Pod Save America – "Pope Save America" Episode Summary

Release Date: May 9, 2025

In this episode of Pod Save America, hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer delve into a range of pressing political issues, providing insightful analysis and lively discussions. From the appointment of America's first Pope to the complexities of Trump's trade policies, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the current political landscape.

1. The Appointment of Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Prevost, hailing from Chicago and a citizen of Peru, has been crowned as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first American Pope. His appointment has stirred significant discussion due to his progressive stances, particularly his outspoken criticism of J.D. Vance, Trump's immigration policies, and Republican inaction on gun violence.

• Dan Pfeiffer [03:42]: "I think if we're gonna get a pope, we should have an American woke Pope from Chicago. That seems great, especially one who hates J.D. Vance."

The new Pope's progressive views, especially on immigration, contrast sharply with the current Republican agenda, leading to backlash from the MAGA base. Laura Loomer has branded him a "woke Marxist Pope," a narrative that has quickly gone viral.

2. Trump’s Trade Deal with the UK

President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with the UK aiming to reduce tariffs from 25% to 10% on luxury cars like Rolls Royces and Bentleys while maintaining the 10% tax on other UK goods.

• Dan Pfeiffer [09:39]: "This deal has been under some form of discussion since Trump was president the first time. It's not particularly related to Liberation Day."

Jon Favreau critiques the deal's efficacy, noting the minimal market reaction and questioning its overall impact on the U.S. economy.

• Jon Favreau [11:23]: "The markets' minimal reaction suggests skepticism about the deal's impact, primarily benefiting the luxury automotive sector."

The hosts argue that the trade deal lacks substantial benefits and mainly serves as a political gesture rather than a robust economic strategy.

3. Medicaid Cuts and Republican Proposals

House Republicans are navigating a proposal that includes $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, with a significant portion targeting Medicaid. The proposed cuts face internal resistance due to their potential unpopularity among voters.

• Dan Pfeiffer [21:47]: "Cutting Medicaid is way more unpopular than attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. 80% of Americans oppose Medicaid cuts, making it a significant hurdle for Republicans."

Favreau and Pfeiffer discuss strategies to maintain pressure on Republicans to remain steadfast against extensive Medicaid reductions, emphasizing the program's importance to millions of Americans.

4. Trump’s Immigration Policies and Legal Battles

The Trump administration's attempt to deport immigrants to Libya has met strong legal opposition. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has increasingly faced court blocks over these controversial deportation practices.

• Jon Favreau [15:46]: "And that the people who work at the docks and drive the trucks and the stores that sell goods lose their jobs."

The hosts highlight the constitutional challenges these policies face, citing Judges Boasberg and rulings that deem the deportations unlawful. The administration's strategy appears to focus on sending a political message rather than adhering to legal standards.

5. Biden’s Media Appearances and Legacy Defense

Joe Biden and Jill Biden have been actively engaging in media appearances, including an interview on "The View", amidst forthcoming books critiquing Biden's presidency. The discussion centers around Biden's efforts to defend his legacy and the skepticism regarding the effectiveness of these media strategies.

• Dan Pfeiffer [46:27]: "This media tour is about Joe Biden defending himself and his legacy, not about criticizing Trump or shifting the public debate in meaningful ways."

The hosts express doubt that these appearances will significantly alter public perception, emphasizing that voters have already formed strong opinions about Biden's tenure.

6. Internal GOP Developments

The Trump administration faces internal challenges, including the replacement of Ed Martin, the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C., with Judge Jeanine Pirro. This move has raised concerns due to Pirro's controversial background and lack of traditional qualifications.

• Dan Pfeiffer [38:19]: "This is very Matt Gaetz, Pam Bondi, which is like, be careful what you wish for."

The hosts discuss the implications of this appointment, highlighting the potential for increased politicization within critical legal positions.

7. Election of Alison Riggs in North Carolina

Alison Riggs's narrow victory in North Carolina underscores the importance of voter participation. Winning by just 734 votes out of over 5 million, her swearing-in serves as a reminder that every vote counts.

• Dan Pfeiffer [45:41]: "This victory underscores the importance of voter participation, with Riggs winning by just 734 votes out of over 5 million."

Favreau emphasizes the significance of this result in reinforcing the impact of grassroots voting efforts.

8. Interview with Leah Lipman

The episode features an interview with Leah Lipman, co-host of Strict Scrutiny and author of the upcoming book "Lawless". Lipman discusses the politicization of the Supreme Court and ongoing legal battles related to Trump's administration, offering expert insights into the legal maneuvers and their broader implications.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Pfeiffer [05:01]: "If we're gonna get a pope, we should have an American woke Pope from Chicago. That seems great, especially one who hates J.D. Vance."

• Jon Favreau [11:23]: "The markets' minimal reaction suggests skepticism about the deal's impact, primarily benefiting the luxury automotive sector."

• Dan Pfeiffer [21:47]: "Cutting Medicaid is way more unpopular than attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. 80% of Americans oppose Medicaid cuts, making it a significant hurdle for Republicans."

Conclusion

In "Pope Save America," Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer provide a thorough examination of current political developments, blending critical analysis with strategic discussions aimed at empowering listeners to engage actively in the political process. The episode highlights the intertwined nature of local and global politics, legal challenges, and the ongoing battle over healthcare and immigration policies, offering a nuanced perspective on the state of American politics.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the "Pope Save America" episode, offering a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full episode.