Podcast Summary: The Al Franken Podcast Episode Title: CNN’s Kasie Hunt on Her Career & Trump II
Release Date: June 29, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Al Franken Podcast, host Al Franken engages in an in-depth conversation with Kasie Hunt, a four-time #1 New York Times bestselling author, three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, two-time Grammy-winning artist, and a former U.S. Senator. The discussion delves into Kasie's career trajectory, her experiences covering significant political events, and her insights on the evolving political landscape, particularly focusing on Donald Trump's presidency.

Kasie Hunt’s Career Journey

Kasie Hunt begins by sharing her early aspirations influenced by pivotal events such as the Iraq invasion debates and the September 11 attacks. She recounts her decision to pursue journalism, leading her to George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she interned with NBC News's political unit in 2005. Despite 2005 being a "boring year" for political coverage post-presidential elections, Kasie's passion for journalism kept her motivated.

"I was one of those people who probably spent more time working than actually attending college in the years that I was in college."
[04:15]

Kasie's dedication led her to a position at the Associated Press (AP) right after graduation. She briefly paused her career to pursue a graduate degree at Cambridge University but returned to the AP to cover the 2012 presidential campaign. Her experience covering the Obama administration, particularly the passage of Obamacare, provided her with a profound understanding of legislative processes and congressional dynamics.

Covering Major Political Events

Kasie reflects on her tenure covering the U.S. House of Representatives, highlighting the complexities of passing significant legislation like Obamacare. She emphasizes the shift in congressional politics, noting the increased polarization and the diminishing power of personal relationships in legislative negotiations.

"Everything has become, like, more pure, right? Neither party is willing to accept or embrace people who are not completely in line with everything that the party stands for."
[12:02]

Her reporting during the Obama era underscored the intricate balance required to navigate bipartisan support, especially when dealing with contentious issues such as abortion rights within the Democratic Party.

The Trump Era: First and Second Terms

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Donald Trump's impact on American politics. Kasie differentiates between Trump's first and second terms, noting a shift in the nature and perception of corruption.

First Term: Kasie describes the initial phase of Trump's presidency as marked by overt signs of corruption, such as Saudi investments in Trump properties and the misuse of government resources like Mar-a-Lago for Secret Service needs.

"Saudi Saudis would buy rooms, like whole floors of rooms in the Trump Hotel, and that was a way to get money to the Trumps."
[35:41]

Second Term: In contrast, the second term introduced more subtle forms of corruption, such as the introduction of Trump's meme coin—a cryptocurrency associated with his brand—and leveraging unconventional methods to influence political discourse.

"Now it's things like the Meme coin, which is just a way of people getting on Trump's radar. What, there were 200 and some people who bought incredible amounts of his Meme coin, and it was like hundreds of millions of dollars or something like that, that this Trump family is or that Trump himself was gaining."
[35:41]

Kasie discusses the symbiotic relationship between Trump and the media ecosystem, highlighting how misinformation and the erosion of trust in traditional institutions have been exacerbated during Trump's leadership.

"He’s undermining trust in institutions that actually are required to be held accountable when that happens."
[24:07]

Impacts on Congress and Media

Kasie delves into the transformation within Congress since her early years, attributing changes to the media environment and the increased polarization that hampers bipartisan cooperation. She underscores how Trump's rhetoric and policies have intensified partisan divides, making legislative progress more challenging.

"Everything has become, like, more pure, right? Neither party is willing to accept or embrace people who are not completely in line with everything that the party stands for."
[12:02]

The discussion also touches upon the January 6th Capitol attack, with Kasie sharing her firsthand experience covering the event. She reflects on the emotional and professional impact it had on her, emphasizing the personal connections she had within the Capitol and the abrupt realization of internal threats.

"I watched from the windows of the Russell Rotunda, which is up on the third floor of the Senate Office building, and you could see the mob climbing up the walls."
[19:05]

Personal Reflections and Challenges

Kasie opens up about the personal challenges faced while covering intense political climates, including her diagnosis and surgery for a benign brain tumor. She discusses how this life-threatening experience altered her perspective on life and work, reinforcing her commitment to journalism.

"It's really changed my life, honestly. Like, I live my life very differently."
[32:37]

Her resilience is evident as she balances her demanding career with raising two young children, showcasing her dedication both professionally and personally.

Policy Discussions: Immigration and Tariffs

The conversation shifts to specific policy areas, with Kasie critiquing the Trump administration's immigration policies. She highlights the discrepancies between campaign promises and actual implementation, particularly the aggressive deportation tactics that have adversely affected non-criminal immigrants who are integral to their communities.

"He went back and forth on this in the span of, I'm not sure exactly how many hours it was, but you're right that it was relatively quickly these raids were happening."
[48:45]

Kasie also examines the economic implications of Trump's tariff policies, noting their inflationary effects and the unintended consequences on consumers. She points out the disconnect between the administration's rationale for tariffs and the tangible hardships faced by everyday Americans.

"They are inflationary. That is true. And they are a tax, typically is how economists will talk about them."
[42:01]

Conclusion

Kasie Hunt provides a comprehensive analysis of the Trump administration's influence on American politics, media trust, and legislative processes. Her insights reveal a landscape where partisan extremes have overshadowed collaborative governance, and where misinformation poses significant challenges to democratic institutions. Through her personal anecdotes and professional experiences, Kasie underscores the critical role of journalism in navigating and elucidating the complexities of contemporary politics.

Notable Quotes:

• "I was one of those people who probably spent more time working than actually attending college in the years that I was in college."
  Kasie Hunt [04:15]

• "Everything has become, like, more pure, right? Neither party is willing to accept or embrace people who are not completely in line with everything that the party stands for."
  Kasie Hunt [12:02]

• "He’s undermining trust in institutions that actually are required to be held accountable when that happens."
  Kasie Hunt [24:07]

• "It's really changed my life, honestly. Like, I live my life very differently."
  Kasie Hunt [32:37]

• "They are inflationary. That is true. And they are a tax, typically is how economists will talk about them."
  Kasie Hunt [42:01]

This episode offers listeners a profound exploration of Kasie Hunt's journey in journalism, her firsthand experiences with pivotal political moments, and her critical perspectives on the current state of American politics under Trump's leadership.