Pod Save America Episode Summary: "Is Trump's Honeymoon Over?"
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host/Author: Crooked Media

Introduction

In this episode of Pod Save America, hosts Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor delve into the evolving relationship between former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk, examining whether Trump's political influence is waning. The conversation navigates through recent political maneuvers, shifts in U.S. foreign policy, and the implications of public opinion on Trump's standing. The episode culminates with an insightful interview featuring Andrew Weissman, a former federal prosecutor and MSNBC legal contributor, who discusses the current upheavals within the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Trump and Musk's Public Alliance: Impact and Implications

The episode opens with Favreau and Vietor discussing a recent joint interview between Trump and Musk on Sean Hannity's show, highlighting the unusual harmony between the two figures. They ponder the significance of this alliance and its potential impact on Trump's political influence.

[15:42] Elon Musk: "They want you two to start a divorce."

Both hosts express skepticism about the authenticity and longevity of Trump and Musk's close relationship, suggesting that while they currently appear to be allies, underlying tensions may surface in the future.

Shifts in U.S. Foreign Policy: From Democracy to Autocracy

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump's influence. Favreau outlines how America appears to be abandoning its long-standing bipartisan commitment to supporting democracies worldwide, aligning instead with autocratic regimes.

[05:22] Tommy Vietor: "This is the abandonment of the entire bipartisan principles that have undergirded U.S. foreign policy since World War II."

The hosts express deep concern over Trump's attempts to negotiate with Vladimir Putin in ways that undermine established democratic norms, including Trump's contentious claim that "Ukraine started the war," which contradicts global consensus.

Polling Data: Trump's and Musk’s Approval Ratings Decline

Favreau and Vietor present recent polling data indicating a decline in both Trump’s and Musk’s approval ratings. They note that Trump’s economic approval has fallen below his overall job approval, and Musk is facing significant unpopularity regarding his role in government.

[25:41] Tommy Vietor: "Trump is now back to mid-40s in most of these polls, which is where he was."

This decline is attributed to unpopular policy decisions, particularly around budget cuts and Medicaid reductions, as well as Musk's controversial influence over governmental affairs.

Budget Cuts and Medicaid: Political Fallout

The hosts dissect Trump's endorsement of a House Republican budget resolution that proposes cutting Medicaid by $880 billion. They discuss the political and humanitarian implications of such drastic cuts, including the potential loss of healthcare for millions of Americans.

[40:23] Tommy Vietor: "It’s a politically insane thing to do."

Favreau highlights the contradiction between Trump's public statements against cutting Medicaid and his actions endorsing significant reductions in funding, which contradicts his campaign promises and alienates many voters.

Trump and Musk's Joint Interview: A Divisive Display

Favreau and Vietor critique the joint interview between Trump and Musk, describing it as "nauseating" and "boring," yet revealing of the superficial harmony between the two leaders. They speculate on the motivations behind their alliance, suggesting mutual benefits in power and influence.

[16:00] Jon Favreau: "I think he is more forgiving of Musk or more willing to tolerate him than he is anyone else."

The conversation underscores the strategic partnership between Trump and Musk, emphasizing how Musk's control over platforms like Twitter empowers both figures to amplify their agendas.

The Biden Administration vs. Trump: DOJ Shakeups and Legal Weaponization

The latter half of the episode transitions to an interview with Andrew Weissman, who discusses the troubling changes occurring within the DOJ under Trump's orders. Weissman explains how Trump’s directive to fire Biden-era U.S. attorneys is a clear attempt to politicize the DOJ.

[50:31] Andrew Weissman: "The current mayor of the city of New York is under indictment federally, currently with five felonies."

Weissman highlights specific cases, such as the indictment of Eric Adams, and the broader implications of using the DOJ to exert political pressure. He criticizes the lack of prosecutorial independence and the potential for abuse of power.

[53:37] Andrew Weissman: "The idea that you would use the criminal law to do your political bidding is... unimaginable."

Legal and Political Ramifications

Weissman delves into the Eric Adams case, illustrating how the DOJ's actions are undermining the rule of law. He explains the procedural anomalies and the inappropriate influence being wielded by Trump and his allies to sway legal outcomes for political gain.

[52:26] Tommy Vietor: "How is that the normal way behind the scenes?"

Furthermore, Weissman discusses the resignation of career prosecutors in protest against the DOJ's politicization, drawing parallels to the infamous "Saturday Night Massacre" during Nixon's presidency.

[60:10] Elon Musk: "If the court were to say, you have to go forward, the Southern District of New York or now the Public Integrity Section...”

Democratic Response and Strategic Targeting

Favreau and Vietor explore potential Democratic strategies to counteract the alliance between Trump and Musk. They advocate for targeting Musk as part of a larger narrative on corruption and the undue influence of billionaires in politics.

[32:21] Tommy Vietor: "We have to make Elon Musk be a data point in a larger story, not just about Trump, because... about corruption."

The hosts emphasize the importance of framing the discussion around systemic issues rather than personal attacks to effectively resonate with the public and counteract the GOP’s narrative.

Republican Backlash: GOP Lawmakers and Voter Concerns

The episode examines the increasing dissatisfaction among Republican lawmakers regarding the administration's budget cuts and policy decisions. Lawmakers like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski express concerns over the constitutionality and detrimental impact of these cuts on their constituents.

[36:33] Tommy Vietor: "I'm confused about what the other, What's the other thing you need to keep up with the last person the country's".

The discussion underscores the internal conflicts within the GOP, as some members recognize the unpopularity of certain policies and the potential political ramifications heading into the 2026 elections.

Interview with Andrew Weissman: DOJ and Legal Integrity

In the interview segment, Andrew Weissman provides an expert analysis of the DOJ's current state under Trump's directives. He outlines the legal irregularities in firing U.S. attorneys and the broader implications for American democracy.

[51:03] Elon Musk: "President Obama brought in the new U.S. attorneys... needing to understand their allegiance is to the Constitution, not to me."

Weissman discusses the weaponization of the DOJ, highlighting how political motivations are corrupting legal processes and eroding trust in governmental institutions. He calls for accountability and the restoration of prosecutorial independence to preserve the rule of law.

[67:44] Elon Musk: "There is no choice because you are being directed to do something that you have determined is either illegal, unethical, or just violates... principles."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a sobering reflection on the current political climate, emphasizing the dangers of authoritarian tendencies and the erosion of democratic norms. Favreau and Vietor stress the importance of maintaining institutional integrity and holding leaders accountable to safeguard American democracy.

[73:23] Tommy Vietor: "It's a dangerous time, but we have to stay informed and continue to fight for what's right."

Notable Quotes

• Tommy Vietor [05:22]: "This is the abandonment of the entire bipartisan principles that have undergirded U.S. foreign policy since World War II."

• Jon Favreau [16:00]: "I think he is more forgiving of Musk or more willing to tolerate him than he is anyone else."

• Andrew Weissman [53:37]: "The idea that you would use the criminal law to do your political bidding is... unimaginable."

• Elon Musk [51:03]: "President Obama brought in the new U.S. attorneys... needing to understand their allegiance is to the Constitution, not to me."

Final Thoughts

"Is Trump's Honeymoon Over?" offers a comprehensive analysis of the shifting dynamics within American politics, highlighting the precarious balance between power, influence, and democratic integrity. Through candid discussions and expert insights, Pod Save America underscores the critical need for vigilance and advocacy to preserve the foundational principles of U.S. governance.