Podcast Summary: The Jim Acosta Show – Episode Featuring Congressman Joaquin Castro and Former Congressman Joe Walsh

Release Date: February 19, 2025
Title: Congressman Joaquin Castro on Trump's Ukraine Comments Echoing Kremlin and Former Congressman Joe Walsh on GOP Abandoning Reaganism When It Comes to Russia
Host: Jim Acosta

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Jim Acosta Show, host Jim Acosta engages in a critical discussion with two influential political figures: Congressman Joaquin Castro and former Congressman Joe Walsh. The conversation delves into pressing national issues, including President Donald Trump's controversial comments on Ukraine, the GOP's shift away from Reagan-era policies concerning Russia, federal agency cutbacks, and the societal impacts of the current immigration policies.

Trump's Ukraine Comments and Their Kremlin Echoes

Jim Acosta opens the discussion by addressing President Trump's recent news conference where he controversially blamed Ukraine for the Russian invasion. Trump further exacerbated the situation by disparaging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his Truth Social account, stating:

“Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, talked the United States of America into spending $350 billion to go into a war that couldn't be won...” (00:00)

Congressman Joaquin Castro vehemently criticizes Trump's statements, highlighting the abuse of presidential power and the detrimental impact on U.S. standing:

“It was blasphemous to listen to, but also just remarkable how much he's abused the office of the president and how far down he's taken the United States.” (01:50)

Joe Walsh, a former Republican congressman, supports Castro's stance and offers a scathing indictment of Trump's alignment with Vladimir Putin:

“I think Trump's a Russian asset. I think Putin has something on Trump... I think Trump stands with Putin.” (26:37)

Castro emphasizes the dangerous precedent set by Trump, who he argues is undermining international bodies established post-World War II to maintain global stability:

“Here you have the president of the United States that's supposed to stand for freedom and for democracy and sovereignty, helping Vladimir Putin do that.” (03:40)

Joe Walsh further elaborates on the GOP's complicity, suggesting that the party's base's authoritarian leanings are driving representatives to support pro-Putin narratives:

“The animating philosophy in the party right now is pro-authoritarian.” (31:50)

GOP's Shift Away from Reagan-Era Policies on Russia

The conversation transitions to a critique of the Republican Party's departure from Reaganism—a period marked by strong anti-Soviet policies and support for democratic values. Joe Walsh laments the GOP's current direction, contrasting it with the party's historical stance:

“Ronald Reagan spoke compassionately about what this country was all about in terms of attracting immigrants... we have an animating philosophy in the party right now that is pro-authoritarian.” (13:21)

Castro agrees, pointing out that the current administration's policies are tarnishing the United States' legacy as a beacon of freedom and democracy:

“Donald Trump has made his success in politics on the backs of immigrants and dehumanizing them...” (13:21)

Federal Agency Cutbacks and National Security Concerns

A significant portion of the episode addresses the Trump administration's recent cutbacks to federal agencies, including the FAA, NIH, CDC, and defense departments. Jim Acosta raises concerns about the timing of these cuts, especially following incidents like the recent plane crash in Washington and ongoing bird flu issues:

“Cuts at the FAA shortly after a major plane crash in this country, cuts in the National Institutes of Health, CDC, when we're trying to get to the bottom of bird flu in this country.” (35:47)

Castro underscores the reckless nature of these decisions, highlighting personal stories of affected federal employees:

“There is a way, and I think Americans agree, that you should take a look at the federal government and see where there is too much spending... This is a kind of recklessness...” (08:01)

Joe Walsh echoes these sentiments, criticizing the administration for undermining critical federal functions:

“Everything Trump and Musk are doing is unconstitutional, unlawful... The courts will catch up.” (39:20)

Immigration Policies and Their Societal Impact

The episode poignantly discusses the human cost of aggressive immigration policies, spotlighting the tragic case of Jocelyn Rojo Carranza, an 11-year-old Texas schoolgirl who took her own life after being bullied over her family's immigration status.

Jim Acosta narrates the heartbreaking story:

“Jocelyn Rojo Carranza should be alive right now. She should not be dead... these kids were telling her again and again that ICE was going to pick up her parents.” (10:00)

Castro attributes this tragedy to the administration's dehumanizing rhetoric towards immigrants:

“Donald Trump and his administration have created a culture of cruelty and meanness and have dehumanized immigrants at every chance they get.” (11:24)

Joe Walsh reflects on his own transformation regarding immigration, advocating for a balanced approach that secures borders while providing pathways to citizenship:

“Secure the border and give citizenship, a pathway to citizenship for... all the people that have been here forever contributing to this country.” (35:47)

Both guests emphasize the necessity of compassion and the recognition of immigrants' contributions to American prosperity.

The GOP Base and Authoritarian Tendencies

The discussion shifts to the intrinsic support within the GOP base for Trump and similar authoritarian figures. Joe Walsh critiques the party's alignment, noting that the base's preferences are driving representatives to support questionable policies:

“The Republican Party base is with Trump... you're just going to go with it.” (29:23)

Castro and Walsh express concern over the erosion of democratic principles within the party, fearing long-term damage to the nation's values and international standing.

Conclusion

In concluding the episode, Jim Acosta reiterates the critical issues discussed, emphasizing the need for unity and compassion in American society. He honors Jocelyn Rojo Carranza's memory, urging listeners to foster kindness and reject intolerance:

“We cannot have a situation in this country where because people are so immersed in some of the hateful rhetoric... we are Americans.” (16:43)

Joe Walsh echoes this call to action, stressing the importance of defending democratic values and rejecting the current trajectory of cruelty and intolerance within the GOP:

“Trumpism is an ugly overreaction to what a lot of people believe... we're going to get more stories of bullying... it's up to the rest of us to say we're better than this.” (37:11)

Castro and Walsh jointly advocate for a return to America's foundational principles of compassion, inclusivity, and support for democracy—both domestically and internationally.

Jim Acosta closes the show with a heartfelt reminder to stay vigilant against divisive rhetoric and to uphold the true spirit of American unity and resilience.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Jim Acosta: “Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, talked the United States of America into spending $350 billion to go into a war that couldn't be won...” (00:00)

• Joaquin Castro: “It was blasphemous to listen to, but also just remarkable how much he's abused the office of the president and how far down he's taken the United States.” (01:50)

• Joe Walsh: “I think Trump's a Russian asset. I think Putin has something on Trump... I think Trump stands with Putin.” (26:37)

• Joaquin Castro: “Donald Trump and his administration have created a culture of cruelty and meanness and have dehumanized immigrants at every chance they get.” (11:24)

• Joe Walsh: “The animating philosophy in the party right now is pro-authoritarian.” (31:50)

• Jim Acosta: “We cannot have a situation in this country where because people are so immersed in some of the hateful rhetoric... we are Americans.” (16:43)

• Joe Walsh: “Trumpism is an ugly overreaction to what a lot of people believe... we're going to get more stories of bullying... it's up to the rest of us to say we're better than this.” (37:11)

This episode offers a profound exploration of the current political landscape, highlighting the challenges posed by leadership decisions, party alignments, and societal issues. Congressman Joaquin Castro and Joe Walsh provide invaluable insights, urging listeners to reflect on America's direction and the values that define its identity.