The Breakfast Club — Donkey of the Day: Kristi Noem Defends Trump’s Justification of Renee Good’s Death

Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Episode Theme:
This episode centers on Charlamagne Tha God's “Donkey of the Day” segment, highlighting South Dakota Governor and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s controversial defense of Donald Trump and ICE Agent Jonathan Ross in the fatal shooting of Renee Good. The hosts dive into the political spin around the tragedy, emphasizing issues of hypocrisy, cognitive bias, law enforcement double standards, and the ongoing struggle to uphold right and wrong in America.

Main Theme & Purpose

The main focus is a critical analysis of officials justifying excessive use of force by ICE against Renee Good, a Black mother killed in a controversial raid, and the broader hypocrisy in applying justice when comparing protesters and Trump supporters. The episode uses Kristi Noem’s recent TV appearance as a case study for how cognitive bias and political loyalty shape public discourse on police violence and accountability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Renee Good Shooting and Immediate Political Response (02:19–04:36)

• Background: Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross under highly disputed circumstances.
• Political Reaction: Before investigations concluded, right-wing politicians and media swiftly framed Good as a threat, using her death to demonize protests and justify lethal force.
• Charlamagne’s Take: He criticizes this approach, noting officials are “trying to convince the American people we didn’t see what we all saw,” using denial and misinformation tactics.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “Don’t pee on my head and tell me that it’s raining… That is what this administration is currently doing to us, okay? Peeing on our heads and telling us it’s raining.” — Charlamagne Tha God [04:08]

2. Kristi Noem’s Appearance on CNN’s State of the Union (04:37–07:06)

• Evasive Answers: On live TV, Kristi Noem sidesteps direct questions about prejudging the officer’s actions, instead doubling down on protester demonization and vague references to law enforcement ‘defense.’
• Jake Tapper’s Pushback: Tapper questions whether Noem is setting a double standard for law enforcement use of force depending on the suspects’ political affiliations.
• Noem’s Defense: She maintains that ICE agents were justified, claims protesters match the definition of “domestic terrorism,” and insists “everything stated…has been factual.”
• Memorable Exchange:
  • Jake Tapper: “What evidence are you looking at that so many other people…say it looked to me her tires were turned to the right…they see a woman trying to flee?” [05:25]
  • Kristi Noem: “Everything that we’ve stated as the Department of Homeland Security and this administration has been factual…” [05:42]
  • Charlamagne Tha God: “Talk factual about the protesters, but not factual about law enforcement. What evidence are you looking at, Kristi?” [06:03]

3. Double Standard in Law Enforcement Response (07:06–08:22)

• Comparison to January 6th: Tapper asks Noem about the lack of lethal response to pro-Trump insurrectionists attacking officers during the Capitol riot, highlighting apparent inconsistencies.
• Noem’s Parry: She responds that every case is different and insists Trump enforced all laws equally, despite video and presidential pardons contradicting that assertion.
• Jake Tapper’s Rebuttal: Tapper flatly states the hypocrisy, noting Trump pardoned the very people Noem implies were held accountable.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “There’s a different standard for law enforcement officials being attacked if they’re being attacked by Trump supporters. We just saw them.” — Jake Tapper [08:00]

4. Charlamagne’s Core Message: Right vs. Wrong, Cognitive Bias (08:22–11:00)

• Beyond Partisan Lines: Charlamagne emphasizes that this isn’t about party politics but fundamental morality and the loss of consensus on right vs. wrong in America.
• Historical Parallels: References past police brutality cases (Rodney King, George Floyd, Eric Garner) as public moments of obvious injustice that were still politicized.
• Call for Empathy: Argues that “shared empathy helps us to bridge divides,” and warns that society is “doomed” if we can’t unite in the face of clear injustice.
• Cognitive Bias: Blames political tribalism and confirmation bias for the inability to see or admit wrongdoing by law enforcement.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “If we as a people don’t know what right and wrong is anymore, it’s over.” — Charlamagne Tha God [08:27]
  • “There should be no confirmation bias in this situation because…you can clearly see what happened to Renee Good was wrong…” — Charlamagne Tha God [09:11]

5. Comic Relief & Aftermath (11:00–11:41)

• “Hee Haw” Award: Charlamagne punctuates the segment with his signature “biggest Hee Haw” for Kristi Noem, signaling public ridicule for her evasions.
• Asparagus Metaphor Extended: Banter among the hosts about the distinct smell of asparagus in urine, extending the 'don’t pee on my head' metaphor through a playful lens.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “But the asparagus is crazy because… I can’t even bite a piece of asparagus. Piss be smelling for hours.” — Angela Yee [11:19]

Notable Quotes & Timelines

• Charlamagne on Political Spin:
  “Don’t pee on my head and tell me that it’s raining…” [04:08]
• Jake Tapper challenges Noem on evidence:
  “What evidence are you looking at…they see a woman trying to flee?” [05:25]
• Noem on ‘factual’ defense of ICE:
  “Everything…has been factual. And I wish we would talk factually about what we see every day from these protesters...” [05:42]
• Charlamagne on societal decline:
  “If we as a people don’t know what right and wrong is anymore, it's over…There should be no confirmation bias in this situation…” [08:27, 09:11]
• Jake Tapper on pardons and hypocrisy:
  “President Trump pardoned every single one of those people…There’s a different standard…” [07:38, 08:00]
• Angela Yee extends the pee-asparagus metaphor:
  “Piss be smelling for hours.” [11:19]

Additional Context & Tone

• Tone:
  The conversation is blunt, irreverent, and humorous even as it tackles deadly serious issues. The hosts don’t mince words and keep their analysis rooted in real-world experience and empathy, sprinkled with signature “Breakfast Club” jokes and banter.
• Public Accountability:
  The segment calls out both political hypocrisy and public complacency, stressing the necessity for a moral baseline and refusal to let political bias cloud obvious injustices.

Key Timestamps

• [02:19] Start of Donkey of the Day segment on Renee Good
• [04:37] Excerpts of Kristi Noem on CNN and her defense of officer
• [07:06] Discussion of Trump’s double standard: January 6th vs. protesters
• [08:22] Charlamagne’s closing commentary on cognitive bias and empathy
• [11:00] “Hee Haw” humor wraps up the segment

This summary captures the episode’s major themes, sharp political insight, memorable exchanges, and the hosts’ signature blend of outrage and comedy—making it a useful recap for anyone who missed the show.