The Jim Acosta Show: March 24, 2025

Hosts and Guests:

• Jim Acosta – Host
• Michael Cohen – Political Commentator
• Olivia Troye – Former National Security Advisor
• Alex Eisenstadt – Axios Reporter and Author of Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power

Overview

In this episode of The Jim Acosta Show, host Jim Acosta engages in a vigorous discussion with Michael Cohen and Olivia Troye about the Trump administration's mishandling of sensitive communications, notably the inadvertent inclusion of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat discussing military operations. The conversation extends to the broader implications of this lapse in national security, Elon Musk's growing influence within the administration, and insights from Alex Eisenstadt’s new book on Trump's 2024 campaign.

Democratic Momentum and Trump’s Oversight

Michael Cohen opens the discussion by highlighting the unifying efforts of Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) in galvanizing Democratic support, referencing their contrasting demographics—Sanders as an octogenarian and AOC as a millennial female—and their impact on Democratic rallies, notably a crowded event in Tempe, Arizona.

Michael Cohen [00:55]: "There are so many things for you and I to be talking about while we sit and we watch, as folks like it."

Jim Acosta counters by asserting that Trump remains oblivious to the growing Democratic momentum, particularly in key races like the Wisconsin Supreme Court, emphasizing Trump's lack of understanding of the political landscape.

Justice Department vs. Trump Administration: Deportation Controversy

The conversation shifts to the clash between the Trump administration and the Justice Department over the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Enemy’s Act. A Reuters headline sparks concern:

Reuters Headline [02:27]: "Nazis were treated better than Venezuelans deported by Trump. Judge says at hearing."

Judge Patricia Millett criticized the administration for its due process, questioning government lawyers on arbitrary targets based on minimal evidence, such as tattoos, leading to swift deportations.

Michael Cohen [04:14]: "What if they put me on a plane and send me away?"

This highlights the apparent lack of due process and the administration's questionable profiling methods. Jim Acosta underscores the judiciary's frustration with the administration's disregard for legal protocols.

Jeffrey Goldberg's Accidental Inclusion in Sensitive Chats

A significant portion of the episode delves into the alarming incident where Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat containing Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and others discussing bombing operations in Yemen.

Michael Cohen [08:10]: "Operational war plans were sent to a journalist. The danger this poses to national security is immense."

The misuse of Signal, an encrypted platform typically reserved for private communications, by high-level officials is condemned for its potential to expose sensitive military strategies to unintended recipients.

Michael Cohen [09:19]: "Using Signal for operational war plans is reckless and endangers national security."

Olivia Troye echoes these concerns, emphasizing the risk of sensitive information falling into foreign hands and the broader implications for national and international security.

Olivia Troye [36:52]: "This blows that out of the water. How are they coordinating international policy-sensitive discussions on an app like Signal?"

Elon Musk’s Influence in the Trump Administration

The discussion progresses to Elon Musk’s substantial financial contributions and his resultant influence within the Trump administration. Michael Cohen criticizes Musk's role, suggesting his involvement exemplifies the administration's incompetence.

Michael Cohen [25:08]: "Elon Musk receives $8 million a day from the government based on federal contracts."

Jim Acosta expresses concern over Musk's sway, noting his significant donations and control over platforms like Twitter, which could be leveraged to manipulate public discourse and government actions.

Jim Acosta [28:28]: "Musk's accumulation of power through financial contributions undermines democratic principles."

Social Security and Public Discourse

The episode transitions to a critique of Elon Musk’s recent statements labeling Social Security as a "Ponzi scheme," juxtaposed against the struggles of Social Security recipients.

Michael Cohen [20:37]: "Social Security recipients receive approximately $65 a day, which I’ve been paying into for 38 years."

Jim Acosta highlights the real-world implications of Musk's rhetoric, emphasizing the dependence of millions on Social Security for basic needs.

Jim Acosta [20:29]: "People like my dad rely on Social Security. How can you talk about it like it's a Ponzi scheme?"

Wisconsin Supreme Court Race and Campaign Finance

Jim Acosta brings attention to the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, where Elon Musk's financial backing is viewed controversially, with suggestions that his involvement may bias the election in favor of Democrats.

Jim Acosta [23:10]: "Elon Musk may actually throw the race to the Democrats."

Michael Cohen expresses hope that Musk’s involvement will expose the administration's broader incompetence and underscores the need for public accountability.

Insights from Alex Eisenstadt’s Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power

Alex Eisenstadt, author and Axios reporter, shares exclusive insights from his new book, detailing the symbiotic relationship between Trump and tech billionaires like Elon Musk during the 2024 campaign. He reveals how Musk's strategic financial contributions and personal rapport with Trump influenced key political decisions, including the selection of Vice President JD Vance.

Alex Eisenstadt [50:12]: "Elon Musk endorsed Trump after the Butler assassination attempt and advised him on Vice Presidential picks."

Eisenstadt underscores the pivotal role of tech moguls in shaping campaign strategies and sustaining Trump's political resurgence.

Alex Eisenstadt [56:05]: "Elon Musk’s wealth provides him extraordinary leverage and power within the administration."

National Security Implications and Future Concerns

Olivia Troye and Michael Cohen stress the critical need for secure communication channels within the government, warning of the potential for future breaches and the endangerment of national security protocols.

Olivia Troye [38:26]: "These are serious foreign policy discussions. Their exposure could compromise missions and lives."

The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to remain vigilant and engaged to safeguard democracy against administrative overreach and financial manipulation by influential elites.

Conclusion

This episode of The Jim Acosta Show underscores significant vulnerabilities within the Trump administration, particularly concerning national security and the undue influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. The guests collectively call for greater accountability, secure communication practices, and active public participation to prevent the erosion of democratic institutions and ensure the integrity of governmental operations.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Cohen [04:14]: "What if they put me on a plane and send me away?"
• Olivia Troye [36:52]: "This blows that out of the water."
• Alex Eisenstadt [50:12]: "Elon Musk endorsed Trump after the Butler assassination attempt and advised him on Vice Presidential picks."
• Jim Acosta [20:29]: "People like my dad rely on Social Security. How can you talk about it like it's a Ponzi scheme?"

Further Resources:

• Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power by Alex Eisenstadt
• Jeffrey Goldberg’s article on the accidental Signal chat inclusion [Reference: The Atlantic]