Podcast Summary: The Briefing with Jen Psaki - "Trump National Guard Stunt REJECTED by Maryland Governor: 'I Will Not Authorize'"

Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Jen Psaki, MSNBC

Introduction

In this episode of The Briefing with Jen Psaki, hosted by MSNBC, Jen Psaki delves into the controversial actions of former President Donald Trump regarding the deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and potentially other major American cities. The highlight of the episode is a revealing one-on-one interview with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who strongly opposes Trump's maneuvers.

Trump’s National Guard Deployment Plan

The episode begins by setting the context of Trump’s repeated tactics to divert attention by labeling American cities as crime-ridden. This strategy culminates in his plan to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., an action seen by many as an extraordinary power grab.

“It’s like a fresh set of tires for your brain.” [03:28]

Trump's rhetoric positions cities like Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles as failing under Democratic leadership, using claims of rampant crime to justify his National Guard deployment.

“We have Slums. We’re going to move the people and we're gonna have the most beautiful capitol in the world.” [02:19]

Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s Refusal

Governor Wes Moore firmly rejects Trump's request to deploy the Maryland National Guard to Washington, D.C., emphasizing constitutional authority and the sanctity of using the Guard strictly for mission-critical and mission-aligned tasks.

“I will not authorize the usage of the Maryland National Guard for any mission that I do not deem to be mission critical or mission aligned.” [13:20]

Moore highlights the successful strategies Maryland has implemented to reduce violent crime without military intervention, contrasting them with Trump’s approach.

“We were able to do that without having to deploy the National Guard in order to make that happen.” [14:53]

Discussion on Crime Rates and Policies

The conversation shifts to the actual state of crime in the mentioned cities. Despite Trump's claims, violent crime rates have been declining nationwide, including a significant drop in Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

“The violent crime rate is falling nationwide, and it has been since before Trump took office.” [04:50]

Governor Moore elaborates on Maryland’s comprehensive approach to reducing crime, which includes:

• Investment in Local Law Enforcement: Over $50 million invested in Baltimore's police force.
• Technological Enhancements: Use of predictive analytics to prevent crimes before they occur.
• Community Partnerships: Collaboration with community groups and violence interruption programs.

“Maryland is seeing amongst the fastest drops in violent crime amongst any state in the entire country.” [23:17]

Political Implications and Gerrymandering

The discussion broadens to address broader political strategies, including Trump’s influence on gerrymandering efforts aimed at securing more Republican seats in upcoming midterm elections. Governor Moore criticizes these tactics and emphasizes the importance of fair congressional districts.

“We have to have congressional districts all across the state that are fair and we cannot have elected officials who are choosing their voters, but actually voters who are choosing their elected officials.” [27:39]

Moore expresses willingness to explore all legitimate options to counteract these efforts, though skepticism remains about federal cooperation.

Insights from Governor Moore

Governor Moore provides critical insights into effective public safety strategies, contrasting them sharply with Trump’s militaristic approach. He underscores the importance of:

• Local Leadership: Empowering local jurisdictions to address public safety.
• Preventative Measures: Focusing on the root causes of crime rather than punitive measures alone.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Highlighting the exorbitant costs associated with deploying the National Guard for political purposes.

“It is deeply offensive for so many of us who have worn the uniform to see someone who has never had, who has never chosen to wear the uniform... being used as pawns, as distractions.” [19:08]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of Maryland’s commitment to effective and humane public safety measures without resorting to military intervention. Governor Moore’s steadfast stance serves as a counter-narrative to Trump’s desperate attempts to manipulate public perception and political outcomes through fearmongering and showmanship.

“If Trump wanted to actually make cities safer, if he was funding programs that would actually help support cities instead of just doing this Performative National Guard... what would he do? What should he do?” [23:17]

Notable Quotes

• “I will not authorize the usage of the Maryland National Guard for any mission that I do not deem to be mission critical or mission aligned.” – Governor Wes Moore [13:20]

• “We were able to do that without having to deploy the National Guard in order to make that happen.” – Governor Wes Moore [14:53]

• “Maryland is seeing amongst the fastest drops in violent crime amongst any state in the entire country.” – Governor Wes Moore [23:17]

• “It is deeply offensive for so many of us who have worn the uniform to see someone who has never had, who has never chosen to wear the uniform... being used as pawns, as distractions.” – Governor Wes Moore [19:08]

Key Takeaways

1. Trump’s Strategy: Uses the National Guard deployment as a political maneuver to divert attention and vilify Democratic-led cities.
2. Governor Moore’s Stance: Strongly opposes the militarization of law enforcement, advocating for local and community-based solutions to crime.
3. Crime Trends: Contrary to Trump’s claims, violent crime rates are decreasing across major U.S. cities, supported by effective local policies.
4. Political Integrity: Emphasizes the importance of fair electoral processes and rejects manipulative tactics like gerrymandering.
5. Budgetary Concerns: Highlights the financial imprudence of deploying the National Guard for political purposes instead of investing in sustainable public safety measures.

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the tensions between federal manipulations and state-level leadership in addressing public safety, underscoring the effectiveness of community-focused strategies over militaristic interventions.