Apple News Today: Episode Summary – "Speaker Johnson has a roommate — and he has a big agenda"

Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu
Podcast: Apple News Today

Introduction

In this episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitah Basu delves into three major stories shaping the current political and social landscape. From the tumultuous federal workforce reshaping led by President Trump and Elon Musk, to the intricate dynamics between House Speaker Mike Johnson and his influential roommate, Pastor Steve Berger, and finally, the deepening succession drama within the Murdoch family empire. Each segment is enriched with insights from reputable journalists and experts, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these unfolding narratives.

1. Trump and Elon Musk's Federal Workforce Overhaul

Overview: Shemitah Basu opens the episode by discussing the significant reduction of the federal workforce orchestrated by President Trump and Elon Musk. In less than two months, over 60,000 employees across at least 17 federal agencies have been terminated in an unprecedented move aimed at shrinking the government's size.

Key Developments:

• Confusion and Mistakes: The rapid pace of firings has led to numerous errors. For instance, the Department of Agriculture saw scientists working on bird flu laid off, severely hindering the administration's response to the virus outbreak.
• Cabinet Tensions: According to Politico, President Trump convened his Cabinet to assert that final decisions on hiring and firing rest with department secretaries, not Elon Musk. However, Trump added that if cabinet secretaries fail to implement cuts, Musk would take over the task.
• Musk's Involvement: Musk attended the Cabinet meeting and acknowledged missteps by his team, including rehiring previously fired workers in agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Insights from Reporter Aaron Wiener: Aaron Wiener of The Washington Post highlights the challenges of applying private sector strategies to the federal bureaucracy. At [02:11], Wiener states:

"The sort of move fast and break things ethos that may or may not work at a private company runs into a lot more trouble when you're trying to do it with hundreds of thousands of federal workers."

Impact on Federal Employees: Federal workers are experiencing significant uncertainty and frustration. Cases include conflicting orders to return to office amidst canceled leases, leading to chaotic workspace arrangements. Wiener elaborates at [02:52]:

"I would say the number one reaction has been confusion, and the number two reaction has been frustration."

Administration's Response: In response to mounting concerns, President Trump tweeted a more measured approach to job cuts, describing it as using a "scalpel rather than the hatchet" [03:11].

2. ProPublica Report: Speaker Johnson and Pastor Berger's Influence

Overview: Shemitah Basu transitions to an in-depth reporting by ProPublica, uncovering the relationship between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Pastor Steve Berger, a conservative evangelical leader. The two share a residence in a $3.7 million townhouse near the U.S. Capitol, which also serves as the headquarters for Berger's political influence project.

Key Points:

• Living Arrangement: Joshua Kaplan, a ProPublica reporter, reveals that the townhouse is owned by a major GOP donor and has remained under the radar until the recent investigative report [03:55].
• Influence Campaign: Pastor Berger has been actively developing a political influence campaign aimed at building relationships with lawmakers to sway policy decisions. Kaplan outlines Berger's staunch conservative positions, including opposition to gay marriage, pornography, and advocating for legislative changes on issues like fuel efficiency and federal worker firings [04:32].

Ethics and Transparency: House ethics rules permit lawmakers to reside anywhere provided they pay fair market rent, avoiding potential conflicts of interest. A spokesperson for Speaker Johnson confirmed that he pays fair rent and denies any discussions about legislation or public policy with Berger [05:03]. However, Berger himself claims to have inspired legislative actions, citing instances where senators credited him for motivating bills [05:49].

Influence and Relationships: Beyond Speaker Johnson, Berger maintains close ties with other conservative figures. Mark Meadows, Trump’s former chief of staff, mentioned that he and several Congress members attend weekly Bible studies with Berger, creating a network of influence within the GOP [06:20].

Quotations:

• Mark Meadows at [06:33]:

"I've confessed things to Steve that I wouldn't normally confess to anyone else."

Unanswered Questions: While the living arrangement is clear, the extent of Berger's influence on national policy remains ambiguous. The specifics of conversations and policy impacts are still under investigation, leaving the true reach of Berger's influence projects uncertain.

3. Rupert Murdoch Family Succession Battle

Overview: The episode shifts focus to the enduring succession drama within the Murdoch family, particularly between Rupert Murdoch's youngest son, James Murdoch, and eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch. As Rupert approaches his 94th birthday, internal conflicts threaten the cohesion of his vast media empire.

Key Developments:

• Trust Dispute: Last year, Rupert Murdoch attempted to alter the family trust to concentrate voting power in Lachlan's hands, aiming to ensure that Fox News and other holdings maintained their right-wing orientation. A Nevada court, however, rejected this bid, spotlighting familial discord [07:21].
• Family Dynamics: Reporter McKay Coppins from The Atlantic discusses how Rupert Murdoch has historically prioritized the empire over family unity. This approach has left his children grappling with differing visions for the business’s future [08:04].

Insights from McKay Coppins: Speaking with James Murdoch, Coppins uncovers the depth of the rivalry and its implications for the media conglomerate. At [08:36], Coppins recounts a conversation with James:

"I remember asking James at one point about actually a family counseling retreat that Rupert summoned all the kids to in Australia in 2010. And he said in this family, there's no difference."

Future of the Murdoch Empire: The Murdoch children are divided on the direction of the business. Lachlan is perceived as even more conservative than Rupert, while other siblings advocate for modernizing and professionalizing the media outlets, potentially shifting away from overt political rhetoric. Scenarios range from internal restructuring to the dissolution of the empire, with assets possibly being sold to various companies [09:18].

Quotations:

• McKay Coppins at [08:36]:

"In this family, there's no difference."

ProPublica’s Spotlight: Coppins’s reporting, titled "Growing Up Murdoch," was recognized as the Apple News Story of the Month for February. The story provides an intimate look at James Murdoch’s perspective on the family feud and his efforts to carve out his role within the empire.

4. Additional Stories

While the primary focus remains on the aforementioned topics, the episode briefly touches upon other significant events:

• Tariffs Postponement: President Trump delays tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods for one month, contrasting with the continued tariffs on Chinese imports. This move has caused volatility in the stock market and economic concerns among experts.

• Historic Execution in South Carolina: Brad Keith Sigman is set to be executed by firing squad, marking the first such execution in the U.S. in nearly 15 years. Sigman opted for this method over lethal injection due to concerns over drug-induced complications.

• Daylight Saving Time Health Impacts: The upcoming clock change is discussed, highlighting potential health repercussions such as disrupted circadian rhythms and exacerbated anxiety and depression. Strategies to mitigate these effects include gradual bedtime adjustments and increased physical activity.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode, Apple News Today presents a multifaceted exploration of current political maneuvers, ethical dilemmas in congressional relationships, and high-stakes family dynamics within a global media powerhouse. Through detailed reporting and expert commentary, Shemitah Basu ensures listeners are well-informed on the complexities shaping today’s news landscape.

Listeners are encouraged to explore the full interview with McKay Coppins on the Murdoch family saga available in the Apple News app for a deeper understanding of these influential figures.

For more detailed coverage and to listen to full stories, visit the Apple News app.