Unpacking the news that's consuming Trump and his inner circle, host Hugo Lowell -- once kicked off Trump's plane for reporting that displeased the former president -- draws on his deep sourcing and special guests to be your guide each week to the Trump administration. Playing off one of Trump's trademark insults for his enemies, Highly Conflicted offers an informed view on the state of Trumpworld, with the informal vibe of FaceTiming your best friend.
Hugo Lowell is joined by Teddy Schleifer from the New York Times to discuss Elon Musk's influence on the federal government through his initiative, Doge. The conversation explores Musk's core political team, his motivations for engaging with government agencies, the challenges faced by Doge, and the future plans for agency engagement. Schleifer provides insights into the structure of Musk's team, the dynamics of his political influence, and the implications of his actions within the public sector.
28 Jan 2025
18: Trump's Return To DC
Hugo Lowell and Susan Glasser discuss the significant changes and challenges in Trump's second term as president. They explore the implications of his executive orders, the firing of inspectors general, the controversial stance on birthright citizenship, and the politicization of the Justice Department. The discussion highlights Trump's approach to governance, his relationship with various agencies, and the potential consequences of his actions on the political landscape.
To lightin the mood a little Andrew Zucker discusses the vibrant new dining scene in Washington DC, highlighting several notable restaurants that have recently opened. He shares insights on how the political landscape influences dining choices and the popularity of certain establishments among political figures. The conversation covers various restaurants, including Pastis, Minetta Tavern, Osteria Mozza, Ned's Club, and Cafe Fiorello, emphasizing their unique offerings and the cultural significance they hold in the current political climate.
18 Jan 2025
17: The Truth About Pam Bondi with Dave Aronberg
Hugo is joined this week by Dave Aronberg .The conversation delves into the implications of Pam Bondi's potential role as Attorney General, her confirmation hearing, and her past work on the opioid crisis. The discussion highlights the influence of Trump on her nomination, the dynamics with Cash Patel, and the challenges she may face in maintaining the integrity of the Justice Department while navigating political pressures. Insights into her professional history and media presence are also explored, providing a comprehensive view of her capabilities and potential actions in office.
11 Jan 2025
16: Trump trial ends in a whimper with Katie Phang
Katie Phang and Hugo Lowell delve into the complexities surrounding the special counsel's report, the jurisdictional issues raised by Judge Cannon, and the implications of the DOJ's strategies in the ongoing legal battles involving Trump and his associates. They discuss the potential release of the report, the role of redactions, and the broader political ramifications of the legal proceedings. The conversation also touches on the recent sentencing of Trump and the perceived lack of consequences, highlighting the challenges of achieving justice in high-profile cases.
27 Dec 2024
15: Curbing Trump with Rep. Jamie Raskin
Congressman Jamie Raskin discusses the implications of the January 6th Committee's findings and the potential for political retribution under a Trump administration. He emphasizes the importance of congressional oversight and the independence of the Department of Justice, particularly in light of Trump's past actions and rhetoric. Raskin defends Liz Cheney against accusations of misconduct and highlights the critical role of the Speech and Debate Clause in protecting legislative functions.
12 Dec 2024
14: Will The FBI Survive Trump with Frank Figliuzzi
FBI Director nominee Kash Patel's partisan background sparks concerns about potential power abuses, as discussed by Hugo Lowell and Frank Figliuzzi, highlighting the importance of checks and balances within the FBI.
9 Dec 2024
13: The Fall Of Damascus with Patricia Zengerle
US foreign policy expert Patricia Zengerle and host Hugo Lowell dissect the complexities of US involvement in Syria, shedding light on the evolving political dynamics and potential consequences for US-Russia relations.
27 Nov 2024
12: Why Trump Is A national Security Risk with Olivia Troye
Former national security insider Olivia Troye reveals how Trump's leadership compromises counterterrorism efforts and intelligence reporting, threatening national security.
26 Nov 2024
11: Jack Smith’s Cases Dismissed with Tim Parlatore
Hugo Lowell and Tim Parlatore dissect the dismissal of Trump cases, analyzing prosecutorial conduct and the implications for the Justice Department's future.
2 Nov 2024
10: The Inside Scoop From Trump World with Katie Phang
Hugo Lowell and Katie Phang discuss Trump’s recent rally, celebrity endorsements, and early voting. They analyze media coverage, political outrage, and Biden’s gaffes. Predicting election night and Trump’s strategies, they delve into Trump’s campaign legal landscape, including Georgia’s Supreme Court decisions, Bannon’s influence, and potential legal challenges. They also discuss presidential immunity, women’s voting behavior, and election night expectations, reflecting the shifting political landscape and women’s crucial role in shaping the outcome.
26 Oct 2024
9: If Trump Wins, It Won’t Be Because Of Elon Musk
In this episode of Highly Conflicted, host Hugo Lowell discuss the latest comments from Donald Trump regarding Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, labeling them as enemies from within. Hugo analyzes Trump's controversial statements about wanting generals like Hitler's and his intention to fire special counsel Jack Smith.
Shifting to the Trump campaign's strategy, focusing on voter turnout and the challenges faced by America PAC in their ground game efforts. As the election approaches, Hugo highlight Trump's emphasis on immigration as a key message in his final rallies, while also considering the implications of early voting trends among Republicans.
19 Oct 2024
8: How Elon Musk Is Trying to Buy The Election
In this episode of Highly Conflicted, hosts Hugo Lowell and Katie Phang discuss the significant influence of Elon Musk on Donald Trump's campaign, particularly focusing on Musk's financial contributions and political ambitions. They explore the implications of campaign funding strategies, the emoluments clause violations associated with Trump's business practices, and the challenges faced by undecided voters. The conversation also delves into the role of billionaire donors in shaping political landscapes and Musk's potential data harvesting efforts to bolster his political influence.
12 Oct 2024
7: Is Trump Desperate For Good News ?
In this episode of Highly Conflicted, Hugo Lowell discusses the current state of Trump's presidential campaign as it enters the final stretch before the election. He highlights the challenges faced by Trump, including accusations of cozying up to Putin and the impact of Kamala Harris's media presence. The internal dynamics of Trump's campaign are explored, particularly the roles of key advisors and the strategies being employed to minimize distractions. The conversation also touches on the implications of Trump's foreign relations and the potential national security concerns that may arise from his actions. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the political landscape as the election approaches.
5 Oct 2024
6: Why Trump Loves Fake Endorsements with Katie Phang
Hugo Lowell is joined this week by Katie Phang, they delve into the implications of January 6th on Trump's current political landscape. They discuss Jack Smith's filing regarding Trump's actions and the role of Mike Pence, the legal ramifications of Trump's behavior, and the ongoing fake electors scheme. The conversation also touches on the political fallout from recent debates and Trump's lack of endorsements, particularly among youth voters. The episode highlights the intersection of law and politics as Trump navigates the final stretch of the presidential race.
28 Sept 2024
5: What Elon Really Wants From Trump
Hugo Lowell discusses the current state of Trump's campaign, focusing on his debate strategies, personal grievances, and the critical role of Pennsylvania in the upcoming election. The conversation also highlights the influence of Elon Musk and his America PAC in Trump's ground game and how Trump is preoccupied with various micro dramas rather than his campaign.
20 Sept 2024
4: Trump's Terrible Ground Game
In this episode of Highly Conflicted, Hugo Lowell discusses the Trump campaign's strategies as they approach the 2024 election. The conversation focuses on the challenges faced in battleground states, particularly regarding the ground game and local news strategies. Additionally, the role of far-right figure Laura Loomer is explored, highlighting her influence and connection to Trump despite not being a formal part of the campaign.
More from Hugo Lowell: The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/hugo-lowell) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@highlyconflictedwithhugolowell) | Twitter (https://x.com/hugolowell)
16 Sept 2024
3: Spilling The Tea On the Debate Disaster
Hugo Lowell discusses the aftermath of the recent debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, highlighting the Trump campaign's internal struggles and the implications for their ground game strategy as the election approaches. Hugo delves into Trump's debate performance, the campaign's lack of a solid ground game, and the psychological state of Trump as he faces mounting pressure.
10 Sept 2024
2: Will Trump Be Sentenced to Jail
Hugo Lowell and Katie Phang discuss various topics related to the Trump legal cases. They cover the Manhattan DA's case, the DC case, and the actions of Trump's legal team. They also touch on the delay in sentencing, the possibility of jail time, and the strategies employed by Trump's lawyers. Overall, they provide insights into the legal challenges faced by Trump and the implications for his presidency.
Hugo & Katie also discuss the recent legal developments surrounding Donald Trump and his legal team. They analyze the wins and losses Trump has experienced in various cases and speculate on the future of his legal team. Also delving into the upcoming presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Trump, discussing the potential weaknesses and strategies of both candidates. Emphasizing the importance of authenticity and genuine engagement in the debate.
8 Sept 2024
1: Highly Conflicted Trailer
Highly Conflicted Trailer with Hugo Lowell & Katie Phang
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
64,036,046
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
30 ratings
Spotify
3.6 / 5
11 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
56
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
51
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