Podcast Summary: The Briefing with Jen Psaki – "Israel bombs Iran and a federal judge upends Trump's use of the National Guard in L.A."
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Overview
In this pivotal episode of The Briefing with Jen Psaki, host Jen Psaki delves into two major developments dominating the news landscape: Israel's recent military strikes against Iran and a significant legal decision that challenges former President Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles. Through in-depth interviews with key political figures and journalists, Psaki unpacks the ramifications of these events on both international relations and domestic governance.
1. Israel’s Preemptive Strikes on Iran
Timestamp: [00:29] - [19:14]
Details and Objectives
The episode kicks off with breaking news about Israel's unexpected airstrikes targeting Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in Middle Eastern tensions. While the specifics of the targets remain partially unclear, reports indicate that key Iranian nuclear facilities and high-ranking officials involved in the nuclear program were hit.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Statement
Timestamp: [14:13]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a forceful statement declaring Israel's resolve to neutralize threats against its existence:
“As prime minister, I've made it clear time and again, Israel will never allow those who call for our annihilation to develop the means to achieve that goal. Tonight, Israel backs those words with action. We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program... This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Reactions and Analysis
Senator Adam Schiff on the Strikes
Timestamp: [03:08] - [06:20]
Senator Adam Schiff expressed skepticism about ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, emphasizing the improbability of successful diplomatic efforts in the current climate:
“I think it's extremely unlikely that the negotiations continue at this point. So I think Iran is very likely to call them off... what has happened since we pulled out of that deal is Iran has gotten much closer to having the nuclear material for a bomb.”
Courtney Kuby’s Reporting
Timestamp: [15:36] - [19:14]
Pentagon correspondent Courtney Kuby highlighted the implications of Israel’s actions, underscoring that the Trump administration was likely aware of the impending strikes:
“The Trump administration definitely knew this was coming... They knew a lot more about it than we would realize.”
She further elaborated on the scale of the operation, noting Netanyahu's indication of a prolonged campaign:
“It's an ongoing campaign that will last time, meaning there will be more strikes... in October, they showed that they can go into Iran, they can conduct airstrikes, they can completely cripple their strategic air defense systems.”
Ben Rhodes’ Insights
Timestamp: [19:48] - [26:08]
Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Adviser, provided a critical perspective on the strikes, questioning their timing amidst U.S.-Iran negotiations:
“The timing of it is extraordinary because it's happening in the middle of a high stakes negotiation between the United States and Iran. And there's no way to sweep that under the rug.”
Rhodes also speculated on potential motivations behind Netanyahu’s decision, including internal Israeli political pressures.
Richard Engel’s Report
Timestamp: [26:48] - [31:54]
NBC's chief foreign affairs correspondent Richard Engel offered detailed accounts from sources within Iran, revealing the extent of the strikes:
“Sources in Tehran described this as a very wide-scale attack, that it wasn't just nuclear facilities, that Iranian leaders were targeted, that residential compounds were hit... There was a decapitation element to this attack to try and eliminate the leaders of Iran.”
Engel also touched upon the Iranian public's desire to avoid conflict, contrasting it with governmental divisions that may drive retaliation.
2. Federal Judge’s Ruling on Trump’s National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles
Timestamp: [06:57] - [57:00]
Overview of the Judge’s Order
A federal judge in California issued an order reversing former President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles, transferring control back to Governor Gavin Newsom effective the following day.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s Response
Timestamp: [38:24] - [43:19]
Governor Newsom lauded the judge's decision, emphasizing the importance of civilian control over the military:
“The National Guard will come back under my authority by noon tomorrow... it's about constraints, it's about limits, it's about our democracy.”
He detailed the National Guard’s return to their regular duties, such as border security and wildfire management, highlighting Trump's overreach:
“The National Guard men and women will go back to their day jobs... that's what this court order demands of the President.”
Senator Adam Schiff’s Commentary
Timestamp: [05:18] - [10:57]
Senator Schiff criticized the Trump administration's use of the National Guard, highlighting its undemocratic implications:
“This ruling tonight is a huge win for California, but also an important win for the country and for the idea of civilian control over the military... it's unconscionable.”
He further underscored the necessity for accountability regarding the treatment of Senator Alex Padilla during a press conference.
Ryan Reynolds’ Statements
Timestamp: [31:59] - [57:00]
Representing the Trump administration, Ryan Reynolds defended the deployment, dismissing claims of unauthorized actions:
“He is a constitutional officer... he should stop acting like [a] monarch, he is not a king.”
However, Reynolds acknowledged the judge’s authority and expressed confidence in the judicial system:
“We count on the judicial branch... it's the rule of law.”
Mary McCord’s Analysis
Timestamp: [53:35] - [57:00]
Former Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord explained the legal proceedings following the judge's order:
“If the Trump administration were to do the same types of things, use section 12406, federalize the National Guard, you could see challenges being brought in other states... the Supreme Court does need to be firm on you have to obey lower court rulings as well.”
She outlined the likely legal steps the administration would take, including appeals to higher courts.
3. Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy and Domestic Governance
Potential for Regional War
The convergence of Israel’s strikes on Iran and the legal rebuke of Trump’s National Guard deployment signals heightened tensions both internationally and domestically. Experts like Richard Engel anticipate likely Iranian retaliation, which could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
Impact on U.S.-Iran Negotiations
The disruption of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran due to Israel’s actions complicates efforts to stabilize the Middle East. Ben Rhodes pointed out the challenges in resuming negotiations post-strikes, questioning the feasibility of any new nuclear deal.
Militarization of Domestic Spaces
The episode highlights alarming trends in the use of military forces within U.S. cities, drawing parallels to authoritarian regimes. Senator Schiff and Ben Rhodes warned against the normalization of military presence in domestic law enforcement, emphasizing the threat to democratic principles.
Constitutional Concerns
Governor Newsom and legal experts voiced concerns over executive overreach and the undermining of constitutional checks and balances. The episode underscores the critical role of the judiciary in maintaining the rule of law against potential presidential overreach.
Notable Quotes
-
Senator Adam Schiff
[01:48]
“Well, you can't be that surprised by the strikes because the president talked openly about the need to get American forces and others in the region out of potentially harm's way.” -
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
[14:13]
“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.” -
Courtney Kuby
[15:36]
“The Trump administration definitely knew this was coming... They knew a lot more about it than we would realize.” -
Ben Rhodes
[19:48]
“Trump, I did restrain him from bombing Iran... it makes the US look a bit ridiculous.” -
Governor Gavin Newsom
[38:24]
“This decision was important because it's about constraints, it's about limits, it's about our democracy.” -
Senator Adam Schiff
[08:49]
“What does that mean for the farm worker they're chasing through the fields right now?” -
Mary McCord
[53:35]
“The Supreme Court does need to be firm on you have to obey lower court rulings as well.” -
Richard Engel
[27:58]
“There are hardliners in Iran who were stressing that this was a waste of time...”
Conclusion
This episode of The Briefing with Jen Psaki provides a comprehensive analysis of two significant events reshaping both international dynamics and domestic governance in the United States. Through expert interviews and incisive commentary, Psaki elucidates the complexities and potential repercussions of Israel’s military actions against Iran and the legal challenges to executive authority in the deployment of the National Guard. The discussions emphasize the fragility of democratic institutions amidst escalating global tensions and the imperative for maintaining constitutional checks.