Podcast Summary: The Jim Acosta Show – June 11, 2025

Title: The Jim Acosta Show
Host: Jim Acosta
Guests: Former Senator Jon Tester of Montana, Maritza Giorgio of "Grounded Podcast," Steve Schmidt, and Journalist Nick Valencia
Location: Live from protest sites in Los Angeles
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Description: The episode delves into the escalating immigration raids in Los Angeles, the deployment of the National Guard, and the broader implications of President Trump's policies. Guests provide insights into the political maneuvers, the human impact of these actions, and the role of independent media in today's polarized climate.

1. Introduction to Immigration Raids and National Guard Deployment (00:00 - 01:30)

Jim Acosta opens the show with guests Former Senator Jon Tester and Maritza Giorgio, highlighting their new venture, the "Grounded Podcast" on Substack. The discussion quickly pivots to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, where the National Guard has been deployed to assist ICE in detaining civilians.

Notable Quote:

• Jim Acosta (00:21): "The Substack community is so lovely… it's a friendly place and lots of friendly faces."

2. Senator Jon Tester's Analysis of the Situation (01:30 - 07:09)

Senator Tester expresses deep concern over the use of military force in civilian law enforcement, referencing the Posse Comitatus Act which traditionally limits such actions. He criticizes the administration for targeting families and non-criminals, suggesting that quotas are driving these aggressive raids.

Notable Quotes:

• John Tester (02:44): "This is about politics and it's about trying to take over this country and take away our Constitution."
• John Tester (07:09): "They wanted it for political purposes."

3. Public Sentiment in Montana (03:53 - 11:50)

Maritza Giorgio shares feedback from Montana, emphasizing the public's distress over ICE targeting innocent families and children. She highlights the emotional toll of witnessing families being torn apart and criticizes media portrayals that focus solely on violent incidents, ignoring the peaceful majority.

Notable Quotes:

• Maritza Giorgio (03:53): "Mothers throwing up… you can't imagine the pain of that."
• Maritza Giorgio (10:20): "History has its eyes on you and how will we look back on this?"

4. The "Big Beautiful Bill" and Legislative Challenges (14:18 - 16:41)

The conversation shifts to the administration's proposed immigration legislation, referred to disparagingly as the "big beautiful bill." Senator Tester and Maritza criticize its shortcomings, particularly the Medicaid cuts and inadequate provisions to address the root causes of immigration issues.

Notable Quotes:

• John Tester (14:51): "The big beautiful bill is a piece of shit, quite frankly."
• Maritza Giorgio (16:41): "How can you reconcile that we're getting rid of waste, fraud, and abuse, but we're going to have a parade that tears our roads up?"

5. Elon Musk's Alleged Alignment with Trump (17:30 - 19:01)

Discussion turns to Elon Musk's reported communications with President Trump, particularly concerning the Epstein files. The guests speculate on Musk's motivations, suggesting possible coercion or personal leverage.

Notable Quotes:

• Jim Acosta (17:30): "Elon Musk bending the knee… he's bending the knee."
• John Tester (18:32): "Elon showed that it didn't happen… he had the information he shouldn't have."

6. Military Presence in Washington D.C. (23:00 - 27:30)

Jim introduces Steve Schmidt, who elaborates on the alarming deployment of federal troops in Washington, D.C. He explains the legal boundaries of the Posse Comitatus Act and condemns the misuse of military power for political agendas.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Schmidt (27:30): "These troops are operating under Title 10 authority. They are federal troops."
• Steve Schmidt (31:37): "President is slandering Americans by name states by name, communities by name."

7. Human Element and Personal Stories (24:04 - 26:14)

Maritza and Senator Tester emphasize the human cost of aggressive immigration policies, sharing stories of pregnant women and families being separated. They draw parallels to historical injustices, invoking sites like Fort Missoula to highlight potential future regrets.

Notable Quotes:

• Maritza Giorgio (11:50): "What are we going to look back on in 10, 20, 30, 40 years and what we did to actual human beings?"
• John Tester (12:03): "A country of immigrants… Ronald Reagan said made this the greatest country in the world."

8. Interview with Steve Schmidt: The Rise of Authoritarianism (27:30 - 44:23)

Steve Schmidt passionately discusses the erosion of democratic norms under Trump, comparing his actions to historical dictators. He warns of the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act and the militarization of civilian spaces, urging Americans to uphold constitutional values.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Schmidt (32:48): "He wants to deploy the military as a tool of his power and to use it as an instrument of force."
• Steve Schmidt (36:51): "This is a fascist piece of propaganda."

9. Onsite Reporting with Nick Valencia in Los Angeles (51:06 - 62:39)

Journalist Nick Valencia provides a ground-level perspective of the protests outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in LA. He interacts with demonstrators, many of whom express sorrow over family separations and frustration with the current administration. Valencia notes the presence of both American and Mexican flags, emphasizing the protesters' patriotism and the peaceful nature of most demonstrations.

Notable Quotes:

• Nick Valencia (53:00): "This is a land made of immigrants… I'm here for everybody."
• Fellow Protester (60:00): "I'm against racism… against evil, which is Trump."

10. Closing Remarks and Call to Action (62:38 - End)

Jim Acosta wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of peaceful protest and free speech as acts of patriotism. He encourages listeners to carry the American flag during upcoming rallies to showcase unity and resilience against authoritarian measures.

Notable Quotes:

• Jim Acosta (62:13): "This flag should be flying at every protest across America this weekend."
• Jim Acosta (62:33): "The answer to free speech being under attack in America is more free speech."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Jim Acosta Show" provides a comprehensive examination of the current immigration crisis in Los Angeles, the broader political strategies at play, and the profound human impact of these policies. Through insightful discussions with former Senator Jon Tester, Maritza Giorgio, Steve Schmidt, and on-site reporting by Nick Valencia, the show underscores the tension between authoritarian impulses and democratic values. The recurring theme emphasizes the indispensable role of independent media and public engagement in safeguarding American democracy.