The Daily Beans - Episode Summary: "Unanimous Dissent"

Release Date: February 4, 2025
Hosts: Allison Gill & Dana Goldberg
Produced by: MSW Media

Introduction and Black History Month

The episode kicks off with Allison Gill welcoming listeners to "The Daily Beans" and highlighting the day's top stories. Dana Goldberg takes a moment to emphasize the importance of celebrating Black History Month, urging listeners to uplift Black voices in various spheres.

Notable Quote:

Dana Goldberg (00:03:00): “We're still going to celebrate it. You can't take that away from us. So be loud and be proud about it and raise black voices as much as you can.”

Key News Topics

1. President Trump's Executive Order on a Sovereign Wealth Fund

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a sovereign wealth fund within the next year, with the potential aim of acquiring the short video app TikTok. Allison Gill explains that such funds are common in countries like those in the Middle East and Asia, intended for direct government investments.

Notable Quote:

Allison Gill (02:58): “US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday ordering the creation of a sovereign wealth fund... saying it could potentially buy the short video app TikTok.”

2. Trump's Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Delayed

Following President Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, he agreed to postpone these tariffs by one month. This delay came after Canada and Mexico increased border security, likely preventing immediate economic repercussions. Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg humorously critique Trump's demands regarding troop deployments at the border.

Notable Quote:

Allison Gill (04:02): “I demand 10,000 troops or I'll put tariffs on you. We have 15,000. Okay, then.”

3. DEI Training and Education Department Employees on Leave

A union official reported that at least 55 Education Department employees were placed on paid leave for participating in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training during Trump's administration. This move is part of Trump's broader targeting of DEI programs.

Notable Quote:

Dana Goldberg (05:16): “You are doing the Lord's work, my friend. Thank you.”

4. Democratic Senators Block State Department Nominees

Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii announced his intent to place a blanket hold on all of Trump's State Department nominees until the administration ceases its efforts to close USAID. This strategic move aims to impede Trump's ability to finalize his foreign policy team.

Notable Quote:

Senator Brian Schatz (06:05): “I will oppose unanimous consent, I will vote no. I will do maximal delays until this is resolved.”

5. Federal Judge Challenges Trump's Spending Freeze

U.S. District Judge Lauren Alicon expressed concern over the Trump administration's continued implementation of a federal spending freeze, despite court orders to pause it amid ongoing lawsuits. Judge Alicon indicated plans to further block the freeze, emphasizing the adverse effects on nonprofits and vulnerable populations.

Notable Quote:

Allison Gill (10:02): “Some of these warrants aren't real warrants.”

6. Unions Sue to Prevent Elon Musk's Access to Treasury Payments

Three federal employee unions filed a lawsuit aiming to block Elon Musk and his affiliated entities from accessing personal information within the Treasury Department. The lawsuit argues that such access violates federal laws protecting sensitive personal and financial data.

Notable Quote:

Dana Goldberg (14:27): “Within a week of being sworn in as The Treasury Secretary, Mr. Bessant placed that civil servant on leave and granted dodgy affiliated individuals full access to the bureau's data.”

7. ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Trump's Border Policies

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump's proclamation titled "Guaranteeing the State's Protection Against Invasion," which seeks to expediently expel migrants without allowing asylum applications. The lawsuit contends that this proclamation violates long-standing federal asylum laws and international treaties.

Notable Quote:

ACLU Lawyer Lee Gellert (18:58): “If this proclamation is upheld, it will mean any president can simply declare an invasion and all pathways for asylum just disappear.”

Good News Section

Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg transition to the "Good News" segment, highlighting positive stories and listener submissions that offer a respite from the day's heavy political discourse.

Listener Submissions:

1. Volunteer Efforts at Oregon Food Bank:

   • Anonymous (28:19) shared their experience volunteering, repacking frozen goods to support meal distribution. This act was inspired by the podcast's encouragement to engage in community service.

   Notable Quote:

   Allison Gill (30:32): “There were about 30 volunteers working... that's 4,889 meals. One hundred and fifty eight meals per volunteer. That's awesome.”

2. Acknowledgment of Government Workers:

   • A heartfelt submission from a listener expressed gratitude towards federal and public workers who have supported them through various hardships, underscoring the vital role these employees play in everyday lives.

   Notable Quote:

   Allison Gill (32:33): “It's hard to listen to. So thank you for that.”

3. Recognition of a Listener’s Grandmother and the Hello Girls:

   • Holly B. (33:18) recounted her grandmother’s multifaceted career and the recent Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the World War I-era "Hello Girls," the first American women soldiers.

   Notable Quote:

   Dana Goldberg (34:58): “The hello Girls will be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. How is that for good news? That's fucking awesome.”

4. Personal Battle Against Breast Cancer:

   • Pepper (35:35) shared her courageous journey battling breast cancer, highlighting the therapeutic role of the podcast in maintaining her sanity during treatment. Her submission serves as an inspiration to listeners facing similar struggles.

   Notable Quote:

   Allison Gill (36:03): “My vision is once again clear and my voice is loud.”

Conclusion and Host Announcements

As the episode draws to a close, Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg invite listeners to continue sharing their good news and personal stories. They announce a brief hiatus where Allison will be attending a Comic Con cruise, while Dana will temporarily host solo episodes.

Notable Quote:

Allison Gill (37:08): “I'm taking a couple of days off to go on the Comic Con cruise with folks like George Takei and all of my friends at Comic Con.”

Final Thoughts

"Unanimous Dissent" delves into significant political developments, including actions against the Trump administration's policies and judicial challenges. The hosts maintain their signature blend of informative reporting and snarky commentary, ensuring listeners are both informed and entertained. The "Good News" segment provides a balanced perspective, highlighting positive community efforts and personal triumphs amidst the turbulent political landscape.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast by submitting their own stories and staying connected through the hosts' upcoming adventures.

For more episodes and information, visit mswmedia.com.