Morning Joe – May 14, 2025

Hosts: Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, and Willie Geist Special Guests: Katty Kay, David Ignatius (The Washington Post), Elizabeth Bumiller (The New York Times)

1. Introduction and Guest Announcements

The episode kicks off with the familiar banter between hosts Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, and Willie Geist, reminiscing about past collaborations and welcoming special guests Katty Kay, David Ignatius, and Elizabeth Bumiller to discuss the day's pressing issues.

**2. Donald Trump's Foreign Policy Shift

a. Speech in Saudi Arabia and Syria Sanctions

President Donald Trump addressed the nation from Saudi Arabia, announcing a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. He emphasized a new path for Syria while maintaining a strict stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Donald Trump [01:02]: "I'm here today not merely to condemn the past chaos of Iran's leaders, but to offer them a new path... Iran will never have a nuclear weapon."

Trump declared the lifting of sanctions on Syria, signaling support for its new president, Ahmed Al Shara.

Donald Trump [01:02]: "We will be dropping all of the sanctions on Syria, which I think really is going to be a good thing."

b. Position on Iran

In his speech, Trump expressed a willingness to negotiate with Iran on a nuclear deal but remained firm that the U.S. would not permit Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

Donald Trump [17:08]: "I want to make a deal with Iran... But they cannot have a nuclear weapon."

c. Acceptance of Qatari Luxury Jet

Amidst his Middle Eastern tour, Trump reinforced his decision to accept a luxurious jet from Qatar, sparking controversy and concerns over potential corruption and espionage.

Donald Trump [06:52]: "It's not going to be easy anyway, so gives them a good, strong chance."

**3. Debate Over the Qatari Jet and U.S. Policy Implications

The discussion delves into the ramifications of Trump accepting the Qatari jet, highlighting bipartisan objections and national security concerns.

Willie Geist [10:24]: "He's Doubled down on why he would be a fool not to take a plane like this."

David Ignatius elaborates on the symbolic shift in U.S. Middle Eastern policy, noting Trump's pivot from traditional allies like Israel to broader regional engagement.

David Ignatius [09:34]: "The United States is doing things that make Israel nervous and I think that's only beginning to play out."

Elizabeth Bumiller and Willie Geist express skepticism about the jet's security and the administration's intentions, questioning whether it's a genuine policy signal or a distraction from other issues.

Elizabeth Bumiller [12:34]: "This is unimaginable that this wouldn't be a problem."

**4. Major League Baseball Reinstates Pete Rose

a. Decision by Commissioner Rob Manfred

In a surprising move, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred lifted the ban on Pete Rose, allowing his potential induction into the Hall of Fame.

Mike Barnacle [46:31]: "Rob Manfred is essentially telling us Pete Rose has served his time."

b. Reactions and Implications

The decision reignites debates over Rose's legacy and its impact on other candidates with similar controversies.

Mike Barnacle [50:48]: "If he served his time, we should be thinking about Pete Rose the baseball player."

Donald Trump weighs in, defending Rose's character and questioning MLB's stance on gambling.

Donald Trump [50:48]: "You're taking all of this money from these gambling institutions... he's a Hall of Fame player."

**5. Domestic Policy and Immigration

a. Alien Enemies Act and Venezuelan Migrants

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration can invoke the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants, albeit with stricter due process requirements than the administration initially proposed.

Katty Kay [24:09]: "The government has to provide a 21 day notice... an opportunity to be heard."

b. Challenges of Self-Deportation

The hosts discuss the administration's push for self-deportation among migrants, highlighting the logistical and ethical challenges inherent in such policies.

Dr. Aksa Durrani [36:06]: "People are eating right now, sources of food that are... dwindling."

**6. Election Insights and Political Shifts

a. Omaha Elects First Black Mayor

Democrat John Ewing Jr. wins the mayoral race in Omaha, marking a significant milestone as the first black politician to hold the position. This victory is part of a broader trend of Democratic successes in early elections of Trump's second term.

Elizabeth Bumiller [28:33]: "The signs are that what we're hearing... is that people are not necessarily very happy with the way the President is enacting his policies."

b. Implications for 2028 Presidential Race

The recent election outcomes are analyzed for their potential impact on future political landscapes, including speculation about 2028 contenders like Pete Buttigieg.

**7. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

a. Starvation and Blockades

Dr. Aksa Durrani from Doctors Without Borders provides a harrowing account of the dire conditions in Gaza, emphasizing the looming threat of widespread starvation due to Israel's blockade.

Dr. Aksa Durrani [34:20]: "It's systematic, it's deliberate and it's cruel."

b. International Law and Humanitarian Concerns

The discussion underscores violations of international humanitarian law, with aid being used as a weapon of war, exacerbating the suffering of civilians.

Dr. Aksa Durrani [38:37]: "We are witnessing Israel using starvation as a weapon of war."

c. Israeli Military Perspectives

David Ignatius shares insights from Israeli military officials who express growing concerns about Gaza's humanitarian collapse and the lack of a post-war governance plan.

David Ignatius [41:57]: "We don't have anybody to talk to. So I think that the beginning of getting out of this terrible tragedy... that's absolutely necessary because people are dying."

**8. Sports and Entertainment Highlights

a. ESPN's New Streaming Service

ESPN unveils plans for a new streaming service, set to launch in the fall at $29.99/month, offering comprehensive access to sports content without traditional cable subscriptions.

Willie Geist [30:25]: "This is the ultimate cord cutting."

b. Pete Rose and MLB Controversies

Continuing the discussion on Pete Rose's reinstatement, the hosts and guests debate the future of other controversial figures like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens in the Hall of Fame.

Donal Trump [51:18]: "And you watch the commercials on TV baseball games. The gambling institutions have provided so much money, advertising money to Major League Baseball..."

**9. Closing Remarks and Light-hearted Banter

The show concludes with light-hearted conversations about travel experiences and personal anecdotes, providing a human touch to the intense discussions of the day.

Katty Kay [44:22]: "I flew into Newark on United... I felt like one of those Mercury astronauts."

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump [01:02]: "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon."
• David Ignatius [07:37]: "It's a big move by President Trump. We were all expecting that this trip to Saudi Arabia would be pop and, you know, elaborate meetings."
• Dr. Aksa Durrani [34:20]: "This is systematic, it's deliberate and it's cruel."
• Mike Barnacle [46:31]: "Rob Manfred is essentially telling us Pete Rose has served his time."

Conclusion

This episode of Morning Joe navigated through pivotal international developments, controversial domestic policies, significant sports updates, and a deep dive into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The hosts and guests provided comprehensive analysis, diverse perspectives, and heartfelt discussions, ensuring listeners were well-informed on the day's most pressing issues.