**Summary of "Psaki Calls Out Media That Fell for Trump's 'Two Week' Trick"
Podcast: The Briefing with Jen Psaki
Host: Jen Psaki, MSNBC
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Briefing with Jen Psaki, host Jen Psaki delves into the media's handling of former President Donald Trump's recurring "two-week" tactic, particularly focusing on Trump's statements regarding potential military action against Iran. The discussion is framed through Rachel Maddow's critical analysis, highlighting the media's uncritical reporting and the implications of Trump's strategic delays.
Media's Handling of Trump's "Two-Week" Tactic
Key Discussion Points:
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Rachel Maddow's Critique: Maddow expresses frustration with major newspapers for taking Trump's statements at face value without sufficient context. She underscores the repetitive nature of Trump's "two-week" promises, noting their frequent non-fulfillment.
"Trump's absolute favorite tactics. He literally uses it all the time. And most of the time, in fact, almost every time when two weeks rolls around, Trump has either completely forgotten about whatever it was he promised in the first place or... he's hoping people have just moved on."
— Rachel Maddow [02:23] -
Jen Psaki's Official Statement: Psaki presents the official White House stance regarding potential negotiations with Iran, quoting Trump directly about the decision timeframe.
"Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks."
— Jen Psaki [02:08] -
Pattern Recognition: Maddow emphasizes the historical pattern of Trump postponing decisions, suggesting that the current statement about Iran is another instance of this tactic, aimed at deferring critical decisions without commitment.
"It's a tactic that Trump has used on almost every issue... he did the exact same thing throughout his first term in office."
— Rachel Maddow [05:05]
Immigration and ICE Raids
Key Discussion Points:
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Escalation of ICE Operations: The episode shifts focus to the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement, highlighting recent ICE raids in Los Angeles, including incidents at Dodger Stadium and Home Depot parking lots.
"Over the past week, Trump has been inching closer and closer toward a US Strike in Iran... it has also caused a huge uproar within the isolationist wing of the MAGA base."
— Rachel Maddow [05:32] -
Congressional Oversight Barriers: Maddow discusses new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines requiring members of Congress to provide 72-hour notice before visiting ICE facilities, effectively hindering oversight. Representative Jimmy Gomez shares his experiences of being denied access despite legal rights.
"It's frustrating... they're trying to gaslight you or just say that it didn't happen."
— Jimmy Gomez [15:02] -
Detention Facility Conditions: The program highlights alarming conditions within ICE detention centers, including overcrowding, insufficient food, and unsanitary environments, referencing specific incidents and reports from NPR.
"Every day. For weeks now, ICE has been arresting immigrants at an alarming pace... we have seen allegations of overcrowding, underfeeding and unsanitary conditions at those facilities."
— Rachel Maddow [10:18] -
Legislative Challenges: Congressman Gomez elaborates on the legal and procedural obstacles in conducting oversight, criticizing DHS's semantic distinctions between "detention" and "processing" facilities.
"What can they do about it? How can they fight back against these detention facilities that appear to be breaking the law?"
— Rachel Maddow [16:09]
Interview with Congressman Jimmy Gomez
Key Highlights:
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Dodger Stadium Incident: Gomez describes ICE's attempted operations at Dodger Stadium, which were thwarted by protests, illustrating the administration's aggressive enforcement strategies and the public's resistance.
"This is just a pattern of lawlessness when it comes to this administration."
— Jimmy Gomez [18:58] -
Implementation of 72-Hour Notice: Gomez emphasizes how the new DHS policy undermines congressional oversight, allowing the administration to manipulate conditions prior to inspections.
"They're going to move things around. They'll make sure that there is not... they're trying to deny Congress its legal right of oversight."
— Rachel Maddow [20:44] -
Public Reaction and Protests: The discussion covers widespread protests in Los Angeles against federal immigration enforcement, with Gomez advocating for peaceful demonstration to highlight injustices.
"They're here to... send a message that they're not going away. We're not going away either."
— Jimmy Gomez [22:35]
Trump Administration's Foreign Policy and Military Decisions
Key Discussion Points:
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Possible Regime Change in Iran: Maddow speculates on the Trump administration's consideration of military action against Iran's leadership, influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's public statements.
"An attempt at regime change is certainly a possibility, certainly on the table."
— Rachel Maddow [25:44] -
Exclusion of Key Defense Members: The episode highlights the sidelining of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard from critical decision-making processes, attributing it to their ineffectiveness during crises.
"These two people... are good at culture wars. They're not the right people for war wars."
— Nicole Wallace [31:08] -
Influence of Steve Bannon: Maddow points out Steve Bannon's presence in the White House as indicative of the administration's strategic direction and decision-making dynamics.
"Steve Bannon was at the White House today around the time Trump decided to put his decision on ice for two weeks."
— Rachel Maddow [26:36]
Assassination in Minnesota and Rising Political Violence
Key Discussion Points:
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Assassination of Melissa Hortman and Husband: The episode transitions to the tragic assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, emphasizing the increasing threat of political violence.
"This is so unbelievably cruel... it's impossible not to react."
— Rachel Maddow [07:38] -
Senator Tina Smith's Reflection: Senator Smith shares her profound grief and underscores the necessity for bipartisan efforts to mitigate political violence, calling for responsibility in political rhetoric.
"We're not at a moment where this is a both sides situation... we need our colleagues... to stand up and to say, no, this is not who we are."
— Senator Tina Smith [37:24] -
Increase in Threats Against Officials: Maddow presents alarming statistics from Capitol Police, indicating a surge in threats against members of Congress, highlighting incidents against Congressman Max Miller and Mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani.
"Over 9,000 threats were made in 2024, more than double the number in 2017."
— Rachel Maddow [35:30]
Conclusion
The episode of The Briefing with Jen Psaki offers a critical examination of the Trump administration's strategic delays, aggressive immigration policies, and the escalating threat of political violence. Through incisive analysis and interviews with key figures like Congressman Jimmy Gomez and Senator Tina Smith, the discussion underscores the pressing need for accountability, effective oversight, and responsible political leadership to address these multifaceted challenges.
Notable Quotes:
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Rachel Maddow:
"It's a tactic that Trump has used on almost every issue... he did the exact same thing throughout his first term in office."
[05:05] -
Jen Psaki:
"Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks."
[02:08] -
Congressman Jimmy Gomez:
"This is just a pattern of lawlessness when it comes to this administration."
[18:58] -
Senator Tina Smith:
"We do not believe that violence is a way to resolve our differences and then to call out when they see it happening in real time."
[38:37]
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the critical discussions surrounding media accountability, immigration enforcement, military decision-making, and the dire rise in political violence, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the key issues addressed.