1/20/26 11AM: Who’s Really Running the White House?

In the final hour, Sherwin examines the states Donald Trump carried in the election and reflects on how his knowledge of history makes watching current events more troubling. He argues that Trump is highly manipulable and surrounded by people who rarely tell him “no,” suggesting that figures like Stephen Miller may be driving decisions behind the scenes—raising concerns that someone more dangerous than Trump himself is shaping policy. The discussion heats up when Brian calls in, prompting Sherwin to jokingly revoke his “Black card.” Melisande follows up in the next segment, calling in to respond to Brian’s comments and add her perspective to the conversation. Later, Sherwin lightens the mood by playfully messing with callers trying to win the Gruber Entry of the Day, before returning to politics and breaking down Trump’s first year of a second term. He warns listeners that the federal government is on track for another shutdown on January 30th. The hour wraps with a look at Trump’s approval ratings and a broader question about political power: why major U.S. cities are overwhelmingly run by Democrats, with few—if any—Republicans leading big urban centers.