Pod Save the World: "Trump Accuses Obama of Treason" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: July 23, 2025
Hosts: Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes
Podcast: Pod Save the World by Crooked Media

Introduction

In this episode of Pod Save the World, hosts Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes delve into a tumultuous week in global politics, touching upon Trump's controversial accusations against Obama, escalating tensions with Brazil, dire human rights situations in El Salvador and Gaza, and significant political shifts in Japan and France. The episode also features an insightful interview with Kenyan political analyst Narima Waka Ojiwa, who sheds light on the ongoing protests in Kenya.

Trump Accuses Obama of Treason

The episode opens with a shocking development: former President Donald Trump publicly accuses his predecessor, Barack Obama, of treason. This allegation stems from a controversial report by Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, which Trump claims exposes Obama’s supposed betrayal.

Key Points:

• Tulsi Gabbard’s Report: Claims that the Obama administration "manufactured and politicized intelligence" regarding Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. (Ben Rhodes, [08:32])
• Trump’s Assault: Trump alleges, “Obama has been caught directly. [...] The leader of the gang was President Obama. Barack Hussein Obama. Have you heard of him? This was treason.” (Trump clip, [07:57])
• Fact-Checking: Ben Rhodes clarifies that the established intelligence community, including the Senate Intelligence Committee, confirmed Russian interference focused on hacking and social media campaigns, not altering vote totals. (Ben Rhodes, [10:19])
• Ben's Analysis: Rhodes emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting Trump's treason claims and criticizes the administration's efforts to distract from the Epstein files. (Ben Rhodes, [14:06])

Notable Quote:

"This administration is filled with, like, aggrieved fascists who will do anything Trump says."
— Ben Rhodes [02:50]

Trump's War on Brazil

Trump's aggressive stance extends to Brazil, where he imposes 50% tariffs in retaliation against former President Jair Bolsonaro's prosecution for plotting to overthrow the government.

Key Points:

• Tariff Threats: Trump threatens steep tariffs amid Bolsonaro's legal troubles. (Tommy Vietor, [19:57])
• Brazilian Reactions: Brazilian authorities intensified actions against Bolsonaro, including raids on his home and restricting his activities. (Tommy Vietor, [19:57])
• U.S. Response: Secretary of State Marco Rubio revokes visas for Brazilian Supreme Court justices involved in the investigation. (Tommy Vietor, [19:57])
• Backfire Effect: Instead of weakening Bolsonaro supporters, Trump's actions have rallied support for Brazilian President Lula da Silva and increased anti-Trump protests. (Tommy Vietor, [22:02])

Notable Quote:

"The US would no longer assess or comment on the fairness of other countries' elections unless there is a clear and compelling US Foreign policy interest to do."
— Marco Rubio [18:43]

Human Rights in El Salvador

The conversation shifts to El Salvador, highlighting the precarious situation for human rights activists and political prisoners under President Nayib Bukele's authoritarian regime.

Key Points:

• Exile of Activists: Noah Bullock and his team from Christosol flee El Salvador due to Bukele's crackdown on anti-corruption activists. (Tommy Vietor & Narima Waka Ojiwa, [24:38])
• US-Venezuela Deal: A recent exchange freed 10 American citizens from Venezuela in exchange for 252 Venezuelans sent to Bukele’s notorious Sukkot prison. (Tommy Vietor, [31:27])
• Double Standards: Ben Rhodes criticizes the US for sanctioning Venezuela while supporting Bukele's repressive government in El Salvador. (Ben Rhodes, [33:18])

Notable Quote:

"America has a higher bar in Latin America. Given our history, this is going to hit all of the worst buttons of American double standards and hypocrisy."
— Ben Rhodes [33:18]

Situation in Gaza

Gaza’s humanitarian crisis remains dire, with escalating casualties and severe food shortages exacerbated by Israeli military actions.

Key Points:

• Casualties and Starvation: Over 1,000 Palestinians have died since May, with many succumbing to starvation. (Tommy Vietor, [33:18])
• International Condemnation: 28 countries, including the UK, call for an immediate ceasefire. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expresses profound outrage. (Tommy Vietor, [33:18] & [35:42])
• Humanitarian Failures: The Gaza Health Ministry reports dismal conditions, with widespread malnutrition and continuing Israeli assaults on civilian areas. (Ben Rhodes, [37:48])

Notable Quote:

"There is no case over those four decades of such minutely engineered, closely monitored, precisely designed mass starvation of a population as has happened in Gaza today."
— Alex de Wall, World Peace Foundation (as quoted by Ben Rhodes) [38:15]

Israeli PM Netanyahu's PR Campaign

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu engages in an unconventional PR effort by interviewing with the Nelk Boys, a youth-focused YouTube channel, aiming to connect with younger audiences.

Key Points:

• Interview Reception: The interview was poorly received, with hosts Tommy and Ben criticizing the lack of charisma and substantive discussion. (Tommy Vietor, [40:12]-[41:10])
• Implications: Ben Rhodes reflects on Netanyahu’s struggle to resonate with younger generations and the failed attempt to emulate Trump’s populist appeal. (Ben Rhodes, [45:07])

Notable Quote:

"If you want, like, a manifestation of the combination of stupid, tragic, and dangerous that the world has become in 2025, the Nelk Boys talking to Bibi Netanyahu [...] a pretty good candidate for the time capsule."
— Ben Rhodes [42:28]

Update on Syria

Syria faces intensified sectarian violence, partly due to Israeli airstrikes aimed at curbing the growing influence of Syrian troops near the Israeli border.

Key Points:

• Sectarian Clashes: Increased violence between Jerus communities and Bedouin tribes in southern Syria. (Tommy Vietor, [49:42])
• Israeli Intervention: Airstrikes targeting Damascus and military convoys to protect Druze populations and limit Syrian military expansion. (Ben Rhodes, [51:40])
• US Reaction: The Trump administration criticizes Netanyahu’s actions, emphasizing support for the new Syrian government while grappling with regional instability. (Tommy Vietor, [51:40])

Notable Quote:

"What they're doing is not constructive because introduces violence as a legitimate means of trying to resolve these differences."
— Ben Rhodes [51:40]

Data Breach in the UK

A significant data breach in the UK compromised the identities of nearly 19,000 Afghan resettlement applicants, jeopardizing their safety and exposing them to potential Taliban retaliation.

Key Points:

• Breach Details: An accidental email from a UK defense official included sensitive information of Afghan applicants and military personnel. (Tommy Vietor, [54:08])
• Government Response: Initial attempt to suppress the leak with a super injunction, later lifted after recognizing the low risk of Taliban targeting based on a new study. (Ben Rhodes, [59:10])
• Political Fallout: The scandal has been politicized, fueling anti-immigrant sentiments and criticism of both the UK's handling of Afghan resettlement and US policies. (Tommy Vietor, [59:10]-[62:03])

Notable Quote:

"It is just yet another indicator of how, how poor the kind of planning and execution was on Afghan evacuation and resettlement."
— Ben Rhodes [60:24]

Elections in Japan

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffers a significant defeat in the upper house elections, signaling political instability and the rise of anti-establishment nationalist parties.

Key Points:

• LDP Defeat: Loss of majority in the upper house, leading to a weaker minority government led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. (Tommy Vietor, [65:08]-[65:55])
• Rise of New Parties: Emergence of the Democratic Party for the People and the extreme Sensato Party, both gaining substantial seats. (Tommy Vietor, [65:55])
• Driving Issues: High inflation, cost of living, aging population, and anti-immigrant sentiments propel voters towards nationalist and anti-establishment parties. (Ben Rhodes, [65:55]-[66:04])

Notable Quote:

"People are just mad as hell. Inflation's a problem, it's anti establishment, they're looking to new new parties and mostly to nationalism."
— Ben Rhodes [64:30]

Voter Sentiment in France

France grapples with a looming budget deficit, forcing Prime Minister Laurent Beirut to propose drastic measures, including reducing public holidays and altering the workweek.

Key Points:

• Budget Deficit: France faces a €44 billion shortfall, violating EU budget rules. (Tommy Vietor, [66:59])
• Proposed Reforms: Cutting holidays like Easter Monday and VE Day, adjusting work hours, and increasing taxes. (Tommy Vietor, [66:59])
• Public Reaction: Strong resistance from the populace, leading to widespread protests and declining approval for President Emmanuel Macron. (Ben Rhodes, [65:55]-[67:30])

Notable Quote:

"Macron is, you know, a pretty big figure globally. But I think his approval rating too is like bottoming out below like 20. It's like the lowest it's ever been."
— Ben Rhodes [67:30]

Update on North Korea

North Korea faces setbacks in its attempts to modernize and attract tourism, coupled with bizarre attempts by Kim Jong Un to secure weight-loss drugs.

Key Points:

• Resort Shutdown: The newly opened Wan Kalma Coastal Tour Zone becomes off-limits to foreign tourists shortly after its launch. (Tommy Vietor, [70:01]-[71:16])
• Kim’s Health Aspirations: Reports indicate Kim Jong Un's pursuit of Ozempic for weight loss, with plans to test its effects on citizens. (Tommy Vietor, [73:48]-[71:20])
• Public Reception: The failed resort and Kim’s health antics are met with ridicule and skepticism regarding their efficacy. (Tommy Vietor & Ben Rhodes, [70:46]-[71:20])

Notable Quote:

"Good luck with your procurement, sir. Good luck with your health journey. We wish you the best."
— Tommy Vietor [70:02]

Interview with Narima Waka Ojiwa on Kenya Protests

The episode features an in-depth interview with Narima Waka Ojiwa, Executive Director of Siasa Place, discussing the escalation of protests in Kenya amid government repression and corruption.

Key Points:

• Protest Trigger: This year's protests were ignited by the brutal killing of activist Alfredo Juang and continued police brutality, including the deaths of children like Bridget Njoki. (Narima Waka Ojiwa, [74:56]-[85:35])
• Government Tactics: Deployment of hired goons, police inaction, and use of terrorism charges to suppress dissent. (Narima Waka Ojiwa, [78:16]-[85:35])
• Civil Society Response: Increased organization among millennials and Gen Zs, focusing on transparency, rule of law, and accountability. (Narima Waka Ojiwa, [83:51]-[95:46])
• Political Shifts: Emergence of new political parties and leaders seeking generational change, challenging established figures like Raila Odinga. (Narima Waka Ojiwa, [86:36]-[97:24])

Notable Quotes:

"The protests this year were a little bit different because there was going to be a memorialization in terms of the young people who were lost last year in the protest on June 25."
— Narima Waka Ojiwa [74:56]

"It's just cases of, you know, falsely accused people being accused with terrorism. And even today we had seven young men accused of arson during the protests."
— Narima Waka Ojiwa [85:35]

"We're seeing people supporting one another. We're hoping to see new faces entering politics."
— Narima Waka Ojiwa [86:36]

Conclusion

Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes wrap up the episode by reflecting on the global patterns of political instability, authoritarianism, and the struggle for accountability and human rights. They express cautious optimism through the Kenyan protests but remain critical of ongoing authoritarian tactics worldwide.

Final Thoughts:

• The hosts emphasize the importance of supporting transparent governance and holding oppressive regimes accountable.
• Encouragement for listeners to engage with and support organizations fighting for human rights and political accountability globally.

Closing Quote:

"Just step back and think for a second how differently the US treats these two countries."
— Tommy Vietor [31:27]

Notable Quotes Summary

• Ben Rhodes:
  "This administration is filled with, like, aggrieved fascists who will do anything Trump says." [02:50]
  "America has a higher bar in Latin America. Given our history, this is going to hit all of the worst buttons of American double standards and hypocrisy." [33:18]
  "There is no case [...] as has happened in Gaza today." [38:15]
  "It is just yet another indicator of how, how poor the kind of planning and execution was on Afghan evacuation and resettlement." [60:24]

• Narima Waka Ojiwa:
  "This police officer actually uploaded a TikTok dancing and the Kenyan people are like, how come he's not being arrested?" [85:35]
  "We are constantly collecting money because of the hospital bills. That's also another place people can support and share." [95:46]

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of pressing global issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of domestic repression, international diplomacy, and human rights. Hosts Vietor and Rhodes provide incisive commentary, backed by expert insights, to keep listeners informed and engaged with the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.