Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams
Episode: Decoding Trump’s Address to Congress w/ Jen Psaki
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host/Author: Crooked Media and Stacey Abrams

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, host Stacey Abrams teams up with former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki to dissect President Donald Trump’s recent State of the Union address. The discussion navigates through the speech’s key themes, the strategies employed by Trump and his administration, and the broader implications for American democracy and society.

Trump’s State of the Union: A Personal Attack

Stacey Abrams opens the episode by addressing the unexpected yet unsurprising personal attacks from President Trump during the State of the Union. She emphasizes that Trump's criticisms are not based on any wrongdoing but rather on Abrams' effective work in promoting voter engagement and empowering the people.

Stacey Abrams [00:45]: “Donald Trump and his lackeys aren't attacking me because I've done something wrong. They're attacking me because I've done something right.”

Abrams asserts that Republicans, both in Georgia and the White House, fear the power of an engaged electorate that challenges their failures in protecting and defending Americans.

Key Takeaways from the Speech with Jen Psaki

1. Length and Self-Indulgence of the Speech

Jen Psaki remarks on the unprecedented length and self-indulgent nature of Trump’s address, highlighting its performative aspects rather than substantive policy discussions.

Jen Psaki [06:35]: “It was very self indulgent. It was performative at many times.”

2. Attack on Social Security

A central focus of the speech was Trump’s insinuation that Social Security is plagued with fraud, aiming to undermine the program without presenting viable alternatives. Abrams and Psaki discuss the urgency for Democrats to develop and communicate strategies to protect this vital program.

Jen Psaki [07:19]: “They laid the predicate to destroy Social Security... It was a clear signal of what he intends to do in the weeks and months ahead.”

Stacey Abrams [10:52]: “We know they've already started to dodge...”

3. Immigration Policy and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

Trump's proposal of a "gold card" path to citizenship for those willing to pay $5 million reflects a commodification of immigration, exacerbating xenophobic sentiments. The discussion underscores the flawed nature of such policies and their harmful impact on marginalized communities.

Jen Psaki [37:39]: “He's not interested in solving policy. He's interested in having political power.”

4. Climate Crisis and Energy Policy

The episode delves into Trump’s emphasis on ramping up fossil fuel production, a stance that undermines progress toward sustainable energy and overlooks the escalating climate crisis impacting various regions.

Jen Psaki [41:30]: “The climate crisis, it is for all the reasons I just outlined. It impacts people now, but it will only impact people more in generations to come.”

5. Control Over the Press Pool

A critical analysis is provided on Trump's undermining of the White House press pool, a mechanism traditionally designed to ensure balanced and factual reporting from major news outlets. Psaki warns that this tactic aligns with authoritarian regimes aiming to manipulate media narratives.

Jen Psaki [52:08]: “When you pick who is going to be in the press pool, you're controlling the prism through which the American people get to consume information.”

Strategies for Democratic Response

Stacey Abrams and Jen Psaki explore actionable strategies for Democrats and engaged citizens to counteract Trump's maneuvers:

1. Call Out Lies: Consistently challenge misinformation and false narratives disseminated by the administration.
2. Organize Effectively: Mobilize communities to hold town halls, especially in areas where Republican representatives may be avoiding engagement.
3. Engage in Voting and Advocacy: Emphasize the power of the vote and active participation in the democratic process to uphold governmental accountability.

Jen Psaki [48:05]: “Pick a fight to have. It doesn't mean you have to support as a group anything, but there is strength in volume.”

Press Pool Control: Implications for Democracy

The discussion highlights the dangers of eliminating the traditional press pool, drawing parallels to authoritarian regimes like Russia, where media is controlled to favor governmental narratives. Psaki emphasizes the importance of a free and independent press in maintaining democratic integrity.

Climate Crisis Communication

Addressing the climate crisis, Psaki advocates for relatable and immediate communication strategies that connect environmental issues to everyday impacts on health, economy, and future generations, moving beyond abstract or elitist discussions.

Jen Psaki [52:09]: “It's about the health of our kids, access to clean air and clean drinking water...”

Comparing GOP and Democratic Strategies

Psaki contrasts the GOP's aggressive, often fear-mongering tactics with the Democratic approach, which currently lacks a unified leadership but holds potential for innovative and fearless strategies that resonate with the broader population.

Jen Psaki [58:36]: “Be more real about how you talk, more fearless about what you talk about, saying what you actually think.”

Toolkit for Action

Assembly Required concludes with a practical toolkit for listeners:

1. Be Curious: Utilize resources like PolitiFact to discern truth from misinformation.
2. Solve Problems: Engage with initiatives like Indivisible to advocate against harmful policies.
3. Do Good: Support local food banks or shelters to mitigate the impact of rising living costs on vulnerable populations.

Stacey Abrams [61:14]: “We can remember that mutual aid has helped us survive even in the darkest times.”

Conclusion

This episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams offers a thorough analysis of Trump’s State of the Union address, highlighting the administration's strategies to undermine democratic institutions and social programs. With insightful commentary from Jen Psaki, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape and actionable steps to foster positive change in their communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Stacey Abrams [00:45]: “Donald Trump and his lackeys aren't attacking me because I've done something wrong. They're attacking me because I've done something right.”

• Jen Psaki [07:19]: “They laid the predicate to destroy Social Security... It was a clear signal of what he intends to do in the weeks and months ahead.”

• Jen Psaki [52:08]: “When you pick who is going to be in the press pool, you're controlling the prism through which the American people get to consume information.”

• Jen Psaki [58:36]: “Be more real about how you talk, more fearless about what you talk about, saying what you actually think.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from the episode, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and engage with current political dynamics in the United States.