The Daily Beans — “Enema Of The State” (feat. John Fugelsang)
Date: November 21, 2025
Host: Allison Gill
Co-host: Dana Goldberg
Guest: John Fugelsang
Episode Overview
This Friday’s “Daily Beans” episode—dubbed “Enema Of The State”—tackles a wild week in American politics, laced with the show’s signature progressive snark and devotion to justice. Major headlines include Trump’s call for executing members of Congress, the unraveling case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the ongoing JP Morgan–Epstein scandal, Target’s woes, and efforts to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance. Comedian and commentator John Fugelsang joins for “Fugelsang Friday,” offering sharp commentary on Trump’s behavior, GOP dysfunction, and the implications of releasing the Epstein files.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) & Support for LGBTQ Community
Timestamps: 01:33–02:33, 07:43–09:32
- Host Allison and Dana open on a somber note, reflecting on the violence facing trans and nonbinary people and committing solidarity and love to their LGBTQ listeners.
- Dana: “Even though we are ... bringing awareness to it online, the numbers are horrifying. They’re horrifying.” (01:36)
- Allison: “...to all of our friends, transgender, non-binary, and all the LGBT community that’s listening, we want you to know we see you and we love you.” (02:05)
- History and meaning of TDOR, started in 1999 to honor Rita Hester and victims of anti-trans violence (07:43–09:32), including the importance of naming those lost as an act of resistance and visibility.
2. Legal System Updates & Immigration
Timestamps: 02:54–06:32
- The case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia is “falling apart” as the government admits in court there’s no deportation order and one official signed a statement he didn’t author or understand.
- Allison: “They’re probably holding him in a punitive way, which is against Supreme Court precedent.” (03:09)
- DOJ drops charges against Miramar Martinez and Ion Santos Ruiz after a CBP agent rammed and shot at their car, then bragged about it over text (04:51–05:48).
- Release of 615 migrant detainees temporarily blocked by the 7th Circuit, with a December 2 hearing scheduled—highlighting continued human and constitutional rights issues. (05:57)
3. Trump’s Illegal National Guard Deployment
Timestamps: 06:32–07:37
- A federal judge rules Trump’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to D.C. to deter crime was illegal.
- Allison: “He lacks the authority to send troops for the deterrence of crime… judge after judge after judge is saying it’s...at least reviewable.” (06:47–07:37)
4. Trump Calls for Execution of Lawmakers (Sedition Post)
Timestamps: 10:00–13:16
- Trump called for the execution of Democratic lawmakers who served in the military after they posted a PSA reminding service members not to follow illegal orders.
- Trump shared a social post saying “hang them, George Washington would” and himself wrote “seditious behavior punishable by death.”
- Lawmakers involved—vets/intelligence veterans—issue a joint statement: “What’s most telling is that the president considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law.” (12:36)
- Allison: “That’s the first thing everybody sent me this morning, was Trump calling for the execution of members of Congress.” (13:05)
5. JP Morgan, Epstein Scandal & Congressional Report
Timestamps: 13:32–16:00
- Sen. Ron Wyden’s report: JP Morgan Chase may have deliberately underreported over $1 billion in Epstein-related suspicious transactions.
- Bank filed SARs only posthumously: “Mr. Wyden ... said it was clear that JPMorgan Chase ought to face criminal investigation for the way it enabled Epstein’s horrific crimes.” (15:26)
6. Dan Crenshaw’s Travel Ban (Alcohol Incident)
Timestamps: 16:00–17:55
- Rep. Crenshaw banned from international travel for three months after a drunken incident in Mexico involving misogynist toasts; also, his internal standing is shaken in the GOP.
- “Crenshaw actually asked Mike Johnson to strip [him] of his Intelligence Committee assignment altogether after the drinking incident.” (17:55)
7. Target’s Corporate Struggles
Timestamps: 18:08–19:35
- Target’s profits down, layoffs announced; hosts mock the “wrong mix of items” rationale and point to the backlash over DEI issues as the more likely cause of its market slide.
- Dana: “Probably because it wasn’t the fucking CEO that was necessarily the problem. It was the capitulation to Trump and getting rid of the DEI initiatives...” (18:49)
8. “Arabic Numerals” Meme Recirculates
Timestamps: 19:54–21:11
- The “Arabic numerals in school” prank resurfaces, with Laura Loomer falling for it—hosts riff on the perennial gullibility of the far-right for this viral gag.
Interview: Fugelsang Friday with John Fugelsang
Timestamps: 23:20–43:11
Epstein Files, Trump Flips, and Congressional GOP Mutiny
- John Fugelsang calls Trump’s flip-flopping on Epstein files a “perfect 360”: “He did a 180 last year...and now he’s flipped again because he was forced to by leftist heroes Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert.” (23:41)
- Both hosts marvel that the House vote to publish the Epstein files was 427–1: “That’s more popular than Christmas and puppies.” (25:54)
- Fugelsang predicts massive redactions—“the redactions...gonna have more blackouts than my threesome with Liza Minnelli and Courtney Love.” (27:10)
- Trump tried to bribe or threaten GOP reps, but was forced by internal leaks and pressure; the oligarchs seem to be cutting Trump loose.
Trump’s Rhetoric about “Sedition” and Executions
- They break down the political peril and insanity of Trump (and surrogate Stephen Miller) threatening hangings for Congressional veterans simply for reminding troops of their legal duty.
- Fugelsang: “They played him like a foreign dictator in the Oval Office... they set it up to have Donald Trump attacking veterans and...the concept of resisting an order that’s illegal from the Commander in Chief.” (29:52)
- “He’s giving them exactly what they want....What he’s not doing is shoring up the base in terms of veterans.” (31:15)
Trump Hosts MBS in the White House
- MBS is admitted to the White House after Khashoggi’s murder. Trump called the act a normal occurrence “things happen”; bragged to Bob Woodward he “saved [MBS’s] ass.”
- “This whole thing was a support group for guys who get sexually aroused by torture and human rights violations.” (34:54)
- Allison: “That whole scene...reminded me of Helsinki in 2018 when he denigrated the entire US intelligence community in favor of Vladimir Putin.” (35:51)
Intelligence Community’s Quiet Fury
- They speculate about how the intelligence community must harbor deep resentment and may be preparing future revelations, especially as Trump’s “usefulness” to the oligarchs wanes.
- “He’s outlived his usefulness...the tech oligarchs...the Vances and Teals and Yarvins of the world who want to take over the White House as soon as Donald Trump is gone and want to take over the MAGA base.” (38:06)
Democrats’ Place in the Polls
- Despite historically low approval ratings, the Democratic Party holds a massive 14% generic ballot edge: “I haven’t seen an advantage like that since one year before the midterm elections in 2018.” (28:29)
- Allison and John discuss how public opinion is firmly progressive on core issues despite partisan narratives.
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- “This is an epidemic that’s avoidable.” — Dana Goldberg, [02:25]
- “What’s most telling is that the president considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law.” — Democratic Lawmakers’ Joint Statement, [12:59]
- “He did a perfect 360....He did a 180 last year...and now he’s flipped again.” — John Fugelsang, [23:41]
- “This whole thing was a support group for guys who get sexually aroused by torture and human rights violations.” — John Fugelsang, [34:54]
- “He looked at him like a kid at Disney World looking up at Mickey Mouse.” — John Fugelsang, on Trump and MBS, [34:54]
Other Quick News Hits
- DOJ has dropped charges in a border agent shooting/assault case ([04:51]).
- Unanimous House vote strips controversial phone investigation provision ([03:57]).
- 7th Circuit delays immigrant detainee release ([05:57]).
- Target’s financial turbulence tied to culture war fallout ([18:08]).
- Dan Crenshaw suspended from travel after drunken misconduct ([16:00]).
Good News Segment
Timestamps: 44:15–end
- Listener emails and good news stories: from successful progressive protests in red areas to uplifting animal rescues and community volunteering.
- Shout-outs to nurses, liberal resistance groups in rural Texas, and personal milestones.
- Lighthearted breed guessing on listener pet photos and heartwarming reactions.
Flow & Tone
The episode maintains a brisk, conversational tone, full of the hosts’ characteristic humor, exasperation, and genuine empathy. Political and legal analysis is interwoven with personal appeals for activism and community, especially in connection to issues of marginalized rights and justice. John Fugelsang’s guest segment lifts the energy, infusing biting wit alongside sharp political insight.
Suggested Segments & Timestamps
- Transgender Day of Remembrance: 01:33–09:32
- Quick Legal and Political Hits: 02:54–07:37
- Trump’s Execution Post Scandal: 10:00–13:16
- JP Morgan and Epstein: 13:32–16:00
- Crenshaw’s Ban: 16:00–17:55
- Target’s Struggles: 18:08–19:35
- Fugelsang Interview: 23:20–43:11
- Good News Emails: 44:15–end
Final Thoughts
This episode provides a mix of urgent political news and solidarity for vulnerable communities, countering grim headlines with humor, insight, and a consistent theme of fighting for justice and democracy. “Fugelsang Friday” offers deep context behind the week’s most outrageous stories, reminding listeners that beneath the chaos, progress is both possible and happening.
