Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar – Episode Released June 12, 2025

Title: Hegseth Threatens National Guard Everywhere, Newsom Stocks Surge, Israel Plots Iran Strike
Host/Authors: Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti
Release Date: June 12, 2025

1. National Guard Deployment and Pete Hegseth's Congressional Testimony

The episode opened with a deep dive into the recent heated testimony by former Congressman Pete Hegseth before Congress regarding the deployment of the National Guard. The hosts dissected the implications of Hegseth's statements, which suggest a broader federalization of the National Guard across various states in response to escalating protests and civil unrest.

Key Points:

• Federalization Scope: Hegseth indicated that the orders to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles could set a precedent for similar deployments in other states experiencing unrest.
• Political Motivations: There's an underlying motive to maintain control and suppress dissent, especially in "blue states" where political opposition is strong.
• Comparisons to January 6th: The conversation compared the current National Guard deployment to the response during the January 6th Capitol riot, highlighting discrepancies and potential double standards in federal responses to domestic protests.

Notable Quotes:

• Pete Hegseth ([06:09]):
  "In your opinion, Senator, if you notice, the initial order of 2000 in California was followed by a follow-on order for the additional 2000 with a recognition that the situation there required more resources in order to support law enforcement."

• Saagar Enjeti ([08:00]):
  "No limiting principle on the order that Trump signed. You know, Hegseth acknowledges effectively that, yeah, we could deploy troops, we could federalize National Guard anywhere."

• Krystal Ball ([12:18]):
  "So the answer is yes."
  (In response to a question about authorizing DHS to use drones and military forces to detain or arrest American citizens.)

2. Gavin Newsom's Rising Political Star and 2028 Presidential Ambitions

The discussion then shifted to California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose political maneuvers have significantly boosted his prominence both within the Democratic Party and nationally. The hosts analyzed Newsom's strategic positioning as a potential frontrunner for the 2028 presidential race, especially in the context of growing dissatisfaction with traditional Democratic leaders.

Key Points:

• Debate Performance: Newsom's impressive debate performance against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has surged his popularity, making him a key figure among Democratic voters seeking strong opposition to Donald Trump.
• Media Savvy: His adept use of social media and willingness to engage with a diverse range of guests, including those from the political right, has broadened his appeal.
• Strategic Missteps: Despite his strengths, there are concerns about Newsom's alignment with donors over core Democratic values, potentially alienating certain segments of the base.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Enten ([31:39]):
  "Google searches of Gavin Newsom with Donald Trump have gone up 9,700% versus a week ago. More folks are googling Gavin Newsom's name with Donald Trump than ever before."

• Krystal Ball ([39:58]):
  "Mr. Newsom used one of the highest profile moments of his political career to lay out the threat that he argued President Trump posed the nation and how Americans should resist it."

• Lester Holt ([35:00]):
  "And the way Gavin is using social media in a much more direct way, tussling with Stephen Miller and other various Trump officials, even going back and forth with influencer types on the right and asserting his position in real time."

3. Israel's Potential Strike on Iran and the United States' Role

A significant portion of the episode was dedicated to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with reports indicating that Israel might be preparing to launch a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. The discussion explored the potential ramifications of such an action, including the likelihood of U.S. involvement and the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability.

Key Points:

• Intelligence and Forewarning: The U.S. has intelligence and possibly diplomatic channels informed about Israel's potential strike, indicating a level of involvement or at least awareness at the federal level.
• Military Implications: The deployment and evacuation of U.S. military personnel from the Middle East underscore the gravity of the situation and the preparedness for potential conflict.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Upcoming talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman are critical. Success could avert military action, while failure may precipitate a major conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump ([45:10]):
  "They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that."

• Krystal Ball ([48:02]):
  "The Trump administration is trying to posture like, oh, Israel might strike, strike Iran. We have nothing to do with it. Let's say they maintain that, Pasha, Israel does strike Iran. Is anyone going to believe that we had nothing to do with it?"

• Saagar Enjeti ([56:27]):
  "The Trump administration's trying to posture like, oh, Israel might strike, strike Iran. We have nothing to do with it, that this was just Israel acting on their own accord."

4. Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy and Domestic Politics

The convergence of these international and domestic issues highlights a period of significant tension and strategic maneuvering. The potential use of military force by the U.S. or its allies, coupled with internal political shifts exemplified by leaders like Newsom, suggests a complex landscape ahead.

Key Points:

• Military Expenditure: The massive costs associated with deploying thousands of troops domestically raise questions about fiscal priorities and the strategic necessity of such actions.
• Political Capital: Leaders who navigate these crises effectively may gain substantial political capital, influencing future elections and policy directions.
• Public Perception: The public's response to both domestic military deployments and foreign policy actions will play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative and the success of leadership figures like Newsom.

Conclusion

This episode of Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar offered a comprehensive analysis of pressing national security concerns, the rise of influential political figures, and the intricate interplay between domestic policies and international relations. Through expert commentary and insightful discussions, Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti shed light on the multifaceted challenges facing the United States, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of current events and their broader implications.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• [06:09] Pete Hegseth on National Guard deployment in California.
• [08:00] Saagar Enjeti discussing the lack of limiting principles in Trump's National Guard orders.
• [12:18] Krystal Ball affirming the authorization of drones and military forces for law enforcement.
• [31:39] Harry Enten on the surge in Gavin Newsom's Google searches.
• [39:58] Krystal Ball on Newsom addressing the national threat posed by Trump.
• [45:10] Donald Trump reiterating restrictions on Iran's nuclear capabilities.
• [48:02] Krystal Ball questioning the U.S.'s role in a potential Israeli strike on Iran.
• [56:27] Saagar Enjeti on the Trump administration's stance regarding Israel's actions against Iran.

This summary captures the essence of the June 12, 2025 episode of Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar, highlighting the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn by the hosts.