
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 Today, A federal judge found on Tuesday that efforts by Elon Musk and his team to permanently shutter the United States Agency for International Development likely violated the Constitution “in multiple ways”; a German national with a United States Green Card is being held in an ICE facility; the Trump administration has gutted the US Institute of Peace; an update on the Alien Enemies Act deportation case; John Roberts has issued a rare public rebuke of Trump calling for Boasberg’s impeachment; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.
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Allison Gill
MSW Media. Hello and welcome to the Daily beans for Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Today, a federal judge found on Tuesday that efforts by Elon Musk and his team to permanently shutter the United States Agency for International Development likely violated the Constitution in multiple ways. A German national with a United States green card is being held in an ICE facility. The Trump administration has gutted the US Institute of Peace. An update on the Alien Enemies act deportation case. And John Roberts has issued a rare public rebuke of Trump, calling for Boasberg's impeachment. I'm Allison Gill.
Dana Goldberg
And I'm Dana Goldberg.
Allison Gill
Oh, the irony. Chief Justice John Roberts. I didn't think the leopards would eat my judiciary. Like, what were you thinking?
Dana Goldberg
Yeah, no, it's. I love seeing this. You know, I think a lot of people have said that he's going to take a step too far, and some of the people that he. Are beholden to him. And I do believe there are ways that some of these Supreme Court justices are beholden to him. Even though they're going to have to push back. They're going to have to push back and he's going to be mad about it.
Allison Gill
Yeah, it's just like, he handed him a crown and then he's all surprised when he hits him with it. Like, okay, yeah, wish you had a time machine there, don't you, Mr. Roberts?
Dana Goldberg
Just.
Allison Gill
I can't. Anyway, it's Wednesday. It's the taint of the week. We're halfway through.
Dana Goldberg
We are. We are. We're making it. We're making it with each other, with you listeners, and we're going to get through every single one of these days. We are going to survive every one of the worst days of this presidency. I assure you. If you're listening to this, you too, have survived the day before. So.
Allison Gill
Yeah. And that's why Dana wants you to send photos of otters holding hands, so they don't drift away. In good news, that's what we're doing.
Dana Goldberg
We're each other's otters. We are holding each other so that we do not drift away during this fucking abyss known as the second Trump presidency.
Allison Gill
Yeah. And we're gonna get into some more amazing and incredible stuff that's been happening in the past 24 hours. So let's hit the hot notes. Hot notes. Oh, and by the way, when I said, like, great and incredible and amazing things, that was dripping with disdain and sarcasm. I just wanted to.
Dana Goldberg
I do have some good things, though, and I can't believe I didn't say this before in the discussion. I don't know how many of the listeners are going to be at the HRC Gala in Los Angeles this Saturday, but you know, I get excited about these because sometimes I get to meet some pretty cool people and I get to raise a lot of money. The public speakers, the re elected officials are Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Governor J.B. pritzker. They're both going to be at the LA Gala. So if you had plans to be there, you're going to be treated by both of them on stage. We are honoring Ashley park from Emily in Paris, Hannah Einbinder from Hacks. Janelle Monae is being honored and there's incredible special guests. I'm really excited to tell some comedy and raise some money, but if I have the opportunity to just meet Jasmine Crockett, I'm a lose my shit.
Allison Gill
Holy cannoli. Photos, please get all the pictures.
Dana Goldberg
I'm going to do everything I can. Yeah, but it's going to be a fun Saturday.
Allison Gill
Write in anonymously. I'm Sholdberg to the good news and and share your pictures.
Dana Goldberg
There you go. Perfect, perfect, perfect.
Allison Gill
All right, first up from the Times, a federal judge. This is huge, Dana. A federal judge found on Tuesday that efforts by Elon Musk and his team to permanently shutter usaid, the United States Agency for International Development, violated the Constitution in multiple ways and robbed Congress of its authority to oversee the dissolution of an agency that it created. The ruling by Judge Theodore D. Chuang of the US District Court for the District of Maryland appears to be the first time that a judge has moved to rein in Mr. Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency directly. It was based on the finding that Musk has acted as an officer of the United States without being properly appointed to that role by President Trump. Judge Chuang wrote that a group of unnamed aid workers who had sued to stop the demolition of US Aid and its programs were likely to succeed in their lawsuit. He agreed with their contention that Mr. Musk's rapid assertion of power over executive agencies was likely in violation of the Constitution's appointment clause. We know Chutkan is also hearing a case on this. The judge also ordered that agency operations be partially restored, though that reprieve is likely temporary. He ordered Mr. Musk's team to reinstate email access to all current USAID employees, including those on paid leave. He also ordered them to submit a plan for employees to reoccupy a federal office from which they were evicted last month. And he barred Mr. Musk's team from engaging in any further work related to the shutdown of usaid. Given that much of the agency's workforce and contracts have already been terminated, it was not immediately clear what effect the judge's ruling would have. Only a skeleton crew of workers are still employed by the agency. And while the order barred Mr. Musk from meddling with the agency personally, it did suggest that he or others could continue to do so after receiving the express authorization of a USAID official with legal authority to take or approve these actions. As early as February 3, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he had assumed control of the agency and had directed a variety of cuts like, for, you know, from his own authority. The Judge noted that Mr. Rubio could declare his intent to permanently close the agency's headquarters within 14 days of his order, and the offices would remain closed. So Musk can't do it, but Rubio or someone, an administrator at usaid, can order this department shuttered. But the finding that Musk had personally and unlawfully overseen the dismantling of the agency offered a firm rejection of his operations authority. In the sternly worded order, Judge Twang warned that any skirting of its requirements could result in his holding Mr. Musk or members of his team in contempt. Lawyers representing the government had previously argued in that case that the Department of Government Efficiency was in fact not headed by Mr. Musk and was serving in an advisory capacity. They said Mr. Musk had no authority to steer decisions on his own. But Judge Twang appeared to dismiss those claims entirely, noting that Musk had targeted and celebrated actions to dramatically downsize US Aid, including the firing of a vast majority of its workers and the cancellation of around 90% of its contracts and grants. Quote. Doge has taken numerous actions without any apparent advanced approval by agency leadership, the judge said, reeling off a list of other examples at the Education Department, National Institute of Health, Energy Department, all those where Mr. Musk's associates apparently recommended cuts on their own. Quote, Taken together, these facts support the conclusion that USAID has effectively been eliminated.
Dana Goldberg
Thanks so much, Alison. This next one is from the Associated Press. The Trump administration fired most of the board of the US Institute of Peace and sent its new leader into the Washington headquarters of the independent organization on Monday in its latest effort targeting agencies tied to foreign assistance work. The remaining three members of the group's board, that's Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin. They fired President and CEO George Moose on Friday, and that's according to a document and obtained by the Associated Press. I cannot think of three worse people, by the way, to be the only people left in this area. An executive order that President Donald Trump signed last month targeted the organization, which was created by Congress over 40 years ago, and others for reductions. Current USIP employees said staffers from Elon Musk's I like that they keep calling that because it is Department of Government Efficiency entered the building despite protests that the institute is not part of the executive branch. USIP called the police whose vehicles were outside the building Monday evening. USIP is a congressionally funded independent nonprofit that works to advance US Values in conflict resolution, ending wars, and promoting good governance. Of course they want to get rid of that, right?
Allison Gill
Yeah. Peace, right?
Dana Goldberg
Right. Peace. Can you imagine if that was the podcast title? I'm sure a lot of people would listen and then they'd be sorely disappointed. Right from the other side. Moose vowed legal action, saying that, and I quote, what has happened here today is an illegal takeover by elements of the executive branch of a private nonprofit. He said the institute's headquarters, located across the street from the State Department, is not a federal building. Speaking to reporters after leaving the building, Moose noted that, quote, it was very clear that there was a desire on the part of the administration to dismantle a lot of what we call foreign assistance, and we are part of that family. The DOGE workers gained access after several unsuccessful attempts Monday and after having been turned away Friday, a senior U.S. institute of Peace official. That's what they reported. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity, of course, due to the sensitivity of the matter. Trump targeted the organization and a few others in a Feb. 19 executive order that aims to shrink the size of the federal government. The administration has since moved to fire and cancel programs at some of those organizations following its dismantling of the U.S. agency of International Development and slashing of other agencies, including the Education Department. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly pointed to USIP's, quote, non compliance with Trump's order. It's not a federal agency. After that, quote, 11 board members were lawfully removed and remained board members appointed Kenneth Jackson acting president. This is what she said, by the way. She went on to say, rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage. The Trump administration will enforce the president's executive order authority and ensure his agencies remain accountable to the American people. Jackson has been seen earlier Monday trying to get into the nonprofit's building. Moose said the organization had been speaking with DOGE since last month, trying to explain its independent status. Speaking of Trump, he said, quote, I can't imagine how our work could align more perfectly with, with the goals that he has outlined. Keeping us out of foreign wars, resolving conflicts before they drag us into those kinds of conflicts. DOGE has expressed interest in the organization for weeks, but had been rebuffed by lawyers who argue that the institute's status protected it from the kind of reorganization that it's occurring in other federal agencies. On Friday, DOGE members arrived with two FBI agents, but left after the institute's lawyer told them USIP's, quote, private and independent status. The organization said in a statement that day. And I'm going to finish the story, but why the fuck would that you think they're pushing this hard for this? You know what I mean? There's something, obviously there's reasons, there's information in there that they need, and we already know a lot of roads lead back to Putin. So it's just really something to watch right here. Chief of Security Colin O'Brien said police on Monday helped DOGE members enter the building and that the private security team for the organization had its contract canceled. Yeah, the nonprofit says it was created by Congress in 1984 as a, quote, independent nonprofit corporation. It does not meet U.S. code definitions of a government corporation, government controlled corporation, or independent establishment. Also named in Trump's executive order where the US African Development Foundation. That's a federal agency that invests in African small businesses. The Inter American foundation. That's a federal agency that invests in Latin America and the Caribbean. And the Presidio Trust, which oversees a national park site next to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Allison Gill
Yeah, that's just mind blowing. And I've got a couple of friends who know some people whose, like, computers were, like, thrown out of the building.
Dana Goldberg
Wow.
Allison Gill
Like, just bizarre stuff going on. I have other folks at other agencies having people being, like, interrogated where these apparent agency officials are, like, slamming their hands down on, like, tables, interrogating people, calling them names. I mean, it's just a lot right now. And I think more of these stories will be coming soon. Next up from the Hill. Ah, good Lord. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public statement on Tuesday pushing back after Trump called to impeach a federal judge that ruled against his administration in a high profile deportation case. Quote, for more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose. That's what Chief Justice Roberts said. His statement came after hours after Trump called for Impeaching the US District judge, James Boasberg. That's the Obama appointee who blocked Trump from invoking the Alien enemies Act of 1798 to swiftly deport Venezuelan migrants that the administration labeled as gang members. The plaintiffs have questioned whether Trump officials complied with the judge's Saturday order to turn any planes around for in the air, remember, sparking a remarkable battle between the administration and the judiciary. Quote, this radical left lunatic of a judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack. Barack Hussein Obama was not elected president. He didn't win the popular vote by a lot, and he didn't win all seven swing states. He didn't win 2,750 to 525 counties. He didn't win anything. Trump wrote on Truth Social. The president went on to explicitly call for the judge's impeachment. This judge, like many of the crooked judges I'm forced to appear before. Sorry. Every time I read something that he says that I haven't already read, I just have to stop and laugh. Like all of the judges I've been forced to appear before should be impeached. We don't want vicious, violent and demented criminals, many of them deranged murderers in our country. Make America great again. So here's the thing, though. If he just went by due process to deport these folks and they're actually criminals, I mean, that you just do that and you can deport them. You just have to give them their due process. Ah. Trump has long attacked judges who he perceives as enemies. But Tuesday's comments mark some of his sharpest yet since returning to the White House. As Trump again attacks judges he views as unfavorable, Republican lawmakers have aimed to impeach Boasberg and several other judges who have blocked Trump administration policies. Quote, this isn't a disagreement concerning a judicial decision. This is a full on broad based effort of radical judges to stop President Trump and the mandate he received. He did not receive a mandate from the American people to carry out his agenda. That's Eli Crane, Republican from Arizona, one of the lawmakers who has introduced impeachment articles against Boasberg. So, just buffoons. Yeah. Again, it's interesting, though, to see now how, Robert, if this deportation, this Venezuelan deportation case goes up, gets up to the Supreme Court, which I'm sure it will once a preliminary injunction is filed and it's appealable, because you can't appeal a TRO temporary restraining order, it'll be interesting to see if Robertson, Amy Coney Barrett joined the liberal justices. Again, I was just about to say.
Dana Goldberg
I see that happening for sure. I see a 5, 4 decision and then there being some really angry racist dissent on the other side.
Allison Gill
Yeah, Alito will be like, what? You can't just get rid of people you don't like with no due process bullshit. I call no, the president should be able to do whatever he wants.
Dana Goldberg
Yeah, that's right. My wife's got a flag that says so. This one's from NBC. This one, she's got a flag for everything, people. This one's from NBC. U.S. immigration authorities arrested and interrogated a German national who is a legal permanent U.S. resident at Boston Logan International Airport. That was on March 7, according to the man's mother and his partner. Days later, he was transferred to a federal detention facility. Fabian Schmidt, 34, is now being held at the Wyatt Detention center in Central Falls, Rhode Island. That's according to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement online database. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this story. In an emailed statement Monday, an assistant commissioner of public affairs at U.S. customs and Border Patrol said, quote, if statutes or visa terms are violated, travelers may be subject to detention and removal. Quote, due to Federal Privacy Regulations, U.S. customs and Border protections cannot disclose details about specific cases. This is the assistant commissioner, Hilton Beckham. Astrid Sr. That Schmidt's mother said she and her son moved to the U.S. from Germany in 2007 and received green cards in 2008. He lives in New Hampshire. He renewed his legal permanent resident status last year. Senior said she had no idea why her son is being detained by U.S. immigration officials. She said her son, who once lived in California, faced misdemeanor charges roughly a decade ago. He had no active legal or court issues, she said. I feel helpless, absolutely helpless. This is his mother, Senior and Schmidt's partner. I'm going to try this one and I hope I got it right. Bhavani Hodgkins confirms the family has retained a lawyer to work on the case. The lawyer is David Keller did not immediately respond to an email and text message requesting for more information Monday. In recent weeks, President Trump's administration has ramped up border enforcement and moved to tighten immigration policies. Schmidt's case raised questions about how federal immigration officials will treat people who are permanent legal residents. The news of Schmidt's arrest and detention was first reported by wgbh, That's a Boston area public television station. Senior, who also lives in New Hampshire, said Schmidt called her from the ice facility on March 11 and provided his account of events leading up to his detention. She says she has not heard from him since. Schmidt, he's an electrical engineer, recently traveled to Germany for seven days to visit family and flew into Boston. Logan from Luxembourg on March 7th. Hodgkin's was supposed to pick him up and drive him back to the home. And Nashua.
Allison Gill
You got me. I don't know. Nashua.
Dana Goldberg
Okay, maybe Nashua. Nashua seems a little bit fancy for something in Boston, but Nashua to drive them back. That they share a child, by the way, who has U.S. citizenship and Hodgkin's called the authorities when he did not appear after several hours. Senior said Schmidt told her that he was interrogated at the airport, though she declined to provide specifics on that. He required medical attention at some point during the interrogation and he was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital. None of this sounds good or legal or constitutional. In an emailed statement, Sgt. Gregory Jones of the Massachusetts State Police at authorities dispatched a trooper to a medical call at the Customs hall in Boston, Logan's Terminal e, shortly after 8:00am on March 10, and I quote, Boston EMS also responded and determined that the individual required transport to a local hospital. That's what Jones said. CBP personnel, quote, accompanied the individual to the hospital as they were not able to process the individual through customs prior to the transport. Mass General's press office did not immediately respond to an email seeking information about this gentleman.
Allison Gill
Why did he have to go to the hospital?
Dana Goldberg
Really good question.
Allison Gill
That's fucking frightening. And let me just read a quick paragraph. The lawyers for the, you know, the five Venezuelans and now the huge class because Judge Boasberg expanded the class to include anyone that Trump was trying to deport under the Alien Enemies Act. They just, you know, because Trump has filed a emergency, you know, stay request to the, the Court of Appeals for this restraining order. And again, the, the argument is you can't appeal a restraining order. You can wait until there's a preliminary injunction. There's no ruling yet from the appeals court, but just today, the lawyers of the Venezuelans submitted their brief to the appellate court. And I just want to read this quick paragraph. They say the implications of the government's position are staggering. If the president can designate any group as enemy aliens under the act, and that designation is unreviewable by the courts, then there is no limit on who can be sent to a Salvadoran prison or any limit on. On how long they will remain there.
Dana Goldberg
That is frightening.
Allison Gill
Yeah. That's why this is such an important case and why I think it's interesting that Chief justice face eating leopards. John Roberts is like, stop asking for Bozberg's impeachment.
Dana Goldberg
Yeah, knock it off.
Allison Gill
That's interesting. All right everybody, it's time for some good trouble. What are you guys doing? All right, this good trouble comes from our listener Krista Pronoun. She and her hello there is some more good news. This is some good news, but also some good trouble if people are inspired to plan a protest or attend a protest near them. This is specifically following up to the Resistance Rangers stuff. The Resistance Rangers are planning protests at parks and public lands nationwide on March 22nd noon local time for each place and we will have a link to the growing list of all the places in the show notes. We should also have our website done sometime this week. Myself, along with so Many amazing Rangers over 800 overall, will be working on their off time to do all of this. Anyone that's inspired to plan their own protest can reach out to us via social media or at our email resistancerangerproton Me yes. There's no S at the end of Ranger. Anything people are willing to help with is amazing. If you don't want to plan or can't go, no worries. Just spread the word. We've gotten a lot of feedback that we need to plan farther in advance. We need to remind people that we are just a bunch of prairie dogs in a trench coat. We're getting by doing well by a team of effort and we really already learned so much from our first one that we planned in less than three days. So this one with having over a week is definitely going to be better. And then the next we're aiming to have even more time to plan. Hopefully. Who knows. LOL For About BET Tax I've submitted a picture of my cat Hollow finally getting a nap with me after I've been working constantly. Firing understaffed agencies is not efficient. We've been working so much that we're going to start dropping like flies. I've had 12 hour days for a couple weeks straight, maybe longer. Not too long after thousands of rangers got fired. A picture of me also with one of my fun new shirts and my hubby and I out on a needed date while I colored in the kids book. No shame. I love art and nature. Thanks for all you both do. I'm so thankful to have this light.
Dana Goldberg
Every day and these pictures are so sweet. Little kitty looks like a good Bloody Mary.
Allison Gill
I think girls just want to have fundamental human rights. Love that.
Dana Goldberg
So good.
Allison Gill
Yeah, I want a Bloody Mary right?
Dana Goldberg
I love a good Bloody Mary.
Allison Gill
Me too. Especially at the airport. Yeah, something about an airport Bloody Mary. It's just delicious. All right, everybody, we have a lot of good news that we have to get to, but we have to take one quick break, so stick around. We'll be right back after these messages.
Dana Goldberg
We'll be right back.
Allison Gill
Hey, everybody, it's Ag. And as the days get longer and spring approaches, which I love, I've been feeling a renewed sense of energy. And AG1 has played a big part in it. After a long winter, I was ready to refresh my wellness routine. And AG1 made it simple. Instead of juggling multiple supplements, I used to have a cabinet full of really expensive an entire cabinet of really expensive supplements to fill in the nutrition gaps because of, you know, menopause and. But now I've been able to streamline my habits with one daily drink that covers everything my body needs. The long term benefits have been incredible. I've noticed improved digestion, more sustained energy, even better focus throughout the day. And it's not just a quick fix. It's a habit that's easy to pick up and easy to maintain because the results speak for themselves. And with travel season around the corner, I love that AG1's travel packs make it easy to stay consistent whether I'm at home or I'm on the road. And what really sets AG1 apart for me is the trust and transparency behind the brand. It's NSF certified for sport, so I know it's been independently tested for quality and safety. Plus it's made with clean, high quality ingredients and free from artificial junk. It's a product I feel good about recommending to friends. It's why I've partnered with them for so many years. And it's helped me shake off the winter slump and embrace the fresh energy of spring, if you will. And when it comes to my health, I want something I can trust. And that's why I choose AG1. With science backed ingredients and real benefits, I can feel AG1 makes it easy to support overall wellness every day. And that's why I've been partnering with AG1 for so long. And AG1 is offering new subscribers a free $76 gift. When you sign up, you'll get your welcome kit, a bottle of D3K2 and five free travel packs with your first box. So make sure you check out drinkag1.com DailyBeans to get this exclusive offer. That's drinkag1.com Dailybeans to start your new year on a healthier note. Everybody, welcome back. It's time for the good news, everyone. Then good news, everyone. Good news. And if you have any good news, confessions, corrections, or you want to give us some misheard song lyrics or tell us a street joke or give a shout out to a loved one or yourself or a small business in your area that could use a boost or some great activists or organizing that's happening in your community, we would love to hear about that. Community is so important right now. Also, shout outs to government programs that have helped you or a family member or a loved one, whether. I mean, it can be anything from the big ones like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Affordable Care act, to the, to the little ones like Snap, WIC, Head Start, Section 8. I mean, there are so many incredible government programs that are helping people out there and we want to hear about it. Especially great VA healthcare you've received and student debt forgiveness. And you can submit all in any of this, plus anything we didn't mention. Really anything goes here. All you got to do to get your submission read on the air is pay your pod pet tax, which means attach a photo of your pet. And if you don't have a pet, you can send us an adoptable pet in your area. If you don't have that, any animal will do, especially baby animals. We're really into otters right now because we're all floating around helping each other from not drifting away. I just feel like have this image of me in my head, like floating up out of the screen, like drifting away and you going, no, we'd have to hold hands. And then of course, if you don't have any pets, you can send us baby photos or a photo of your happy place or bird watching photos, which can be an actual bird or you and your friends and family flipping off Trump and Musk properties. First up from Amy. Pronouns she and her hello, Queens of the beans. I love the show. I've been a listener forever. I have a pronunciation correction for you. The name of the lead singer of Low Cut, Connie, Adam Weiner, is pronounced Wiener.
Dana Goldberg
I think I got a little bit uncomfortable calling him Adam Wiener. And so I, I, I, I, I chose Wiener. And I was wrong. So Adam Wiener it is.
Allison Gill
He's a classmate of mine.
Dana Goldberg
Wow, that's fun.
Allison Gill
Preschool through high school. Holy shit. He's an incredible performer. And being on stage crew, I was privileged to watch him perform so many incredible roles on the Cherry Hill High School east stage. I think of my favorite performance of his as the emcee in Cabaret.
Dana Goldberg
Nice.
Allison Gill
He's a wonderful human Being with a beautiful soul. And I'm so proud of him for standing up for what is right and making incredible music. Adam, if you're listening, I love you Laguminati. If you haven't listened to Low Cut Connie yet, do it now. They make the most incredible, eclectic rock and roll that is simultaneously genreless and every genre combined.
Dana Goldberg
What a great description.
Allison Gill
I know. Amy, are you the professional review writer for?
Dana Goldberg
You should be their PR persons.
Allison Gill
You should be their public relations. This is amazing. And hey, if you're friends and you could text them, tell them we're talking about them over here on the beans. Definitely my pod pet tax is my kitty cat Obsidian hanging with me on the patio. Send lots of love and hugs to you and the beans team and the whole Leguminati. This cat is beautiful. Obsidian is a wonderful earth element. It is good for protection and keeping bad the baddies away.
Dana Goldberg
So nice. All right, this is from Karen S. No pronouns given. It's a fast one. It's not really good news, but it sure feels good. Hubby is in Vegas and sent me this. I didn't even ask him to do it. I hope this gives you guys a laugh. And hubby is flipping off the Trump Casino and Hotel. Actually, just hotel. Right. Because they won't give him a casino.
Allison Gill
I don't know.
Dana Goldberg
I'm not. Well, you know what? I think I just made that up. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, though. I think it might just be the Trump Hotel.
Allison Gill
Nobody wants to go in to check, though.
Dana Goldberg
Yeah, I'm not sure. All right, another super fast one. Oh, my God. Oh, you gotta hope. I love that pronoun. She and her. My grandchildren are being raised to trample fascism, and there is the tiniest baby in a top hat with an anti Nazi pin.
Allison Gill
Oh, my God. Oh, my God, this baby.
Dana Goldberg
So sweet.
Allison Gill
My grandchildren are being raised to trample fascism. I love this hat on this child.
Dana Goldberg
I know. I'm not gonna lie. This hat reminds me of a hat I wore in middle school. There was a period of time where my. Can you believe I'm saying this on the air? There was a period of time where my hair was growing out. So when I was younger and I was a freshman in high school, I looked like a really unattractive Ralph Macchio or a lot like Manny from Modern Family. And so for an entire year, I wore a top hat that had clown pins on it while my hair was growing out.
Allison Gill
That's amazing.
Dana Goldberg
Yeah. So this brings back some memories. I wish I had had an anti Nazi pin. That would have been much cooler.
Allison Gill
You didn't go with the beret, huh?
Dana Goldberg
No.
Allison Gill
You went with the top hat.
Dana Goldberg
I did. I don't know what the fuck I was thinking.
Allison Gill
That's an old Mitch Hedberg joke. He's like every day I struggle with wondering if I'm gonna start wearing a beret. Just like every day. Next up, next up for D pronoun she and her hello lovely ladies. Good news update Back in January episode titled Squirrel Hurdle. You read my husband's submission in which he spoke of my inability to follow the news after the election. Isn't he wonderful? Well, your hugs and well wishes meant so much in addition to his reaching out and I'm back in the groove. I've definitely scaled back my news intake. I still listen to a couple pods to get a little more in the weeds with some issues. But you're more important now more than ever because you're my only source for regular daily news. As I really appreciate your content and delivery, you ladies and your staff rock. I have and will continue to support MSW as a pleased patron. Oh, D, thank you. Shout out to Don for being the most wonderful partner in the whole wide world. He is unbelievably supportive, intelligent, funny, dependable, super sexy and he means the world to me. He's in special education and things are more uncertain and scary than they should be. But he's the right man to guide his department through these challenging times. Pod Tax Since Don wrote you, we have adopted another cat to be company for our dark Prince Leo. The 18 month old black Maine coon Don sent us Pod Tacks was getting bored and mischievous. Now he has a buddy that's wearing him out. That's good because these can go one of two ways. These things can go one of two ways. Either you can get him a buddy to make him chill out or now you have two dark princes that are up to no good and mischievous. So it looks like they're chilling. They're chilling out. The the. The Leo. Now, we adopted a six month old kitten from the local shelter a few weeks ago. Spyro is a classic tabby with a bit of a mangled tail that was terrified of people. But taking Leo's lead, he's blossoming into a confident and playful little creature. Leo has turned out to be an excellent big brother. Watching Spiro get his mojo and the two of them bond has been and continues to be a privilege and an utter delight. Look at that floof of a Void Maine coon, which I remember from dawn so Cute. And the pattern on this tabby is gorgeous. I bet he's super soft.
Dana Goldberg
Lovely.
Allison Gill
Thank you.
Dana Goldberg
I love a family submission. This one's from Craig. Pronouns he and him hello my fair leguminous ladies. I'm going to share the same good news I shared at the recent Broomfield County Democrats meeting. By the way, I also put in a big plug for the Daily Beans since we were all sharing our good news and we had some young people there asking how they could get better educated on current issues. I told them that listening to the Daily Beans every day have me at least an hour of joy no matter what shit and fuckery was happening outside of legume land. Anywho, my good news is that I taught my granddaughter to ride a bike last week after a couple successful runs with me giving her a push running start, I needed a break. Obviously she did not as she was off on her own. Soon after I turned my back, she's like, I'm out of here Grandpa. Quote grandpa, I'm doing it. She yelled from down the block as I beamed with pride. And it only took about an hour to get to that point. It was the high point for my week peak by a mile. For my pod pet tax. For my pet for my pod pet tags, here's a picture of said granddaughter and her dog Sophie. Two girls I've always ready to cuddle with. Allison and Dana. Thanks for another hour of respite and swearing. You are welcome, Craig.
Allison Gill
Look at this. Lucky, lucky, lucky dog and lucky lucky girl. Look at these.
Dana Goldberg
So sweet.
Allison Gill
Amazing. Thank you so much for that submission, Craig. Next up, from Brett, pronouncing him hey Supreme Be. I love all these names that people come up with for us.
Dana Goldberg
I know, me too.
Allison Gill
Here's some good news. I drive past a house every day that looks like a Trump rally barfed all over it. There are signs in the yard, banners on the porch, signs in the windows, and even a sign on the roof. While driving to work on Monday, I was getting my bird ready and lo and behold, it's all gone. All of it. Now, I don't know what made this guy take it all down, but he did. I know the guy and he's an orange shit gibbon cult member. So whatever it was that led him to do this, it gives me hope that other cult members can come back to reality. Thanks for all you do for potpet tax our rescue. Maddie. Brett, you sure he didn't just move? Like maybe he just moved? See if he's still there. Go ask him. Say hey, I'm I'm reporting for the Daily Beans. And get him to say why he took down all of his Trump. Maybe he's got. Maybe he was a federal worker that got fired. You know, I don't know.
Dana Goldberg
It could have been.
Allison Gill
Look at this sweet baby dog.
Dana Goldberg
I know, I know. The note from our producer.
Allison Gill
Yeah, our producer says, is that a bit of Don Jr. On Maddie's nose? No, Kanai, that's snow.
Dana Goldberg
It's snow. And not that kind of snow.
Allison Gill
And not that kind of snow.
Dana Goldberg
Literally snow that comes from the sky.
Allison Gill
Oh, my goodness. Thank you all so much for these incredible submissions. Love it. Please send in all of your good news DailyBeansPod.com, click on Contact. Tell us one more time about that HRC event. Where is it? When is it?
Dana Goldberg
Yeah, it is this Saturday. And actually it's at the Fairmont. You still have time to buy T tickets if you want@hrc.org events. I know you can get them there and go to the Los Angeles dinner. We've got rep. Jasmine Crockett from Texas. We've got Governor J.B. pritzker from Illinois. We've got Janelle Monae, Hannah Einbinder. Ashley park is being honored. And then Brian Michael Smith, a good friend of mine, incredible trans actor. He'll be speaking. And David Archuleta will be performing. I'll be telling some jokes and raising a whole lot of money.
Allison Gill
Pritzker's married, right?
Dana Goldberg
I actually don't know.
Allison Gill
Well, yeah, I think he is. Yeah, I think he is. Anyway, tell him I said hi.
Dana Goldberg
Yeah, you betcha. Were you hoping. I'm sorry, did you want me to slip in your phone number if he's not like, what the is going on right now? I just have a. I have a.
Allison Gill
Politics crush on jb.
Dana Goldberg
How could you not?
Allison Gill
He's just so fantastic. And he looks like he gives great.
Dana Goldberg
Hugs, so I bet he's got good bear hugs.
Allison Gill
He does. Also, everybody. March 23rd, Sunday, I'll be hosting an empty chair town hall for the very absent Republican Rep. Felon Felonious Daryl Isa in Escondido. It is, I think, sold out. There's still overflow RSVP available. We would just want to have as many people show up as we possibly can. These have been getting on the news. He's been getting. Been getting a lot of coverage. So instead of, you know, Isa who's refused to do town halls, we're going to come in and answer questions for the locals there in that district. So I'm excited to host that. It's an indivisible sponsored event and I hope to see many of you there. Please come up and say hey Daily Beans Leguminati and we'll high five and whatnot. So thank you so much everybody. We'll be back in your ears tomorrow. Until then, please take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health and take care of your family. I've been AG and I've been DG and them's the Beans. The Daily Beans is written and executive produced by Alison Gill with additional research and reporting by Dana Goldberg. Sound design and editing is by Desiree McFarlane with art and web design by Joelle Reader with Moxie Design Studios. Music for the Daily Beans is written and performed by they Might Be Giants and the show is a proud member of the MSW Media Network, a collection of creator owned podcasts dedicated to news, politics and justice. For more information please visit mswmedia.com msw media.
The Daily Beans: "Leopards Ate My Judiciary" – A Comprehensive Summary
Host/Authors: Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023
Introduction
In the March 19, 2025 episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into a series of critical political and legal developments shaping the current American landscape. From judicial clashes with the Trump administration to immigration enforcement controversies, the episode offers a rich tapestry of discussions underscored by the hosts' characteristic blend of progressive insights and sharp wit. This summary captures the essence of their conversations, highlighting key topics, notable quotes, and the broader implications of these events.
1. Legal Battle Against USAID Shutdown
The episode opens with a significant legal ruling impacting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). A federal judge has determined that Elon Musk's attempts to permanently shut down USAID violated the Constitution by undermining congressional authority over agency dissolution.
Allison Gill explains:
[03:43] "A federal judge found on Tuesday that efforts by Elon Musk and his team to permanently shutter USAID likely violated the Constitution in multiple ways and robbed Congress of its authority to oversee the dissolution of an agency that it created."
Notable Quote from Judge Theodore D. Chuang:
[05:45] "Taken together, these facts support the conclusion that USAID has effectively been eliminated."
Judge Chuang's ruling marks a pivotal moment, asserting that Musk acted beyond his authority, thereby preventing the unilateral dismantling of a key federal agency. The judge also ordered partial restoration of USAID operations, including reinstating email access for employees and halting further shutdown activities by Musk’s team.
2. Trump Administration Targets US Institute of Peace (USIP)
Following the USAID ruling, the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to curtail organizations involved in foreign assistance. The hosts discuss the administration's latest move against the US Institute of Peace (USIP), an independent nonprofit established by Congress to promote conflict resolution and good governance.
Dana Goldberg reports:
[07:09] "The Trump administration fired most of the board of the US Institute of Peace and sent its new leader into the Washington headquarters of the independent organization on Monday in its latest effort targeting agencies tied to foreign assistance work."
USIP President George Moose vows legal action against what he describes as an "illegal takeover" by the executive branch. The administration's actions, including the removal of board members and the firing of Moose, signal a broader attempt to dismantle organizations that operate independently of presidential control.
Allison Gill adds with frustration:
[12:11] "I have other folks at other agencies having people being interrogated... I mean, it's just a lot right now."
3. Chief Justice John Roberts Rebukes Trump on Impeachment Call
A rare public statement from Chief Justice John Roberts adds tension to the already strained relationship between the judiciary and the Trump administration. After President Trump called for the impeachment of Judge James Boasberg over a high-profile deportation case, Roberts emphasized the sanctity of judicial independence.
Roberts states:
[08:26] "For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision."
The hosts highlight the severity of Trump's remarks, which not only target Boasberg but also threaten the integrity of the judiciary as a whole.
Dana Goldberg comments:
[15:34] "Republican lawmakers have aimed to impeach Boasberg and several other judges who have blocked Trump administration policies. Quote, this isn't a disagreement concerning a judicial decision. This is a full on broad based effort of radical judges to stop President Trump..."
This confrontation underscores the escalating conflict between the executive branch and the judiciary, raising concerns about the future of checks and balances in the U.S. government.
4. Alien Enemies Act Deportation Case Update
A pivotal case involving the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 continues to unfold, with the Trump administration seeking to deport Venezuelan migrants labeled as gang members. Judge Boasberg's previous rulings have impeded these efforts, leading to intense legal battles.
Allison Gill outlines the situation:
[19:43] "The lawyers for the five Venezuelans and now the huge class because Judge Boasberg expanded the class to include anyone that Trump was trying to deport under the Alien Enemies Act. ... They say the implications of the government's position are staggering."
The hosts express deep concern over the potential for unchecked executive power if the administration succeeds in broadening the scope of the Alien Enemies Act without judicial oversight.
Dana Goldberg reflects:
[20:42] "That is frightening."
5. Arrest and Detention of a German National
Adding to the episode's intensity, Gill and Goldberg discuss the arrest of Fabian Schmidt, a 34-year-old German national with U.S. permanent residency, detained by ICE at Boston Logan International Airport.
Allison Gill reports:
[15:48] "Mr. Schmidt, he's an electrical engineer, recently traveled to Germany for seven days to visit family and flew into Boston. Logan from Luxembourg on March 7th."
The hosts scrutinize the circumstances of Schmidt's detention, highlighting the severe implications for legal permanent residents under tightened immigration policies.
Dana Goldberg questions:
[19:39] "Why did he have to go to the hospital?"
Schmidt's mother expresses bewilderment over her son's detention, citing his clean legal record and recent visa renewal, raising alarms about potential overreach by immigration authorities.
6. Community Announcements and Good News Segments
Interspersed with serious discussions, The Daily Beans features community-driven segments where listeners share personal stories, announce events, and offer positive news amidst turbulent times.
For instance, Dana Goldberg announces:
[35:12] "This Saturday, there's the HRC Gala at the Fairmont in Los Angeles, featuring speakers like Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Governor J.B. Pritzker."
Listeners also contribute "pod pet tax" submissions—photos of pets or adopted animals—to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among the audience.
Allison Gill responds warmly to listener Amy:
[27:16] "He's a wonderful human being... If you haven't listened to Low Cut Connie yet, do it now."
These segments provide a counterbalance to the heavy political discourse, emphasizing resilience and solidarity among the podcast's progressive community.
7. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Events
As the episode wraps up, Gill and Goldberg reiterate the importance of community support and activism. They encourage listeners to participate in upcoming protests organized by the Resistance Rangers and to attend town halls addressing political absenteeism.
Allison Gill promotes:
[35:47] "March 23rd, Sunday, I'll be hosting an empty chair town hall for the very absent Republican Rep. Felon Felonious Daryl Isa in Escondido."
The hosts underscore the need for continued engagement and vigilance to uphold democratic principles and counteract executive overreach.
Conclusion
In "Leopards Ate My Judiciary," The Daily Beans presents a thorough examination of critical issues undermining democratic institutions and civil liberties. Through incisive analysis and engaging dialogue, Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg illuminate the challenges posed by executive actions aimed at weakening independent agencies and the judiciary. The episode serves as both a call to awareness and a rallying cry for activism, embodying the podcast's commitment to progressive values and social justice.
For more detailed discussions and community interactions, listeners are encouraged to visit mswmedia.com and engage with The Daily Beans network.