The Briefing with Jen Psaki

The podcast dives into the striking incompetence of various Trump administration officials, like the acting FEMA chief's obliviousness to hurricane season. It reveals how career public servants are struggling under burdensome bureaucracy. Leadership during this era has shifted from trust to skepticism, impacting national security engagement. Furthermore, it discusses the growing influence of billionaires on American politics, hinting at the importance of grassroots movements in countering this trend.

Join Don Lemon, a seasoned journalist and anchor, alongside Nathan Sage, a passionate Democratic challenger from Iowa, as they tackle pressing issues around addiction and hypocrisy in political discourse. They reflect on contrasting attitudes towards substance use, especially in the wake of recent revelations about Elon Musk. Their conversation digs deep into how drug addiction affects families, highlights the ongoing healthcare battles, and reveals grassroots efforts to reclaim political representation, underscoring the need for accountability and empathy in leadership.

Dan Goldman, a New York Congressman known for confronting ICE agents in Manhattan, joins the discussion about the stark realities of governing. They dive into the complexities Trump faces with his administration's legal challenges and the intricacies of global issues like the Ukraine war. The chat reveals how Trump's political rhetoric doesn't align with actual governance, showcasing community responses to immigration policies and the fallout from controversial figures like Elon Musk. Personal stories highlight the fears of those impacted by aggressive immigration enforcement.

Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General and co-leader of the lawsuit against Trump’s tariffs, discusses a pivotal ruling where the U.S. Court of International Trade deemed these tariffs illegal. She explores the implications of this decision on American consumers and small businesses, including potential refunds for tariff payments. The conversation also dives into the balance of power between presidential authority and judicial oversight in trade policies, revealing the critical role of Congress in tariff decisions.

Jen Psaki pairs Donald Trump's political rhetoric about crimes like fraud against his abusive use of the presidency's pardon power to absolve criminals convicted of those very same crimes. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Comey, former FBI director and author, dives into the controversial dinner hosted by Donald Trump for cryptocurrency investors, raising alarm over the ethical implications and political influence at play. They discuss the widening economic inequality stemming from recent budget policies, highlighting how the wealthy benefit while low-income families struggle. Comey also shares insights on the challenges of maintaining institutional integrity amid political pressures and the growth of right-wing extremism, reflecting on how these issues shape the current political landscape.

Jack Lew, former White House Chief of Staff and Treasury Secretary, and Dan Goldman, Democratic Congressman and ex-assistant U.S. attorney, delve into the Republican budget bill's pitfalls. They explore the backlash from constituents who are outraged over cuts to healthcare that benefit the wealthy. The discussion also critiques ethical issues surrounding political funding and highlights the discontent in swing districts. Insights into the political consequences of current financial misadventures, along with corruption allegations, paint a vivid picture of today's political landscape.

Nancy Pelosi, former House Speaker and healthcare advocate, dives into the repercussions of proposed Medicaid work requirements, highlighting disastrous outcomes in Georgia and Arkansas. She critiques the push for these policies on a national level, describing how they threaten vulnerable populations. Pelosi also discusses the broader socioeconomic impacts on families, especially children in poverty, while warning of potential backfire on Republican narratives due to misinformation. A passionate call for grassroots engagement shines through as she urges for protective measures in healthcare.

LaMonica McIver, a New Jersey Democratic Congresswoman facing federal charges after a confrontation at an ICE detention center, shares her experience of the chaotic oversight visit and discusses the political narrative surrounding it. Senator Elizabeth Warren chimes in to analyze the rushed spending bill and its implications for the country. The conversation dives deep into accountability, the challenges of due process, and the broader impacts of proposed health care funding cuts on vulnerable populations. It's a captivating look at the intersection of politics and personal struggle.

Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney, shares his legal insights on Donald Trump's faltering legislative efforts, while Jordan Klepper, known for his comedic takes on MAGA, dives into the disarray within the GOP. They discuss the fallout from a damaging Supreme Court ruling and how internal conflicts hinder Trump's ambitious budget plan. The conversation also touches on the shifting dynamics of young voters, emphasizing the significance of cultural relevance and authenticity in political engagement.