Trump’s New Pick for Attorney General, and a Surprise Turn in U.S. Drug Deaths

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Headlines – "Trump’s New Pick for Attorney General, and a Surprise Turn in U.S. Drug Deaths"

Release Date: November 22, 2024 | Host: Tracee Mumford | Source: The New York Times

In this episode of "The Headlines," host Tracee Mumford provides a comprehensive overview of the day's most significant stories, offering in-depth analysis and insights from New York Times reporters. The episode covers a range of topics, including political shifts within the Republican party, public health developments, international legal actions, geopolitical tensions, and cultural happenings in the entertainment industry.

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1. Matt Gaetz Withdraws as Attorney General Nominee

Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz abruptly withdrew his name from consideration for the position of Attorney General, following mounting controversy. Gaetz's prospective nomination faced intense scrutiny in the Senate due to serious allegations against him.

• Allegations and Senate Concerns: Gaetz has been embroiled in allegations of sex trafficking and illicit drug use. Despite consistently denying any wrongdoing, these accusations cast a shadow over his nomination, prompting skepticism among senators.

  Senator Kevin Kramer of North Dakota remarked at [01:07], "I know enough people that were a hell no in the conference to know that the path would have been very, very difficult."

• Gaetz's Decision to Step Down: Ultimately, Gaetz announced his withdrawal via social media, citing a desire not to distract the Trump transition team.

  At [01:25], Tracee Mumford reports, "Gaetz announced his decision on social media, where he said he didn't want to be a distraction to the Trump transition."

• Internal Resistance: Investigations revealed that Gaetz informed close associates of the strong opposition from at least four Republican senators: Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), and John Curtis (Utah). This internal resistance likely influenced his decision to withdraw.

  Annie Carney, covering Congress, noted at [01:56], "Gaetz told people close to him he determined there were at least four Republican senators who were strongly opposed to him."

• Potential Backlash: There is speculation about possible repercussions for the senators who opposed Gaetz, with concerns they might face harassment or blame within the party for not supporting Trump's Cabinet choices.

  Carney further commented at [01:56], "There's a question of if there will be such backlash from the maggoing of the party against these Republican senators..."

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2. Trump Appoints Pam Bondi as Attorney General

In response to Gaetz's withdrawal, President Trump swiftly nominated Pam Bondi to fill the Attorney General vacancy.

• Background of Pam Bondi: Bondi, the former state attorney general of Florida, has a notable track record in combating drug abuse and child trafficking. However, her tenure also included partisan legal battles, such as efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act.

• Support from Trump: Trump emphasized Bondi's role in refocusing the Department of Justice (DOJ) on its core mission of fighting crime.

  He stated at [02:18], "Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting crime."

• Political Alignment: Bondi was part of Trump's legal team during his first impeachment and has been a vocal critic of the criminal prosecutions against him, aligning her closely with Trump's agenda.

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3. Senate Majority Shifts to Republicans; Electoral Implications

The political landscape in the United States is undergoing significant changes following recent electoral results.

• Senate Majority Confirmed: As of [03:03], Republicans secured a majority in the Senate with a 53 to 47 split following the defeat of three-term Democrat Senator Bob Casey from Pennsylvania by Republican David McCormick. The election was exceptionally close, with McCormick winning by less than half a percentage point, triggering a recount.

  Tracee Mumford highlights at [03:10], "The expanded Senate majority, along with Republicans control of the House, will give Trump more flexibility to pursue his agenda."

• Trump's Popular Vote Lead: Preliminary nationwide popular vote counts indicate Trump leading Kamala Harris by approximately 1.6 percentage points, totaling 49.997%. Trump's campaign has labeled this as a landslide, and he asserts it provides him with "an unprecedented and powerful mandate."

  At [03:55], Mumford conveys, "Trump himself has said it gives him, quote, an unprecedented and powerful mandate."

• Historical Context: Despite the large margin claimed by the Trump campaign, the lead in the popular vote is one of the smallest observed in the last 150 years, reflecting a deeply divided electorate.

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4. Decline in U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths

A significant and encouraging development has emerged in public health: a decline in drug overdose deaths across the United States.

• Statistical Decline: Newly released federal data indicates a 15% decrease in overdose deaths nationwide.

  Mumford reports at [04:11], "Preliminary data shows a drop of about 15% in deaths nationwide."

• Contributing Factors:

  • Narcan Distribution: Widespread availability of overdose reversal medications like Narcan has played a crucial role in saving lives.

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts to educate the public about the dangers of counterfeit pills contaminated with fentanyl have been effective.

  • Weaker Fentanyl Supply: Federal crackdowns on Mexican cartels have disrupted supply chains, resulting in weaker fentanyl available on the streets.

• Changing Drug Use Patterns: Experts suggest that changes in drug user behavior—such as the mixing of fentanyl with Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer—have also contributed to the decline. The presence of Xylazine can cause prolonged unconsciousness, preventing users from taking additional fentanyl doses.

  At [04:56], Mumford explains, "Fentanyl is now often diluted with Xylazine... people who use the mixture often pass out for hours, essentially stopping them from taking more fentanyl."

• Ongoing Challenge: Despite the decline, drug overdoses remain a critical issue, with approximately 97,000 Americans dying annually from overdoses.

  Mumford emphasizes at [05:10], "the most recent data suggests that about 97,000 Americans a year are dying from overdoses."

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5. International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

In a significant international legal development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

• Netanyahu's Response: The Israeli Prime Minister has vehemently rejected the ICC's decision, accusing the court of antisemitism and baseless motivations.

  At [05:43], Netanyahu declared, "Israel will not recognize the validity of this decision. We will continue to do everything we must do to defend our citizens and defend our state."

• Charges Brought Against Netanyahu: The ICC alleges that Netanyahu, along with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, employed starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of civilians, including children. They are also accused of multiple crimes against humanity.

• Implications for Netanyahu: As one of the few sitting leaders with an ICC arrest warrant (joining figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin), Netanyahu faces potential arrest should he travel to any of the 124 ICC member countries.

• Additional ICC Actions: The court has also issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, the military leader of Hamas, for crimes against humanity, including murder, sexual violence, and taking hostages. While Israel claims Deif was killed in an airstrike, the ICC has not confirmed his death.

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6. Russia Escalates Missile Strikes on Ukraine

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have intensified as Russia employs advanced military tactics.

• Missile Attack Details: On Thursday, the Russian military launched a newly developed intermediate-range ballistic missile toward Ukraine. While the missile was capable of carrying a nuclear payload, it did not carry any nuclear warheads.

  At [07:19], the report states, "the Russian military fired a newly developed intermediate range ballistic missile at Ukraine."

• Strategic Intent: Analysts suggest that the strike was intended to intimidate Ukraine and its allies by demonstrating Russia's capability to deploy nuclear-armed weapons if desired.

• Ukraine's Defensive Limitations: Ukraine lacks the means to track or intercept these hypersonic missiles, which fly at extremely high speeds for hours after launch, making defense challenging.

• Putin's Justification: Vladimir Putin justified the strike by asserting Russia's right to target any country's military facilities that allow their weapons to be used against Russia.

  He was quoted at [07:36], "Russia has the right to strike the military facilities of any country that lets its weapons be used against Russia."

• Context of Escalation: The missile launch serves as a direct warning to the United States and Britain, which recently permitted Ukraine to use supplied weapons for deeper strikes into Russian territory.

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7. Movie Release Updates: 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator 2'

Shifting to the cultural arena, Tracee Mumford discusses the bustling movie theater scene, highlighting the release of the film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Wicked" and the anticipated sequel "Gladiator 2."

• 'Wicked' Film Screenings: The much-anticipated "Wicked" movie is experiencing overwhelming demand, with theaters hosting midnight and early morning showings to accommodate eager fans.

  Mumford humorously notes at [08:35], "Please know I'm speaking as a theater kid myself and some fans are warning that you should know what you might be getting into."

• Fan Reactions: Early screenings have seen enthusiastic but sometimes disruptive sing-alongs, as fans passionately belt out songs from the musical.

  She cautions at [08:42], "Some fans in some of the early screenings of the musical have been belting it out... The idea of an impromptu sing along is not universally popular."

• Theater Plans: In response to the enthusiastic demand, some theaters plan to offer designated sing-along screenings where audience participation is encouraged. These are scheduled to commence around Christmas.

• Double Feature Potential: Alongside "Wicked," "Gladiator 2" is also releasing this weekend. There's speculation about a "glicked" double feature—combining "Gladiator" and "Wicked"—which could replicate the crossover success seen with the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon last year.

  Mumford concludes at [09:22], "Some have dubbed the double feature 'glicked,' speculating that the two movies could bring the kind of crossover enthusiasm and box office profits that the Barbenheimer phenomenon delivered last year."

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This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the November 22, 2024 episode of "The Headlines." For a deeper exploration of these topics, including an in-depth analysis of Matt Gaetz's failed Attorney General push, listeners are encouraged to download the New York Times Audio app or access the podcast through their preferred platforms.

Transcript

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[Unknown]

From.

[Tracee Mumford]

The new York Times, it's the headlines. I'm Tracee Mumford. Today's Friday, November 22nd. Here's what we're covering. Matt Gaetz is out. The former representative from Florida abruptly pulled.

[Unknown]

His name from consideration for attorney general after his prospective nomination ran into trouble.

[Tracee Mumford]

In the Senate, Gaetz has faced allegations of sex trafficking and illicit drug use.

[Unknown]

And while he's consistently denied any wrongdoing, many senators had questions about confirming someone under that kind of cloud.

[Senator Kevin Kramer]

I know enough people that were a hell no in the conference to know that the path would have been very, very difficult. If possible, even I doubt it was.

[Tracee Mumford]

Senator Kevin Kramer of North Dakota, a Republican, said Gates stepping back was a relief.

[Unknown]

Gaetz announced his decision on social media.

[Tracee Mumford]

Where he said he didn't want to.

[Unknown]

Be a distraction to the Trump transition.

[Annie Carney]

From the reporting of my colleagues, it looks like he took even the Trump team by surprise. It came after he spent an entire day on the Hill meeting with Republican senators.

[Tracee Mumford]

Annie Carney covers Congress, and the Times has learned that Gaetz told people close to him he determined there were at least four Republican senators who were strongly opposed to him. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and the newly elected John Curtis of Utah.

[Annie Carney]

There's a question of if there will be such backlash from the maggoing of the party against these Republican senators who expressed concerns about Gates, that they will harass them or blame them for not giving Trump the Cabinet he wants and therefore, they're going to feel too much pressure for them not to do it again to another nominee. That's an open question.

[Tracee Mumford]

Meanwhile, the Trump team wasted no time replacing Gaetz. Within hours, Trump said he plans to nominate Pam Bondi for attorney general instead. Bondi previously served as the state attorney general of Florida. In that position, she focused on addressing drug abuse and child trafficking, but also embraced partisan legal fights, including trying to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Bondi was part of Trump's legal team during his first impeachment, and she's been an outspoken critic of the criminal prosecutions against him. Trump posted on social media that, quote, pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting crime.

[Unknown]

Last night, the full count of the.

[Tracee Mumford]

Republicans majority in the Senate became clear. It will be 53 to 47 after.

[Unknown]

Senator Bob Casey, a three term Democrat.

[Tracee Mumford]

From Pennsylvania, conceded to his Republican challenger, David McCorm McCormick. The extremely close race, where McCormick won.

[Unknown]

By less than half a percentage point.

[Tracee Mumford]

Had triggered a recount. The expanded Senate majority, along with Republicans control of the House, will give Trump more flexibility to pursue his agenda.

[Unknown]

And while some votes are still being.

[Tracee Mumford]

Counted, a tally used by the New York Times of the nationwide popular vote.

[Unknown]

Shows Trump will land at 49.997%, about.

[Tracee Mumford]

1.6 percentage points over Kamala Harris. His campaign has been calling his victory a landslide and Trump himself has said it gives him, quote, an unprecedented and powerful mandate. But as the last ballots come in, his lead in the popular vote is.

[Unknown]

One of the smallest in the last 150 years. Newly released data from the federal government.

[Tracee Mumford]

Shows a remarkable trend. For the first time in years, the number of drug overdose deaths in the US has been falling. Preliminary data shows a drop of about.

[Unknown]

15% in deaths nationwide.

[Tracee Mumford]

That's for a number of reasons. Overdose reversal medications like Narcan have been widely distributed.

[Unknown]

There have been public campaigns warning people.

[Tracee Mumford]

About counterfeit pills contaminated with fentanyl. And the fentanyl on the streets is actually getting weaker. Federal officials say that's because they've been cracking down on Mexican cartels and the supply chains that feed their operations. At the same time, experts say there's another, more concerning explanation for the decline in overdoses. A change in drug users habits.

[Unknown]

Fentanyl is now often diluted with Xylazine.

[Tracee Mumford]

An animal tranquilizer that can cause horrific skin ulcers. But people who use the mixture often pass out for hours, essentially stopping them from taking more fentanyl.

[Unknown]

And in places where meth use has.

[Tracee Mumford]

Surged, some drug users say they get high enough or distracted enough by that drug that they're also using less fentanyl. Still, overall, drugs continue to take a brutal toll on the U.S. the most recent data suggests that about 97,000Americans a year are dying from overdoses.

[Unknown]

What in God's name are they talking about?

[Tracee Mumford]

In the Hague, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing back forcefully after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest, saying he's responsible for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

[Unknown]

Israel will not recognize the validity of this decision. We will continue to do everything we must do to defend our citizens and defend our state.

[Tracee Mumford]

The court found that Netanyahu, along with.

[Unknown]

Israel's former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, intentionally.

[Tracee Mumford]

Used starvation as a method of warfare, killing Gazans, including young children, by cutting off food to the territory. Netanyahu and Gallant were also accused of numerous other crimes against humanity. The Israeli prime minister's office called the.

[Unknown]

Charges false and absurd and said the court was motivated by antisemitism and hatred.

[Tracee Mumford]

Of the Jewish state. Netanyahu is now one of a handful.

[Unknown]

Of sitting leaders the ICC has issued.

[Tracee Mumford]

Warrants for, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was charged with war crimes after invading Ukraine. Netanyahu could now be arrested if he travels to any of the 124 countries.

[Unknown]

Who are members of the court.

[Tracee Mumford]

The list does not include Israel or the U.S. the ICC also issued a.

[Unknown]

Warrant for the military leader of Hamas.

[Tracee Mumford]

Mohammed Deif, for crimes against humanity, including murder, sexual violence and taking hostages. Israel claims it killed Deif in an airstrike, but the court has not verified his death. In Russia, the Kremlin has sharply escalated its showdown with the West.

[Unknown]

On Thursday, the Russian military fired a newly developed intermediate range ballistic missile at.

[Tracee Mumford]

Ukraine, a type of weapon that's capable of carrying a nuclear payload. The missile didn't have any nuclear warheads.

[Unknown]

On board, but analysts say the strike was designed to intimidate Ukraine and its.

[Tracee Mumford]

Allies and show that Russia could strike with a nuclear weapon if and when it chooses.

[Unknown]

Ukraine has no way to track or.

[Tracee Mumford]

Shoot down this type of missile, which flies at hypersonic speeds hours after the launch. Vladimir Putin said Russia has the right.

[Unknown]

To strike the military facilities of any.

[Tracee Mumford]

Country that lets its weapons be used against Russia. It was a clear warning to the US And Britain, who recently gave Ukraine permission to use weapons they supplied to strike deeper into Russia. And finally, somewhere right now there is a movie theater packed with people watching Wicked. And I'm fully aware I am saying this at 6am There were midnight screenings, early morning screenings. Some theaters have screenings basically 247 this entire weekend for the very much anticipated film version of the Broadway musical First.

[Unknown]

Please know I'm speaking as a theater.

[Tracee Mumford]

Kid myself and some fans are warning that you should know what you might be getting into.

[Unknown]

Because if you think you're going to sit in that theater and hear Ariana Grande singing to you, you are not okay. You are going to hear the girl two seats over that didn't make it on Broadway. That still has a lot to give and it is about to come out.

Fans in some of the early screenings.

[Tracee Mumford]

Of the musical have been belting it out.

[Unknown]

Don't say I didn't warn you, but.

[Tracee Mumford]

The idea of an impromptu sing along is not universally popular.

[Unknown]

Please do not sing during the movie. I don't want to hear a single. None of it. I'm there.

[Tracee Mumford]

Some theaters are planning to let moviegoers channel their enthusiasm into specially designated sing along screenings where you're encouraged to try.

[Unknown]

Your best take at defying gravity.

[Tracee Mumford]

But those are not scheduled to start until Christmas. So if you are less into singing and more into swords, Gladiator 2 is also opening this weekend, and there will probably be no one trying to hit any high notes in there. Some have dubbed the double feature glicked, speculating that the two movies could bring the kind of crossover enthusiasm and box office profits that the Barbenheimer phenomenon delivered last year. Those are the headlines today on the Daily A deeper look at how Matt Gaetz's push to be Attorney General fell apart. That's next in the New York Times audio app. Or you can listen wherever you get your podcasts. This show is made by Robert Jemison, Jessica Metzger, Jan Stewart and me, Tracy Mumford, with help from Isabella Anderson. Original theme by Dan Powell. Special thanks to Larissa Anderson, Jake Lucas, Zoe Murphy, Sean Paik and Paula Schuman. The headlines will be back on Monday.