The Daily Beans: "NO KINGS" Episode Summary Release Date: June 13, 2025

Hosts: Allison Gill (MSW Media) with Guests Sarah Parker & John Fugelsang

Overview

In this gripping episode of The Daily Beans, host Allison Gill delves into the escalating tensions surrounding Governor Gavin Newsom's deployment of the National Guard and Marines to California amid widespread protests against the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies. The episode features insightful conversations with Sarah Parker, Executive Director of Voices of Florida, and John Fugelsang, host of Fugelsang Fridays. The discussion navigates through political unrest, legal battles, media portrayals, and community activism, all while maintaining the podcast’s signature blend of progressive news and snark.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Arrest of Senator Alex Padilla

   • During a press conference, California Senator Alex Padilla attempted to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the situation in California. Despite identifying himself, Padilla was forcefully removed and handcuffed.
   • Notable Quote (15:30): “Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theater and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin.” – DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin [15:30]

2. Governor Newsom’s Legal Battle

   • Governor Newsom filed an injunction motion against President Trump’s order to deploy the National Guard and Marines to California, arguing it violates the Posse Comitatus Act and bypasses state authority.
   • Court Ruling: Initially, Judge Breyer ordered the Trump administration to relinquish control of the National Guard back to Newsom, recognizing the likelihood of irreparable harm. However, this order was stayed until noon on the day of the podcast, allowing the administration time to appeal.
   • Notable Quote (21:45): “Judge Breyer has granted AG Bonta's request for an injunction and has ordered Donald Trump to relinquish control of the National Guard back to Gavin Newsom.” – Allison Gill [21:45]

3. National Guard and Marines' Morale

   • Deployment of over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops and 2,000 state police has caused significant unrest among service members, with many expressing dissatisfaction and fear of being used as political pawns.
   • Notable Quote (19:10): “Families are scared not just for their loved ones' safety, but also for what their service is being used to justify.” – Sarah Strader, Secure Families Initiative [19:10]

4. FEMA Leadership Exodus

   • Mahmoud Khalil, head of FEMA's Storm Response Center, has resigned amid a broader leadership exodus within FEMA, highlighting internal turmoil as the hurricane season approaches.
   • Notable Quote (25:55): “Jeremy Greenberg's planned departure comes less than two weeks into hurricane season.” – Allison Gill [25:55]

5. Supreme Court’s Involvement in FBI Raids

   • The Supreme Court revived a lawsuit from Atlanta residents wrongfully raided by the FBI, questioning the immunity typically granted to federal agencies.
   • Notable Quote (23:50): “The justices indicated that the lower courts may have been too broad in applying the exception barring lawsuits in wrong house raids.” – Allison Gill [23:50]

6. Donald Trump’s Public Appearance and Backlash

   • Trump attended a Les Misérables performance at the Kennedy Center, where he was met with boos and protests from drag queens, reflecting the intense opposition he faces.
   • Notable Quote (26:30): “He was met with protests from drag queens and a shower of boos from the audience.” – Allison Gill [26:30]

7. Vice President J.D. Vance’s Secret Meeting with Fox News Murdochs

   • J.D. Vance reportedly held a covert meeting with Fox News executives to discuss strategies related to the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles.
   • Notable Quote (18:35): “Vance met with the group at the Murdoch family ranch... It’s not clear why the vice president addressed the group or what they spoke about.” – Allison Gill [18:35]

8. Activism and Protesting Strategies with Sarah Parker

   • Sarah Parker shares essential tips for peaceful protesting, emphasizing community support, safety, and non-engagement with counter-protesters.
   • Key Tips:
     • Stay Hydrated: “Drink water. Do not feel bad when someone offers you water because you need it.” [28:30]
     • Avoid Confrontation: “Don’t engage with the Proud Boys. Focus on making your voice heard.” [34:10]
     • Dress Appropriately: “Wear comfortable clothing suitable for protest conditions.” [30:45]
     • Listen to Organizers: “They have your best interest at heart and want to keep you safe.” [31:15]

9. John Fugelsang’s Insights on Media and Political Divisions

   • Fugelsang criticizes corporate media’s handling of political events and emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in shaping leadership.
   • Notable Quote (44:22): “He made me want to watch more NBC News because he's actually asking follow-up questions.” – John Fugelsang on Terry Moran’s interview [44:22]
   • Discussion on internal Democratic Party divisions and the need for unity to combat authoritarianism.

10. Good News Segment

    • Listener submissions highlight positive community efforts, personal achievements, and heartwarming stories, fostering a sense of hope and solidarity among listeners.
    • Featured Stories:
      • Anna Pronoun: Shoutout to small women-owned business Natterdoodle in Columbus, Ohio.
      • Stacy Pronoun: Community recovery efforts in St. Louis post-tornado.
      • Jenny Pronoun: Heartwarming interactions with young protesters and adorable pet photos.

Insights and Conclusions

• Authoritarian Tendencies: The episode underscores a worrying shift towards authoritarianism, with the Trump administration utilizing force to suppress dissent and manipulate public perception.

• Legal and Judicial Scrutiny: The legal battles, particularly Judge Breyer’s injunction against the National Guard’s deployment, highlight the judiciary’s role in checking executive overreach.

• Media Responsibility: There's a critical examination of how mainstream media prioritizes sensationalism over substantive reporting, often skewing public perception.

• Grassroots Activism: Emphasis on the power of grassroots movements and community organizing as essential counterforces to governmental and media-driven narratives.

• Community Solidarity: Despite political turmoil, the Good News segment reinforces the importance of community support and positive actions in maintaining morale and resilience.

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Beans offers a comprehensive analysis of the current political climate, particularly focusing on California's struggle against federal overreach in immigration enforcement. Through dynamic discussions with activists and media figures, Allison Gill provides listeners with both critical perspectives on the unfolding events and practical advice for effective, peaceful activism. The blend of hard-hitting news and uplifting community stories encapsulates the podcast’s mission to inform and inspire its audience amidst challenging times.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theater and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin.” – DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin [15:30]

• “Judge Breyer has granted AG Bonta's request for an injunction and has ordered Donald Trump to relinquish control of the National Guard back to Gavin Newsom.” – Allison Gill [21:45]

• “Families are scared not just for their loved ones' safety, but also for what their service is being used to justify.” – Sarah Strader, Secure Families Initiative [19:10]

• “Jeremy Greenberg's planned departure comes less than two weeks into hurricane season.” – Allison Gill [25:55]

• “The justices indicated that the lower courts may have been too broad in applying the exception barring lawsuits in wrong house raids.” – Allison Gill [23:50]

• “He was met with protests from drag queens and a shower of boos from the audience.” – Allison Gill [26:30]

• “Vance met with the group at the Murdoch family ranch... It’s not clear why the vice president addressed the group or what they spoke about.” – Allison Gill [18:35]

• “Drink water. Do not feel bad when someone offers you water because you need it.” – Sarah Parker [28:30]

• “He made me want to watch more NBC News because he's actually asking follow-up questions.” – John Fugelsang on Terry Moran’s interview [44:22]

Stay Connected

For more updates and in-depth discussions, visit mswmedia.com and follow The Daily Beans across all social media platforms. Share your good news stories and connect with the community by submitting your experiences to dailybeanspod.com.

The Daily Beans is a women-owned and operated progressive news podcast hosted by Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg, dedicated to delivering social justice and political news with a touch of snark.