Tangle Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: PREVIEW - The Sunday Podcast: Isaac and Will Kaback discuss all the stories we missed this week, Trump complying with court orders, Grok and Elon Musk
Host: Isaac Saul
Guests: Will K. Back, Ari Weitzman
Release Date: March 23, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Tangle, host Isaac Saul is joined by senior editor Will K. Back and managing editor Ari Weitzman to delve into a multitude of pressing news stories that have largely flown under the radar. The trio navigates through complex political dynamics, recent court orders affecting the Trump administration, and insights into Elon Musk's latest ventures with Grok and Starlink.

Overlooked News Stories of the Week

Ari begins by presenting a comprehensive list of significant events that neither the podcast nor the accompanying newsletter covered in detail over the past week. This extensive rundown underscores the sheer volume of developments in various sectors, from government reorganization to international incidents.

Key Stories Include:

• Trump’s Justice Department Speech: President Trump delivered a controversial address at the Justice Department, threatening to expose perceived enemies and accusing multiple media outlets of illegal activities. As Ari notes, “He declared himself the country's chief law enforcement officer” (07:06).

• Social Security Office Closures: Actions influenced by Dogecoin have led to the closure of numerous Social Security offices nationwide, raising concerns about access to vital services.

• Environmental and Corporate Legal Battles: A jury ruled Greenpeace liable for disrupting the Dakota Access pipeline protests, demanding over $650 million in damages from Energy Transfer.

• Ben & Jerry’s Leadership Shake-Up: Unilever reportedly removed Ben & Jerry’s CEO due to his support for the company’s progressive policies.

• International Military Commitments: Over 30 countries have expressed willingness to contribute troops to a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, contingent upon a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

• Controversial Deportations: A Lebanese medical faculty member at Brown University was deported under dubious circumstances, highlighting severe flaws in the Trump administration's immigration policies.

• CDC Measles Data: The CDC reported a surge in measles cases, with over 300 cases in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing last year's total.

• Canada’s F35 Procurement Reevaluation: In response to Trump’s tariffs, Canada is reconsidering its multi-billion-dollar investment in American-made F35 fighter jets, signaling potential economic repercussions.

Ari emphasizes the importance of these stories, noting their absence from mainstream coverage. “These things have all happened just to kind of illustrate how much is going on,” she states (07:06).

Trump Administration's Legal Troubles

The discussion shifts to the Trump administration's ongoing legal challenges, particularly focusing on recent court orders that undermine many of Trump's executive actions.

Noteworthy Developments:

• Reinstatement of Transgender Troops: A federal judge has mandated the reinstatement of transgender service members, affecting approximately 4,000 individuals in the military.

• Disclosure of Deportation Flights: Trump has been ordered to disclose details regarding the administration-sanctioned flights that deported individuals, shedding light on the criteria and processes involved.

• Elon Musk’s USAID Workers Reinstatement: Elon Musk has been court-ordered to reinstate around 24,000 USAID workers, a significant blow to his administration’s previous stance.

Ari highlights the swift undoing of Trump’s policies by the judiciary, suggesting that “if all he is going to rely on is sort of this executive action and executive overreach and testing the boundaries of his power, they're not going to have a whole ton to show for it” (26:44). Will concurs, adding that the Trump administration's reliance on executive power is being systematically dismantled by court decisions, limiting their long-term impact.

Foreign Policy Dynamics

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Trump's interactions on the global stage, particularly his dealings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other international leaders.

Key Insights:

• Trump and Putin’s Ceasefire Deal: Despite an initial agreement, Russia has resumed bombings in Ukraine shortly after the ceasefire, prompting criticism of Trump's handling of the situation. Ari expresses concern over Trump’s approach, stating, “It's a really scary prospect in terms of the signals he's sending about how he views his power” (15:27).

• Transactional Diplomacy: Ari critiques Trump's transactional style in foreign relations, noting his tendency to reward those who flatter him while being harsh towards others. “If someone is nice to him, he will be nice to them publicly,” she observes (22:26).

• Impact on Alliances: The episode touches on how Trump's unpredictable diplomacy affects longstanding alliances, citing interactions with leaders like the UK’s Keir Starmer and France’s Macron. Will mentions, “If you're good to me, I'll be good to you, and if you're not, I'm gonna make your life hell” (22:26).

The hosts debate whether Trump's behavior undermines international trust and cooperation, with Ari humorously reflecting on the simplicity yet effectiveness of his approach: “It's so simple. Just be nice or else” (22:26).

Elon Musk, Grok, and Starlink

The conversation also covers Elon Musk's ventures, particularly focusing on Grok and the integration of Starlink at the White House. Musk’s influence in both technology and politics is scrutinized, with discussions on how his actions intersect with governmental operations.

Conclusion and Reflections

Wrapping up, Isaac reflects on the overwhelming volume of news and the challenges in keeping abreast of all developments. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive news coverage and the value of platforms like Tangle in providing diverse political perspectives.

Notable Quotes

• Isaac Saul: “Customers may experience slower speeds.” (00:52)

• Ari Weitzman: “It's a really scary prospect in terms of the signals he's sending about how he views his power.” (15:27)

• Will K. Back: “The Trump administration's reliance on executive power is being systematically dismantled by court decisions.” (26:44)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Tangle offers a deep dive into underreported stories and provides critical analysis of the Trump administration's policies and their broader implications. By highlighting these overlooked events, Isaac, Will, and Ari ensure that listeners are well-informed about the multifaceted landscape of current political affairs.

For more detailed discussions and updates, visit readtangle.com.