Podcast Summary: "Trump Ordered to Return CA National Guard to Governor"
Podcast Details:
- Title: The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell
- Host: Lawrence O'Donnell, MSNBC
- Episode Topic: Trump ordered to return CA National Guard to governor
- Release Date: June 13, 2025
1. Court Decision: Gavin Newsom vs. Donald Trump
The episode delves into a landmark court ruling where Judge Charles Breyer ordered former President Donald Trump to return control of the California National Guard back to Governor Gavin Newsom. This decision marks a significant legal victory for Governor Newsom, overturning Trump's contentious intervention.
Notable Quote:
Lawrence O'Donnell [07:16]: "Today was really about a test of democracy. And today we passed the test."
Judge Breyer meticulously reviewed the events leading to Trump's seizure of the National Guard, ultimately finding Trump's actions lacked the constitutional backing necessary to override state authority. The judge emphasized that Trump's justification did not meet the stringent criteria required for such federal intervention.
Key Points:
- Judge's Ruling: No evidence supported Trump's claim of rebellion or threat necessitating federal troops.
- Legal Standards Applied: Judge Breyer referenced historical definitions of rebellion, concluding that the disturbances in Los Angeles did not constitute an organized, armed rebellion against the government.
- Impact: The National Guard will revert to Governor Newsom's control at noon the following day unless an appeal is successful.
2. Political Reactions and Analysis
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries shared his perspectives on both the court ruling and the recent assault on Senator Alex Padilla by federal agents.
Notable Quotes:
Hakeem Jeffries [08:52]: "It's a big victory for the people of California, for the governor, for the rule of law, and for democracy itself."
Jeffries criticized Trump's overreach, labeling the deployment of the National Guard as "political theater" aimed at diverting attention from economic failures and contentious legislative battles. He highlighted the detrimental effects of the proposed GOP budget bill, which includes significant cuts to Medicaid and nutritional assistance, while providing substantial tax breaks to billionaires.
Hakeem Jeffries [10:45]: "It was an extremely meticulous decision. And this was all about political theater for Donald Trump."
Regarding the assault on Senator Alex Padilla, Jeffries condemned the actions of federal agents, describing the incident as an unprecedented and disgraceful attack on a sitting U.S. senator.
Hakeem Jeffries [14:11]: "It was disgusting. ... The California delegation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, every single part of the House Democratic Caucus stands in solidarity with Senator Padilla."
3. Attack on Senator Alex Padilla
A shocking incident unfolded when federal agents forcibly removed Senator Alex Padilla from a federal building, sparking nationwide outrage. The attack occurred despite the building's stringent security measures, raising serious concerns about the federal government's respect for democratic institutions and officials.
Senator Padilla's Statement:
Alex Padilla [16:32]: "I was not arrested. I was not detained. If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, ... you can only imagine what they're doing to farm workers, to cooks, to day laborers..."
Key Points:
- Nature of the Incident: Senator Padilla was manhandled and handcuffed for merely asking a question during a press conference.
- Implications: The attack signifies a troubling escalation in the Trump administration's disregard for lawful and peaceful political dissent.
- Public Reaction: Strong condemnation from Democratic leaders and calls for accountability and protection of democratic rights.
4. Trump's Reversal on Deportation Policies
In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump retracted his long-standing promise to deport 15 million undocumented immigrants, including essential workers in agriculture and hospitality. This reversal undermines his previous campaign rhetoric and acknowledges the integral role these workers play in the U.S. economy.
Trump's Statement:
Donald Trump [43:09]: "Our great farmers and people in the hotel and leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good longtime workers away from them... We must protect our farmers, but get the criminals out of the USA."
Key Points:
- Policy Shift: From committing to mass deportations to allowing millions of undocumented workers to remain.
- Economic Impact: Recognizes the dependence of key industries on immigrant labor, despite prior promises to the contrary.
- Political Ramifications: This admission is portrayed as a capitulation to Democratic arguments against his immigration policies.
Lawrence O'Donnell's Critique:
Lawrence O'Donnell [47:58]: "Donald Trump has formally, publicly given up today."
O'Donnell criticizes Trump for abandoning his deportation agenda, highlighting the inconsistency between his promises and actions.
5. Israel's Preemptive Strike on Iran
In a major development, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran, targeting multiple high-ranking officials and nuclear facilities. This aggressive move is expected to escalate tensions in the Middle East and provoke retaliation from Iran.
Details of the Strike:
- Targets: Senior leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, including Commissioner Hussein Salami, and key figures in Iran's nuclear program.
- Method: Coordinated strikes by dozens of Israeli jets, emphasizing the removal of "decapitated" leadership.
- Expert Analysis:
- Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling [21:32]: "The first indicators are coming in that this was a very successful attack by Israel."
Potential Consequences:
- Iran's Retaliation: Likely response could range from military reprisals to intensified nuclear negotiations breakdown.
- US Involvement: Speculation on the extent of U.S. support for Israel in defending against Iranian counterattacks.
6. Legal Insights on National Guard Case
Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling provides an in-depth legal analysis of Judge Breyer's decision, highlighting the stringent criteria unmet by Trump's claims.
Notable Insights:
Mark Hertling [32:55]: "A rebellion must not only be violent, but also be armed. ... It must be organized and against the government as a whole."
Hertling explains that the disturbances in Los Angeles did not meet the historical and legal definitions of rebellion required to justify federal intervention under the Posse Comitatus Act.
Key Points:
- Judge's Reasoning: Lack of evidence for an organized, armed rebellion aimed at overthrowing the government.
- Statutory Interpretation: Judge Breyer employed historical definitions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries to assess the legitimacy of the rebellion claim.
- Outcome: The court found no valid basis for Trump's invocation of federal authority, mandating the return of the National Guard to state control.
7. Conclusion and Implications for Democracy
The episode underscores a pivotal moment in American democracy, with the judiciary reaffirming constitutional checks and balances against executive overreach. The court's decision not only restricts presidential power but also sets a precedent for future interactions between federal and state authorities.
Lawrence O'Donnell's Closing Remarks:
Lawrence O'Donnell [28:47]: "I am very hopeful this order puts that in perspective and hopefully Donald Trump will immediately back down. The courts have ruled on the guard; they will be back under my command."
O'Donnell expresses optimism that the judicial system will continue to uphold democratic principles, preventing any single individual from undermining the nation's foundational values.
8. Closing Advertisements Skipped
The latter portion of the transcript contains advertisements for various products and services, which are omitted from this summary to maintain focus on the episode's core content.
Overall Summary: This episode of "The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell" presents a comprehensive analysis of significant political events, including a groundbreaking court ruling against Donald Trump's unauthorized use of the California National Guard, the violent assault on Senator Alex Padilla by federal agents, Trump's unexpected policy reversal on mass deportations, and Israel's aggressive military action against Iran. Through expert interviews and incisive commentary, the podcast highlights the enduring strength of American democratic institutions and the ongoing struggle to maintain checks and balances within the government.