Deadline: White House (September 19, 2025)
Episode: “What he sold us is not what we’re getting”
Host: Alicia Menendez (in for Nicolle Wallace)
Notable Guests: Mark Elias, Carol Ledig, Reverend Al Sharpton, Jumani Williams, Paul Rykoff, Randi Weingarten
Overview
The episode examines the latest developments in the Trump administration, focusing on the weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) against political opponents, the authoritarian expansion of executive power, mass deportations and their consequences, attacks on free expression and educators, and political activism in the face of democratic backsliding. The central theme: the American justice system and core democratic institutions are being overridden by personal vendettas and autocratic ambition from the Trump administration, with profound effects for the rule of law, civil liberties, and social stability.
Key Discussion Points
1. DOJ Retaliation, Targeting of Letitia James, & the Firing of a U.S. Attorney
[01:42-12:22]
- Background on Letitia James Case: Trump brands New York Attorney General Letitia James, who successfully convicted him of long-term fraud, as his enemy. When a criminal investigation into her was launched by Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Eric Siebert, it found no wrongdoing—now Trump is firing Siebert for not manufacturing charges.
- “The President is firing prosecutors who won’t help him get revenge on his political enemies by making up fake crimes.” — Alicia Menendez quoting Jon Favreau [03:15]
- Reporter Insight: Carol Ledig details the process, emphasizing the chilling effect on DOJ independence.
- “Eric Siebert…was alerted that he would be fired if he did not resign...his first assistant…was given the same…warning.” — Carol Ledig [04:30]
- Mark Elias on Rule of Law:
- “U.S. attorneys shouldn’t be on teams…What about the months of bad publicity that she has received falsely? What about the sleepless nights?...We cannot lose sight of just how absolutely abnormal and dictatorial and authoritarian we are.” [06:10]
- Al Sharpton:
- “Even when the appeals court overturned the fine, they did not overturn the conviction…she didn’t go after them on a basis of something that wasn’t there.” [08:18]
- Raises the question: What's the incentive for a replacement prosecutor to pursue a discredited case?
- Legal and Political Implications: Firing loyalists for not prosecuting enemies signifies systemic breakdown.
- “Anyone who dares uphold the law over politics will face the same fate.” — Letitia James’ lawyer (read by Alicia Menendez) [10:02]
Notable Quotes
- “We’ve crossed the Rubicon.” — Mark Elias [06:10]
- “We are becoming a lawless country.” — Reverend Al Sharpton [14:07]
2. Chilling Effect on American Justice and Political Discourse
[12:22-17:25]
- Carol Ledig: Prosecutors fear precedent for being fired over not filing groundless charges.
- “This is, quote, unquote, the scariest moment for them.” [12:31]
- Rev. Sharpton: Draws sharp contrast between Trump pardoning Jan. 6 attackers and punishing prosecutors who won’t pursue fake charges.
- Mark Elias: The only hope is for people of integrity to resist and make abuses known publicly.
- “Don’t go quietly. Make sure people know what is happening here because it is completely antithetical to the rule of law.” [17:07]
3. Trump's Mass Deportation Agenda: Authoritarian Logic and Human Cost
[20:01-26:55]
- Escalating ICE Tactics: ICE now arresting elected officials (e.g., NYC Comptroller and Public Advocate) for seeking oversight of detention conditions. Mass protests are met with force.
- Jumani Williams (NYC Public Advocate):
- “The fact of the matter is we’re actually in an authoritarian regime right now with the wannabe authoritarianism…This was never about public safety…Our neighbors are being kidnapped…People who are legally filing asylum claims are being duped…then kidnapped and taken to places they don’t know.” [22:09, 23:21]
- Menendez’s Analysis: Deportations are undermining safety and the economy; polling shows most Americans disapprove of Trump’s main policies.
- “Fed chair Jerome Powell cited Trump’s immigration policy for the weakness in the labor market…MSNBC reporting that it is leading to FBI agents being pulled away from catching violent predators…Wall Street Journal finds…more illegal drugs...more crime.” [21:30]
Notable Quote
- “What he sold us is not what we’re getting.” — Reverend Al Sharpton [24:59]
4. Expansion of Presidential War-Making Powers
[30:09-35:47]
- Trump’s Broken Promises: Despite campaign vows of peace, Trump is pushing legislation (drafted with Congressional Republicans) to let him unilaterally wage war against “narco-terrorists”—potentially any country or group he labels as such.
- “It would give Trump the ability to start a war with anyone he wanted without the necessary approval of Congress...” — Alicia Menendez [30:43]
- Paul Rykoff (IAVA Founder):
- “We are so far beyond normal presidential power…the most dangerous and unprecedented national security territory we’ve ever been in our lifetime.” [31:40]
- With this authority, Trump could launch nuclear weapons without oversight.
- Reverend Al Sharpton: Sees this as a political move to confirm the president’s ‘omnipotence.’
5. Assaults on Free Speech & Education: Broadening Authoritarianism
[36:23-44:25]
- Attacks on Comedians and Teachers: Trump personally claims comedians like Jimmy Kimmel face removal for criticizing him; teachers and university presidents are ousted for resisting right-wing campaigns against diversity and inclusion.
- “This is a dark week…it also continued because of the weaponization and the exploitation of what happened afterwards in the United States…When you fire teachers, like you fire journalists or comedians, you’re firing the people who are actually trying to create a cohesive society.” — Randi Weingarten [37:51]
- Randi Weingarten’s Solution: Teachers as the antidote; they foster critical thinking, agency, and community that are bulwarks against authoritarianism.
- “The antidote to what is happening in terms of division and hate and smears, are teachers.” [37:51]
- “That’s why Putin said wars are won by teachers…that’s why fascists fear them.” [44:09]
- Reverend Al Sharpton: Personal story on how a teacher changed his life, highlighting the dangers of driving educators out.
- “How many youngsters, young Americans…are going to fall through the cracks when we’re intimidating and eliminating teachers?” [42:02]
6. Erosion of Civic Norms and Growing Activism
[44:25-46:50]
- Parallel to the 1960s: Comparison of today’s activist energy to earlier movements, warning that today’s repression is more severe.
- Joan Baez: “This is worse. I certainly see it as worse.” [46:50]
Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)
- “The President is firing prosecutors who won’t help him get revenge on his political enemies by making up fake crimes.” — Alicia Menendez quoting Jon Favreau [03:15]
- “We’ve crossed the Rubicon.” — Mark Elias [06:10]
- “This is, quote, unquote, the scariest moment for them.” — Carol Ledig [12:31]
- “What he sold us is not what we’re getting.” — Reverend Al Sharpton [24:59]
- “We are so far beyond normal presidential power…the most dangerous and unprecedented national security territory we’ve ever been in our lifetime.” — Paul Rykoff [31:40]
- “The antidote to what is happening in terms of division and hate and smears, are teachers.” — Randi Weingarten [37:51]
- “This is worse. I certainly see it as worse.” — Joan Baez [46:50]
Noteworthy Segments with Timestamps
- [01:42-07:53] — Explosive reporting on the firing of U.S. Attorney Siebert and the politicization of the DOJ against Letitia James
- [20:01-26:55] — Firsthand account of mass protests, ICE overreach, and grassroots resistance from NYC officials
- [30:09-35:47] — In-depth breakdown of Trump’s push for unchecked war powers and its dangers
- [36:23-44:25] — Comprehensive analysis of the assault on free expression and education, featuring Randi Weingarten
- [46:11-46:50] — Joan Baez on the historical stakes and the menace of governmental cruelty today
Conclusion
This episode delivers an urgent, multifaceted warning about the corrosion of American democratic institutions under Trump’s administration: from using the justice system as a weapon, escalating mass deportations and the militarization of immigration enforcement, and expanding presidential war powers, to direct attacks on educators and free speech. Throughout, the guests urge vigilance, activism, and solidarity to preserve the rule of law, democratic norms, and civil society.
For listeners who missed the episode:
You’ll come away with a stark picture of how deep the authoritarian tendencies run in the current administration, how it is affecting everyday Americans, and why resisting—even in small local acts—is more important than ever. The conversations are direct, clear-eyed, and grounded in recent, dramatic developments, making this episode a critical listen for understanding the stakes in American democracy today.