Pod Save America: The MAGA Rift Over War in Iran Release Date: June 20, 2025

In the June 20, 2025 episode of Pod Save America, hosted by Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor, the discussion centers around the escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, highlighting significant rifts within the MAGA coalition and ongoing turmoil within the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The episode delves into the potential ramifications of a U.S. military strike on Iran, internal conflicts among Trump’s supporters, immigration enforcement issues, and critical economic developments.

1. Trump's Potential Military Strike on Iran

[02:12] Jon Favreau:
The episode opens with the pressing issue of the war between Israel and Iran. Trump has approved final attack plans targeting Iran's underground nuclear enrichment site at Fordo, though he has yet to authorize the strike.

[02:50] Dan Pfeiffer:
Dan criticizes the lack of foresight in this potential military action, drawing parallels to the poorly thought-out invasion of Iraq in 2003. He argues that even if the strike succeeds, it would only temporarily delay Iran's nuclear ambitions without dismantling them permanently.
"If the US does get involved and they do launch the bunker buster bomb on this site and they damage it or destroy it. That does not end Iran's nuclear ambitions. It just delays them." [04:14]

[06:04] Jon Favreau:
Jon highlights the misconception among military action proponents that a single strike would resolve the issue, emphasizing the uncertainties and potential for retaliation.
"There's just no guarantee at all that the strike succeeds... There's very no guarantee there." [06:48]

2. Internal Divisions Within the MAGA Coalition

[13:02] Jon Favreau:
The discussion shifts to the internal conflicts within Trump’s MAGA coalition, citing an interview where Tucker Carlson questioned Perez's understanding of Iran, sparking debates on loyalty and knowledge within the group.
"How could you not know that? You don't know the population of the country you seek to topple?" [13:02]

[18:08] Dan Pfeiffer:
Dan assesses the severity of the rift, suggesting that while influential Trump supporters voice opposition to military action, the average voter remains largely loyal due to long-standing political identities.
"I think for the average voter, the entirely apocryphal idea that Donald Trump is anti-war was an important rationale for why you were okay supporting him despite all of his flaws." [18:08]

3. DNC Dysfunction and Infighting

[57:50] Jon Favreau:
The hosts examine recent reports of chaos within the DNC, including financial shortfalls and internal criticisms. They discuss how this dysfunction is unprecedented and detrimental to the party’s effectiveness.
"It is definitely not normal... The DNC is in chaos and desperate for cash." [57:50]

[63:32] Jon Favreau & Dan Pfeiffer:
Jon and Dan debate the challenges the DNC faces in raising funds and maintaining unity, especially as the party prepares for the next election cycle.
"Now, we just suffered a horrific loss against Donald fucking Trump. And so obviously views of the party are going to be like at their lowest right now." [61:13]

4. Immigration Policies and ICE Raids

[27:13] Jon Favreau:
A significant portion of the episode covers the aggressive immigration raids conducted by masked ICE agents, including the controversial arrest of New York City Controller Brad Lander while he accompanied an immigrant to court.

[32:36] Dan Pfeiffer:
Dan condemns the unchecked power of ICE, stating that the current administration has given ICE agents carte blanche to conduct raids without proper oversight or respect for legal procedures.
"ICE is out of control... They are trying to escalate, not de-escalate, situations like this." [32:36]

[39:37] Jon Favreau:
Jon discusses the economic and human costs of these raids, highlighting incidents like ICE’s attempted entry into Dodger Stadium and the subsequent denial by the Department of Homeland Security.
"It's absurd... Anyone can just be rounded up and grabbed off the street." [40:27]

5. Economic Developments: Fed, Tariffs, and Medicaid Cuts

[40:30] Jon Favreau:
The hosts address the latest economic news, including the Federal Reserve’s forecast of slower growth and higher inflation, Trump's tariffs impacting car prices, and looming Medicaid cuts proposed by Republicans.

[42:09] Jon Favreau:
Jon critiques the Republican-led relief bill that disproportionately benefits millionaires while imposing severe cuts to Medicaid, calling it a devastating blow to middle and working-class families.
"Congress's own independent scorekeeper, the CBO, says Trump's 'We're all gonna die' act. That's Joni Ernst." [42:08]

[43:34] Dan Pfeiffer:
Dan explains how the Senate’s deeper Medicaid cuts will bankrupt rural hospitals and impose significant financial burdens on states, exacerbating budget shortfalls and forcing difficult choices between service cuts and tax increases.
"They are making deeper cuts to Medicaid... which will cost states over the course of the next several years, hundreds of billions of dollars in funding." [43:34]

6. Security Threats to Congress Members and Recent Assassination in Minnesota

[72:23] Eric Swalwell:
Congressman Eric Swalwell discusses the rising security threats against members of Congress, referencing a recent politically motivated assassination in Minnesota where a killer had a list of Democratic targets.

[84:24] Tommy Vitor:
Tommy expresses deep concern over the lack of adequate security resources for elected officials, criticizing Republicans for refusing to fund necessary protections.
"There is something just... it's noteworthy that in this administration... he's not going to make a stand on principle against some of these things." [84:24]

7. Interview with Congressman Eric Swalwell

In a riveting segment, Congressman Eric Swalwell joins the hosts to discuss the multifaceted crises facing the country:

• War with Iran:
  Swalwell emphasizes the importance of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and criticizes Trump’s withdrawal from the agreement, which has reignited nuclear tensions.
  "Trump pulled out, sanctioned Iran, assassinated Qasem Soleimani, and Iran drastically ramped up its nuclear activities." [66:51]

• Security for Congress:
  He highlights the inadequate security measures for members of Congress, underscoring the personal threats and the emotional toll it takes on legislators.
  "We are very, I would say, on edge as a caucus right now... the anxiety among my colleagues is that the threats... are probably going to lead to the loss of a member." [86:53]

• DNC Infighting:
  Swalwell discusses the severe internal conflicts within the DNC, noting how the loss of key figures like David Hogg and the ongoing disputes over leadership are detrimental to the party’s cohesion and fundraising efforts.
  "The DNC should be building for 2028... but if it's not run well and not funded well, it is a problem." [57:50]

• Economic Policies and Medicaid Cuts:
  He voices concern over the proposed Republican bill that aims to cut Medicaid and tax benefits for the wealthy, emphasizing its long-term negative impacts on healthcare and state budgets.
  "This is going to make the bottom 30% of American households poorer while exploding the deficit by almost $3 trillion over the next decade." [42:08]

• Call to Action:
  Swalwell encourages Democrats to engage more actively in local politics, participate in protests, and support candidates who prioritize anti-war policies and economic justice.
  "Just think about what you did and go one rung higher... find your own agency and fulfillment in doing that." [92:42]

8. Conclusion

The episode culminates with a call to action for listeners to become more involved in political activism and to support Democratic candidates who align with anti-war and progressive economic policies. The hosts emphasize the importance of small victories in local elections to build momentum for larger national victories.

Notable Quotes:

• "If the US does get involved and they do launch the bunker buster bomb on this site and they damage it or destroy it. That does not end Iran's nuclear ambitions. It just delays them." — Dan Pfeiffer [04:14]

• "It is definitely not normal... The DNC is in chaos and desperate for cash." — Dan Pfeiffer [57:50]

• "There is something just... it's noteworthy that in this administration... he's not going to make a stand on principle against some of these things." — Tommy Vitor [84:24]

• "Trump pulled out, sanctioned Iran, assassinated Qasem Soleimani, and Iran drastically ramped up its nuclear activities." — Eric Swalwell [66:51]

• "This is going to make the bottom 30% of American households poorer while exploding the deficit by almost $3 trillion over the next decade." — Dan Pfeiffer [42:08]

This episode of Pod Save America provides a comprehensive look at the current political landscape, dissecting the potential for war in Iran, internal fractures within both the MAGA coalition and the DNC, and the profound challenges facing America's immigration and economic policies. Through insightful analysis and critical discussions, the hosts encourage listeners to stay informed and actively participate in shaping the nation's future.