Reality calls Trump's bluff as reassurances on Iran effects fall flat

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Episode: Reality Calls Trump's Bluff as Reassurances on Iran Effects Fall Flat
Date: March 13, 2026
Host: Jen Psaki (MS NOW)

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Episode Overview

Jen Psaki dissects the mounting consequences of President Trump's war in Iran, focusing on its immediate domestic impact—skyrocketing oil and gas prices, spikes in fertilizer costs, and the ripple effects on American communities. The episode features in-depth interviews with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, former CIA Director John Brennan, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, tackling the intersection of foreign conflict, economic hardship, rising domestic threats, and political infighting.

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Key Discussion Points & Detailed Breakdown

1. Domestic Fallout of the War in Iran (01:00–11:37)

• Immediate Economic Effects:

  • Gas prices are up nearly 60 cents per gallon since the war began, with ongoing increases expected.

  • Oil supply severely disrupted as Iran’s new hardline leader closes the Strait of Hormuz, restricting 20% of the world's oil flow.

  • The International Energy Agency’s historic release of reserves failed to lower prices—there isn’t enough surplus oil globally to counter the shortfall.

    "The IEA... is now saying that Trump's war in Iran has caused the largest oil supply disruption in history." — Jen Psaki (05:05)

• Trump Administration Messaging:

  • A new talking point—“short term pain for long term gain”—is repeatedly parroted by officials and media allies to downplay economic distress.

    “Short term pain, long term gain. I have a feeling some sort of evil bat signal was sent out from the White House this morning.” — Jen Psaki (03:23)

  • Trump’s shifting stance: Having spent years touting low gas prices as evidence of success, he now claims high oil prices are beneficial, arguing “we make a lot of money” as a country—a rationale Psaki calls out as twisted and disconnected from ordinary Americans’ reality.

• Military and Policy Realities:

  • Trump claims “the straits are in great shape”; in reality, oil tankers are being attacked, ships destroyed, and reopening the strait may require a ground invasion.

  • The Pentagon reports the war has cost taxpayers over $11 billion in six days, with costs rising.

    “Spending nearly $2 billion a day... for Donald Trump’s war of choice, with no telling when it will end.” — Jen Psaki (10:12)

2. Texas Senate Race & War’s Local Impact (11:37–29:19)

Interview: James Talarico, Texas Dem Senate Nominee

• Texas as a Microcosm:

  • Largest number of veterans and farms in the U.S.—both directly hit by war’s costs (higher fertilizer prices, risk of troop deployments).

  • Talarico positions himself as a candidate focused on redirecting resources from foreign wars to domestic needs.

    “Every dollar we spend bombing people in the Middle East is a dollar we’re not spending in San Branch, Texas or our communities here at home.” — James Talarico (11:47)

• Response to Attacks on Synagogue & University (West Bloomfield, MI / Old Dominion University, VA):

  • Calls for solidarity, condemns anti-Semitism, links national tragedy to the importance of compassion and faith.

    "Sometimes we see the world most clearly through our tears. If your heart is breaking as you watch... it means you still have a heart." — James Talarico (15:27)

• Sharp Critique of the War and “Short Term Pain” Messaging:

  • Rejects administration’s euphemism: “Tell that to the parents of the American troops who have lost their lives. That is not short term. Pain is pain that will last forever.” (16:54)

• On the Girls’ School Bombing in Iran:

  • Decries U.S. culpability in civilian deaths, especially children, advocates for a foreign policy aligning with “our values.”

    “It makes me sick to my stomach to see our foreign policy take the lives of innocent children in Iran... It has to end.” — James Talarico (18:41)

• Texas GOP Infighting and Corruption:

  • Both GOP contenders, John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, are characterized as corrupt and self-serving.

  • Talarico pledges servant leadership, bipartisan outreach, and a unifying campaign.

    "Neither John Cornyn nor Ken Paxton deserve the honor of representing this great state... Both... have sold us out time and time again." — James Talarico (23:42)

• Strategy Against Culture War Attacks:

  • Dismisses partisan “distraction” tactics: “What do we think the American people care more about—culture wars or actual wars? Pronouns or prices?” — James Talarico (25:38)

• Building Democratic Unity Post-Primary:

  • Emphasizes respect for primary rival Jasmine Crockett and a commitment to earn support across the party.

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3. National Security & Domestic Threats: John Brennan Interview (31:22–37:19)

• Analysis of Synagogue and University Attacks:

  • Brennan links elevated domestic threat to “never-ending cycle of violence and retribution” from the Middle East, exacerbated by current policies.

    “This has been a needless war that has now just fueled these sentiments, these emotions, and these acts of violence... unfortunately, we’re going to see more.” — John Brennan (33:08)

• On Ending the Cycle:

  • Stresses need for diplomatic solutions; predicts continued violence absent a change in strategy, given the entrenched perception of U.S.–Israeli aggression in the region.

• Concerns Over Homeland Security Capacity:

  • Warns of decreased U.S. counterterrorism capabilities due to politically motivated firings and divestment from FBI expertise.

    “People with deep expertise... have been fired for political reasons. It just takes away our ability to do what the American people expect.” — John Brennan (36:12)

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4. Congressional Response and Trump's Priorities: Hakeem Jeffries Interview (39:47–44:53)

• Trump’s Dismissal of Housing Crisis:

  • Trump told Speaker Mike Johnson “no one gives a bleep about housing”; instead, obsessed with passing a restrictive voting bill (“Save America Act”).

    “It may be the case that Donald Trump’s billionaire friends... don’t care about housing... But everyday Americans certainly care...” — Hakeem Jeffries (39:47)

• Inflation and Affordability:

  • Housing, healthcare, grocery, utility, and gas prices are all up under Trump, undermining his 2024 cost-lowering promises.

• Congressional Oversight:

  • House Democrats will press top administration figures over the war’s motivations, cost, and effectiveness—including the alleged elimination of Iran’s nuclear program.

• Distrust in Administration’s Security Priorities:

  • Accuses Trump administration of diverting resources away from domestic security to ideologically driven enforcement (ICE raids), neglecting “the things that matter.”

    “The war is so unpopular... In a recent FOX News poll, this war is not making us safer. In fact, it may be putting us in harm’s way.” — Hakeem Jeffries (44:32)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jen Psaki on the White House’s shifting message:

  “That phrase really just makes you want to pay 60 cents a gallon more at the gas tank, doesn’t it?” (03:23)

• James Talarico on the real cost of war:

  “That is not short term. Pain is pain that will last forever.” (16:54)

• John Brennan on security risks:

  “We’re in for some additional trouble in the weeks and months ahead.” (37:16)

• Hakeem Jeffries on Trump’s focus:

  “This is all consistent with the fact that Donald Trump believes the affordability crisis is a hoax.” (39:47)

• James Talarico on culture wars:

  “What do we think the American people care more about—culture wars or actual wars? What do we think they care more about, pronouns or prices?” (25:38)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Economic fallout of Iran war & "short term pain," White House message: 01:00–08:28
• Trump’s contradictory oil price rhetoric: 08:28–11:37
• Texas impact & Talarico’s critique: 11:37–14:41
• Talarico on violence, faith, and anti-Semitism: 14:41–16:11
• On military families and long-term pain: 16:11–18:01
• Iran girls’ school bombing: 18:01–19:26
• Bipartisan opposition to war: 19:26–20:50
• Ad wars, GOP infighting, and campaign tone: 23:09–25:38
• Building Democratic unity: 27:32–29:05
• John Brennan on domestic threats and foreign policy: 31:22–37:19
• Hakeem Jeffries on affordability crisis and oversight: 39:47–44:53

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Tone and Style Notes

• Jen Psaki: Direct, sharply critical of Trump administration messaging; sardonic humor (“evil bat signal,” “soul cycle instructors”).
• James Talarico: Earnest, values-driven, empathetic; appeals to faith and bipartisan unity; forceful in denouncing war.
• John Brennan: Sober, analytical, and cautions of negative blowback; stresses expertise and risk.
• Hakeem Jeffries: Assertive, unwavering in critique of administration’s priorities and impact on households.

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Summary for First-Time Listeners

This episode delivers an urgent, detailed indictment of the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war and its cascading effects on daily American life and security. Through vivid analysis and passionate interviews, Psaki and her guests expose both the economic burdens and the political dysfunction it has spurred, especially in Senate battleground states like Texas. The episode is rich with sharp commentary, poignant metaphors, and a focus on the human implications of policy choices—all set against a backdrop of tragedy and rising public anxiety.

Transcript

[Freedom From Religion Foundation Announcer]

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[Jen Psaki]

Okay. Clearly, throughout the course of the day, day today, we have been digesting a lot of news. We are going to get to all of it tonight. We're following, of course, the attack in West Bloomfield, Michigan, where a man with a car full of explosives rammed his vehicle into a synagogue, as well as the attack at Old Dominion University in Virginia, where a gunman who was previously convicted of supporting ISIS killed one person and injured two others. Tonight, Governor Abigail Spanbecker has identified the victim as Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shaw. He's right there, a picture of him right there on your screen, an ROTC instructor who was killed in his classroom. And we're gonna bring you the latest on both of those attacks a little bit later in the show. And of course, what they indicate about the threat level in our country, which is, I know on so many people's minds right now in just a moment, and Chris referenced this as well. I'm also going to speak to Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico for his first cable interview since winning his party's nomination. We're gonna be talking about the insane insanity burrowing between two men vying to be his opponent in the Republican primary. And it is insane. I will show you one of the ads as well as what Texas voters think about Trump's war of choice in Iran. And Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries is also going to join me here this hour to talk about Congress's response to the war, as well as a surprising bipartisan effort to tackle a part of the affordability crisis that Donald Trump reportedly has zero interest in. But I want to start tonight with the ripple effects of Trump's war in Iran that are already being felt right here at home. Every single person, every one of you I'm sure watching right now is probably feeling them. Because today the stock market took another nosedive as Trump's war continues to push the price of oil higher and more. Most importantly, gas prices have already jumped nearly 60 cents a gallon since Trump started this war less than two weeks ago. And there is every indication they will climb higher still. All of that appears to be why Trump and his conservative allies in Congress and the media have adopted a new rhyming slogan they love to rhyme to convince Americans to tough it out. This is a short term disruption.

[1-800-Flowers Advertiser]

For the long term gain.

[Jen Psaki]

There's gonna be some short term pain,

[Tyler Redicure]

but I can assure you it's gonna be for the benefit of the long term gain.

[Jen Psaki]

He's willing to take the short term

[Hakeem Jeffries]

pain in order to realize a long term gain.

[Jen Psaki]

So this is short term pain, a long term gain.

[James Talarico]

People will recognize that this was a short term cost.

[Jen Psaki]

Short term pain, yes, Short term pain. Some short term pain you've got to go through. Short term pain, a bit of short term pain for the long term gain. I have a feeling some sort of evil bat signal was sent out that just said short term pain, long term gain out from the White House, that's this morning, it seems like, I mean, that phrase really just makes you want to pay 60 cents a gallon more at the gas tank, doesn't it? Doesn't it? So flows out the tongue Now. The reason Trump officials and their media allies have suddenly started talking like some version of over caffeinated soul cycle instructors is because they have no easy way to reverse the economic impact of this war. They can't bring down gas prices at least really, not anytime soon. And it all goes back to the fact that 20% of the world's oil supply runs through the Strait of Hormuz. You can see on the screen, we've talked about it quite a bit. The show right off of Iran's southern coast. If ships can't navigate through that vital waterway, it means less oil hits the markets, supply can't meet demand, and you get higher gas prices. That's why Iran's new hardline leader vowed today to keep the strait closed, effectively choking off the world from major oil suppliers for the foreseeable future. So this is shaping up to be a huge, enormous problem for the global oil markets and a huge problem when it comes to the price of gas. And they're just. There isn't an easy way to fix it, even when there are coordinated global efforts. I mean, for instance, the International energy agency, the IEA, an organization founded back in the 70s to organize energy stockpile emergency stockpiles of oil, is now saying that Trump's war in Iran has caused the largest oil supply disruption in history. Yesterday, the IEA announced it was flooding the market with oil, the biggest release of oil reserves ever that they've ever done. The hope, of course, was that by making more oil available, prices would start to come down, we'd start to see it when we're filling up our gas tanks. It didn't work. Oil prices continued to rise. And that's because even if the IEA countries that are participating in it released every drop of oil they have available, it would only amount to about 3 million barrels per day, or only about one fifth of the 15 million barrels being lost, according to the Economist. In other words, there just isn't enough extra oil lying around to bring the price back down, to flood back into the market. The only way to do that is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but there isn't a good way to do that either. I mean, Trump, for his part, has tried to just pretend the problem doesn't exist. That's his way. He's repeatedly called on oil carriers to just show some guts and go through the strait anyway without an escort. Here he was. When asked about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Here's what he said just last night.

[Donald Trump]

And now we're going to look very strongly at the straits. The straits are in great shape. We've knocked out all of their boats. They have some missiles, but not very many. I think we're in very good. We're in very good shape.

[Jen Psaki]

Are we now? I mean, boats aren't going through there. Oil is not going through there. He just said, everything's fine. The straits are in great shape. Well, this is what it looked like last night when two oil tankers tried to, quote, show some guts. Both ships erupted in balls of fire after being attacked by Iran. So the Strait is clearly, obviously not in great shape like Trump says. And just today, Trump's energy secretary ruled out military escorts for oil vessels trying to get through, saying that for now, even the US Navy is not ready for it and kind of for good reason. I mean, even though Donald Trump has been saying publicly that there are no reports of Iran laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, US Officials told the New York Times that Iran is indeed laying deadly mines, which will only, of course, make it much harder to reopen safely. Not only that, but military analysts are also telling the Wall Street Journal that reopening the Strait of Hormuz could actually require a ground invasion to take control of the Iranian coastline. And remember, the new leader is saying he's not gonna open it. So this is kind of a sticking point there. But again, a ground invasion, according to military analysts. So Donald Trump has dug himself, and frankly, really all of us into a deep, deep hole on this one. This would be a huge problem for any president, but is especially a big problem for Donald Trump, because for the past year, maybe even longer than that, Trump has repeatedly pointed to gas prices as the one thing that had actually gotten more affordable during his tenure, even though he exaggerated how low they actually were.

[Donald Trump]

Our policies have brought gas prices way down, and now at $2.37 a gallon right here in Corpus Christi, the price of gasoline is down to just less than actually now $2.30. That was in Iowa last week and it was $1.85 a gallon, and in some places $1.99 a gallon.

[Jen Psaki]

So that was then multiple times over. But now Trump is really going for it with quite the rebrand, claiming that actually everyone higher oil and gas prices might be a good thing. He said today, quote, the United States is the largest oil producer in the world by far. So when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. Now, the we in that sentence is obviously not you or your neighbors or really anyone paying a lot more when they fill up their gas tanks. It is big oil and gas CEOs who get rich off jacking up prices while everybody else pays more at the pump. But the White House was so proud of Trump's new baffling rationale that they actually reposted it from the official White House account. I love this detail. They even made a special custom graphic for it and everything. They really wanted to pretty it up, make sure everybody saw it, reshared it. So somehow, in his wacky, completely off perception of his hold on public opinion, Trump thinks he can spend years insisting that low gas prices are the most important issue voters care about and then just turn around and claim high oil and gas prices are actually great. Everyone pay more at the pump. It's good. Oil and gas CEOs are making money feels good. Now even the most MAGA pilled red hat wearing cultists in his base are going to have a hard time swallowing that one. And it's not just the price of gas that Trump is driving up for everyday Americans. It's many more things. I mean, the Strait of Hermes is also a key passageway for fertilizer. And fertilizer prices are now spiking for millions of farmers thanks to this war. Also, the Pentagon now tells Congress that the war has cost more than $11 billion of taxpayers money in just the first six days. And that number doesn't even include many of the costs associated with the operation, like the buildup of military hardware and personnel. That means we are spending nearly $2 billion a day, or really more than that, considering what that doesn't include for Donald Trump's war of choice with no telling when it will end. And all of those costs are more than just short term pain. Obviously, they are a long term liability for Donald Trump and his entire party. And a lot of candidates are already making sure voters understand that Ahead of the midterms. Now, one of the biggest contests this election season is going to be in the state of Texas. Texas is the state as well, with the highest number of veterans in the country, the people who actually fight our wars. Texas is also the state with the most farms in the country where farmers will now have to pay higher prices for fertilizer thanks to Trump's war. And though Texas is known as a state that produces a lot of oil and gas, it also consumes more petroleum and natural gas than any other state in the country, meaning that 60 cents is really going to hurt. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the cost of Trump's war. Texas is, of course, also the state where Democrats have just nominated a charismatic, faith driven candidate who has already charmed some formerly Trump friendly influencers like Joe Rogan. And he's already making sure that Texans understand what Trump's war will cost them.

[James Talarico]

Well, you know, as a millennial, I saw how military disasters like the Iraq war robbed this nation of young lives, of billions of dollars, of our moral standing in the world. And I worry that our current leaders are repeating those same mistakes. I was in San Branch, Texas, which is a community south of Dallas that doesn't have running water, it doesn't have basic sewer infrastructure. So every dollar we spend bombing people in the Middle east is a dollar we're not spending in San Branch, Texas, or in our communities here at home. We're always told that we don't have enough money for schools or for health care or for our veterans, but there's always enough money to bomb people on the other side of the world.

[Jen Psaki]

That's the message Republicans will have to find a way to counter this November. But right now, Republicans can't even decide who their candidate in Texas is going to be. I mean, after the primary election, Texas Senator John Cornyn was forced into a runoff with his incredibly scandal plagued like the most scandal plague maybe in the country, primary challenger Ken Paxton. And for days, there were reports that Trump was going to endorse Cornyn to try and end the primary so Republicans could focus on beating James Talarico. But then Ken Paxton threw a wrench into the plan, announcing that he would only drop out if Senate Republicans got rid of the filibuster to pass Trump's voter suppression bill. And the New York Times cites two sources who say Paxton texted the president directly to make sure he saw the ultimatum. So that's what the two Republicans fighting it out for the nomination are focused on. While we're less than two weeks into a war in Iran, and now Trump is reportedly delaying his endorsement, trying to use his own party's infighting to, to push his unpopular agenda. Trump just cannot help but make things harder on his own party, especially in Texas. And now with an unpopular war casting a bow over this entire election, can Democrats convince Texas voters to finally make a change? Well, joining me now for his first cable news interview since becoming the Democratic nominee for U.S. senate in Texas is Texas State Representative James Talarico. It's great to see you and there's so much to ask you about. I just wanted to start. I mean, we have digested a lot of scary news today. A lot of people watching right now. A lot of people in Texas, of course, too. And this morning we learned of the shooting at Old Dominion University in which a suspected gunman killed an ROTC instructor. We just learned the details of the identity of that instructor. Then we learned about the attack on the synagogue Temple Israel just outside of Detroit. And I want to report and update people that the Department of Homeland Security has just identified the attacker as a Lebanese born man who became a naturalized citizen in 2016. But the larger picture of all of this is it places of worship, schools, These are places that are supposed to be safe. And I was just wondering, and I was thinking about this as I was watching this news today about talking to you. You're a former teacher. You're a man of deep faith. You grew up in houses of worship. What was your reaction to all of this news we've been digesting today?

[James Talarico]

Well, authorities are still investigating these tragic events, but I think it's really important in moments like this for all of us to speak out against hate and violence in all its forms. I'm sending my love to our Jewish brothers and sisters in Michigan and around the country tonight. I think it's so important that each of us condemns anti Semitism whenever it rears its ugly head. I know that things are scary right now. I know there's a lot of bad news whenever you open the newspaper or open your phone. And when I'm feeling tempted by hopelessness and by despair, there's a verse of scripture that I return to. It's in the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus says something kind of strange. He says, blessed are you who weep. And it's strange because how can someone who's weeping also be considered blessed? Those feel like complete, completely contradictory things. But I think what he's trying to tell us is that sometimes we see the world most clearly through our tears. And so if your heart is breaking as you watch what's happening to our communities, to our country, to our world, it means you still have a heart. And I want people to trust that. I want people to protect that, because that is what's going to get us out of all this. So blessed are those who weep tonight, and hopefully love will ultimately prevail over this kind of hate and, and violence in our world.

[Jen Psaki]

I know one of the other topics that's really of concern and worry to a lot of people watching right now is the war in Iran, which of course just started just a few days before the primary race in Texas. And we're obviously gonna talk about your race and how you're gonna win in November. But I wanted to ask about the Trump administration's newest talking point, that the war is short term gain. Pain. I'm sorry, for long term gain. I don't have to tell you how much this is impacting the state with more veterans than any other state in the country, a state with more farmers than any other state in the country. What do you make of that message? And really the handling of the war itself so far?

[James Talarico]

I mean, I'd like them to tell that to the parents of the American troops who have lost their lives. That is not short term. Pain is pain that will last forever. And for the President of the United States to recklessly send our men and women in uniform to the Middle east for another forever war is unconscionable, it's immoral, and it has to end. I know you said that we're going to talk about the race later, but this is why I'm running. This is why people in Texas are coming together, because we are sick of this kind of reckless foreign intervention that doesn't reflect our values as Texans or as Americans. We should be taking this money that's being wasted on bombs on the other side of the world, bring it back home here to invest in our communities, to fund our schools, to fund our health care, to lower prices. That's why the president was elected in 2024, to lower costs. He wasn't elected to start another forever war. This is. No one asked for this. And I think people are sick and tired of this reckless foreign policy, and they're ready for a foreign policy that reflects our values.

[Jen Psaki]

I just had one more on the war, and it's really about the morality. And you and I have talked about morality as an issue that can guide leadership and guide public office. One of the biggest flashpoints, as you know, in this war is this bombing of a girls school in southern Iran where over 170 people were killed, many of them children. And as I'm sure you've seen our viewers know, a preliminary investigation by the Pentagon has found that it was the U.S. fault. You're running to be, of course, a U.S. senator. You also think deeply about the human impact of policies. What was your reaction to that? And also just how it's been handled since then.

[James Talarico]

You know, as a former educator, as someone who has fought for students and for kids in the halls of the Texas Capitol, it makes me sick to my stomach to see our foreign policy take the lives of innocent children in Iran and in the Middle east. And it has to end. We again need a foreign policy that reflects our values. We can support the democracy movement in Iran. We can prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon without bombing innocent school children, without sending our American troops off to die in another forever war. These are not mutually exclusive goals. And I think the country is ready for a sane foreign policy. Again.

[Jen Psaki]

Both of the Republicans and boy, is that a wild freaking primary happening over there. Who are competing have been expressed their support for this war. What do you think about that and how much? As you're out there, you're campaigning a lot. You're talking to farmers who are impacted by the price of fertilizer. You're going to VFW halls. I'm sure you're talking to young people who are worried about a draft. What do you think about their support and how is it really coming into conversations you're having across the state of Texas right now?

[James Talarico]

Well, there is bipartisan opposition to this new forever war. It's Democrats, it's independents, it's Republicans. It's a lot of young people across the political spectrum who don't want to be sending money to bombs that are killing people in Iran. They want that money spent right here in our communities where it's needed most. They want us to be funding our schools. They want us to be providing that affordable healthcare to everyone. They want us to bring down the costs of housing, of groceries, of prescription drugs. That's what people want to see from our government. They don't want to see this kind of reckless foreign intervention. They don't want to see wars for oil. They want us to serve their interest, to serve their needs. And that's not a partisan statement. That is folks across the spectrum in Texas who want that kind of servant leadership again in our government.

[Jen Psaki]

James Charlorica, you've been so generous with your time. We have to sneak in a quick break. You've agreed to stay through. Thank you for that. I'm really looking forward to digging more into the fight between Senator Cornyn and Ken Paxton. I can't get enough of it, including how the Cornyn side is bringing the voice of God into it. I'm just going to show a part of this for our audience right now before we take a quick break.

[Prolon Advertiser]

Paxton used the burner phone and an alias to hide his affair from the mother of his children. Now his wife's divorcing him on biblical grounds.

[Donald Trump]

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

[Jen Psaki]

I can't wait to get your thoughts about that when we come back. We'll be right back.

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The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion and protects us from government imposed religion. But across the country, officials are pushing private prayer into public schools and blurring the line between church and state in ways the Constitution doesn't allow. The Freedom From Religion foundation exists to hold the government to the law to keep public institutions neutral on religion. Visit FFRF US NewYear or text Ms. Now to 511-511-Text Ms. Now to 511-51-511 to join text fees may apply.

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[Jen Psaki]

We are back with the Democratic nominee for U.S. senate in Texas, James Tallarica. Okay, so before the break, we play just part of a new ad. I'm not trying to play a lengthy ad that's gonna scare people in totality from a joint fundraising committee. Back in Cornyn calls out Paxton's corruption and affairs, quotes the Ten Commandments, and seemingly uses a very poor version of the voice of God. This is for anyone who hasn't been paying attention. I'm sure they will be soon. This has been a scorched earth campaign on that side, but are shocked by any of it or ads like that.

[James Talarico]

Well, neither John Cornyn nor Ken Paxton deserve the honor of representing this great state in our nation's capital. Both of them have sold us out time and time again. Both of them are far more interested in serving their billionaire mega donors than serving the people of Texas. Obviously, Ken Paxton's crimes are well known. I was part of the bipartisan coalition in the Texas House that voted to impeach our corrupt attorney general. But John Cornyn may be even more corrupt than Ken Paxton because he was the deciding vote on that big ugly bill. That big ugly bill that's going to kick millions of Texans off their health care. It's going to take food out of the mouths of hungry Texas children, all to give yet another tax break to his donors. And so whether it's John Cornyn or Kim Paxton, we have the opportunity to run against the embodiment of corruption. By casting that deciding vote on that big ugly bill, John Cornyn committed an act of corruption of the highest order. And it's why he has forfeited his right to represent all of us in the United States Senate.

[Jen Psaki]

Ever since you won the Democratic primary, Republicans have really kicked their attacks against you into high gear. And boy, are they getting creative of sorts. Of Senate Republicans posted an AI generated deep fake video of you reading your own social media posts. The video is fake, but the posts are real. The RNC is trying to take your comments about trans children fighting for their own humanity completely out of context. They're trying to raise alarm about your comments comparing Jesus to immigrants. They're really going after it in a lot of kind of crazy ways. Now, you've embraced this by saying, I approve this message, which I thought was such an interesting tactic. It's like you're leaning in instead of ignoring or fighting some of these attacks. Why tell us about your strategy on this.

[James Talarico]

Well, here's why they're doing this. There's another war in the Middle East. There's a cost of living crisis crushing the middle class. There's a secret pedophile ring and no one has been prosecuted. So the people responsible are trying to distract us with the same old culture wars. Trump's own press secretary said they're not ruling out a military draft for their new war in Iran. So what do we think the American people care more about culture wars or actual wars? What do we think they care more about, pronouns or prices? This is what the people in power always do. They divide us by party, by race, by gender, by religion, by culture. So we don't notice that they are picking our pockets, that they're closing our schools, gutting our health care, raising taxes on all of us while they cut taxes for themselves. It's literally the oldest strategy in the world. And they are afraid of this movement we're building in Texas. Working people uniting across all those manufactured divisions to take on this broken, corrupt political system. You know, Jen, I've spent my entire career in Texas bringing Democrats and Republicans together to take on corporate interests, to lower the cost of housing, of childcare, of prescription drugs, including insulin. And now together, working people in Texas are taking that fight to the U.S. senate.

[Jen Psaki]

A lot of people were really excited about voting for you in this Texas primary just last week and in the lead up. And a whole lot of people were also excited about voting for your opponent, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, including a lot of African American voters. Your path forward here needs to be bringing those voters over to support you. What's your plan to do that?

[James Talarico]

Well, you know, I said on election night that Congresswoman Crockett is a colleague and a friend. I am so grateful for her voice and for her leadership. She and I ran this race and it was an honor to do that with her. And to the congresswoman's supporters, I've said that it is on me as their Democratic nominee to earn their trust and earn their support. I want every single one of the congresswoman's supporters to feel welcomed in, represented by, and proud of this campaign. Because I really do believe that together we can do something extraordinary. We can end 30 years of one party rule in Texas and we can transform American politics. That's what we have the opportunity to do. And the only way we're going to do it is if we do it together.

[Jen Psaki]

Have you asked her to campaign with you? Would you like her to campaign with you over the coming months?

[James Talarico]

Well, the congresswoman is a fierce campaigner, so I would be honored to have her campaigning with me and for the whole ticket. And I know that she's expressed interest in doing that in her statement the morning after the election, she called on all of us to unite around the Democratic ticket because we really have the opportunity to win in November. And I know the congresswoman cares far more about the cause of winning Texas and serving working people than she does about herself or about any individual candidate or campaign. She always puts the cause first. And I'm very grateful for that.

[Jen Psaki]

James Tallarico, I've been in politics a long time. People always want Texas to be in the blue category. And it feels like it is closer than it has ever been before. Thank you so much for joining us tonight. Really appreciate it.

[James Talarico]

Thanks for having me.

[Jen Psaki]

A quick reminder that Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is going to join us as well a little bit later. There's clearly a lot to ask him about. But first, on a night when Donald Trump's war with Iran is expanding, as we were just talking about with James Tallarico, and a night when we are continuing to learn more about two targeted attacks of violence here at home, there is no one I'd rather talk to than my next guest. Former CIA director John Brennan is standing by and he joins me next.

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[Jen Psaki]

Today, the United States is dealing with the fallout of two targeted acts of violence. This morning, a gunman opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, killing one person and wounding two others. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said that Lt. Col. Brandon Shaw, an ROTC instructor, was the person killed. Now, the FBI said the suspect, who was also killed in the shooting, had a previous conviction for trying to provide material support to ISIS and that the agency was investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. Just hours later, a different gunman crashed a vehicle into the Temple Israel Innocent, West Bloomfield, Michigan, one of the largest reformed Jewish synagogues in the country. A security guard was injured and local police said the suspect was killed. One official with the Detroit FBI field office said that it was a targeted act of violence against the Jewish people. And tonight the Department of Homeland Security identified the attacker as a Lebanese born man who became a naturalized US citizen in 2016. And a situation like this, context is so important and it's still very much developing. But I have the perfect guest to provide us with an understanding of what we know right now, how we should think about this. Joining me now is John Brennan, former CIA Director, former White House Homeland Security Adviser, and former Acting Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. And he's also now an msnow National Security analyst. I just gave an overview of what we know now and everybody watching knows this is developing. These just incidents just happened today. But you've sat in the White House as a person in so many roles, including running point on homeland security issues for the president. These attacks happened on the same day. We have no information at this point to suggest there's a connection. But given the details we know, what is your assessment of all of this based on what we know now?

[John Brennan]

Well, Jen, unfortunately I think it's just a continuation of this seemingly never ending cycle of violence and retribution that emanates from a lot of the conflict and problems that we've seen in the Middle east for the past 50 years or so. So it is clear that as a result of, you know, thousands of individuals who have been killed now in the Israeli and American bombings in Iran and in Lebanon, you're going to have individuals who are going to try to retaliate. And as you pointed out, the individual that was seemingly responsible for the attack today was a Lebanese citizen or from Lebanon. He's an American citizen, but he reportedly has some family members who were killed in some of the bombing that's going on in Lebanon, that deaths now approaching a thousand. So this has been, these are tragic and senseless acts of violence. Yes, but this has been a needless war that has now, I think, just fueled these, these sentiments, these emotions and these acts of violence that I think are, unfortunately, we're going to see more of as this war continues to rage and as more and more individuals, including many innocents, including children, are going to be killed as a result of the conflict.

[Jen Psaki]

I wanted to talk to you for so many reasons, including your deep understanding of the Middle east and also of threats and how it can impact us here at home. I think a lot of people watching are scared. You know, they saw these two attacks today. There's a war that is deeply unpopular, as you said. There is kind of a deep connection between people being motivated and inspired by what they're seeing in a war and events that are happening in the Middle East. What should people out there who are scared, what should they know, what should they understand about these type of threats? And what do you hope that they're discussing in the White House right now? That they probably are not. But what do you wish they were discussing?

[John Brennan]

Well, I wish they were discussing how to end this conflict because it's not going to do any good, I think, to continue it either to bring the end game objectives that the Trump administration has pointed to. But also I think it's just going to result in more deaths and more sentiments as far as trying to retaliate. What we, what we see here is again, just a history in the Middle east where there is the perception that the United States and Israel have been responsible for a lot of the violence that has taken place in the Middle East. And yes, these acts here in the United States are so tragic and senseless, but they're so few and far between. The people in Lebanon have lived almost in constant and daily fear of some type of military action that is going to fall upon them. Same thing is true, many parts of Israel as well. But now, now with this war, this major, major war that Bibi Netanyahu and Donald Trump have initiated, I think it's just going to make it even more difficult to try to bring down this cycle of violence and to stop this bloodletting that is taking place. The Iranians at this point, I don't think, have real incentives to stop lashing out at the United States and Israel because we said that we're determined to topple the regime. So it's a matter of their survival. And the Iranians have a lot of tools that they can bring to bear, and they're very defiant. And I don't think they're going to give up in the face of this massive bombing campaign. So I think there's been a lot of work that's been done over the last 20 years, certainly since 9 11, for US law enforcement, intelligence agencies and Homeland security to be able to prevent these types of attacks. But when I see what has happened in the bureau, the FBI, which really is one of the most critical institutions to prevent these attacks from taking place, and people with deep expertise and counterterrorism and long experience in working with these problems have been fired for political reasons. It just takes away our ability to do what I think the American people expect the US Government to do, which is protect them here at home as well as abroad. So, again, I think we're in for some additional trouble in the weeks and months ahead. But I do hope the White House is thinking really seriously about how to get themselves and all of us out of the mess that we're in right now in the Middle East.

[Jen Psaki]

John Brennan, I think people who have had so many of the roles you have had know well that you don't get credit for peoplekeeping people safe. But you know well what the impact of these cuts are and the inability to track things at a moment like this. Thank you so much for joining me and giving us some very direct talk about what we should expect and prepare for.

[John Brennan]

Thanks, June.

[Jen Psaki]

Up next, Donald Trump just said House Speaker Mike Johnson said to him that, quote, no one gives a bleep about something that is actually extremely important to basically everyone right now. I'm going to tell you what it is and also ask Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries about it when he come back. On top of everything the country is facing right now, Donald Trump is dead set on one thing and particular bullying Republicans in Congress to pass what they've named the Save America Act, a restrictive election bill that would make it harder for Many Americans to vote. Now, despite passing the House, the bill doesn't have the Republican votes needed in the Senate to get to Trump's desk. But that math isn't deterring him. Over the weekend, Trump threatened that he would not sign other bills until this bill is passed. Now, as you know, there are a lot of issues that Americans would like to see their federal government fix. But according to Trump, there is really only one thing voters are talking about

[Donald Trump]

every time I go out. Save America, sir. Save America Act. We want the Save America act, sir. That's all they talk about. They don't talk about housing. They don't talk about anything.

[Jen Psaki]

I doubt that is true, but that's how Trump put it publicly. And behind closed doors, he was more explicit. According to Punchbowl News, in a private conversation with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump decided dismissed the ongoing push for Congress to tackle housing affordability, reportedly telling Johnson in no uncertain terms, no one gives a bleep about housing, according to four sources who heard the speaker recount that conversation. Joining me now is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, there is always something crazy to ask you about, so let me start there. I mean, as part of his obsession with pushing through the Save America act, which is so inaccurately named, Trump reportedly told Mike Johnson, no one gives a bleep about housing. What's your reaction to that?

[Hakeem Jeffries]

Well, you know, it may be the case that Donald Trump's billionaire friends who hang out with him regularly at Mar A Lago, don't care about housing because they own houses all across the country and the world. But everyday Americans certainly care about the cost of housing and the fact that housing costs have skyrocketed out of control, both in terms of rent and in terms of the ability of everyday Americans to purchase a first home, which has always been central to the American dream. But, you know, this is all consistent with the fact that Donald Trump believes the affordability crisis is a hoax. This from the same guy who promised to lower costs on day one. But costs haven't gone down under Donald Trump's presidency. They've gone up. Housing costs gone up, healthcare costs have gone up, grocery prices have gone up. Now gas prices have gone up and utility costs have gone up. His presidency has been a complete and total failure.

[Jen Psaki]

One of the things that is certainly contributing to that is, of course, the war in Iran that Donald Trump started, that he is continuing to advocate for and seems to have no plan for right now, as you know. Well, Republicans have a historically slim majority in the House. There are so many people who feels like there's a new retirement being announced every single day. I know in the Senate they are trying to get to hold them to account by getting them to testify under oath. The key cabinet members like Hegseth and Rubio. Have you thought about how you can exploit that razor thin majority, especially as you kind of. Especially given the unpopularity of the war in Iran, how costly it is, how much Americans hate it and how there doesn't seem to be a plan here.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

Well, we certainly are going to continue to press for administration figures to show up. In fact, next week upon our returning to Congress, the House Intel Committee will have several members from the administration in terms of the intelligence officials testify publicly under oath about threats across the world that are directed to the United States of America. And we will certainly press them about the information that the administration claims to have with respect to whether there was actually any imminent plans for Iran to attack the United States, any suggestion that they had the capacity or capability to actually do it, because we've seen no evidence to suggest that is true, will press them on Iran's nuclear aspirations, particularly given the fact that Donald Trump claimed several months ago that the United States had completely and totally obliterated Iran's nuclear program. Now he's saying something entirely different. And so certainly we will keep our foot on the gas pedal to get answers from the administration because nothing compelling has been forthcoming from this group of people who are really part of a Trump cartel.

[Jen Psaki]

Today, as you well know, there were two separate shootings, one at a Michigan synagogue. This could be something you raised next week. Certainly another at Old Dominion University in Virginia. And we know there have been, of course, cuts at the FBI. There's been a redirecting of resources at the Department of Homeland Security made by this administration. Kash Patel is apparently training as an MMA fighter. Who knows what's going on over there. But given the current rise in domestic security threats, what we saw today, given a lot of people watching right now are scared. Do you trust that this administration has their eye on the ball here on the threats that are coming in potentially to this country?

[Hakeem Jeffries]

No, it's not clear at all that the administration has actually been focused on making sure that we are as safe and secure here in America, particularly because so many resources over the last 15 or so months from this administration have been directed at flooding ice and making sure that these agents can be unleashed on American communities, using taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill American citizens, as was the case with Renee Nicole Goode and Alex Preddy. And or violently target law abiding immigrant families when these extremists are the ones who promise to go after the worst of the worst and to focus only on violent criminals who are here illegally. And they've done the exact opposite. And so the administration has been far too focused on jamming their extreme ideology down the throats of the American people or doing things like the Trump tariffs, which of course are raising costs on everyday Americans as opposed to actually focusing on, on driving down the high cost of living, which is the Democratic plan. And so unfortunately, you're correct, Jen, that there's been no evidence in real time that the administration is actually focused on the things that matter. And that's one of the reasons why the war is so unpopular. And the American people have actually concluded even in a recent FOX News poll, that this war is not making us safer. In fact, it may be putting us in harm's way.

[Jen Psaki]

Leader Hakeem Jeffries, so much on your plate every day. We'll be looking forward to watching this hearing next week. Thank you so much for being here with me tonight.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

Thank you so much.

[Jen Psaki]

Gotta sneak in a quick break, but Lawrence has Michigan Senator Gary Peters standing by, who's the ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Don't go anywhere. We'll be right back. That does it for me tonight. You can catch the show Tuesday through Friday at 9pm Eastern on Ms. Now. And don't forget to follow the show on Blue sky, Instagram and TikTok.

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