Podcast Title: Deadline: White House
Host/Author: Nicolle Wallace, MSNBC
Episode: “We’re not in Kansas anymore”
Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In the June 11, 2025 episode of Deadline: White House titled “We’re not in Kansas anymore,” Nicolle Wallace delves deep into the escalating tensions surrounding President Donald Trump's unprecedented use of military forces within the United States. Drawing from her extensive political background, Wallace provides a comprehensive analysis of the ramifications this has on democracy, civil-military relations, and the American economy.

Trump’s Deployment of the Military

Escalation in California

The episode kicks off with Jacob Soboroff reporting on Governor Gavin Newsom’s stern critique of President Trump’s actions. Governor Newsom accuses Trump of exacerbating a volatile situation by deploying the National Guard and active-duty Marines to handle protests, which he claims should have been managed by state and local officials.

Governor Gavin Newsom (01:44): “This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers, and even our National Guard at risk.”

Federalization and Militarization

Wallace discusses the federal government's decision to federalize an additional 2,000 Guard members and deploy over 700 Marines to Los Angeles, emphasizing that these forces are trained for foreign combat, not domestic law enforcement.

Nicolle Wallace (03:00): “We honor their service. We honor their bravery. But we do not want our streets militarized by our own armed forces. Not in LA, not in California, not anywhere.”

Impact on Civilian Life and the Economy

Agricultural Disruptions

Jacob Soboroff reports from Ventura County, highlighting how ICE raids, supported by armed National Guardsmen, are disrupting one of California's pivotal agricultural economies. Workers in fields are living in fear, leading to unpicked strawberries and potential long-term economic consequences.

Nicolle Wallace (05:14): “There are strawberries sitting behind me that are going unpicked. This is reminiscent of what happened in Alabama back in 2012, decimating the agricultural economy.”

Economic Forecast

Wallace warns that these actions will soon impact the national food supply and the broader economy, mirroring disruptions seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nicolle Wallace (09:05): “Virtually overnight, things are going to change out here. The food supply of this state and of people across the nation will start to be impacted.”

Public Opinion and Political Support

Polling Data

Citing a Pew Research poll from March, Soboroff highlights that a significant majority of Americans oppose deporting undocumented immigrants who are employed, parents of U.S. citizens, or came to the country as children. However, Wallace notes that Trump's actions resonate with a segment of his base despite these statistics.

Jacob Soboroff (09:05): “Only 15% of Americans support deporting people like the workers if they happen to be illegal.”

Democratic Response and Legislative Oversight

Senator Tim Kaine’s Oversight Efforts

Senator Tim Kaine criticizes the President’s misuse of military forces, advocating for legislative measures to prevent such abuse of power in the future.

Senator Tim Kaine (11:38): “The National Guard is a partnership between presidents and governors. It's not a tool and not a bludgeon.”

Defense Bill Amendments

Wallace reveals that Democrats are working on defense bill amendments to restrict presidential authority over military deployments in civilian contexts.

Nicolle Wallace (13:40): “We are writing the defense bill right now, and you can be sure that my colleagues and I will be offering proposals to dramatically limit the ability of a president to use the military like his own palace guard.”

Comparisons to Historical Events

Kent State Parallels

Wallace draws parallels between the current situation and the Kent State shootings of 1970, warning of potential escalations if the military remains involved in domestic affairs.

Nicolle Wallace (24:02): “There could be a terrible situation... something like Kent State where Americans are badly wounded or even killed because of an unnecessary military escalation.”

International Perception and Authoritarianism

Global Implications

The episode touches on how Trump’s actions are perceived internationally, potentially emboldening adversaries like Vladimir Putin and undermining America's democratic standing.

Nicolle Wallace (55:32): “Our enemies are celebrating. This is the best possible scenario for Vladimir Putin.”

Renaming Military Bases and Symbolism

Confederate Naming Controversy

Trump's decision to rename military bases previously named after Confederate generals, intended to honor other American soldiers instead, is critiqued as a politically motivated maneuver.

Nicolle Wallace (72:36): “When you think about Fort Bragg, which was briefly renamed Fort Liberty, it's part of this inane and childish campaign to rename these things.”

Weaponization of the Department of Justice

Targeting Political Opponents

Mark Elias discusses how Trump is using the Department of Justice to target political opponents, further eroding democratic norms.

Mark Elias (81:55): “Trump has turned the Department of Justice into his personal legal task force to go after his political opponents.”

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

Wallace underscores the gravity of the current situation, emphasizing the need for unity and vigilance to protect democratic institutions and prevent authoritarianism.

Nicolle Wallace (80:25): “This moment we have feared has arrived. We are not in Kansas anymore.”

Notable Quotes

• Governor Gavin Newsom (01:44): “This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers, and even our National Guard at risk.”

• Nicolle Wallace (03:00): “We honor their service. We honor their bravery. But we do not want our streets militarized by our own armed forces. Not in LA, not in California, not anywhere.”

• Senator Tim Kaine (11:38): “The National Guard is a partnership between presidents and governors. It's not a tool and not a bludgeon.”

• Mark Elias (81:55): “Trump has turned the Department of Justice into his personal legal task force to go after his political opponents.”

• Nicolle Wallace (80:25): “This moment we have feared has arrived. We are not in Kansas anymore.”

Key Takeaways

1. Unprecedented Military Deployment: President Trump’s use of the National Guard and active-duty Marines in domestic protests marks a significant departure from traditional civil-military relations in the U.S.

2. Economic and Social Ramifications: The military’s involvement is disrupting critical industries, notably agriculture, and instilling fear among immigrant communities, which could have long-term economic impacts.

3. Democratic Institutions Under Strain: Efforts are underway by Democratic leaders to impose legislative safeguards against presidential overreach, but significant challenges remain.

4. Erosion of Public Trust: Actions by top officials are contributing to a polarized society, with diminishing trust in both military and governmental institutions.

5. Shift Towards Authoritarianism: The episode highlights concerns that Trump’s maneuvers are steering the country towards authoritarian practices, undermining democratic norms and possibly inspiring global adversaries.

6. Call to Action: Wallace emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to uphold constitutional rights and prevent the further erosion of democratic principles.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn in the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the significant issues at play without needing to engage with the full podcast.