The Jim Acosta Show – ONE WHOLE YEAR! Our First Anniversary Special

Guests: David Pakman, Jennifer Welch, Norm Eisen, Olivia Troye
Date: January 28, 2026

Episode Overview

On the one-year anniversary of The Jim Acosta Show, Jim brings together leading figures in independent journalism and advocacy for a wide-ranging, spirited discussion about American democracy under the second Trump administration, the power and necessity of independent media, current political controversies, and the resilience needed from both the press and the public. Guests include David Pakman, Jennifer Welch, Olivia Troye, and Norm Eisen, all offering sharp insights, humor, and hope in the face of ongoing struggles for truth and accountability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rise and Role of Independent Media

With David Pakman [00:00–02:55]:

• Jim notes the growth and reach of independent shows like Pakman’s and his own, emphasizing the intimacy and direct relationship they offer audiences versus traditional "three-letter network" media.
• David Pakman discusses how technology enabled nontraditional voices like his:
  “I never had anybody hire me and say, hey, I'm putting you on the air. And so without these technologies, there would be no show.” [01:41]
• Both highlight that audiences are less tolerant of false equivalence and "both sidesism," seeking instead truth and directness.

2. Trump, DHS & the Killing of Alex Pareti

Discussed by Acosta and Pakman [02:55–14:43]:

• Acosta and Pakman dissect Trump and his team’s reaction to the killing of Alex Pareti, noting the attempt to shift blame, dehumanize victims, and avoid accountability.
• Trump’s empathy is shown to be conditional—he “feels worse” when the victim’s family are Trump supporters, which Pakman skewers:
  “The obvious inverse...is that he feels less bad when the people killed are not Trump fans. Right?” [04:12]
• The official language calling Preddy a “domestic terrorist” is criticized, and both note the government’s lack of meaningful internal accountability:
  “DHS and CBP are the ones investigating the actions by DHS and CBP, which doesn't really...none of this has any seriousness attached to it.” —Pakman [06:41]
• Failure of promised gains from Trump immigration policy—housing, jobs, and crime rates are not improved.
  “None of the outcomes we were promised are actually materializing after a year of this.” —Pakman [08:34]

Memorable Quote

“This is no time to bow down to a tyrant. Don't give into the lies. Don't give into the fear. Hold on to the truth and to hope.” —Jim Acosta [57:57]

3. Democratic Response and Congressional Leadership

Schumer’s Profanity and Message [09:57–13:42]:

• Senator Chuck Schumer’s viral, expletive-laced statement against Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem signals a new aggressive posture from Democrats:

  “Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller are fucking liars. Any administration that allows them to continue in office is rotten to its core.” —Chuck Schumer, video played at [09:57]

• Pakman and Acosta debate the tactical difficulties Democrats face, especially with shutdowns and ICE funding:
  “The North Star needs to be in November, effectively end Trump's presidency by taking away control of the House.” —Pakman [10:22]

4. Internal Republican Dynamics, Media Culture, and Satire

With Jennifer Welch [15:45–27:52]:

• Acosta and Welch lampoon the perpetual online presence of figures like Elon Musk and the performative outrage among the MAGA elite:
  “These men, they act like they're so oppressed...everybody's out to get [Elon], and he's bitching about immigrants, and I'm like, hello, you're an immigrant, right?” —Welch [16:40]
• Welch on what real Democratic leadership means:
  “We will know when Chuck Schumer starts to become effective, when he is hated the way the right hated Nancy Pelosi.” [18:27]
• Both touch on the chaos, division, and rumor-mongering in Trumpworld, comparing it to a reality show with “Real Housewives on crystal meth” energy.
• Speculation about who will become Trump’s next scapegoat, with Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller seen as possible casualties.

Memorable Moment

Discussion of the “Handmaid's Tale” vibes among Trumpworld’s power couples all having children simultaneously:
“It's giving Handmaid's Tale vibes.” —Welch [25:50]

5. The Perils of Government Overreach and Authoritarian Drift

With Olivia Troye [29:24–36:09]:

• Troye, former national security advisor, warns about growing government overreach, especially post-Pareti killing:
  “They're monitoring dissent, they're monitoring signal chats...what is really happening here with the US Government and the Department of Homeland Security and the amount of overreach that is happening across the department that is being used against Americans.” [31:39]
• On scapegoating within the Trump administration:
  “Getting rid of Greg [Bobino] was just sort of like the fall guy, a distraction...it doesn't take away from the accountability that still needs to happen.” [30:41]
• The broader danger is likened to “the secret police from Russia,” undermining the original purpose of DHS post-9/11. [34:00]

6. Defending Democracy in Law and Spirit

With Norm Eisen [37:00–45:46]:

• Eisen shares on-the-ground perspectives from Minneapolis, legal action against Trump-era abuses, and the encouraging resilience of courts and public opinion:
  “His [Trump’s] flood the zone has been met with rule of law, shock and awe...case after case around the country.” [40:20]
• Eisen is optimistic about a blue wave and sees hopeful resistance reminiscent of the civil rights movement:
  “The court of public opinion is turning as the court of law has done. So I think that the guardrails are holding. And now you're going to see this surge of the public, including in the electoral space where a blue...tsunami is coming this year.” [42:53]

7. Anniversary Reflections & Closing Inspiration

Acosta closes the show [52:00–end]:

• Shares personal anecdotes about his rescue dog Duke and the story of “Greg the Plant,” both as metaphors for perseverance.
• Re-emphasizes the importance of unity and resolve:
  “We're just going to have to outlast him. But I will add...Don't give into the lies. Don't give into the fear. Hold on to the truth and to hope. And let's do this together. I really think we're going to do this together, folks.” [57:57]
• Expresses deep gratitude to his team, guests, and audience for making the independent show a success and pledges to keep fighting for democratic values.

Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• “Without these technologies, there would be no show...there's a desire for a more direct relationship.”
  – David Pakman [01:41]

• “What's terrifying is this was kind of predictable back when you got kicked out of the press room during Donald Trump's first term...we can go and find [the First Amendment] if you look up the Bill of Rights right now. It's there. But the willingness to suppress speech was very visible.”
  – David Pakman [11:42]

• Chuck Schumer’s explicit takedown:

  “Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller are fucking liars. Any administration that allows them to continue in office is rotten to its core.”
  [09:57]

• “You have to do more than say fuck. You have to do fuck. It's time to do fuck, if that makes any sense.”
  – Jim Acosta [19:44]

• “All of these sociopaths are like buddies and they have integrity in their friendships. They're just as shitty to each other behind the scenes as they are to the American public.”
  – Jennifer Welch [23:31]

• On public resilience:

  “Their intimidation tactics...they're not working, regardless of what they may do and how much they may terrorize our communities.”
  – Olivia Troye [49:04]

• Norm Eisen on fighting back:

  “It's such an honor and a privilege, Jim, to wish you a happy anniversary...truly another great champion of truthful, not neutral.” [44:26]

• Acosta’s core message:

  “Don't give into the lies. Don't give into the fear. Hold on to the truth and to hope.” [57:57]

Important Timestamps

• [00:00–02:55] – Pakman and Acosta on independent media’s impact
• [02:55–14:43] – Trump & DHS, character assassination, lack of accountability
• [09:57; 17:42] – Chuck Schumer’s statement (played twice, with guest reactions)
• [15:45–27:52] – Jennifer Welch, Musk satire, GOP infighting, “Handmaid’s Tale” references
• [29:24–36:09] – Olivia Troye on government overreach and scapegoating
• [37:00–45:46] – Norm Eisen on legal resistance and court victories
• [52:00–end] – Acosta’s closing story, message of hope, gratitude

Tone and Atmosphere

• The episode is candid, passionate, and, at times, darkly comic — proud of independent, truth-telling journalism and committed to democratic ideals.
• There is camaraderie among guests, with mutual admiration and humor, reinforcing the gravity and urgency of the moment without succumbing to despair.

Conclusion & Takeaways

The Jim Acosta Show’s first anniversary episode is a testament to the enduring value of independent journalism. Against the ongoing crises of American democracy, the conversation is both a critique of unchecked power and a rallying cry for unity, hope, and principled defiance. The call to action: Hold on to truth, engage, persist, and rescue one another even as we fight to rescue our democracy — together.

For more, full video and new content: jimacosta.substack.com