Bonus Wednesday Episode: Gavin’s New Brand; Judicial fireworks, a big fix - 10 Minute Drill

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10 Minute Drill: Bonus Wednesday Episode Summary Episode: Gavin’s New Brand; Judicial Fireworks, a Big Fix
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: Matt Whitlock

In this special Wednesday bonus episode of 10 Minute Drill, host Matt Whitlock delves into a variety of pressing topics spanning judicial appointments, California politics, rural America, and infrastructure reform. The episode weaves through President Trump's ongoing efforts to shape the federal judiciary, Governor Gavin Newsom's controversial strategies, Democratic narratives on rural communities, and significant developments in infrastructure policy. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions and insights presented.

1. President Trump's Judicial Appointments

Judicial Reshaping in the Second Term

Matt Whitlock opens the episode by highlighting one of President Trump's significant achievements: his relentless pursuit of reshaping the federal judiciary. Continuing the momentum from his first term, Trump has been advancing a slew of judicial nominees aimed at establishing a lasting conservative influence within the courts.

Host 1 (00:34): "One of the great accomplishments of President Trump's first term was his effort to remake the federal judiciary with judges who respect the role of judges and respect the Constitution."

Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

Whitlock discusses a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where Chairman Chuck Grassley moved forward with several nominees, including Circuit Court nominee Emil Bove. This move sparked frustration among Democrats who felt sidelined from the nomination process.

Host 1 (01:08): "Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley was trying to advance a number of nominees, including judges like Circuit Court nominee Emil Bove."

During the hearing, Democratic senators expressed strong opposition, labeling the proceedings as a "kangaroo court."

Senator (00:53): "Why are you doing this? This is outrageous... This is wrong to violate your own rules without going by the mandates of the parliamentarian."

Notable Judicial Nominees

The episode spotlights several of Trump's high-profile judicial nominees, emphasizing their qualifications and staunch originalist views:

Circuit Court Nominee Whitney Hermendorfer: Former head of strategic litigation for the Tennessee Attorney General's office and clerked for Justices Alito, Kavanaugh, and Barrett.
Jen Mascot: Nominated to the Third Circuit, taught at Catholic University and George Mason, and is an expert in administrative law and separation of powers.
Eric Tung: Nominated to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, clerked for Justices Gorsuch and Scalia.

Host 1 (02:22): "President Trump's picking up where he left off, nominating incredibly effective, long storied stalwarts who are originalists, who focus on the meaning of the Constitution as written."

2. Gavin Newsom’s New Social Media Strategy and State Challenges

Adoption of Trolling as a Strategy

Governor Gavin Newsom has recently shifted his social media strategy to incorporate trolling, a move that has drawn criticism and confusion among the public.

Host 2 (03:17): "Gavin Newsom has adopted a new strategy, particularly from his press office social media account."

An example highlighted is a controversial alteration of a Coldplay concert event video, where the Newsom press office replaced the subjects with President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, leading to public backlash.

Host 2 (03:46): "Users on social media quickly pointed out that Gavin Newsom famously blew up his own marriage by having an affair with a subordinate."

Handling of LA Wildfire Rebuild Efforts

Newsom faces significant criticism over delays in rebuilding efforts following the LA wildfires. His administration's struggles with permit approvals have exacerbated public frustration.

Gavin Newsom (04:03): "We submitted our permits in April. We were approved early June. We were ready to build. We have to now grade our land and that's been an ordeal."

Additionally, Newsom's office has been accused of attacking wildfire victims, referring to them derogatorily as "C List celebrities."

Cancellation of California High-Speed Rail Grants

The Department of Transportation and the Trump administration's decision to cancel certain grants for the California High-Speed Rail project has drawn Whitlock's attention. He criticizes the project as a "political boondoggle" with negligible progress.

Host 1 (04:47): "The California High Speed Rail project is the definition of political boondoggle... not one single track has been laid."

3. Democrats' Rhetoric on Rural America

Defunding CPB and Its Implications

Whitlock examines Democrats' recent rhetoric concerning rural America, particularly their stance on defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). While Republicans argue that defunding CPB would eliminate "left-wing propaganda," Democrats counter that such cuts would undermine essential services like NPR and PBS, which rural communities rely on.

Senator Eric Schmidt (05:28): "We don't need to subsidize left wing propaganda in order to keep Americans safe."

Whitlock underscores the disconnect Democrats have with rural voters, illustrated by Senator Schmidt's rebuttal that emergency alert systems are not dependent on CPB.

Rural Health Fund and Policy Missteps

The discussion moves to healthcare, where Democrats claim that Republicans' efforts to cut fraud in Medicaid could harm rural healthcare. In response, Republicans have proposed a $50 billion Rural Health Fund to address these concerns, effectively neutralizing Democrats' criticisms.

Host 2 (06:06): "Republicans included a $50 billion rural health fund to cover that, which took out the Democrats' main attack against it."

Whitlock also criticizes Kamala Harris's selection of Tim Waltz as her vice-presidential nominee, highlighting a perceived lack of understanding of rural America's needs.

4. Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Atlanta and Voting Laws

MLB's Move Back to Atlanta

Whitlock revisits the controversy surrounding MLB's decision to move the All-Star Game out of Atlanta years ago due to allegations that Georgia's election law was a voter suppression tactic. In a recent development, MLB has returned the game to Atlanta, which coincided with the state experiencing its highest voting participation rates.

Host 1 (06:30): "Good on MLB for learning from the last few years and moving the game back to Atlanta, which was a huge success."

Clarifying Misconceptions About Georgia's Election Law

The episode clarifies that Georgia's election law, initially criticized as voter suppression, was actually aimed at enhancing voting security through measures like voter ID requirements.

Host 1 (07:00): "The Georgia election law made it easier to vote and harder to cheat."

At a press conference during the All-Star Game, a reporter questioned the safety of journalists in Atlanta, referencing false reports about journalist detainment by ICE.

Reporter (07:19): "Why are we in Atlanta when this law is still on the books and it is a dangerous situation to be a journalist in Atlanta?"

Whitlock uses this to illustrate the continued spread of misinformation and the importance of understanding policy changes accurately.

5. Trump's NEPA Reform and American Infrastructure

NEPA Reform to Boost Infrastructure

Concluding the episode, Whitlock highlights an op-ed by James Burnham in the Wall Street Journal that praises Trump's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reforms. These reforms aim to streamline infrastructure projects, addressing longstanding bureaucratic delays that have hindered America's ability to build robust transportation systems.

Host 1 (08:10): "Trump's NEPA Reform Will Get America Building... The Trump administration's new NEPA policy gives them a chance to do just that."

Whitlock emphasizes the necessity of regulatory reform in maintaining America's infrastructure competitiveness on the global stage.

Conclusion

Matt Whitlock wraps up the bonus episode by reiterating the critical nature of the topics discussed—from judicial appointments and state governance challenges to infrastructure reform. He encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged with the evolving political landscape.

Host 1 (08:46): "America will remain the greatest country on Earth only if our builders have the freedom to build."

Listeners are invited to tune in for future episodes every Tuesday and Thursday for more insightful political analysis.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

Host 1 (00:34): "One of the great accomplishments of President Trump's first term was his effort to remake the federal judiciary with judges who respect the role of judges and respect the Constitution."
Senator (00:53): "Why are you doing this? This is outrageous... This is wrong to violate your own rules without going by the mandates of the parliamentarian."
Host 1 (02:22): "President Trump's picking up where he left off, nominating incredibly effective, long storied stalwarts who are originalists, who focus on the meaning of the Constitution as written."
Gavin Newsom (04:03): "We submitted our permits in April. We were approved early June. We were ready to build. We have to now grade our land and that's been an ordeal."
Senator Eric Schmidt (05:28): "We don't need to subsidize left wing propaganda in order to keep Americans safe."
Host 1 (07:00): "The Georgia election law made it easier to vote and harder to cheat."
Host 1 (08:10): "Trump's NEPA Reform Will Get America Building... The Trump administration's new NEPA policy gives them a chance to do just that."

This detailed summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions from the episode, providing clarity and insights into each topic for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.

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Transcript96 lines

[00:00]
Host 1
It's Wednesday, July 23, and we have got a special Wednesday bonus episode of 10 Minute Drill. We're going to talk about President Trump on judges. We're going to talk about a flap at the MLB All Star Game and so many other things.
[00:12]
Host 2
Quickly.
[00:12]
Host 1
Today on 10 Minute Drill.
[00:14]
Audience Member
Everybody get up. Get up.
[00:18]
Speaker 1
The story of America is the story of an adventure. I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. We are a nation under God, and I believe God intended for us to be free.
[00:34]
Host 1
One of the great accomplishments of President Trump's first term was his effort to remake the federal judiciary with judges who.
[00:40]
Host 2
Respect the role of judges and respect the Constitution.
[00:43]
Host 1
And he's picked back up right where he left off in his second term.
[00:47]
Host 2
Which has frustrated Democrats. We want to highlight a moment in.
[00:50]
Host 1
A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing just last week.
[00:53]
Senator
Why are you doing this? This is outrageous.
[00:56]
Host 1
This is a kangaroo court. That's all we have here.
[00:59]
Senator
This is wrong to violate your own rules without going by the mandates of the parliamentarian. Kyle. This is unbelievable.
[01:08]
Host 1
In this hearing, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley was trying to advance a number of nominees, including judges like Circuit Court nominee Emil Bove.
[01:16]
Host 2
Through that, the Democrats got very frustrated.
[01:19]
Host 1
That they didn't have the opportunity to filibuster and shut the hearing down. Now, to speak in a hearing, you have to be recogniz by the chairman. And Chairman Grassley did not recognize Spartacus Booker as he tried to yell over this voting process. Now as you watch this and we'll give you a second to hear some of the audio that I for so.
[01:36]
Senator
Long I've been so honored to be a part of, I this is wrong, sir. And I join with my colleagues in leaving. This is a shame. This is wrong. We're better than this. Pratt to the floor. Now we'll have to vote.
[01:50]
Host 2
So as you continue to see this, it will remind you if you've got.
[01:53]
Host 1
Small children of trying to have a.
[01:55]
Host 2
Dinner conversation while they're yelling at about.
[01:57]
Host 1
Any number of things and pretending it's not happening, cuz otherwise you'll never get through your conversation. And that's what Chuck Grassley and Senate Republicans did here in the Judiciary Committee advancing these nominees despite first Senate Democrats walking out of the hearing and then Spartacus Booker trying to shout over it, which at some point Spartacus will probably recognize that he is simply white noise.
[02:19]
Host 2
Not making a difference on anything.
[02:21]
Host 1
We wanted to highlight a few of.
[02:22]
Host 2
The incredible nominees President Trump has begun.
[02:25]
Host 1
His second term with. First, his very first nominee, Circuit court nominee for the sixth Circuit Circuit Whitney Hermendorfer, the head of strategic litigation for the Tennessee Attorney General's office, leading some of his biggest fights. She previously clerked for Justice Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
[02:40]
Host 2
Jen Mascot, nominated to the Third Circuit, taught at both Catholic University and George.
[02:44]
Host 1
Mason, an administrative law expert, separation of powers expert, clerked for Justices Thomas and.
[02:49]
Host 2
Kavanaugh and then Eric Tung, nominated to.
[02:52]
Host 1
The famed Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He's clerked for Justices Gorsuch and Scalia. So again, President President Trump's picking up.
[02:58]
Host 2
Where he left off, nominating incredibly effective.
[03:02]
Host 1
Long storied stalwarts who are originalists, who focus on the meaning of the Constitution as written.
[03:09]
Host 2
And they will be incredibly valuable members.
[03:10]
Host 1
Of the court for decades to come. If you're on social media, you might have noticed in the last few weeks.
[03:17]
Host 2
That Gavin Newsom has adopted a new.
[03:19]
Host 1
Strategy, particularly from his press office social media account. Axios reported on it, saying how trolling became a strategy for Gavin Newsom.
[03:28]
Host 2
One example of this Late last week.
[03:30]
Host 1
The Newsom press account posted a video of the infamous now Coldplay concert event where a CEO and his head of HR who were having an affair were.
[03:38]
Host 2
Caught on the kiss cam.
[03:40]
Host 1
The Newsom press office changed that to be President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, but users on social media quickly pointed out.
[03:46]
Host 2
That Gavin Newsom famously blew up his.
[03:49]
Host 1
Own marriage by having an affair with a subordinate. You have to wonder if the staffers running this account googled their boss before jumping into this. But not every meme is meant to.
[03:59]
Host 2
Be used for everything.
[04:00]
Host 1
While Gavin Newsom is focused on podcasts.
[04:03]
Host 2
And social media engagement, though, he's taking.
[04:05]
Host 1
A lot of heat back home for the continued delays in the rebuild after the LA wildfires.
[04:11]
Speaker 1
What's happened with that process? You've submitted all your paperwork.
[04:14]
Gavin Newsom
We submitted our permits in April. We were approved early June. We were ready to build. We have to now grade our land and that's been an ordeal. We've been waiting six weeks for that permit. We've been told multiple things.
[04:26]
Host 1
His accounts have even taken to attacking victims of this wildfire and calling them.
[04:31]
Host 2
Things like C List celebrities.
[04:33]
Host 1
He also has taken heat in the last week after the Department of Transportation and the Trump administration announced they were canceling certain grants for the California High Speed Rail project. We have talked about that quite a bit here. Just to reiterate, the California High Speed.
[04:47]
Host 2
Rail project is the definition of political boondoggle. The first money was spent on that.
[04:52]
Host 1
10 years before I was born. It will not have any track completed until I am in my 80s and.
[04:59]
Host 2
Right now not one single track has been laid. So again, that's what governing means.
[05:04]
Host 1
To Gavin Newsom One theme that we wanted to highlight today was how Democrats talk about rural America. You'll remember last week as Republicans were.
[05:14]
Host 2
Talking about their bill to codify DOGE.
[05:16]
Host 1
Cuts which included NPR and pbs, Democrats.
[05:20]
Host 2
Suddenly raised major concerns that this would hurt rural America who lean on NPR and pbs.
[05:25]
Host 1
But here's Missouri Senator Eric Schmidt responding to that.
[05:28]
Senator Eric Schmidt
Saying that defunding CPB will somehow prevent Americans from receiving emergency alerts is demonstrably not only fear mongering but not true. Simply put, we don't need to subsidize left wing propaganda in order to keep Americans safe.
[05:45]
Host 2
So again, you have to have never.
[05:47]
Host 1
Spoken to a person in rural America if you think they get their news.
[05:50]
Host 2
From from NPR and pbs. And as Senator Schmidt noted, those alert.
[05:53]
Host 1
Systems are not reliant on NPR or.
[05:55]
Host 2
PBS's infrastructure at all.
[05:57]
Host 1
Another area where Democrats pretend to care about rural America is health care. One of their biggest concerns about cutting fraud, waste and abuse in Medicaid was that it might hurt rural America.
[06:06]
Host 2
But again, Republicans included a $50 billion.
[06:09]
Host 1
Rural health fund to cover that, which.
[06:11]
Host 2
Took out the Democrats main attack against it.
[06:14]
Host 1
Again, one of our favorite examples of this is the fact that Kamala Harris picked Tim Waltz as her vice presidential nominee thinking that he would appeal to rural America.
[06:23]
Host 2
Which again reminds everyone of the fact that they have no idea what anyone.
[06:27]
Host 1
In rural America thinks or feels about anything.
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Host 2
Last week the Major League Baseball All Star Game was held in Atlanta, Georgia. You'll remember that a number of years ago Major League Baseball moved the All.
[06:38]
Host 1
Star Game out of Atlanta after false.
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Host 2
Reports that an election law they had passed was a voter suppression law.
[06:46]
Host 1
After that All Star Game was moved and after this giant political kerfuffle, Georgia.
[06:50]
Host 2
Saw the highest voting participation in their history.
[06:54]
Host 1
This election law was not about voter suppression. It was about voter ID and things.
[06:58]
Host 2
That made voting more secure, making it.
[07:00]
Host 1
Easier to vote and harder to cheat. Democrats took a lot of heat for Much Ado about Nothing with people like Joe Biden, who had called it Jim Crow 2.0 or even Jim Eagle, which turned out to be nothing more than concern trolling and attempts to scare people. But last week at the press conference.
[07:17]
Host 2
Around the All Star Game, a reporter asked this question.
[07:20]
Reporter
What happened to being relentless with our voices and why are we in Atlanta when this law is still on the books and it is a dangerous situation to be a journalist in Atlanta? Because Atlanta has detained the most journalists by ice.
[07:34]
Host 1
I believe the question was a political question, so we can't blame Pat McAfee.
[07:40]
Host 2
For not understanding the politics of this issue.
[07:42]
Host 1
But for this reporter to not know what has happened since that law passed is pretty egregious.
[07:47]
Host 2
But again, the Georgia election law made it easier to vote and harder to cheat.
[07:51]
Host 1
And good on MLB for learning from the last few years and moving the game back to Atlanta, which was a huge success. One of the themes we've talked about quite a bit here on 10 minute drill is the role regulation and absurd rules in bureaucracy play in keeping Americans from being able to build anything. We want to highlight an op ed.
[08:10]
Host 2
From our friend James Burnham on this.
[08:12]
Host 1
In the Wall Street Journal.
[08:13]
Host 2
Trump's NEPA Reform Will Get America Building why is American infrastructure so shoddy compared with much of the developed world? The US Is one of the wealthiest.
[08:21]
Host 1
Nations the world has ever seen, and.
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Host 2
It has the most dynamic economy yet. Americans don't have the sort of gleaming.
[08:27]
Host 1
Transportation systems that crisscross many Asian or European countries. So what James is describing there is nepa, the National Environmental Policy Act.
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Host 2
I'd recommend you read this piece in.
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Host 1
The Wall Street Journal and I'd close with this Great companies die when they stand still and nations are no different. America will remain the greatest country on.
[08:42]
Host 2
Earth only if our builders have the freedom to build. The Trump administration's new NEPA policy gives.
[08:47]
Host 1
Them a chance to do just that. So again, this is complex, dense policy, but it's incredibly important in understanding how President Trump has an opportunity to make the economy work better for everyone and make it easier to build things in America. Again, that is all the time we have for today. Thanks so much for tuning in to this irregular, very exciting bonus episode. Please tune in tomorrow for another full length episode. Have a nice day.