Podcast Summary: "Trump freaks out at reminder to military that he's not king"

Podcast: The Briefing with Jen Psaki
Host: Jen Psaki (MS NOW)
Date: November 21, 2025
Episode Theme: An exploration of the tumultuous week for President Trump, focusing on his extreme response to a bipartisan PSA reminding the military of their constitutional obligations, the fallout from the forced release of the Epstein files, and the chaos within the Department of Justice.

Overview: Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dives into one of the worst weeks of Donald Trump’s (second term) presidency, marked by his forced signature on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, collapsing efforts to target political enemies, disastrous poll numbers—even on Fox News—and, most explosively, his call for the death of Democratic lawmakers after they posted a video reminding the military of their duty to refuse illegal orders. Jen Psaki unpacks the presidential meltdown in detail, the legal and moral implications of Trump’s rhetoric, and how institutions and individuals respond to these unprecedented attacks. The episode features rich analysis with seasoned reporters and firsthand accounts from lawmakers in Trump’s crosshairs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Worst Political Week Yet

• (00:42–03:45)

  • Trump suffered a “humiliating defeat” when Congress forced him to sign the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
  • His efforts to prosecute political enemies are unraveling.
  • New Fox News poll: Trump has his worst approval rating of his second term, with voters disapproving by 17 points, and seeing his economic policies as a negative by a 31-point margin.
  • Trump is increasingly isolated politically, even among GOP loyalists.

  “This has been the worst week of Donald Trump’s second term… Every time we think these numbers can’t possibly get worse for him, they do.” – [Chris Deluzio, 00:42]

2. The Military PSA & Fox News Outrage

• (03:46–05:27)

  • Democratic members of Congress, all veterans or former intelligence officials, posted a video reminding service members they must refuse illegal orders.
  • Fox News provided “hysterical” coverage, framing the PSA as scandalous.

  “What is the alternative view here? That members of the military should follow unlawful orders?” – [Chris Deluzio, 04:05]

3. Trump’s Dangerous Retaliation

• (05:28–08:38)

  • Trump reposted a call for the lawmakers to be hanged, clarifying with: “Seditious behavior punishable by death.”
  • Senate Majority Leader Schumer requested added police protection for the lawmakers.
  • Trump loyalists, including Speaker Mike Johnson, tried to deflect and minimize the gravity.

  “No one wants to have the president call for their death and hanging, which he’s done to us and other colleagues. That’s a terrifying prospect.” – [Rep. Chris Deluzio, 27:48]

• The episode draws a clear line between the lawmakers stating law and Trump responding with threats—underscoring a President attempting to intimidate Congress.

4. Trump’s History of Illegal Orders and Testing Limits

• (08:39–15:02)

  • Trump’s administration has a pattern of issuing orders later determined illegal (domestic troop deployments, lethal force discussions).
  • Courts continue to block his actions, including a same-day ruling halting troop deployment in Washington, D.C.
  • Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper previously revealed Trump asked, “Can’t you just shoot them?” about protesters.

  “You learn on day one that you are compelled to comply with lawful orders from the president on down, and you’re never compelled to comply with illegal ones. That is a basic principle in our constitutional system.” – [Rep. Chris Deluzio, 29:21]

5. Expert Analysis with Jonathan Karl

• (10:23–17:40)

  • Karl reflects on the repeated use of extreme rhetoric as a distraction from political setbacks (notably, the Epstein files defeat).
  • Trump’s authoritarian posturing—expecting military and DOJ loyalty to him personally.
  • Increasing politicization of the military, including partisan events at military bases.
  • Skepticism about the actual transparency of the Epstein files release, citing multiple loopholes in the law.

  “This was a colossal defeat for Donald Trump and it rattled him. And he was eager to change the subject.” – [Jonathan Karl, 11:08]

  “Our job… there’s a naturally adversarial relationship. Respectful, but adversarial. If you’re making it about yourself, you have lost sight of what your real job is.” – [Jonathan Karl, 20:58]

6. Press Freedom Under Threat

• (19:21–21:13)

  • Trump’s harassment of journalists is “worse” than in his first term.
  • Attacks on two female reporters this week (including calling one “piggy”).
  • Reports of Trump urging billionaire Larry Ellison to take over CNN and fire anchors.
  • Press corps strategies: remain focused, professional, and not personalize attacks.

  “If a journalist is going in there and picking a fight with the president on personal grounds, you’ve lost. You’ve lost sight of what your job is.” – [Jonathan Karl, 20:58]

  • Growing concern that adversarial rhetoric from the President puts reporters’ lives at risk.

  “He said, without batting an eye, no, no, no. I hope they take my words to heart because the fake news is the enemy of the people… He didn’t comprehend that his words could have an impact.” – [Jonathan Karl, 22:54]

7. Direct Reaction from Targeted Lawmakers

• (26:01–33:27)

  • Reps. Chris Deluzio and Maggie Goodlander express resolve, not intimidation, despite Trump’s calls for their execution.
  • Slotkin reports being under 24/7 Capitol Police protection after “hundreds and hundreds, if not closer to 1,000 threats… just today.” (26:42)
  • Both representatives emphasize that their message is just to restate the law—a foundational part of American democracy for the armed forces.
  • Republican leadership (e.g., Mike Johnson) criticized for failing to decisively condemn Trump’s rhetoric.

  “No one wants to have the president call for their death and hanging, which he’s done to us and other colleagues. That’s a terrifying prospect. But… we’re not going to be deterred from doing our job and our duty.” – [Rep. Chris Deluzio, 27:48]

  “It’s impossible not to take steps when the President… threatens you with violence. But… what we’ve said is simply what the law is. That is not a crime. That is not sedition. That is our job as lawmakers.” – [Rep. Maggie Goodlander, 28:32]

8. Justice Department: “Weaponization” & Internal Chaos

• (33:27–44:00)

  • Mishandling and politicization of DOJ investigations into Trump’s adversaries.
  • Major updates: A federal grand jury investigates top Trump appointees Bill Pulte and Ed Martin for misconduct in mortgage fraud probes targeting Democrats.
  • Allegations include improperly sharing grand jury material and impersonating federal officials.
  • DOJ leadership (Pam Bondi, Todd Blanche) appears wary of pursuing dubious politically-motivated cases after public courtroom embarrassments.

  “...One part of the Justice Department investigating, essentially, another part of the Justice Department. […] This is a grand jury investigating their conduct, if they could be charged, and they’ll have their day in court, if that’s the way it goes.” – [Ken Delaney, 42:22, 42:52]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps & Attribution)

• On political instability:

  “Every time we think these numbers can’t possibly get worse for him, they do.” – Chris Deluzio [00:42]

• On Fox News and the military PSA:

  “What is the alternative view here? That members of the military should follow unlawful orders?” – Chris Deluzio [04:05]

• On Trump’s response to the ad:

  “Seditious behavior punishable by death.” – Donald Trump (referenced) [05:14]

• On real-life threats:

  “No one wants to have the president call for their death and hanging…” – Rep. Chris Deluzio [27:48]

• On the press:

  “If you’re making it about yourself, you have lost sight of what your real job is.” – Jonathan Karl [20:58] “I hope they take my words to heart because the fake news is the enemy of the people.” – Donald Trump (to Jonathan Karl, relayed at [22:54])

• On constitutional responsibility:

  “You are compelled to comply with lawful orders… you are never compelled to comply with illegal ones.” – Rep. Chris Deluzio [29:21] “This puts our service members in a terrible situation… This is a moment for moral clarity and for legal clarity.” – Rep. Maggie Goodlander [32:18]

Segment Timestamps (Quick Reference)

• Trump’s tough week begins: [00:42–03:45]
• Military PSA & Fox News outrage: [03:46–05:27]
• Trump’s threats & fallout: [05:28–08:38]
• Illegality of Trump’s orders—historical context: [08:39–15:02]
• Analysis with Jonathan Karl: [10:23–17:40]
• Press under siege: [19:21–23:24]
• Lawmakers respond to threats: [26:01–33:27]
• DOJ politicization & grand jury investigations: [33:27–44:00]

Overall Tone & Language

• The episode is urgent, candid, and darkly humorous at times (“hellscape of a week,” “news gods said, hold my beer”).
• Hosts and guests stress seriousness without sensationalism, balancing analysis and empathy for those under attack.
• Language is direct, pulling no punches about the gravity of Trump’s rhetoric and actions.
• Notable mix of policy wonkiness, behind-the-scenes reporting, and raw, lived experience from lawmakers.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode of The Briefing with Jen Psaki is a deep, accessible breakdown of escalating political chaos in Trump’s second term: a president in public collapse, skirting legality, stoking real-world threats against lawmakers, and weaponizing the levers of government. It offers an unvarnished look at how democratic norms are under assault—from congressional veterans insisting on the rule of law, to journalists deflecting intimidation, to Justice officials scrambling to manage internal scandal. The episode is essential for understanding how today’s headlines reflect deeper currents—and for hearing directly from those at the center of America’s constitutional storm.