The Briefing with Jen Psaki 'An absolute gut punch': Psaki BLASTS Trump on White House demolition as public pushback strengthens
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Oct 23, 2025 
Join constitutional law expert Jamie Raskin as he delves into Trump’s controversial plans to demolish the White House East Wing for a private ballroom. Raskin explains the legal implications of Trump's $230 million demand from the DOJ and the constitutional limits on a president's compensation. The conversation also covers grassroots pushback against authoritarianism and the critical need for Democrats to combat gerrymandering in the upcoming midterms. With rising public activism, the discussion emphasizes safeguarding democracy.
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Authoritarianism Is Here And Requires New Responses
- Jen Psaki argues the country is already experiencing authoritarianism under Trump, not just heading toward it.
- She says traditional responses won't work and calls for new, creative forms of resistance from many people.
Merkley’s 22-Hour Senate Stand
- Senator Jeff Merkley stood on the Senate floor for 22 hours and 37 minutes to spotlight threats to democracy.
- Psaki highlights this as an example of sustained, attention-grabbing civic resistance.
Demolition As Symbol Of Norms Erosion
- Psaki catalogs rapid blows to constitutional checks: firing watchdogs, extrajudicial strikes, Pentagon limits on staff contact with Congress.
- She frames the East Wing demolition as a symbolic attack on the People's House and executive branch norms.