In a recent episode of the liberal podcast "I've Had It," co-hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie "Pumps" Sullivan expressed deep apprehension about the political landscape following President Donald Trump's second term, warning that a more calculated and ideologically driven conservative figure could emerge to eclipse his influence. The discussion, aired on Friday, highlighted their view that while they have long criticized Trump, the real danger lies in what they described as a potentially "diabolical" successor who might be younger, sharper, and more committed to advancing a hardline agenda.
The podcast, known for its sharp commentary on politics and culture from a progressive perspective, has gained a following for its unfiltered takes on current events. Welch and Sullivan, both outspoken critics of the Trump administration, delved into the perceived shortcomings of Trump's presidency during the episode. They pointed to several unfulfilled campaign promises, including the handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the lack of large-scale deportations, and the avoidance of new conflicts in the Middle East. According to the hosts, these discrepancies have fueled ongoing debates about whether Trump has delivered on his 2024 campaign pledges.
"Trump is no spring chicken, and he’s a lame duck," Welch said, emphasizing the need to look beyond the current president. She reflected on her own evolving political views amid what she called a barrage of "devastating, violent" daily news. "That's why I'm so open-minded and analytical about my own political beliefs and the errors of my own ways," Welch added. "And I constantly want to be an evolving political thinker in this time, because the news is coming at us fast and in a devastating, violent way, daily. And I think that it is a time to lock in more than recede."
Sullivan echoed her co-host's sentiments, expressing worry about the type of leader who might follow Trump. She characterized Trump as "dumb" and uninterested in policy or people, driven instead by personal gain and fame. "He just wants to make money and be on the, you know – he just wants to have his face everywhere," Sullivan said. "What comes after him? They might be smarter. They might be even more diabolical and care about it like a Stephen Miller as the actual man in power."
The hosts' concerns extended to the broader implications for younger generations accustomed to Trump's bombastic style. Sullivan questioned the expectations shaped by years of political theatrics and falsehoods. "Then I worry about the youth, the people that so used to Trump's theatrics and the lying. Like, what [are] their expectations of a politician?" she asked. Welch agreed, suggesting that the current environment could "incubate something worse."
As an example, Welch pointed to Vice President JD Vance, whom she described as fitting the profile of a more menacing figure. "There is something worse than Trump, and it's younger, and like you said, it's more diabolical," she stated. Vance, a former senator from Ohio who rose to prominence through his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" and alignment with Trump's MAGA movement, has been a key ally in the administration. His selection as vice president in 2024 was seen by many as a nod to the party's populist base.
The podcast episode comes amid heightened scrutiny of Trump's second term, which began in January 2025 after his victory over Democratic incumbent Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Trump's return to the White House has reignited debates over immigration, foreign policy, and accountability for past administrations. Notably, the hosts referenced their own past criticisms of Democratic leaders for not prosecuting Republican predecessors, a theme that has recurred in progressive circles.
Interestingly, the article covering the podcast on Fox News Digital noted that Welch and Sullivan have been credited by some with inadvertently aiding Trump's 2024 win through their vocal opposition, though the hosts themselves frame their commentary as a call for vigilance. This paradox underscores the polarized media environment, where even sharp critiques can amplify certain narratives.
Stephen Miller, whom Sullivan invoked as a potential archetype for a future leader, has long been a controversial figure in conservative politics. As a senior advisor in Trump's first term, Miller was instrumental in shaping hardline immigration policies, including the family separation measures at the border. Now serving in a similar capacity in the second administration, Miller's influence remains a flashpoint for critics who view him as emblematic of the ideological fervor the podcasters fear.
The discussion on "I've Had It" also touched on recent controversies within the MAGA movement, such as Trump's support for the H-1B visa program, which has exposed divisions among his supporters. This backing, reported in late 2024, drew backlash from some nativist factions who saw it as a betrayal of anti-immigration stances. While not directly addressed in the podcast, it provides context for the hosts' broader anxieties about the movement's trajectory.
Fox News Digital, which reported on the podcast episode, reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive an immediate response. This silence aligns with the administration's occasional reticence on media critiques from the left. Meanwhile, the podcast itself, available on platforms like YouTube, continues to draw listeners interested in insider takes on political dysfunction.
Looking ahead, Welch and Sullivan's warnings highlight a growing unease among progressives about the sustainability of Trump's appeal. With Trump now 78 years old and serving what is likely his final term due to age and term limits, speculation about Republican leadership post-2028 has intensified. Figures like Vance, at 40, represent a generational shift that could blend Trump's populism with more disciplined execution.
The podcasters' episode arrives against a backdrop of other left-leaning media pushing narratives critical of the administration. For instance, some popular hosts have floated unverified theories, such as claims that Trump staged an assassination attempt on himself in 2024—a notion dismissed by officials but illustrative of the heated rhetoric. Welch and Sullivan, however, focused more on policy and succession than conspiracy.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the concerns raised by "I've Had It" could resonate in Democratic strategizing. Analysts note that framing the GOP's future as more extreme might galvanize voters wary of unchecked conservatism. Yet, Trump supporters counter that his administration's achievements, like economic policies and judicial appointments, outweigh criticisms of unfulfilled promises.
In the end, the podcast serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of American politics, where today's figurehead can quickly give way to tomorrow's enforcer. Whether a "diabolical" successor materializes remains to be seen, but Welch and Sullivan's call for analytical evolution underscores the stakes in an era of rapid change.