports on the ground at the Texas Senate Primaries.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down the rapidly escalating war with Iran as U.S. casualties rise, oil prices spike, and the Strait of Hormuz closes. With shifting explanations from the White House and no clear objective, questions mount about the purpose and cost of this conflict. Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Russell “Jolly Good Ginger” Ellis joins to explain why this war is the last thing America needs — and what history teaches us about how these decisions spiral.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Anthropic refusing Pentagon pressure over expanded military use of its AI tools, even as the administration signals retaliation. Then, new fallout for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as a resurfaced Epstein island photo raises bipartisan questions about what was pulled from public view. Finally, an emerging election memo suggests Trump allies are exploring emergency powers that could test constitutional limits ahead of the midterms.
Ben Sheehan joins to unpack what’s real, what’s dangerous, and what the Constitution actually allows.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles breaks down why the GOP is sweating. The DOJ is reviewing whether explosive Epstein-related FBI interviews were improperly withheld, Hillary Clinton goes on offense and dares Republicans to put Trump under oath, and Texas primaries expose MAGA infighting that could flip a safe red seat. Plus, former GOP Congressman Joe Walsh joins to weigh in on the fallout of his former party!

Today on DEFIANCE Weekly Mission Briefing, Xander and Miles focus on one urgent question: What can you do to protect the ballot in 2026? As Trump pushes the SAVE Act, attacks mail-in voting, and revives 2020 election lies, we break down what’s real, what’s political theater, and where the true threats lie. Former Congressman Denver Riggleman, Black Voters Matter’s Cliff Albright, Faith in Action’s Bishop Dwayne Royster, FL-27 candidate Robin Peguero, and Kim Rogers of the State + Local Election Alliance join us with concrete steps to defend election workers, fight disinformation, and protect local races before they’re decided by a handful of votes.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles breaks down Stephen Colbert openly defying FCC pressure after CBS lawyers blocked his interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico — then told him not to talk about it. He did anyway.

Kurt Bardella joins to discuss his new Substack, The Watchdog Report, and how he plans to track the politicians, media executives, and corporate leaders who bow to Trump and abuse power — building a public record of who stood up and who folded.

Then: while Target and Walmart retreat from DEI, Costco stands firm — and wins big.

And finally, we honor the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson with Pastor Mike McBride of Black Church PAC — and what his model of defiance demands from us now

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles Taylor and Xander Schultz examine whether the Trump administration’s announced pullback in Minnesota is a genuine retreat or a tactical reset as Senate Democrats block DHS funding over accountability demands. They break down mounting pressure over the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, a growing Republican revolt against Trump, and Attorney General Pam Bondi facing backlash from both sides over the handling of the Epstein files. Former White House attorney Ty Cobb joins

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Hennepin County DA Mary Moriarty joins us with one thing to say to ICE officers: FAFO.
We also break down the latest FISA vote with Olivia Troye and what it means for surveillance and civil liberties.
Plus, MAGA’s Losses of the Week — and the Sole-Mate Award, calling out Trump’s most loyal defenders. Who will it be this week?
Dispatches for the Defiant. Live at 5 PM ET.

Today on Defiance Daily’s Weekly Mission Briefing, Miles and Xander focus on one urgent question: how do we organize the youth for 2026? They’re joined by Amanda Litman of Run for Something, Aru Shiney Ajay of Sunrise Movement, and Adam Mockler of MeidasTouch to break down how young voters engage with politics, how media and on-the-ground movements motivate them, and what it will take to turn energy into turnout. Then David Hogg of Leaders We Deserve and Santiago Mayer of Voters of Tomorrow share how their organizations are building real youth power — and what Defiance members can do right now to help fuel it.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles Taylor and Xander Schultz break down a growing web of conspiracies driving the Trump administration’s abuse of power. They examine new court filings tying the Fulton County ballot raid directly to a former Trump campaign lawyer, the explosive fallout from partially unredacted Epstein files and bipartisan calls for accountability, and a tense Capitol Hill hearing where immigration chiefs openly admitted mass deportations are the mandate. Veteran journalist and historian Sidney Blumenthal joins the show to tells us why there is still so much more to be discovered.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles Taylor and Xander Schultz cover a rough stretch for Trump and MAGA as Democrats notch more surprise special election wins, Trump publicly claims ownership of the economy, and Turning Point USA’s Super Bowl counter-programming fizzles next to a cultural moment driven by Bad Bunny. They’re joined by Raul Pacheco of Ozomatli, Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath, and arts organizer Scott Goldstein to talk about music, culture, and why artists speaking out still matters when politics fails.

On DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander are joined by Scott Galloway to lay out a Big Tech boycott and the RESIST AND UNSUBSCRIBE movement. The show also confronts Trump’s racist post and the White House’s shifting excuses. Mayor Mondale Robinson of the Black Male Voter Project joins to explain why none of this is surprising, how deep disenfranchisement ran in 2024, and what Democrats still fail to understand about earning Black male voters back.

On DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Tulsi Gabbard’s shifting explanations around federal involvement in Georgia’s voting systems, new reporting on Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit and who would really pay for it, and the release of a 10-year-old Minnesota girl from ICE detention after a month in custody. Plus, a moment of cultural defiance as wrestling fans take a stand on a national stage.

On DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Trump’s call to nationalize voting and the rapid Republican walk-back, new video and body-cam footage from a chaotic federal raid on Georgia’s largest voting center, and fresh election results showing Democrats on the rise. Joined by Allison Gill to unpack what’s changing, what’s being exposed, and why momentum matters right now.

On DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Trump missing his self-imposed deadline to punish states over immigration, new reporting on the Justice Department’s attempted revenge reboot, and why artists used the Grammys to push back publicly. Joined by Michael Skolnik on how culture and celebrity shape moments of resistance.

On this week’s mission briefing, Miles and Xander focus in on mobilizing citizens across America. Joined by Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin, Sunrise Movement executive director Aru Shiney, and narrative strategist Jiggy Geronimo on how members are helping mobilize the country against federal overreach. Plus, a HUGE announcement in partnership with DA Larry Krasner on how to hold federal agents accountable.

On DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander examine new reporting raising serious questions about the death of Alex Pretti, internal shakeups inside federal immigration agencies, and growing concerns about how ICE tracks and treats legal observers. Joined by Patrick Skinner, a former CIA operations officer and current police detective, to break down what proper law enforcement standards look like and where federal agencies appear to be crossing dangerous lines.

On DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander reflect on the killing of Alex Pretti during a Minneapolis federal operation and the constitutional questions it raises, including Second Amendment and legal-observer rights. They break down how the White House has shifted its narrative around the incident and what this means for trust in government. Joined by Joan Blades of MoveOn.org and John Wood Jr. of Braver Angels to discuss how Americans can respond across divisions.

Today on DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Tulsi Gabbard going after a whistleblower as pressure builds inside Trump’s intelligence apparatus.On Capitol Hill, RFK Jr. faces a brutal week of hearings as lawmakers from both parties press him on health cuts, vaccines, and broken promises.And in Las Vegas, Trump sells an economic comeback story to voters — even as rising prices, energy costs, and real-world data tell a very different story.

On DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Jack Smith’s defiant testimony, JD Vance’s failed damage control in Minneapolis, and new evidence exposing a manipulated White House photo. They’re joined by Whistleblower Aid’s Naomi Seligman and David Kligerman to explain how ICE whistleblowers exposed secret training instructing agents to enter homes without judicial warrants.

This DEFIANCE Weekly Mission Briefing focuses on how new media is breaking Trump’s grip on the narrative as we head toward 2026. We lay out real, concrete actions members can take to counter disinformation, reach persuadable voters, and help flip key states.
Joined by award winning journalist Jessica Yellin, veteran White House reporter Brian Karem, and acclaimed media organizer Julian Walker. Organization spotlight Courier News delivers real actions for the future of media. Plus a very special DEFIANCE announcement. 🐸

On DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander assess Trump one year in as his press conference backfires, Bondi escalates against Minnesota, and students walk out nationwide. Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner joins to explain how prosecutors can push back when federal power crosses the line.

On DEFIANCE Daily, Miles and Xander break down Trump’s refusal to rule out military action against a NATO ally, threatening extreme powers at home, and quietly stashing seized foreign oil money overseas. The show also examines the internal backlash at CBS over parroting DHS talking points and why Americans nationwide are preparing to walk out on January 20. Joined by lawyer and writer Matthew Wollin.