Pod Save America: Trump 2.0's Biggest Scandal Yet
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Host/Author: Crooked Media
Description: A no-bullshit conversation about politics hosted by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, and others, breaking down the week’s news and helping listeners understand what matters and how they can help.

Introduction

In the episode titled "Trump 2.0's Biggest Scandal Yet", hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer delve deep into the escalating political turmoil surrounding former President Donald Trump and his administration's controversial actions. From mishandled classified information to aggressive trade policies and a terrifying crackdown on immigrants, the episode unpacks the multi-faceted scandal that is shaking the foundations of American politics.

The Group Chat Scandal

The hosts begin by addressing the ongoing fallout from a notorious group chat involving high-level officials, including Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic. The scandal centers around military planning discussions that allegedly took place over the Signal messaging app, raising serious concerns about the security of classified information.

• Jon Favreau [03:17]: "Trump is apparently quite frustrated with the situation, according to the Wall Street Journal, but has decided he's better off handling the massive fuck up like he handles everything else."

• Dan Pfeiffer [04:28]: "The idea that the information shared by Pete Hegseth was not classified is absurd. The details around when an attack is going to start by the minute is the most sensitive information the government has."

Favreau and Pfeiffer critique the administration's response, highlighting a lack of accountability and coherence in addressing the breach. They emphasize that such mishandling not only endangers national security but also undermines public trust.

Tariffs and Trade Policies

Shifting focus to economic policies, the discussion turns to Trump's imposition of new 25% tariffs on foreign-made cars and parts. Analysts predict significant price hikes for consumers, with estimates ranging from $4,000 to $15,000 per vehicle.

• Jon Favreau [27:07]: "The President has announced new 25% tariffs on foreign made cars and car parts. Prices could increase by $4,000 to $15,000 per vehicle."

Pfeiffer critiques Trump's lack of understanding regarding tariffs, suggesting that these moves are politically motivated attempts to distract from other issues rather than well-thought-out economic strategies.

• Dan Pfeiffer [27:18]: "Trump doesn't understand tariffs. Substantively, every expert looks at this and says it's not going to do anything that Trump says it's going to do."

Attack on Legal Immigrants

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Trump administration's intensified campaign against legal immigrants, including the alarming detainment of individuals like Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney.

• Jon Favreau [49:03]: "I have been ranting about this on every platform I can find this week. I have run out of words to describe how disgusted and horrified I am."

The hosts discuss various cases where legal immigrants have been unjustly detained and sent to foreign prisons without due process, highlighting systemic abuses within ICE operations.

Media Relations Battle

The episode also explores the contentious relationship between the Trump administration and the media, focusing on the Associated Press (AP) being banned from the White House for using the term "Gulf of Mexico" correctly.

• Dan Pfeiffer [40:18]: "The AP is one of those news organizations that most people pay no attention to, but it has a major impact on what everyone is learning about politics."

Favreau and Pfeiffer argue that restricting AP's access severely hampers accurate and unbiased reporting, contributing to a less informed public and furthering the administration's agenda of controlling the narrative.

Interview with Jasmine Mooney

The episode features an emotional interview with Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian actress and entrepreneur who was detained by ICE for 12 days without clear justification.

Highlights from Jasmine Mooney's Interview:

• Initial Detention: Jasmine recounts how she was wrongfully accused based on a minor paperwork error and subsequently detained without cause.

  • Jasmine Mooney [66:26]: "They revoked my visa because a beverage I was working for had hemp in it. I was sent back to Canada with no clear explanations."

• Conditions of Detention: She describes the inhumane conditions in detention centers, including overcrowded cells, lack of basic necessities, and psychological trauma.

  • Jasmine Mooney [72:46]: "The food was not food. The bathrooms are like 30 people sharing open facilities. It was insane."

• Systemic Failures: Jasmine emphasizes the broader implications of such abuses, stressing the need for systemic reform to protect the rights of immigrants and ensure due process.

  • Jasmine Mooney [89:02]: "Everyone has freedom of speech rights, but now we're kicking people out of the country for simply signing an op-ed."

• Call to Action: She urges listeners to become advocates for change, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and supporting those affected by these policies.

  • Jasmine Mooney [93:39]: "The community in detention was beautiful. We must be a voice for those who are silenced."

Conclusion and Insights

Favreau and Pfeiffer wrap up the episode by reflecting on the potential long-term impacts of these scandals on Trump's political standing and the integrity of American democracy. They argue that such blatant missteps could erode Trump's base and sway public opinion against him, marking a shift from "Trump the winner" to "Trump the clown."

• Dan Pfeiffer [20:35]: "This shifts the narrative from Trump the winner to Trump the clown, which is helpful to Democrats on a host of issues."

The hosts call for increased public awareness and engagement to combat the administration's draconian measures and protect democratic values.

Notable Quotes

• Jon Favreau [06:35]: "The idea that it's not classified or not sensitive is insane."
• Dan Pfeiffer [16:08]: "They don't fear accountability. There's no shame here."
• Jon Favreau [23:16]: "We're ruled by crooks and morons, and that's as good a message as any."
• Jasmine Mooney [82:16]: "I am trying to be a voice for what is happening because many are too scared to speak out."

Final Thoughts

"Trump 2.0's Biggest Scandal Yet" offers a comprehensive analysis of the Trump administration's recent actions that threaten national security, economic stability, and individual freedoms. Through incisive commentary and firsthand accounts like Jasmine Mooney's, the episode underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform within the highest levels of government.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, support advocacy efforts, and hold their leaders accountable to preserve the democratic principles that define the United States.

Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts.