Lean to the Left is a progressive media platform offering political commentary, fact-based news analysis, and expert interviews that expose threats to democracy and hold leaders accountable. Lean to the Left is an independent, evolving media platform. Member benefits will grow and adapt over time. Founded in 2017 as Not Fake News and rebranded in 2021, Lean to the Left brings together the work of journalist and author Bob Gatty and a talented team of contributing writers who deliver sharp, insightful content on the issues affecting Americans today. 

Our podcast—launched as NFN Radio News before becoming The Lean to the Left Podcast—featured weekly interviews with authors, activists, experts, and political insiders, with hard-hitting commentary on the challenges facing our nation. What began as a podcast grew into a community of listeners and readers who care deeply about democracy, accountability, and civic engagement. At its close, the Lean to the Left podcast had reached nearly 850 episodes with a worldwide audience.

Lean to the Left: Stay Informed. Speak Up. Join the Conversation.

May 23, 2025

Corruption Unmasked: Giuliani, Trump, and Global Influence Peddling

Show Notes

trump corruption exposed
Author Chad Lewis exposes new details of Trump corruption during his first term and its aftermath.

In a riveting episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, author Chad Lewis joins Bob Gatty to delve into the intricate web of influence and corruption that shapes modern politics. His book, “The Persuasion Game,” exposes covert operations and insidious tactics used by Donald Trump to manipulate American political dynamics.

Video

Audio

The American Democratic Crisis

Bob Gatty opens the discussion by addressing the threats to democracy posed by former Trump and his associates, including Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, and Igor Furman. These figures were embroiled in influence peddling schemes during Trump’s impeachment investigation in 2019, events thoroughly documented in Lewis’s book.

Lewis underscores the importance of recognizing these activities, highlighting their potential role in eroding democratic institutions and the attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.

Geopolitical Tensions and Disinformation

Chad discusses the unsettling global landscape exacerbated by Trump’s policies, drawing historical parallels to economic decisions that once contributed to the Great Depression. He further explains Trump’s peculiar alignment with authoritarian figures such as Vladimir Putin, attributing it to Trump’s aspiration for similar power.

The conversation transitions to the longstanding efforts by Russia to infiltrate media channels with disinformation, an initiative Chad witnessed firsthand while living abroad, and tried to warn U.S. officials about, but was ignored.

He details the mechanisms by which Russian propaganda has permeated global media platforms, illustrating how these tactics have been seamlessly integrated into conservative media narratives in the United States.

The Shadow of Authoritarianism

Lewis articulates alarming similarities between the current US political atmosphere and authoritarian regimes in history, particularly Turkey’s shift from democracy to autocracy.

He outlines how political purges and suppression of free press in Turkey serve as a modern blueprint for the authoritarian tendencies observed in America under Trump.

Lewis emphasizes the danger of allowing such transformations to become normalized, warning that complacency could lead to irreversible democratic degradation.

The Personal Toll and Motivations

Behind the exposé lies Chad’s personal journey—four and a half years of exhaustive research plagued by threats and subversions. Driven by a desire to unveil clandestine operations and safeguard democracy, he embarked on this perilous mission, aware of the risks involved.

His dedication and experiences lend a credible voice to the narrative, painting a vivid picture of the scale of corruption at play. However, he is keeping his location a secret, fully aware that angry Trump supporters may seek retribution against him for exposing Trump’s actions in his book.

A Call to Awareness

“The Persuasion Game” is not just a book; it is a clarion call to citizens unaware of the silent threats undermining their freedom.

Chad Lewis leaves listeners with a poignant warning: ignoring the encroachment of authoritarianism is a luxury democracies can no longer afford. His investigation sheds light on critical truths that every American deserves to know to protect the integrity of their governance.

For those interested in exploring the revelations further, Chad’s book, “The Persuasion Game,” is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also learn more about Lewis and his work by visiting his author page.

With compelling insights and thorough research, Chad Lewis brings complex geopolitical issues to urgent public attention, emphasizing that active vigilance is the cornerstone of preserving democratic values.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign Up for Email Updates

Subscribe to get email updates and access to exclusive subscriber content.

Name(Required)
Email(Required)