Letters from an American – January 8, 2026

Podcast Host: Heather Cox Richardson (Read by Michael Moss)
Episode Date: January 9, 2026

Overview of the Episode

This episode, read by Michael Moss in place of Heather Cox Richardson, provides a deeply analytical and emotionally charged account of the political upheaval following the shooting of Renee Nicole Goode in Minneapolis. It explores the escalating tensions under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, focusing on government overreach, manipulation of public narratives, resistance within Congress, and the broader implications for American democracy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Shooting of Renee Nicole Goode (00:24–05:00)

• Emotional Resonance:
  Michael Moss begins by quoting columnist Philip Bump, who breaks down over the killing of Renee Goode—a white suburban Christian stay-at-home mom, evoking strong identification among Americans:

  "I have a six year old... what I take away from this is... this was a family that could have been like mine." (00:35 – Philip Bump)

• Political Stakes:
  The episode posits that this tragedy strikes directly at Trump’s political base, likening its significance to historic turning points in civil rights history, e.g., the response to the murder of Black children and women by white supremacist regimes.

• Fear for Trump’s Base:
  Suggests that evidence of Trump’s involvement in sexual abuse of children or mishandling of such issues would be "enough to crater his political support from this group." (03:11)

2. The Epstein Files and Transparency (03:20–06:30)

• DOJ’s Noncompliance:
  The Trump administration is accused of openly flouting a law demanding the full release of the Epstein files, with less than 1% released and most heavily redacted. (03:43)
• Legal Stalling:
  Attorney General Pam Bondi claims "substantial work remains" before files can be released—an assertion met with skepticism by both lawmakers and the public.

3. Narrative Manipulation and Media Response (04:20–07:30)

• Administration’s Narrative:
  Trump’s officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, push a self-defense story for the agent who shot Goode, despite widespread video evidence to the contrary.
• Media Evolution:
  A timeline from Media Matters highlights the shifting Fox News narrative to support official talking points as contradictory evidence emerges.
• Escalation by Officials:
  Vice President J.D. Vance and Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt amplify claims of a "sinister left wing movement" orchestrating attacks on federal law enforcement, further intensifying the administration’s stance. (06:10)

4. Obstruction of Investigation (07:30–09:00)

• FBI Excludes State Investigators:
  Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is blocked from participating in the investigation, fueling accusations of a federal cover-up.

  Law professor Steve Vladek comments sarcastically:
  "This is definitely how you behave when you're trying to bring every resource to bear rather than trying to cover up the unlawful behavior of your own personnel." (09:00 – Steve Vladek)

• DOJ and Trump Loyalists:
  Judge Lorna Scofield rules Trump’s acting U.S. attorney appointments are unlawful, yet Trump loyalists refuse to leave office, undermining DOJ independence.

5. Institutional Pushback and Congressional Activity (10:00–14:00)

• State-Level Action:
  Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty vows to seek alternative avenues for an independent investigation into Goode’s death.

• American Dictatorship Rhetoric:
  Trump’s unprecedented expansion of the White House and self-assertion of unrestrained power:

  "As commander in Chief he has only one limit on his own morality, his own mind...” (12:00)

• Deployment of Federal Agents:
  Reporting details an influx of federal law enforcement into Minneapolis and additional shootings by federal agents in Portland, affecting immigration operations.

• Democrat and Republican Responses:

  • Epstein Files Transparency Act: Bipartisan initiative for independent oversight of DOJ compliance.

    "We do not believe the DOJ will produce the records that are required by the act." (13:30 – Reps. Khanna and Massie)

  • Affordable Care Act (ACA): Rare cross-party vote extends ACA tax credits, signaling legislative resistance to the administration. (14:00)

6. Congressional Rebukes and Republican Dissent (14:20–16:30)

• Venezuela War Powers Check:
  Senate passes a bill (with five Republican defectors) to limit Trump’s authority to attack Venezuela, described by CNN as "a notable rebuke of the president." (15:12)

  The five Republican Senators: Susan Collins (ME), Josh Hawley (MO), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Rand Paul (KY), Todd Young (IN)

  Trump’s immediate retaliation on social media, accusing those senators of “attempting to take away our powers to fight and defend the United States of America.”

• January 6th Capitol Attack:
  Senate finally advances a resolution to honor police who protected the Capitol, despite House and Department of Justice obstruction.

  Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) calls the rioters "thousands of thugs". (16:00)

7. Public Response and Protests (16:30–end)

• Nationwide Actions:
  • Protests against ICE and vigils for Renee Goode continue across the country, reflecting widespread outrage and mourning.
• Closing Note:
  The episode ends with a reiteration of authorship and production credits.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Philip Bump (on empathy and family):

  "For me, that's the thing that stands out, that this was a family that could have been like mine." (00:45)

• On potential loss of Trump’s base:

  “[Goode's killing] was the one the administration must fear most of all...” (01:12)

• Law Professor Steve Vladek on federal obstruction:

  "This is definitely how you behave when you're trying to bring every resource to bear rather than trying to cover up the unlawful behavior of your own personnel.” (09:00)

• Trump on his limits as president:

  “As commander in Chief he has only one limit on his my own morality, my own mind, it's the only thing that can stop me.” (12:15)

• Bipartisan action on transparency:

  “The DOJ cannot be trusted with making mandatory disclosures under the act. We do not believe the DOJ will produce the records that are required by the act.” (13:35)

• Senator Thom Tillis on January 6 rioters:

  “Thousands of thugs.” (16:00)

Important Timestamps

• 00:24 – 02:00: Emotional introduction and political context of Goode’s killing.
• 03:20 – 06:30: Discussion of Epstein files and federal stonewalling.
• 06:10 – 07:30: White House and Fox News narrative setting.
• 07:30 – 09:00: Investigative obstruction; BCA excluded.
• 10:00 – 12:00: Trump’s expansion of executive power; White House renovations.
• 12:15 – 13:30: Trump’s statements on his own authority.
• 13:30 – 14:30: Congressional acts for ACA tax credits; bipartisan legislative moves.
• 15:12: Senate rebuke of Trump’s Venezuela action.
• 16:00: Senate recognition of Capitol defenders; Republican dissent against Trump.
• 16:30 – End: Ongoing protests and conclusion.

Summary

This episode of "Letters from an American" is a detailed, urgent chronicle of a nation at a crossroads. Through the lens of the Renee Nicole Goode shooting, the episode confronts issues of state violence, narrative control, erosion of governmental norms, the role of bipartisan resistance in Congress, and the mounting public demand for accountability. Richardson (via Moss’s narration) draws clear parallels to historic moments when public conscience turned against entrenched power, all while underlining today’s extraordinary stakes for American democracy.