The Jim Acosta Show: LIVE NO KINGS DAY SPECIAL with Jim Acosta, Don Lemon, and Joy Reid

Release Date: June 14, 2025

Introduction

In the No Kings Day Special, hosts Jim Acosta, Don Lemon, and Joy Reid converge to discuss the escalating political tensions in the United States. The show is a collaborative effort streamed live across multiple channels, aiming to provide unfiltered, independent media coverage amidst a backdrop of widespread protests and political upheaval.

Overview of Today's Event: Protests and No Kings Day

The episode kicks off with Don Lemon setting the stage for a day marked by significant protests against President Donald Trump. Jim Acosta introduces Jolly Good Ginger, a correspondent near the White House, who reports on the surge of protesters marching from the former Black Lives Matter Plaza towards the White House. Jolly notes:

"[...] several hundred, I would say 5, 600 people minimum, materialized down what used to be Black Lives Matter Plaza and marched all the way up to the White House."
[00:16] Don Lemon

Joy Reid adds context from Lafayette Square, drawing parallels to the George Floyd protests and highlighting signs that condemn Trump as a "fascist" and a "coward." She emphasizes the significance of the day as the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, contrasting the celebration with Trump's actions.

"This is Washington, D.C. folks, and of course they are going to show up."
[02:01] Joy Reid

Tragic Events in Minnesota

A somber tone is introduced when Don Lemon updates the audience about the targeted shootings of Minnesota lawmakers. Representative Melissa Horton and Senator John Hoffman, along with their spouses, were killed in an apparent political assassination. Don elaborates on the suspect's actions, noting the discovery of a hit list that included "No Kings" protesters and abortion providers.

"Donald Trump has tried to co-opt all of this and make this part of his dictator birthday bash."
[05:09] Don Lemon

Experiences from the Field: Interviews with Veterans

The hosts introduce veterans present at the protests, such as Matthew Gordon, a Marine Corps veteran, who recounts his peaceful protest experience and subsequent detention by Capitol Police. Matthew emphasizes their commitment to defending the Constitution against what they perceive as Trump's authoritarian tendencies.

"We are out here fighting for the American people still."
[09:03] Matthew Gordon

Deployment of National Guard and Legal Aspects

A critical discussion unfolds around the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of the military in domestic law enforcement. Ezra Levin, a former federal prosecutor, explains:

"The Posse Comitatus act, the military cannot be deployed to enforce civilian law."
[06:02] Ezra Levin

This legal framework is scrutinized in light of Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles and other cities, raising concerns about potential overreach and threats to constitutional rights.

Nationwide Protests: Diverse Locations and Demographics

The episode delves into protests occurring across the country, from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and Oklahoma City. Recy Colbert and Clay Kane share their on-ground experiences, highlighting the unity among diverse groups, including veterans, federal workers, and everyday Americans rallying against Trump's policies.

"A lot of veterans, a lot of federal workers that lost their jobs... Everyone is pissed off."
[05:31] Recy Colbert

Interactions with Counter-Protesters

Tensions escalate when Joy Reid and Jolly Good Ginger encounter counter-protesters supporting Trump. An interaction with a Trump supporter unfolds, revealing deep ideological divides and heightened emotions among attendees. The confrontation underscores the polarized nature of the current political landscape.

"But she's the only counter protester I see... She's the only counter protester I see."
[23:25] Joy Reid

The Role of Independent Media in Coverage

Recognizing the limitations of mainstream media, the hosts emphasize the importance of independent journalism in providing truthful and unfiltered coverage. Joy Reid and Ezra Levin advocate for sustained, peaceful protests as a means to effect political change, drawing inspiration from historical movements like Black Lives Matter and the women's marches.

"A protest is a tactic... persistent engagement at the grassroots level."
[157:02] Joy Reid

Challenges and Concerns: Authoritarianism and Public Trust

The discussion intensifies around the perceived authoritarian drift in Trump's administration. Recy Colbert highlights the mainstreaming of hate and extremism, while Ezra Levin warns of the dangers of relinquishing checks and balances. The hosts express deep concerns about the erosion of public trust in institutions and the military's role in domestic affairs.

"This cannot be accepted... We have only one party that is embracing extremist ideology."
[152:52] Recy Colbert

Conclusion: Sustained Action and Media Support

In closing, the hosts reiterate the necessity for continuous, peaceful activism and the critical role of independent media in holding power accountable. They call on viewers to support their efforts by subscribing, following, and engaging with their content to ensure the dissemination of truth in a politically charged environment.

"We the people are not going to take this lying down. We the people are going to stop him."
[164:31] Joy Reid

Notable Quotes

• Don Lemon [00:16]:
  "It is revolutionary. And let me throw it right to my buddy, Don Lemon."

• Joy Reid [02:01]:
  "This is Washington, D.C. folks, and of course they are going to show up."

• Matthew Gordon [09:03]:
  "We are out here fighting for the American people still."

• Ezra Levin [06:02]:
  "The Posse Comitatus act, the military cannot be deployed to enforce civilian law."

• Recy Colbert [05:31]:
  "Everyone is pissed off. Everyone is angry about this administration."

• Joy Reid [157:02]:
  "A protest is a tactic... persistent engagement at the grassroots level."

• Don Lemon [04:29]:
  "The suspect in the Minnesota Lawmaker shootings has been identified as 57 year old Vance Belter."

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Polarization and Protest: The U.S. is witnessing significant political polarization, with large-scale protests against President Trump reflecting deep societal divisions.

• Violence and Political Assassinations: The tragic murders of Minnesota lawmakers signal a dangerous escalation of political violence.

• Legal Boundaries: The deployment of the National Guard in domestic settings raises serious legal and constitutional questions, particularly concerning the Posse Comitatus Act.

• Media Representation: There's a critical discourse on how mainstream media portrays protests, often diverging from ground realities, thus fueling the need for independent media outlets.

• Sustained Activism: The hosts advocate for long-term, organized, and peaceful activism as essential for effective political change, drawing lessons from historical movements.

• Role of the Military: Concerns persist about the politicization and militarization of protests, which could undermine the integrity and public trust in military institutions.

• Importance of Diverse Voices: The inclusion of various demographics in protests underscores the universal desire for constitutional integrity and democratic values.

• Independent Media as a Counterbalance: The special highlights the growing reliance on independent media sources to provide unfiltered and truthful reportage in contrast to traditional media biases.

Final Thought:
"The No Kings Day Special" serves as a potent reflection of America's ongoing struggle with political extremism, media portrayal, and the resilience of democratic activism. The hosts emphasize the imperative of unity, truth, and sustained peaceful protest in safeguarding the nation's foundational values against perceived authoritarian threats.