Bill Ackman, Club World Cup & The Big Ugly Bill

This episode asks whether coaches should call out their players in public—or keep it behind closed doors. But first: gamblers are fuming over Trump’s new tax bill, the UFC might be heading to the White House, and Trump inserts himself into the Club World Cup. The NFLPA faces fresh scrutiny over conflicts of interest, and billionaire Bill Ackman draws heat for playing in a pro tennis event. Then, we dive into the growing debate over public criticism in pro sports—from Mike McDaniel to Goran Ivanisevic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ravi is out this week, so guest hosting with Jason is one of our favorite co-hosts: Stephen Webber. In addition to being one of Jason’s closest friends, Stephen is a Marine infantry veteran who served two tours in Iraq, the former chair of the Missouri Democratic Party, the current communications director for the Missouri AFL-CIO, and a Missouri State Senator representing Boone County. Jason Kander and Stephen Webber break down the fallout from the DOJ’s Epstein report as MAGA influencers implode over the Trump administration’s conclusion that Epstein died by suicide and left no “client list.” They analyze the backlash from right-wing figures like Patrick Bet-David, Mike Cernovich, and Elon Musk, Trump’s bizarre response praising Bongino and Patel. Kander and Webber also dive into Trump’s crumbling economic plan, as his 90-day tariff blitz backfires, online shopping plummets, and foreign leaders mock his erratic letters. Plus, they unpack the Trump-Musk political breakup, Elon’s third-party chaos, and what polling says about public reaction to the budget bill. This and more on the podcast that helps you, the majority of Americans who believe in progress, convince your conservative friends and family to join us—this is Majority 54! Majority 54 is a MeidasTouch Network production. Theme music provided by Kemet Coleman. Special thanks to Diana Kander. Majority 54 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/majority54 Jason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonKander Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonkander/ Ravi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviMGupta Ravi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravimgupta Ravi on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LostDebate Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Rose, filling in for Jason Kander, joins Ravi Gupta this week to break down the GOP’s reckless budget bill as Mike Johnson shamelessly spins its benefits on Fox News and Chip Roy sells voters a dangerous pack of cuts. They analyze Lisa Murkowski’s pushback to Rand Paul’s criticism, Trump’s bizarre threat to Elon Musk, and how delaying Medicaid cuts until after the midterms is a cynical ploy to fool voters. Rose and Gupta also dive into Trump’s desperate attacks on Mamdani and what his victory signals for the future of bold progressive ideas, plus they discuss CBS News settling a Trump lawsuit, and Trump’s sneaky move to shift his Des Moines Register case to a friendlier state court, all while Fox News parrots GOP talking points with zero shame. This and more on the podcast that helps you, the majority of Americans who believe in progress, convince your conservative friends and family to join us—this is Majority 54! Hiya Health: Go to https://HiyaHealth.com/MAJORITY and get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Majority 54 is a MeidasTouch Network production. Theme music provided by Kemet Coleman. Special thanks to Diana Kander. Majority 54 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/majority54 Jason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonKander Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonkander/ Ravi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviMGupta Ravi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravimgupta Ravi on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LostDebate Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re diving into the controversy around Big League Advance, the investment firm being sued by pro athletes like Fernando Tatis Jr. for predatory financial deals that may violate state law. But first, we break down Brad Pitt’s high-stakes F1 movie debut, the strange overlap between celebrity body image and sports, and how the Browns' stadium battle is splitting Ohio lawmakers. Plus: why politicians are courting athletes to run for office, and what we know about the federal gambling probe into Malik Beasley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Kander and Ravi Gupta break down the fallout from Trump’s Iran strike as new CNN reporting casts doubt on whether the targeted facility was actually destroyed. They analyze Trump’s meltdown over the report, his shifting rhetoric on negotiating with Iran, and what it reveals about his broader foreign policy failures. Kander and Gupta also dive into the NYC political shakeup after Zohran Mamdani’s surprising win, as pundits debate whether it signals a progressive resurgence or a shift in strategy. They unpack viral reactions from across the spectrum, what Mamdani’s campaign really stood for, and how it’s reshaping Democratic politics. Plus, they sit down with JD Scholten to discuss the comeback of a controversial Iowa meatpacker, the real story behind tariffs and trade in the Midwest, and the role of immigration enforcement in rural America. This and more on the podcast that helps you, the majority of Americans who believe in progress, convince your conservative friends and family to join us—this is Majority 54! Hims: Hims: Thanks to HIMS! Start your free online visit today at https://hims.com/majority for your personalized ED treatment options Fatty15: Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15 levels to help you live healthier, longer. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://fatty15.com/MAJORITY and using code MAJORITY at checkout. Majority 54 is a MeidasTouch Network production. Theme music provided by Kemet Coleman. Special thanks to Diana Kander. Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Game Within, we dig into the deeper story behind the NBA Finals—what this year’s matchup revealed about the league’s identity crisis, shifting power dynamics, and what’s coming next for the business of basketball. Before the deep dive, our Quick Five covers HBO’s Surviving Ohio State and the staggering abuse scandal it uncovers, the Dodgers turning ICE away from their stadium and sparking a DHS backlash, Juventus getting dragged into a Trump photo op, DraftKings launching a political PAC, and the Lakers setting a record with a $10 billion sale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Kander and Ravi Gupta break down the escalating tensions with Iran, as Trump signals a possible war and top Republicans like Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz call for regime change. They analyze Trump’s fiery posts threatening “unconditional surrender,” the MAGA rift sparked by isolationist voices like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson, and JD Vance’s loyal defense of Trump’s Iran policy. Kander and Gupta also dive into the fallout from the Minnesota assassination, where conspiracy theories are flying and Congress reels from the shock. Plus, they cover the “No Kings” protests versus Trump’s lackluster military parade, and what this grassroots movement means for the future of resistance. This and more on the podcast that helps you, the majority of Americans who believe in progress, convince your conservative friends and family to join us—this is Majority 54! Nutrafol: Get results you can run your fingers through! For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to https://Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code MAJORITY. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://SHOPIFY.com/majority Majority 54 is a MeidasTouch Network production. Theme music provided by Kemet Coleman. Special thanks to Diana Kander. Majority 54 is a MeidasTouch Network production. Theme music provided by Kemet Coleman. Special thanks to Diana Kander. Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caitlin Clark torches the WNBA’s best, Kevin Durant looks for another exit, and NFL front offices implode before training camp. Plus, the Department of Homeland Security is amplifying Stephen A. Smith to attack Senator Alex Padilla, and ICE is already showing up at Club World Cup matches. But in our deep dive: what happens when the U.S. government treats the World Cup like a threat? With Trump reviving travel bans and militarizing cities ahead of 2026, we unpack how isolationist policies could turn the world’s biggest sporting event into a high-security farce—and what that means for the future of global sports on American soil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Kander and Ravi Gupta break down how Trump’s reckless actions and inflammatory rhetoric sparked chaos in Los Angeles, where clashes erupted and the LAPD imposed a curfew following his decision to override Governor Newsom and deploy Marines and the National Guard. They examine how Trump’s thirst for domination politics poured fuel on an already tense situation, and analyze Governor Gavin Newsom’s state and national response. The hosts also discuss Trump’s hyper-partisan speech to soldiers at Fort Bragg and his chilling threats against demonstrators at a potential military parade. Plus, Kander and Gupta dive into Elon Musk’s sudden reversal on Trump, RFK Jr.’s dangerous shake-up of the CDC vaccine panel, and what it all means for democracy, public health, and the rule of law. This and more on the podcast that helps you, the majority of Americans who believe in progress, convince your conservative friends and family to join us—this is Majority 54! Hiya Health: Go to https://HiyaHealth.com/MAJORITY and get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Hims: Hims: Thanks to HIMS! Start your free online visit today at https://hims.com/majority for your personalized ED treatment options Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/majority54 and use code MAJORITY54 at checkout. Dupe: Go to https://Dupe.com today and find similar products for less. It’s 100% free to use. Stop wasting money on brand names and start saving with https://Dupe.com today. Majority 54 is a MeidasTouch Network production. Theme music provided by Kemet Coleman. Special thanks to Diana Kander. Majority 54 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/majority54 Jason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonKander Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonkander/ Ravi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviMGupta Ravi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravimgupta Ravi on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LostDebate Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The FBI is investigating top union officials tied to the NFLPA and MLBPA — and the fallout could reshape pro sports. In today’s deep dive, we break down the OneTeam scandal and what it means for the future of players' rights and league power. But first: is pro tennis the most brutal sport on earth? Why are NBA fans protesting the Finals? Did the Steelers just tank their season by signing Aaron Rodgers? Women are finally rising into real leadership roles in the NFL. And a landmark court ruling could force Congress to act on college sports. Let’s get into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices