---
title: "No holding back: Mehdi Hasan – “Trump Administration is a sh*t show”"
description: "In this hard-hitting episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi sits down with influential broadcaster, journalist and Zeteo founder Mehdi Hasan for an unflinching conversation on global politics. From the chaos brought by Trump’s administration to the genocide in Gaza, Elon Musk’s DOGE distractions, and President Ramaphosa’s punchlines, no topic is off-limits."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "VIDEO"
author: "Redi Tlhabi"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/redi-tlhabi/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-05-30-no-holding-back-trump-administration-is-a-sht-show/"
published: "2025-05-30T15:55:48"
updated: "2025-05-30T17:09:26"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 168
---

# No holding back: Mehdi Hasan – “Trump Administration is a sh*t show”

> In this hard-hitting episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi sits down with influential broadcaster, journalist and Zeteo founder Mehdi Hasan for an unflinching conversation on global politics. From the chaos brought by Trump’s administration to the genocide in Gaza, Elon Musk’s DOGE distractions, and President Ramaphosa’s punchlines, no topic is off-limits.

By Redi Tlhabi · Published 30 May 2025, 17:55 SAST · Updated 30 May 2025, 19:09 SAST

## Key points
- In this episode of the Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi and Khaya Sithole dissect Elon Musk's controversial musings on South Africa, while also navigating the chaotic landscape of American politics and the global implications of Trump's antics, all served with a side of sharp wit and unfiltered commentary.
- Redi Tlhabi scrutinizes Elon Musk's controversial remarks about South Africa and the government's attempts to attract his Starlink service.
- Activist Khaya Sithole joins the discussion, providing sharp insights into the implications of Musk's influence on local politics.
- The episode also touches on the broader global context, including Trump's erratic behavior and the escalating crisis in Gaza.
- A critical examination of media responsibility and the shifting sentiments around free speech and political hypocrisy is highlighted.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLccgVT20OU)

[Media](https://player.simplecast.com/2206f1bf-54cf-4ed3-b1b4-52168901461c?dark=false&color=FFFEF4)

In this episode of the Readiness Report, Redi takes a hard look at Elon Musk’s comments about South Africa — and the controversy surrounding the government’s reported efforts to lure Starlink, Musk's very own telecommunications provider, into the country. She’s joined by outspoken activist, academic, and Daily Maverick columnist Khaya Sithole for a sharp, no-holds-barred conversation.

00:53 Drama in the United States
01:21 Elon Musk and Disinformation
02:30 Mehdi Hasan's Take on Trump
03:01 Trump's Impact on America and the World
04:00 Trump's End Game and Erratic Behaviour
06:01 International Reactions to Trump
08:38 Trump's Relationship with Russia
12:05 Trump, Israel, and Middle East Politics
15:50 Escalating Crisis in Gaza
16:21 Ethnic Cleansing and Personal Reflections
17:35 Global Sentiment Shift
20:10 Media's Role and Responsibility
27:14 Free Speech and Political Hypocrisy

**Hosted** by Redi Tlhabi
**Produced** by Emilie Gambade & Bernard Kotze
**Original Theme Music & Design**by Bernard Kotze

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