The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Episode: Gov. Walz TRASHES Trump on shootings, national guard, economy
Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Jen Psaki (MSNBC)
Featured Guest: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

Episode Overview

This episode of The Briefing with Jen Psaki dives into two urgent themes shaping American politics in 2025: the Trump administration’s escalating use of "enemies lists" and politicized law enforcement, and the rolling crisis of gun violence with its effects on public safety, democracy, and local governance. The focal point is a candid, wide-ranging interview with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a frequent Trump target, who sharply criticizes the administration’s response to recent shootings and national policy trends, and discusses his decision to seek a third term.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s “Enemies List” and Politicization of Law Enforcement (00:37–10:24)

• Enemies List Expansion: Jen outlines how Trump allies, notably Kash Patel, have publicly named dozens of individuals as "enemies," triggering a wave of investigations against public servants, media figures, and former officials (01:45–03:50).
• Redefinition of Hate Speech: Trump administration officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, now advocate for crackdowns on "hate speech" — a dramatic reversal from past conservative free-speech rhetoric (04:19–06:34).
• Chilling Effects & Pushback: Despite aggressive targeting, legal challenges and resistance frequently neutralize administration efforts; courts and civil servants continue to check executive overreach (06:34–10:24).
• Trump’s Selective Outrage Over Political Violence: After the assassinations of high-profile political figures, Trump mourned conservative Charlie Kirk, but refrained from honoring Democratic leaders like Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (12:04–13:15).

2. Interview with Governor Tim Walz

On Trump’s Response to Violence and Empathy Deficit (13:49–16:38)

• Walz laments the lack of empathy from Trump after the killing of Speaker Melissa Hortman, describing Trump’s leadership as self-serving and devoid of compassion.
• He highlights the deep trauma in Minnesota following the shooting and underscores Melissa Hortman’s legislative legacy.

“What goes through my mind is nothing surprises me. There’s no compassion, there’s no empathy in this man. … We had a horrific act of political violence … and it gets reduced to a footnote.”
— Governor Tim Walz (13:49)

Why Walz is Running for a Third Term (17:11–19:47)

• Motivation: Walz frames his bid as an act of “servant leadership,” citing unfinished work and the need for experienced crisis management amid national turmoil.
• Obstacles: He details stonewalling and antagonism from the federal government, rising insurance costs, a brewing farm crisis, and labor union busting.
• Minnesota as a Bulwark: Vows to shield state residents from regressive federal policies, especially regarding healthcare, gun safety, and LGBTQ+ rights.

“Democracy is certainly on the line. But there's a lot of basic things we can do at the state level … the nonsense stops at our border. You live your life. We will protect you for who you love.”
— Governor Tim Walz (18:57)

Authoritarianism and the National Guard: Walz’s Longstanding Warnings (19:47–23:35)

• Walz, a military veteran, expresses disgust at Trump deploying military forces domestically for political effect.
• He criticizes the administration for “cosplay” photo ops and cutting counterterrorism funding at the expense of local security.

“He’s waging war against our cities. … What doesn’t make people feel safe? A tank next to Chipotle. It’s stupid. And it’s for the cameras.”
— Governor Tim Walz (20:57)

Minnesota’s Legislative Division and Gun Reform Push (25:22–28:26)

• After a school shooting that killed two children, Walz calls a special legislative session on gun violence, facing an evenly divided statehouse.
• He insists on fighting for gun reforms (assault weapon bans, magazine limits) despite legislative gridlock, citing personal experiences with grieving families.

“You call special session, nothing happens. But I’m asking legislators to sit with these parents and listen to them. … I just want to do something for them.”
— Governor Tim Walz (27:28)

Personal and Political Security in a Hostile Climate (28:26–31:40)

• Walz describes the new threat landscape for politicians, including his own family, after multiple political assassinations in Minnesota.
• He criticizes opposition to sensible measures like banning guns from the State Capitol.

“... What a sad testament that you have to think about going to the state fair and asking people to vote for you … Don’t bring guns and don’t threaten.”
— Governor Tim Walz (30:42)

3. FBI, Human Trafficking, and Immigration Crackdowns (31:57–43:14)

• Testimony of FBI Director Kash Patel: Denies Epstein trafficked to associates, contradicting public evidence and victims’ statements (32:39).
• Resource Diversion: Reports by Rep. Jamie Raskin and NBC’s Ken Dilanian reveal massive law enforcement diversion away from crimes like child exploitation and toward immigration enforcement, weakening efforts against domestic terror and human trafficking (33:01–38:53).
• Impact Across the Nation: Field offices are overwhelmed; key task forces have been effectively disbanded.
• Booker and Raskin’s Critique: Senator Cory Booker and Raskin blast the administration’s priorities as making the country “weaker and less safe” (37:53).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “[Trump] sees the presidency as his personal kingdom and a revenge tour. He’s doing nothing to improve people’s lives. … It’s all smoke and mirrors.” — Gov. Walz (15:29)
• “Is your life with Donald Trump — are you sick and tired of this? He didn’t do a damn thing for prices. He’s not doing anything.” — Gov. Walz (18:27)
• “History is not going to be kind to these people. History is going to remember them for what they’re trying to do, not what they’re going to get done.” — Gov. Walz (17:46)
• “A tank next to Chipotle. It’s stupid. And it’s for the cameras.” — Gov. Walz (20:57)
• “If the bureau is not looking at domestic terrorism, nobody else is. … We are now more susceptible to extremists because of these actions.” — Quoted by Ken Dilanian (41:58)
• “We don’t have Nixon anymore. We have Trump.” — Robert Redford via Bob Woodward (44:30)

Key Timestamps

• Enemies List and DOJ Retaliation: 00:37–03:50
• Trump Admin Reframing Hate Speech & Law Enforcement: 04:19–06:34
• Legal Pushbacks, Trump’s Enemies List Grows: 06:34–10:24
• Selective Mourning of Political Violence: 12:04–13:15
• Governor Tim Walz Interview Begins: 13:15
  • On Trump’s empathy deficit: 13:49
  • On running for third term/trump’s policies: 17:11
  • Authoritarianism and National Guard: 19:47–23:35
  • Gun violence special session: 25:22
  • On security, family, and open democracy: 28:26
• FBI & Law Enforcement Diversions: 31:57–43:14

Conclusion

This episode delivers a sobering but defiant perspective on democracy’s resilience amid authoritarian pressures, highlighting Governor Walz’s unvarnished criticisms of Trump on political violence, the economy, and the militarization of domestic policy. The second half, with investigative reporting on law enforcement priorities, reinforces the episode’s central warning: The drive to punish political enemies and weaponize government comes at a heavy price for public safety and the functioning of American institutions—but resistance, both legal and civic, is not only possible but already underway.