Deadline: White House — “Signs of Resistance”
Host: Nicolle Wallace (MSNBC NOW)
Air Date: February 23, 2026
Main Theme & Episode Overview
In this episode, Nicolle Wallace examines a pivotal moment in American politics marked by record-low approval for President Donald Trump’s administration and the emergence of broad, vocal resistance to his policies and leadership style. Wallace, alongside guests including former Senator Claire McCaskill, senior contributing editor Michelle Norris, and pollster Cornell Belcher, analyzes plummeting poll numbers, visible acts of protest (from Olympic athletes to public street demonstrations), and an ongoing reckoning around the Jeffrey Epstein files. The show explores the growing momentum of cultural and political dissent, the psychology and demographics of that resistance, and the challenges for Trump and the Republican Party as trust and approval erode.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Trump’s Sinking Approval & Tariff Controversy
-
Trump at All-Time Low: As the show opens, Wallace details how Trump’s approval rating stands at 36%, with only 26% among independents ([01:07]). Nearly 70% of Americans feel he is ignoring pressing problems. Notably, even formerly supportive demographics—such as independents, Latinos, and younger Americans—are turning sharply against him.
"It is the single biggest story, the biggest development in American politics since Donald Trump first descended that golden escalator..."
— Nicolle Wallace [01:07] -
Tariff Policy Backlash: Despite Supreme Court intervention offering an “off ramp,” Trump doubles down on unpopular global tariffs (15% for 150 days), worsening his already dire standing among Americans who disapprove of his handling of economic issues.
"If there's one thing Americans have said they hate, it is Donald Trump's tariffs."
— Nicolle Wallace [01:58]
2. Visible “Signs of Resistance” in American Life
-
Cultural & Sporting Figures Speak Out: Olympic athletes like Chris Lillis and Alyssa Liu, as well as tennis star Coco Gauff, publicly criticize the administration’s policies, with calls for respect, equality, and accountability ([04:51], [05:20]). These acts signal a shift from silence to open resistance.
"I feel heartbroken about what's happened in the United States...we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights..."
— Chris Lillis [04:51]"I think people think I don't [care about my country] for some reason, but I do. I'm very proud to be American. ... You don't have to represent the entire values of what's going on in the leadership."
— Coco Gauff [05:46] -
Artists Join the Movement: Brandi Carlile brings activists onstage, leading protest songs against ICE and heavy-handed immigration enforcement:
"Singing resistance."
— Claire McCaskill, introducing the moment [06:39] -
Rising Collective Courage: Wallace and guests discuss how more Americans feel empowered (“safety in numbers”) to protest and speak out, inspired by the visibility and bravery of public figures and ordinary citizens.
"Signs of resistance to Donald Trump are now sprouting up everywhere you look in the public arena. And that is a real shift."
— Nicolle Wallace [04:09]
3. What the Polls Reveal & the Role of Culture
-
Cratering Support Among Key Groups: Cornell Belcher highlights dramatic shifts among moderates and suburban voters—crucial for any national electoral success—with more than 60% disapproving of Trump’s job performance.
"[T]hat moderate swath of voters, those independent voters who often determine elections....moving solidly against the president."
— Cornell Belcher [07:52] -
Culture Leading Politics: Both Belcher and Norris emphasize that cultural movements, not party leadership, are driving this wave of activism, as previously apolitical Americans mobilize around shared values rather than solely economic concerns.
"Culture leads politics … people who've never taken to the streets because of affordability. It's a more values and aspirational thing that's happening."
— Cornell Belcher [10:52] -
Hope and Anger as Catalysts: Michelle Norris adds that hope and anger—more than policy specifics—drive mass mobilization.
4. Values, Agency, and Shifting Tolerance
-
Agency in Protest: Wallace and Norris note Americans’ increasing refusal to be intimidated, with echoes to historic resistance movements like the French Resistance.
"They have the agency to protect each other. ... If I can't do anything about this national mess, I can ... try to protect my neighbors."
— Nicolle Wallace [12:30]"I am concerned about people hitting a wall of exhaustion and I've yet to see it."
— Michelle Norris [13:02] -
Intensity and Enthusiasm Against Trump: McCaskill notes that public sentiment is turning from mere disapproval to strong, passionate rejection—a dangerous sign for Trump’s re-election prospects.
"Trump is moving people from disapproved to strongly disapproved at a record rate."
— Claire McCaskill [16:18]
5. Weaponization of Presidential Power
-
Targeting Dissenters: Trump publicly attacks Olympic skier Hunter Hess for expressing discontent, calling him a "real loser" on social media ([23:49]). Wallace and panelists discuss the chilling impact of such presidential targeting and how it further mobilizes public opposition.
"Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S."
— Hunter Hess, paraphrased by Cornell Belcher [23:13]"Trump responded like this. Quote, US Olympic skier Hunter Hess, a real loser."
— Nicolle Wallace [23:49]
6. The Epstein Files and Accountability
-
Emerging Fallout Overseas and at Home: High-profile arrests in the UK (including a former prince and ambassador) contrast with slow or absent accountability in the U.S.—despite Trump, his cabinet, and many prominent Americans being named in released Epstein files.
"The UK continues to set the example when it comes to accountability..."
— Nicolle Wallace [31:26] -
Congressional Push for Transparency: Rep. Robert Garcia (CA), ranking House Oversight Committee member, stresses that the DOJ has released only about half the Epstein materials and vows continued pursuit of those protecting perpetrators.
"[M]uch of the information that we need to really ensure that that inner ring ... if there's going to be real accountability, then the Department of Justice needs to ... release all the files."
— Rep. Robert Garcia [36:43] -
Bipartisan Public Demand: Wallace underscores that 81% of Americans think Trump is covering something up, and that survivors’ presence at the State of the Union is meant to put a human face on the call for transparency ([37:49]).
-
Powerful Men Evading Consequences: McCaskill voices disgust at U.S. double standards—arrests overseas, but "nothing is happening" to powerful men in Trump’s administration.
"Meanwhile, they're arresting people in the UK that's what's driving Americans crazy right now."
— Claire McCaskill [40:11]
7. Broader Implications and the Future
-
Intensity and a Turning Point: Norris notes that recent developments mark a historic opportunity for real accountability regarding Epstein-related abuses—"Even powerful men, all of that power ... couldn’t protect them there. Why is it that powerful men are protected here?" ([41:09])
-
Preview of Upcoming Events: Survivors will attend Trump’s State of the Union, amplifying calls for justice. Panelists expect this momentum to persist as more documents surface and resistance grows.
Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
-
Nicolle Wallace on Trump’s Decline:
"At this very moment, Donald Trump appears intent on proving those 68% of us right. Trump is doubling down on one of his least popular issues, the tariff regime..." [01:07] -
Chris Lillis, Olympic Skier:
"I feel heartbroken about what's happened in the United States ... I hope that when people look at athletes compete in the Olympics, they realize that's the America that we're trying to represent." [04:51] -
Coco Gauff, Tennis Star:
"I don't think people should be dying in the streets just for existing." [05:46] -
Michelle Norris on Endurance of Protesters:
"I am concerned about people hitting a wall of exhaustion, and I've yet to see it." [13:02] -
Cornell Belcher on the Shift from Disapproval to Intense Opposition:
"Right now you have a majority of independents who strongly disapprove ... and at some point when that’s so intense and is strong, it’s hard to persuade." [25:31] -
Claire McCaskill on Consequence Avoidance:
"Meanwhile, they're arresting people in the UK that's what's driving Americans crazy right now." [40:11] -
Michelle Norris on Values & Leadership:
"The president should be issuing congratulation and just with an exclamation point and stop there. Even when the athletes do not agree with them. And that's what a grownup would do." [29:16]
Important Segments & Timestamps
- Trump Approval and Tariffs: [01:07–03:45]
- Public Figure Protests (Athletes/Artists): [04:09–07:13]
- Deep Dive: The Polls & Values: [07:52–12:30]
- On Street Protests & Agency: [12:30–16:18]
- Intensity of Opposition Emerging: [16:18–18:24]
- Olympians Ridiculed by Trump: [23:13–29:36]
- Epstein Files, Accountability, and Congressional Hearings: [31:26–41:44]
- Panel Reflections / Broader Implications: [41:09–41:44]
Summary
This episode of Deadline: White House documents a convergence of collapsing support for President Trump and a surging, increasingly confident public resistance emerging across American culture, sports, and politics. The show’s panel robustly discusses how the catalyst is less about policy than deeply held values: dignity, justice, and agency in the face of abuse and intimidation. The episode uses both polling data and memorable human stories—from protest songs to Olympic athletes under fire—to illustrate the breadth and depth of discontent.
As the country moves toward Trump’s State of the Union address and as the Epstein scandal continues to unfold, Wallace and her guests underline that history is turning: Americans are demanding accountability, and a growing majority refuses to stay silent any longer.