The Jim Acosta Show: Texas Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro and Van Jones

Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host: Jim Acosta
Guests: Congressman Joaquin Castro (Texas), Van Jones

Introduction

In this episode of The Jim Acosta Show, host Jim Acosta welcomes two prominent figures: Texas Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro and activist Van Jones. The discussion delves into pressing political issues, including the Trump administration's controversial immigration policies, authoritarian tendencies within the GOP, grassroots movements, and the role of universities in resisting governmental overreach.

1. Immigration and Judicial Overreach

[00:44 - 13:08]
Guest: Congressman Joaquin Castro

Key Discussion Points:

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case:
  Congressman Castro addresses the situation involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported to an El Salvador prison despite a Supreme Court order for his return to the U.S. Acosta criticizes the Trump administration's failure to comply with judicial directives.

  Castro (02:15): "He's looking to violate more people's constitutional rights in the months and weeks ahead."

• Democratic Legislative Strategies:
  Castro outlines potential legislative actions, emphasizing the Senate's role in blocking President Trump's legislative agenda and imposing sanctions on El Salvador's President Bukele for human rights abuses.

  Castro (03:47): "There should also be a penalty on President Bukele and El Salvador."

• Republican Compliance and Lack of Opposition:
  The conversation highlights the absence of significant pushback within the Republican Party against Trump's policies, raising concerns about the party's direction and commitment to constitutional principles.

  Castro (10:23): "If you look at what's going on, it's the same kind of behavior... falling in line with these unconstitutional things that Donald Trump wants to do."

Notable Quotes:

• Castro (00:44): "This administration admits their error in deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia but refuses to abide by the court's order."
• Castro (12:56): "He was not lawfully removed from the United States. Correct."

2. Authoritarianism and the GOP’s Shift

[15:13 - 46:16]
Guest: Van Jones

Key Discussion Points:

• GOP’s Authoritarian Tendencies:
  Van Jones discusses the erosion of constitutional norms within the Republican Party, likening Trump's administration to an autocratic regime. He introduces the concept of the "Neo-reactionary" movement, which aligns with ideologies like the Dark Enlightenment that reject democratic principles in favor of technocracy.

  Jones (18:25): "It's an autocrat way. You cannot say that you are a patriot and support this."

• Historical Parallels and Opposition Building:
  Reflecting on the 2004 Republican dominance under George W. Bush, Jones emphasizes the importance of grassroots organization and persistent opposition in the face of authoritarianism.

  Jones (25:15): "People were starting new groups... just like you see now, all these, you know, hands off rallies."

• Grassroots Movements and the Role of Black Women:
  Highlighting the foundational role of African American women in community building and activism, Jones underscores their significance in the fight against authoritarianism.

  Jones (23:43): "There are so many African American women... they made everything they touched better."

• Academic Resistance to Government Overreach:
  The discussion shifts to universities defying the Trump administration's attempts to control academic content and viewpoints. Harvard's stance serves as a beacon of resistance against authoritarian demands.

  Jones (40:52): "You cannot let the United States government run the... private universities... That is a dictatorship. That is an authoritarian regime."

• Censorship and the American Narrative:
  Van Jones critiques efforts by institutions like the Pentagon and National Park Service to sanitize historical narratives, advocating for an honest portrayal of America's complex history.

  Jones (43:27): "America has always been two things and not one... the founding reality was so unequal... we hold these truths to be self-evident."

Notable Quotes:

• Jones (17:00): "We did not get used to, and cannot get used to, is living in a police state."
• Jones (19:15): "Dark Enlightenment is about technocracy, not democracy. They think that the tech guy should rule directly."
• Jones (28:02): "This is exactly what we went through after that big defeat in 2004... it wasn't overnight."

3. The Path Forward: Hope and Democratic Resilience

[37:01 - 45:10]

• Empowering Grassroots Support:
  Both Acosta and Jones emphasize the critical role of grassroots movements in sustaining democratic resilience. While Castro advocates for legislative action, Jones stresses the importance of building opposition through organized, long-term strategies rather than seeking instant fixes.

• The Importance of Honest Narratives:
  Jones asserts that embracing both America's flaws and its ideals is essential for national unity and progress. He argues against the polarization that denies any part of America's history, advocating instead for a comprehensive understanding that includes both triumphs and shortcomings.

  Jones (43:27): "What is America? Who are Americans? We are a rainbow people... trying to close the gap between the ugliness of that founding reality and the beauty of that founding dream."

• Call to Action:
  The conversation culminates with a call to maintain hope and continue fighting for democratic values, highlighting the resilience inherent in the American spirit despite current challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Acosta (31:59): "Shouldn't our courts be standing in the way? I suppose that raises the question of how Trump has been thumbing his noses at the courts."
• Jones (45:10): "I love America, including all that, the harm done to my family... And I love America, too, more than these people who try to tear it down."

4. Upcoming Town Hall Announcement

In the concluding segment, Acosta announces a live town hall scheduled for later that evening at Theater 555 in New York City. The event will feature a panel including Michael Cohen, Don Lemon, Tara Settmeier, Olivia Troi, Harry Dunn, and comedian Matt Friend. The town hall aims to address important issues, engage with the audience, and provide insightful discussions on the current political landscape.

Conclusion

This episode of The Jim Acosta Show offers a critical examination of the current political turmoil, highlighting the struggles against authoritarianism and the importance of upholding constitutional rights. Through insightful discussions with Congressman Joaquin Castro and Van Jones, the show underscores the necessity of grassroots activism, honest historical narratives, and democratic resilience in the face of rising challenges.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Castro (02:15): "He's looking to violate more people's constitutional rights in the months and weeks ahead."
• Castro (03:47): "There should also be a penalty on President Bukele and El Salvador."
• Jones (18:25): "It's an autocrat way. You cannot say that you are a patriot and support this."
• Jones (17:00): "We did not get used to, and cannot get used to, is living in a police state."
• Jones (43:27): "America has always been two things and not one..."

Stay Tuned:
Don’t miss the upcoming live town hall on The Jim Acosta Show this evening, streaming on Substack and other platforms. Join in for an engaging and informative session with a stellar panel of guests.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and insights shared during the episode, capturing the essence of the conversations and the perspectives of both Congressman Joaquin Castro and Van Jones.