IHIP News - Episode Summary: "How Far Will MAGA Bend For Orange Skinned Old Man?"

Release Date: February 19, 2025

Hosted by Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan, IHIP News offers progressive insights into the tumultuous political landscape of a predominantly red state. In the episode titled "How Far Will MAGA Bend For Orange Skinned Old Man?", Jennifer engages in a candid and heated discussion with former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon. Together, they delve into recent political maneuvers, the influence of key figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and the integrity of U.S. governmental institutions.

1. Trump's New Executive Order and Consolidation of Power

Duration: 00:04 - 01:32

The episode opens with Jennifer Welch addressing Donald Trump's latest executive order, which she sarcastically interprets as an attempt to crown himself king.

• Jennifer Welch (00:04):
  "Donald Trump has signed an executive order that officially makes him a king. Watch this video."

She critiques the executive order, highlighting concerns about the separation of powers. Jennifer emphasizes that while Congress is responsible for making laws and the judiciary for enforcing them, Trump's actions seemingly encroach upon these domains.

• Jennifer Welch (00:44):
  "Okay, first of all, it is Congress's job to make the law. It is the judiciary's job to enforce the law. And what he is saying is, I'm taking from the Congress, I'm taking from the judiciary, and I am now the law. This cannot stand. And I'm hopeful, like there's just a spark of hope for me that the Supreme Court will not allow this to continue..."

Jennifer expresses optimism that the Supreme Court will intervene to prevent Trump's overreach, though she remains cautiously hopeful.

2. Steve Bannon's Skepticism Towards the Supreme Court

Duration: 01:32 - 03:04

Steve Bannon responds to Jennifer's optimism by expressing profound distrust in the Supreme Court's impartiality.

• Steve Bannon (01:32):
  "Number one, I don't share your optimism about the Supreme Court. Sadly, I feel like we're in a situation where I'm starting to question how many people are compromised..."

Bannon suggests that there is a deep-seated collusion within the judiciary, implicating figures from Moscow to Washington in undermining justice for Trump.

• Steve Bannon (01:32):
  "I have zero, and I mean zero faith in the Supreme Court."

He further criticizes Trump's use of translators for executive orders, viewing it as a sign of weakness and incompetence.

• Steve Bannon (02:59):
  "Why does Trump have a translator on every single executive order he signs when everybody in the room is trafficking in the English as their first language?..."

3. The Role of Elon Musk and Accusations Against Him

Duration: 03:04 - 07:29

Jennifer shifts the conversation to Elon Musk, critiquing his involvement in political affairs and his relationship with Trump.

• Jennifer Welch (03:10):
  "But I have a sliver of hope that MAGA listens to Steve Bannon on his War Room podcast."

She labels Musk as a "parasitic illegal immigrant" and questions his transparency regarding financial claims, specifically disputing Musk's assertion of saving the federal government $8 billion.

• Jennifer Welch (06:01):
  "But he is so used to everybody buying his and the MAGA supporters just oh yeah, ELON Sammy is 8 billion with zero facts..."

Steve Bannon reinforces these criticisms, accusing Musk of colluding with Vladimir Putin and undermining U.S. governmental integrity.

• Steve Bannon (04:30):
  "Elon Musk is parasitic. There's no question about it. He's received 20 billion worth of government subsidies..."

Bannon further alleges that Musk aims to consolidate power by eliminating government oversight, ultimately owning the presidency and the United States government.

• Steve Bannon (04:30):
  "This entire doge is personally for Elon Musk to consolidate power for him..."

4. Government Spending, Accountability, and Democratic Leadership

Duration: 07:29 - 09:46

The discussion turns to government spending and the efficacy of Democratic leaders in addressing corruption and fiscal responsibility.

• Jennifer Welch (07:29):
  "I bet you and I could go into the US budget and we could cut out $8 million. I mean, pretty quick."

She criticizes Elon Musk for allegedly overstating his financial impact and laments the lack of action from Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer.

• Steve Bannon (09:13):
  "I completely agree. I have been really disappointed with Hakeem Jeffries, who I really respect, and Chuck Schumer for that matter."

Bannon expresses frustration with what he perceives as complacency and incompetence among Democratic leaders, attributing it to a lack of concern for oversight and accountability.

5. The Integrity of the Press and Future Threats to Free Speech

Duration: 09:46 - 12:17

Steve Bannon addresses the critical role of the press in maintaining democracy, warning of potential threats to free speech and fact-checking practices.

• Steve Bannon (10:42):
  "Call out Musk, call him a dick, call him a parasite..."

He emphasizes the importance of rigorous fact-checking by entities like the Associated Press, which Trump aims to undermine.

• Steve Bannon (11:00):
  "Because Donald Trump attacks the press, specifically the Associated Press, because they are rigorous about fact checking and putting forth their best foot forward towards journalism with integrity and standards."

Bannon cautions that continued attacks on the press could lead to the criminalization of fact-based speech, drawing parallels to authoritarian regimes.

• Steve Bannon (12:15):
  "Russia. Yeah."

Jennifer concurs, likening the current political strategies to the Russian playbook and expressing concern over the erosion of democratic norms.

Conclusion

In this episode of IHIP News, Jennifer Welch and Steve Bannon engage in a robust and contentious debate over the current state of American politics. They scrutinize Donald Trump's consolidation of power through executive orders, express deep skepticism about the Supreme Court's integrity, and criticize Elon Musk's influence and transparency. Additionally, they lament the perceived ineffectiveness of Democratic leadership and warn of threats to the freedom of the press and democratic institutions. The conversation underscores the complexities and tensions within the U.S. political landscape, emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability.

Notable Quotes:

• Jennifer Welch (00:44):
  "I'm taking from the Congress, I'm taking from the judiciary, and I am now the law. This cannot stand."

• Steve Bannon (01:32):
  "I have zero, and I mean zero faith in the Supreme Court."

• Steve Bannon (04:30):
  "Elon Musk is parasitic. There's no question about it."

• Jennifer Welch (07:29):
  "I bet you and I could go into the US budget and we could cut out $8 million. I mean, pretty quick."

• Steve Bannon (10:42):
  "Call out Musk, call him a dick, call him a parasite."

This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn in the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to it.