Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode: MTG feuds with Trump; White House apologizes for Hyundai raid
Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Peter Biello (Georgia Public Broadcasting)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers top news stories from Georgia, focusing on the ongoing feud between Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) and former President Donald Trump, fallout from a federal immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant, local government updates, economic developments, and community stories. The episode is driven by direct reporting, constituent voices, and on-the-ground reactions, keeping the tone factual yet community-centered.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Feud with Donald Trump

Segment Start: 00:29

• Background: MTG, who represents northwest Georgia, is facing a public rift with former President Trump, who pulled his endorsement despite both receiving strong support in her district during 2024. She remains on the ballot for 2026.
• Constituent Reactions:
  • Many in her district remain loyal, citing her “America First” stance, particularly her stance against continued U.S. support for Israel.
  • Others are critical of her voting record, finding her politics insufficiently effective, though they appreciate signals of moving past “toxic politics.”
• Notable Quotes:
  • [00:20, 01:08] Jody May (constituent):
    “Marjorie Greene's hitting the nail on the head about not supporting Israel and all them support American people instead of different countries. That's where our money should stay.”
  • [01:28] Josh Williams (constituent):
    “The record of her as a politician in this district is pretty poor... Even if it's, you know, turning in a 1 millimeter turn in the right direction, it's still an F. No serious.”
• Political Outlook:
  • So far, no significant Republican challengers. Democrat Sean Harris intends to run.

2. White House Apology to Hyundai / Immigration Raid Fallout

Segment Start: 01:58

• Incident: In September, a federal immigration raid affected a Hyundai battery plant near Savannah, raising concerns about workforce fears and damage to company morale.
• Hyundai’s Response:
  • CEO Jose Munoz reported receiving a personal apology from the White House.
    [02:12] Munoz: “I got [a] phone call from the White House apologizing for what happened. They were not aware. They didn't know.”
  • Hyundai continues to collaborate with authorities and maintains its major U.S. investments.

3. Local Government & Economic Developments

• Columbus City Manager Search on Hold
  Segment: 02:19

  • Pause of 3–6 months to review salary competitiveness and reflect on candidate withdrawals.
  • Current duties split between Deputy Managers Pam Hodge and Lisa Goodwin.

• DeKalb Peachtree Airport Expansion
  Segment: 02:50

  • $45 million project for eight new aircraft hangars.
  • Projected revenue over $500 million, despite local resident concerns over pollution and noise.

• Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff on Food Tariffs & Thanksgiving Costs
  Segment: 03:30

  • Ossoff calls on the White House to reduce tariffs affecting food prices:
    • [03:46] Ossoff: “As folks go out to buy groceries and prepare those family meals for this annual tradition... they're going to be facing much higher costs while at the same time signing up for health insurance that's going to cost them so much more.”
  • The price of a traditional Thanksgiving meal has decreased by 5%.

• Virginia Transformer Corp Expansion
  Segment: 06:01

  • $40 million investment in Effingham County, creating 400 new jobs.

4. Community & Legal News

• Braselton Police Chief Arrested Segment: 04:52

  • Chief Michael Steffman resigned and was arrested for allegedly using city license plate readers to stalk and harass individuals.
  • Faces charges for stalking, harassing communication, and misuse of systems.

• Georgia Tech K-9 Honored
  Segment: 05:12

  • Bomb-sniffing dog Pepper, a German Shepherd, was honored posthumously.
    • [05:24] Sgt. Manuel Blair (handler):
      “She was like my child in a sense, but also my best friend because I spent a lot of time with her and... spent more time with her than I did my actual family.”

5. Sports Highlights

Segment: 06:56

• Atlanta Braves News:
  • Relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias signs a one-year, $16 million contract.
  • Braves trade Gold Glove finalist Nick Allen to the Houston Astros for Mauricio Dubon.

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• Jody May on MTG's foreign policy:
  [00:20, 01:08] “Marjorie Greene's hitting the nail on the head about not supporting Israel and all them support American people instead of different countries. That's where our money should stay.”
• Josh Williams on MTG’s record:
  [01:28] “The record of her as a politician in this district is pretty poor... Even if it's, you know, turning in a 1 millimeter turn in the right direction, it's still an F.”
• Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz:
  [02:12] “I got phone call from the White House apologizing for what happened. They were not aware. They didn't know.”
• Senator Jon Ossoff on tariffs:
  [03:46] “They're going to be facing much higher costs while at the same time signing up for health insurance that's going to cost them so much more.”
• Sgt. Manuel Blair on Pepper:
  [05:24] “She was like my child in a sense, but also my best friend because I spent a lot of time with her and I spent more time with her than I did my actual family.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• MTG/Trump Feud & Constituent Voices — 00:29–01:58
• White House Apology to Hyundai / Economic Development — 01:58–02:19
• Columbus City Manager Search — 02:19–02:50
• Airport Expansion Approval — 02:50–03:30
• Thanksgiving Costs & Political Reaction — 03:30–04:22
• Braselton Police Chief Arrested — 04:52–05:12
• Georgia Tech K-9 Tribute — 05:12–06:01
• Economic Expansion (Virginia Transformer) — 06:01–06:24
• Sports Wrap-up — 06:56–End

This episode paints a detailed picture of Georgia’s evolving political climate, economic priorities, and local stories, with a focus on the respective impact on residents and key community voices.