Morning Joe - January 21, 2025
Hosts: Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski
Co-Hosts: Willie Geist, Jonathan Lemire, Donnie Deutsch, Ali Vitale
Guest: Richard Haass, President Emeritus and Council on Foreign Relations
Release Date: January 21, 2025
1. Introduction
On the January 21, 2025 episode of Morning Joe, hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, along with co-host Willie Geist and guests Jonathan Lemire, Donnie Deutsch, and Ali Vitale, delve into the historic transfer of power as Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. The conversation centers around Trump's inaugural actions, including a significant number of pardons and executive orders, and the broader implications for American politics and foreign policy.
2. Trump's Inauguration and Speech
The episode opens with a comprehensive overview of President Trump's inauguration, highlighting his inaugural address delivered in the Capitol Rotunda amidst an audience of family, former presidents, and influential figures.
Trump's Inaugural Address Highlights:
- Golden Age of America: President Trump proclaimed, "The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world" (03:03).
- America First: Emphasizing his administration's focus, he stated, "During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first."
- Peacemaker and Unifier: Trump identified his legacy aspirations, saying, "My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier."
Joe Scarborough and Jonathan Lemire analyze the stark contrast in media portrayals of the inauguration, noting the divided perceptions among Americans.
Jonathan Lemire: "Two Americas saw yesterday's events through two completely different prisms" (03:03).
3. Pardons and Commutations for January 6th Defendants
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on President Trump's decision to issue approximately 1,500 pardons and commutations related to the January 6th Capitol attack.
Key Points:
- Bulk Pardons: Trump issued pardons to individuals convicted of serious felonies, including leaders of extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
- Contradiction with Previous Stance: This action contradicted Trump's earlier commitment to a case-by-case approach, eliciting surprise and concern even among some Republican allies.
- Notable Recipients: Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, received a full pardon after a 22-year sentence.
Notable Quotes:
- Jonathan Lemire: "These were jury trials, juries of their peers convicted these people based on the evidence" (12:11).
- Donnie Deutsch: "If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn't be pardoned" (11:43).
- Ali Vitale: "There's a sense of incredulity as I was talking to someone who was a staffer on the January 6th committee" (20:33).
The hosts discuss potential ramifications within the Department of Justice, including possible mass resignations due to disillusionment among federal prosecutors.
Woody Harrelson: "I would not be surprised if we saw a mass resignation from the Department of Justice as a result of this" (16:06).
4. Reactions and Implications within the GOP and DOJ
The episode explores the internal conflicts and potential fallout within the Republican Party and the Department of Justice following the mass pardons.
Highlights:
- Senatorial Reactions: Republican senators like Thom Tillis expressed astonishment and concern over Trump's sweeping pardons, which bypassed previously stated positions against pardoning violent offenders.
- Impact on Cabinet Nominees: The hosts speculate on how Trump's actions might influence the confirmation of cabinet nominees such as Cash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard, indicating increased scrutiny and possible opposition.
Notable Insight:
- Donnie Deutsch: "These pardons flew in the face of admonitions from Republican allies who'd voiced opposition" (14:50).
5. Executive Orders and Policy Changes
President Trump signed a series of executive orders targeting various policy areas, including climate, immigration, and education.
Key Executive Actions:
- Climate Policy: Rolling back previous environmental regulations.
- Immigration: Ending the Biden-era humanitarian parole program for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
- Education: Reversing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Notable Quotes:
- Joe Scarborough: "The president chose to have his inaugural parade inside the Capital One arena because it was cold outside. The raucous crowd first heard from Elon Musk and Cash Patel, who touted the imminent return of America's glory days" (08:02).
- Woody Harrelson: "That's probably what some would say" (16:36).
The discussion highlights the challenges in implementing these orders, including legal battles and resistance from career officials within relevant departments.
6. Trump's Marketing and Communication Tactics
The hosts analyze Trump's adept use of marketing and media to consolidate power and maintain loyalty among his base.
Insights:
- Performance-Oriented Leadership: Trump orchestrates events that blend politics with showmanship, likening his actions to pro wrestling spectacles.
- Audience Targeting: By understanding and catering to the desires of his supporters, Trump ensures unwavering backing despite controversial actions.
Notable Quotes:
- Mika Brzezinski: "He understands where business, entertainment, pop Culture, politics, news comes together" (27:26).
- Ted Danson: "He's putting on a show and he's very good at it" (30:57).
7. Immigration Policy Changes under Trump
Trump's termination of the Biden-era humanitarian parole program marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, affecting over half a million migrants.
Key Points:
- Program Termination: Migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered via the parole program face uncertain futures.
- Potential Legal Challenges: The abrupt ending of the program is expected to face lawsuits and further complicate U.S.-Mexico cooperation on immigration.
Notable Quotes:
- Woody Harrelson: "There'll be a lawsuit over that" (51:50).
- Ted Danson: "This suspension of the program, there'll be a lawsuit over that" (50:44).
The hosts discuss the effectiveness of the previous administration's policies in reducing illegal border crossings and the potential counterproductive outcomes of Trump's new executive orders.
8. Foreign Policy Discussions
The episode features an in-depth conversation with Richard Haass regarding the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the resurgence of Hamas in Gaza and the complexities of achieving peace.
Key Topics:
- Hamas Resurgence: Despite previous military efforts, Hamas remains a dominant force in Gaza, undermining peace initiatives.
- Israeli-Palestinian Relations: The lack of a viable political alternative for Palestinians hampers long-term peace prospects.
- Hostage Situations: Ongoing efforts to secure the release of American hostages remain fraught with challenges.
Notable Quotes:
- Richard Haass: "You can't beat Hamas simply with military force. You need to show Palestine" (39:45).
- Ted Danson: "We've said it on this show. Everybody said it. Hamas cannot run Gaza again" (44:41).
Haass emphasizes the necessity of a two-state solution and the role of the U.S. in facilitating meaningful dialogue and stabilization in the region.
9. Conclusion
The episode wraps up by reflecting on the immediate and long-term implications of President Trump's inaugural actions. The hosts underscore the profound divisions within America, the challenges facing new executive orders, and the complexities of shifting foreign policy priorities. The conversation anticipates further political maneuvering as the new administration settles into power, setting the stage for future episodes to monitor these developments closely.
Final Thoughts:
- Ted Danson: "History shows us we cannot hide from history" (58:59).
- Joe Scarborough: "We have a one vote majority in the House and a three vote majority in the Senate" (34:03).
Notable Quotes Summary:
- Joe Scarborough (03:03): "That is what I want to be, a peacemaker and a unifier."
- Jonathan Lemire (12:11): "These were jury trials, juries of their peers convicted these people based on the evidence."
- Donnie Deutsch (11:43): "If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn't be pardoned."
- Ali Vitale (20:33): "There's a sense of incredulity as I was talking to someone who was a staffer on the January 6th committee."
- Woody Harrelson (16:06): "I would not be surprised if we saw a mass resignation from the Department of Justice as a result of this."
- Mika Brzezinski (27:26): "He understands where business, entertainment, pop Culture, politics, news comes together."
- Richard Haass (39:45): "You can't beat Hamas simply with military force. You need to show Palestine."
This detailed overview captures the pivotal moments and discussions from the January 21, 2025 episode of Morning Joe, providing listeners with comprehensive insights into the early days of President Trump's administration and its multifaceted impact on American politics and global affairs.