The Asset

1,766
Government #129

In 2016, Donald Trump conspired with a foreign government to become President of the United States. On July 25, 2019, with the 2020 election around the corner, he decided to do it again.

The first time around, it was collusion, aiding and abetting Russia’s attack on American democracy. The second time, it was extortion, demanding the Ukrainian government manufacture dirt on Trump’s political opponents in exchange for help the country needs to fend off a Russian invasion and chart a democratic future free of Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin.  

To make sense of these recent events that have rocked American politics and led to very real concerns that the President of the United States may be a Russian asset, we need to dig a little deeper. 

In Season 1, The Asset dives into Trump’s decades-long history with Russia, from his extensive business dealings with Russian oligarchs to his presidential campaign and the investigations that have sent some of his closest associates to prison.

In Season 2, The Asset explores the backstory to Trump’s infamous phone call with the newly-elected Ukrainian President, where he demanded an investigation into a political opponent and set off a series of events leading to the impeachment inquiry.

Hosted by Max Bergmann, a senior fellow and director of the Moscow Project at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, and featuring expert guests, The Asset will put together the pieces of Trump’s relationship with Russia and Ukrainian extortion campaign.

The Asset is a partnership between the Center for American Progress Action Fund, District Productive, and Protect the Investigation. It is produced by Paul Woodhull, a 20-year veteran media executive and president of Build Better Media, and Peter Ogburn, the executive producer of the Bill Press Show.


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Recent Reviews
  • Ddohaup24
    Junk
    Yup… and the vaccine prevents covid too. Drivel, baseless fluff for those who are incapable of independent thought.
  • Hoekema99
    A great listen.
    Well done and a great starting place for anyone who wants to learn the truth. The Senate report is a long 1000 pages. It’s worth the read. Also if you are feeling down after listening to this do read the 1 star reviews of this podcast. They are top drawer hilarious.
  • Hotdawgz
    Yes
    The 2016 election was proven to be rigged, thank you
  • NYC7949
    Connecting the Dots
    Amazing research. Will also make an amazing documentary. Enlightening about the current war with Ukraine in 2022
  • got to be free
    Liar’s liar’s or I.Q below 45
    What crap is this?? Where is the proof of all these allegations ? Just made up crap with idiots Believing whatever CNN tells them
  • Podzarony
    Garbage
    Completely based on lies and woke far left opinion.
  • mrwojto24
    Propaganda
    It is this type of propaganda that has helped lead to the current escalation in Ukraine. These people have blood on their hands.
  • Cheryleran
    🤦‍♀️
    Totally delusional
  • Beetlekeeper
    Makes perfect sense
    This series is incredibly succinct and thorough, puts all the clues together in a cohesive way and backs up everything alleged. The reviewers here who give 1 star are obviously russian trolls who want all of this to stay hidden.
  • BILIBOB THAT LIKES TRUMP
    Trash
    Far left woke propaganda
  • not fake news now
    Chickens come to roost
    Everything this talks about has come to pass.
  • Patriot95573
    Stupid
    We love President Trump, and this is all lies and fake news
  • SheaMMMMM
    Riveting
    This is the perfect follow up after reading Craig Unger’s book, American Kompromat.
  • bucktoothhick
    Where are the facts?
    Can you prove any of the accusations you make against president Trump?
  • Mattnj98
    Stupid Podcast
    A bunch a morons repeating now debunked lies.
  • C.Sanchez89
    Must Listen
    I have recommended this podcast to all my family and friends! It breaks everything down so the “normal” American knows what is really happening.
  • hairytummy
    Please do a siege at the Capitol episode
    I love this well researched, intelligent podcast. It uses a variety of respectable and reliable sources.
  • Cjkruse
    Propaganda Nonsense
    All this crap is nonsense. What a conspiracy theory. This is exactly why people shouldn’t trust mainstream media ever again. The Steele Dossier was proven to be false, if anything Hillary conspired with outside groups/countries to steal the election herself. This podcast is an absolute joke. This shouldn’t even be able to be spread through Apple podcasts. Take an even stance on both sides. Whether it’s not reporting on the truth or spinning the truth, it completely undercuts the legitimacy of anything the media will put out there forever.
  • Dragonwings121
    Trump and Law and Order
    You're right the law and order alone didn't take in voting for Trump, it was the law and order theme, and the Democrats saying defund the police, defunding scared people.
  • ThaneKrios
    A Political Tale, Nothing More
    Don’t waste your time. This false political narrative will mislead those who don’t do their homework.
  • DUKEDOG0636
    Fake News
    Fake News
  • Leea1776
    For gullible idiots
    A podcast promoting a conspiracy theory for gullible sheeple
  • 123FakeSt
    Fabulous Journalism
    I really appreciate this podcast. It really helped me fill in the gaps in my political knowledge. Only problem is that Pete ogburns voice straight up gives me a panic attack. It’s so deep and loud and brings me back to the shrill days of AM radio Edit 8/18/20 I’m listening to season 2, episode 6, and I need for someone to listen to this episode and keep track of how many times the host said “sort of”. I counted three times in one *sentence. * This is one of my biggest pet peeve in podcasts. Please watch this! I can’t possibly be the only one. I sound like such a nitpicker between these complaints, but they seem pretty stark to me.
  • OhPleaseComeOnNow
    Love These Guys!
    Good job! Lots of insight.
  • isaiah787
    This is purely entertainment
    More like a conspiracy theory podcast. You’d like it if you like those kinds of things. Literally the first sentence of the podcast’s description is contrary to reality.
  • Heidiho71368
    More please
    I wish you would add to this!
  • ruledbythemoon
    Very Informative
    Those saying he’s a conspiracy theorist need to realize conspiracies actually do happen and are most definitely happening in the Trump administration. Please stop being ignorant. I enjoyed the podcast. 👍🏼👍🏼
  • ZNFDCZ1
    Conspiracy Theorists
    If you actually considering listening to this. Do yourself a favor, put on your tin-foil hat and cry in the fetal position. That would do more for your mental stability than listening to this.
  • little halos
    The Trump Crime Syndicate must go!
    Stop the Trump crime syndicate, indict and arrest Bill Barr the cover up general first and all the rest of them will fall. So sick of this entire criminal Russian asset admin. Vote them all out!!!
  • Minnie Tall
    WOW!
    This amazing podcast pulls it all together in a very clear way. Its evident that the biggest threat to America is against our free elections. This lays bare Active Measures and that it’s a war without guns! After reading some of these ridiculously polarized reviews, clearly we need it now more than ever. So called “patriots” need a reminder that this is the United States. Who do you think benefits when we become a house divided??
  • TheDefenseRests
    TOTAL RADICAL LEFT BS
    Can’t wait to see these Kool aid suckers go crazy when President Trump is re-elected for being one of the best ever. MAGA!!’
  • Bluedillygal
    The Asset with Max Bergmann
    Absolutely stellar. Riveting. Must listen. Lines up all these characters to do with Russia's interference in our democracy in a lively and comprehensive narrative. I love it! #trypod
  • babbabooey2eee
    Misinformation
    Listeners of this as podcast need to know the bridge In Brooklyn is not for sale
  • McPeggy
    5 Star Content BUT ditto
    Loved Season One, but find Peter’s narration style discordant with serious journalism. I’m sorry to miss Season Two, but it is too painful to witness solid investigation delivered as sleaze.
  • ma;lsdkjgnadkl;fgadjorfg'ladkh
    5 star content but...
    Since Max stopped doing the podcast, I just can’t listen anymore. The new announcer has a “morning zoo” type of delivery that makes my skin crawl. It’s too bad because the content is second to none. The early episodes are truly compelling, the type of podcast/broadcast that would keep me from leaving my car after I arrived home. I’m not sure why he turned it over to the new announcer but it’s a real shame. The new guy is truly awful. But I’d read a transcript, the content is truly excellent.
  • PMaylone
    The Patreon Problem
    I’m hoping to help the good people behind this podcast by encouraging them to discontinue the incessant linkage to Patreon. Yes, we all need to make money, but the worlds of both journalism and podcasting are best when you give it away, give it away now. Whose story you want to hear at the bus stop? - Someone who is constantly asking you for money, or someone whose public service is to tell his story and who finds other ways to pay the rent. I’m unsubscribing.
  • CDarwin6565
    Superb
    There is still some great, investigative journalism in this country, and it’s right here!
  • coin has 2 sides
    Follow the money??
    Wow Max spent an extraordinary amount of time researching Hunters money. Not
  • PoochSitters
    The Asset
    Excellent and very educational. Our democracy is at stake and it’s important to understand
  • Maksim2345
    One-sided opinion
    One-sided opinion paining trump and russia as evil and Ukraine as helpless and easily manipulated.
  • Nathan Scott
    Uncommon Clarity
    One thing I love about Max’s writing in this podcast is the clarity with which he makes his (factual) arguments. Bigger scandal, in terms of Trump being a knowing Russian asset, is hinted at but not stated as fact because although we’re seeing billowing black smoke, we’ve yet to see fire in this regard.
  • TheScottyG
    5 Stars from a podcast connoisseur 😂
    I listen to all kinds of Podcasts and this is one of my favorites. Beautiful docuseries in the same vain and as good as Serial, S’town and Slow Burn. Very well done.
  • nbAbq
    Very well researched and well delivered!!
    Absolutely essential!
  • spencerlennard
    So thankful
    You guys are keeping the fire burning and I am hugely thankful!
  • Danny Hawk
    Play this at the Impeachment trial!
    Just listened to Session 2 Ep. 5 Impeachment. What a great step by step summary of all the “in plain site” corruption we’ve witnessed since trump was elected. There’s so much to keep track of. This episode did an outstanding job of making it all make sense.
  • Boppy12
    It’s not so complicated after all
    Just listen to this podcast and it’s easy to understand the “Russia stuff.” Why couldn’t it be reported on like this from the very beginning of Trump’s campaign?
  • Eviews
    My God, what am I to do?
    People listening to this podcast already had a whiff of all this. It’s terrifying to hear all the pieces assembled. My hope and fear is aimed at the Fox News crowd (my parents). Their heels are so dug in, that they don’t even download counter opinions and facts. Our democracy is at stake, and my hair is on fire.
  • AllTheNickNamesAreTaken,HowAboutThisOne?
    America loves Trump
    How original, yet another podcast about yet another Trump scandal. America can’t get enough of the president everybody loves to hate. With so much free media it’s no wonder he was eleceted in 2016. Facebook isn’t the only one preying on the publics fears and pushing Americas anger buttons.
  • Reader in LA
    If only...
    ...all voting Americans would spend the time to listen to (or read) long-format analysis of how this deeply corrupt man became president, we’d be in good shape. Excellent podcast, fantastic connecting of the dots, and great music ;)
  • Lulu-SD
    SD
    This’s a great podcast. Very informative. I absolutely love it. Well-researched and exquisitely narrated! Also, love the music and the voice of narrator.
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