The Majority Report with Sam Seder

Episode 3598 - Trump Calls for Political Arrests; Urgent 2025 Elections w/ Daniel Nichanian

Date: October 8, 2025
Host: Emma Vigeland (in for Sam Seder)
Guest: Daniel Nichanian, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Bolts Magazine

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the escalating political and legal crises in the US, with former President Trump calling for arresting political opponents and pushing aggressive National Guard deployments. The bulk of the show focuses on urgent state and local elections in 2025 with Daniel Nichanian of Bolts Magazine, who provides a deep dive into pivotal races and ballot measures across the country. The episode also examines the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Israel’s interdiction of humanitarian flotillas, with testimonies from activists and journalists, and concludes with a robust discussion of threats to voting rights, the Supreme Court, and progressive organizing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard in Chicago, Trump’s Authoritarian Rhetoric, and ICE Tensions

Texas National Guard Deployment: Texas Governor Abbott sends National Guard to Chicago against Illinois’ wishes; litigation pending (Illinois lawsuit against Texas, [09:05]).
Federal–State Power Struggle: Courts have blocked similar deployments in other states, but Trump pivots to the Insurrection Act as a potential workaround ([10:29]).
Posse Comitatus Act: Discussed as limiting military use in domestic law enforcement, with hosts noting how Trump seeks to undermine it.
Trump Calls for Arrests: Trump calls for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker to be jailed for "failing to protect ICE officers" ([11:06]).
- Emma Vigeland: “What a shock. Here he was this morning on Truth Social. Chicago mayor […] should be in jail for failing to protect ICE officers. Governor Pritzker too.”
Crime Hysteria vs Reality: Hosts debunk the narrative of “violent crime crisis” in Chicago ([12:09]):
- Emma Vigeland: “Over a decade, violent crime has dropped in Chicago 40%.”
Speaker Mike Johnson’s Response: Speaker Johnson deflects, restates talking points about “destroyed” Democratic cities ([13:38]).

2. ICE Overreach and Local Law Enforcement

Executive Orders in Chicago: Johnson's orders block ICE from using city lots, direct Chicago Police not to assist ICE on civil immigration arrests ([11:15], [12:09]).
ICE Faking 911 Calls:
- CBS report: ICE agents making false 911 calls to tie up local police, including one over a journalist filming a facility ([20:08]).
- Emma Vigeland: “They are a threat to community safety. The 911 thing too. They don't care about the community.”
Militarization Analogy: Hosts liken ICE behavior to occupations abroad, emphasizing effects of post-9/11 militarization ([23:08], [23:30]).
- Matt: “It is the Iraq metaphor… the actual people here hate this occupation.”
Police and Solidarity: Noting pressure on local police and the meaning for community organizing ([19:22], [19:26]).

3. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Flotilla Interception and Activist Testimonies

Aid Flotilla Intercepted: Israeli forces seize a second aid flotilla in international waters; former guests, including Greta Thunberg and David Adler, are detailed and later released ([29:20], [35:18]).
Greta Thunberg’s Message ([33:00]):
- “We are not the story. Thousands of Palestinians are currently being held in Israeli dungeons without a trial, hundreds of which are children.”
- “Do not let me and other volunteers on the flotilla be a destruction [distraction]. The global summit flotilla is about solidarity with Palestinians, international solidarity.”
David Adler’s Testimony ([37:44]):
- “The anti-Semitism that we endured at the hands of the State of Israel was so wild ... They singled out Jews on the flotilla because of the threat that they pose to the Zionist propaganda project.”
Broader Context: Discussion of Israel’s siege tactics and the complicity of Western governments; criticism of media focus shifting away from the core crisis ([35:18], [39:56]).

4. Looming Threats to the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and Supreme Court Cases

Critical SCOTUS Case: Upcoming Supreme Court rehearing of Louisiana v. Calcasieu could gut Section 2 of the VRA; risks up to 19 House seats being redrawn to dilute minority voting power ([41:18]).
Historical Context: Section 2 is the main enforcement for equal voting rights post-Shelby v. Holder; ruling could devastate black and Hispanic Congressional representation ([45:36]).
- Emma Vigeland: “This is just like making the House as gerrymandered and undemocratic as possible.”
- Matt: “Democracy was given a mortal wound when you don’t act to cultivate it more.” ([48:38])

Interview: Daniel Nichanian (Bolts Magazine)

[50:55 – 77:38]

Bolts Cheat Sheet and Off-Year Election Landscapes

Scope: Over 180 elections covered; local and state races often have outsized, under-the-radar impact ([51:20]).
- “An off year actually gives us more space…to drill down in some of the hotspots where there are interesting tensions, interesting conflicts, interesting elections.” — Daniel Nichanian ([51:20])
Governor’s Races:
- New Jersey: GOP seeks to end state-level ICE protections immediately if they win ([53:44]).
- Virginia: Heavy use of anti-trans messaging and right-wing culture war; real consequences for federal workers due to shutdowns ([54:41]).
Immigration Enforcement at Local Level:
- Importance of mayor, sheriff, and city council races for local ICE collaboration or resistance ([55:50], [57:34]).
- Example: Bucks County, PA, sheriff signed contract deputizing ICE; a local race could reverse.
- Daniel Nichanian: “Sheriff controls the jail, controls often a law enforcement force, and that’s often where we see the clearest contrasts on ICE policy.” ([55:50])
State Supreme Courts:
- Pennsylvania’s court is critical for national elections; GOP heavily funding ouster campaigns to manipulate future election law ([59:15]).

Local Progressive Organizing

Mayoral Races:
- Minneapolis, Seattle, New York City, and Boston highlighted for left–center Democratic divides; prospects for progressives to unseat centrists ([61:57]–[63:47]).
- Shared lessons and inspiration across progressive candidates nationally ([65:47]).
Prosecutor and Sheriff Races:
- Big stakes for reform DAs (Philly’s Larry Krasner faces surprise right-wing re-challenge) and sheriff positions (often the “tip of the spear” for ICE cooperation) ([66:21], [68:48]).
- Emma Vigeland: “That is all tech guy, rich billionaire money. I mean, and they were riding this crime panic.” ([68:48])
Nassau County, Long Island:
- Microcosm of polarized Democratic approaches—some triangulating towards tough-on-crime narratives, others pushing progressive reforms ([71:05], [74:11]).

Ballot Initiatives and Direct Democracy

Funding School/Transit (Bond Measures): Critical local investments often on the line in off-year elections ([75:36]).
Olympia, WA Measure: Proposes labor Bill of Rights and $20 minimum wage ([76:18]).

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

On ICE and Police:
- “The people who are most easily fooled by AI Slop and the folks most scared of cities; that Venn diagram is just a circle.” — Emma Vigeland ([17:24])
- “They are a threat to community safety…they don’t care if people have actual 911 calls…All they care about is meeting quotas and ripping apart families.” — Emma Vigeland ([22:45])
On the VRA case:
- “Without Section 2, up to 30% of the Congressional Black Caucus and 11% of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus could be drawn out of their seats…” — Emma Vigeland quoting new reports ([45:36])
On progressive organizing:
- “Seattle really is a place where there seems to be up and down the ballot the potential for left gains, not just in mayoral race, but sort of a an overall picture that voters are not satisfied there with the status quo and governance from the center or the right…” — Daniel Nichanian ([67:06])
On Israel, Gaza, and Activism:
- “We are not the story. Thousands of Palestinians are currently being held in Israeli dungeons without a trial…” — Greta Thunberg ([33:00])
- “The anti-Semitism that we endured at the hands of the State of Israel was so wild…” — David Adler ([37:44])

Timestamps – Important Segments

[07:16] Matt on Texas/Chicago National Guard deployment
[10:29] Insurrection Act and legal background
[13:38] Mike Johnson responds to Trump's jail demands
[20:08] CBS News report: ICE making false 911 calls
[29:20] Israeli interception of humanitarian flotilla; activist testimonies
[33:00] Greta Thunberg statement on her detention and Gaza
[37:44] David Adler’s account of flotilla detention
[41:18] Upcoming Supreme Court voting rights case
[50:55] Daniel Nichanian interview begins—election cheat sheet
[53:44] Governor’s races: New Jersey, Virginia
[57:34] Impactful sheriff and mayoral races on ICE policy
[59:15] Pennsylvania Supreme Court: national significance
[61:57] Mayoral races: progressive insurgencies
[66:21] Courts, prosecutors, and criminal justice
[71:05] Discussion of Nassau County, NY
[75:36] Ballot initiatives and local measures

Tone and Style

The episode maintains the Majority Report’s signature blend of irreverence, blunt analysis, and progressive skepticism. Emma Vigeland’s hosting is incisive and direct, with frequent fact-checks and historical framing, while guests and co-hosts emphasize organizing and critique mainstream narratives. The language is conversational but serious when the topic demands (e.g., Gaza, Supreme Court).

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Clear explanation of complex, urgent threats: From Trump’s authoritarian escalations to the possible gutting of the Voting Rights Act, and the dangers for democratic representation and civil liberties.
Guide to 2025 elections: In-depth local/state race coverage for listeners tired of “off-year” neglect and wanting actionable awareness about the fights shaping immigrants’ rights, criminal justice reform, and democracy’s future.
Firsthand activist testimony: Brings international crisis to domestic listeners through unfiltered voices of those risking their safety for humanitarian aid.
Tools for engagement: Pointers to ballot measures, major races, and the importance of down-ballot engagement.

[End of summary]

The Majority Report with Sam Seder

Episode 3598 - Trump Calls for Political Arrests; Urgent 2025 Elections w/ Daniel Nichanian

Date: October 8, 2025
Host: Emma Vigeland (in for Sam Seder)
Guest: Daniel Nichanian, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Bolts Magazine

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard in Chicago, Trump’s Authoritarian Rhetoric, and ICE Tensions

Texas National Guard Deployment: Texas Governor Abbott sends National Guard to Chicago against Illinois’ wishes; litigation pending (Illinois lawsuit against Texas, [09:05]).
Federal–State Power Struggle: Courts have blocked similar deployments in other states, but Trump pivots to the Insurrection Act as a potential workaround ([10:29]).
Posse Comitatus Act: Discussed as limiting military use in domestic law enforcement, with hosts noting how Trump seeks to undermine it.
Trump Calls for Arrests: Trump calls for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker to be jailed for "failing to protect ICE officers" ([11:06]).
- Emma Vigeland: “What a shock. Here he was this morning on Truth Social. Chicago mayor […] should be in jail for failing to protect ICE officers. Governor Pritzker too.”
Crime Hysteria vs Reality: Hosts debunk the narrative of “violent crime crisis” in Chicago ([12:09]):
- Emma Vigeland: “Over a decade, violent crime has dropped in Chicago 40%.”
Speaker Mike Johnson’s Response: Speaker Johnson deflects, restates talking points about “destroyed” Democratic cities ([13:38]).

2. ICE Overreach and Local Law Enforcement

Executive Orders in Chicago: Johnson's orders block ICE from using city lots, direct Chicago Police not to assist ICE on civil immigration arrests ([11:15], [12:09]).
ICE Faking 911 Calls:
- CBS report: ICE agents making false 911 calls to tie up local police, including one over a journalist filming a facility ([20:08]).
- Emma Vigeland: “They are a threat to community safety. The 911 thing too. They don't care about the community.”
Militarization Analogy: Hosts liken ICE behavior to occupations abroad, emphasizing effects of post-9/11 militarization ([23:08], [23:30]).
- Matt: “It is the Iraq metaphor… the actual people here hate this occupation.”
Police and Solidarity: Noting pressure on local police and the meaning for community organizing ([19:22], [19:26]).

3. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Flotilla Interception and Activist Testimonies

Aid Flotilla Intercepted: Israeli forces seize a second aid flotilla in international waters; former guests, including Greta Thunberg and David Adler, are detailed and later released ([29:20], [35:18]).
Greta Thunberg’s Message ([33:00]):
- “We are not the story. Thousands of Palestinians are currently being held in Israeli dungeons without a trial, hundreds of which are children.”
- “Do not let me and other volunteers on the flotilla be a destruction [distraction]. The global summit flotilla is about solidarity with Palestinians, international solidarity.”
David Adler’s Testimony ([37:44]):
- “The anti-Semitism that we endured at the hands of the State of Israel was so wild ... They singled out Jews on the flotilla because of the threat that they pose to the Zionist propaganda project.”
Broader Context: Discussion of Israel’s siege tactics and the complicity of Western governments; criticism of media focus shifting away from the core crisis ([35:18], [39:56]).

4. Looming Threats to the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and Supreme Court Cases

Critical SCOTUS Case: Upcoming Supreme Court rehearing of Louisiana v. Calcasieu could gut Section 2 of the VRA; risks up to 19 House seats being redrawn to dilute minority voting power ([41:18]).
Historical Context: Section 2 is the main enforcement for equal voting rights post-Shelby v. Holder; ruling could devastate black and Hispanic Congressional representation ([45:36]).
- Emma Vigeland: “This is just like making the House as gerrymandered and undemocratic as possible.”
- Matt: “Democracy was given a mortal wound when you don’t act to cultivate it more.” ([48:38])

Interview: Daniel Nichanian (Bolts Magazine)

[50:55 – 77:38]

Bolts Cheat Sheet and Off-Year Election Landscapes

Scope: Over 180 elections covered; local and state races often have outsized, under-the-radar impact ([51:20]).
- “An off year actually gives us more space…to drill down in some of the hotspots where there are interesting tensions, interesting conflicts, interesting elections.” — Daniel Nichanian ([51:20])
Governor’s Races:
- New Jersey: GOP seeks to end state-level ICE protections immediately if they win ([53:44]).
- Virginia: Heavy use of anti-trans messaging and right-wing culture war; real consequences for federal workers due to shutdowns ([54:41]).
Immigration Enforcement at Local Level:
- Importance of mayor, sheriff, and city council races for local ICE collaboration or resistance ([55:50], [57:34]).
- Example: Bucks County, PA, sheriff signed contract deputizing ICE; a local race could reverse.
- Daniel Nichanian: “Sheriff controls the jail, controls often a law enforcement force, and that’s often where we see the clearest contrasts on ICE policy.” ([55:50])
State Supreme Courts:
- Pennsylvania’s court is critical for national elections; GOP heavily funding ouster campaigns to manipulate future election law ([59:15]).

Local Progressive Organizing

Mayoral Races:
- Minneapolis, Seattle, New York City, and Boston highlighted for left–center Democratic divides; prospects for progressives to unseat centrists ([61:57]–[63:47]).
- Shared lessons and inspiration across progressive candidates nationally ([65:47]).
Prosecutor and Sheriff Races:
- Big stakes for reform DAs (Philly’s Larry Krasner faces surprise right-wing re-challenge) and sheriff positions (often the “tip of the spear” for ICE cooperation) ([66:21], [68:48]).
- Emma Vigeland: “That is all tech guy, rich billionaire money. I mean, and they were riding this crime panic.” ([68:48])
Nassau County, Long Island:
- Microcosm of polarized Democratic approaches—some triangulating towards tough-on-crime narratives, others pushing progressive reforms ([71:05], [74:11]).

Ballot Initiatives and Direct Democracy

Funding School/Transit (Bond Measures): Critical local investments often on the line in off-year elections ([75:36]).
Olympia, WA Measure: Proposes labor Bill of Rights and $20 minimum wage ([76:18]).

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

On ICE and Police:
- “The people who are most easily fooled by AI Slop and the folks most scared of cities; that Venn diagram is just a circle.” — Emma Vigeland ([17:24])
- “They are a threat to community safety…they don’t care if people have actual 911 calls…All they care about is meeting quotas and ripping apart families.” — Emma Vigeland ([22:45])
On the VRA case:
- “Without Section 2, up to 30% of the Congressional Black Caucus and 11% of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus could be drawn out of their seats…” — Emma Vigeland quoting new reports ([45:36])
On progressive organizing:
- “Seattle really is a place where there seems to be up and down the ballot the potential for left gains, not just in mayoral race, but sort of a an overall picture that voters are not satisfied there with the status quo and governance from the center or the right…” — Daniel Nichanian ([67:06])
On Israel, Gaza, and Activism:
- “We are not the story. Thousands of Palestinians are currently being held in Israeli dungeons without a trial…” — Greta Thunberg ([33:00])
- “The anti-Semitism that we endured at the hands of the State of Israel was so wild…” — David Adler ([37:44])

Timestamps – Important Segments

[07:16] Matt on Texas/Chicago National Guard deployment
[10:29] Insurrection Act and legal background
[13:38] Mike Johnson responds to Trump's jail demands
[20:08] CBS News report: ICE making false 911 calls
[29:20] Israeli interception of humanitarian flotilla; activist testimonies
[33:00] Greta Thunberg statement on her detention and Gaza
[37:44] David Adler’s account of flotilla detention
[41:18] Upcoming Supreme Court voting rights case
[50:55] Daniel Nichanian interview begins—election cheat sheet
[53:44] Governor’s races: New Jersey, Virginia
[57:34] Impactful sheriff and mayoral races on ICE policy
[59:15] Pennsylvania Supreme Court: national significance
[61:57] Mayoral races: progressive insurgencies
[66:21] Courts, prosecutors, and criminal justice
[71:05] Discussion of Nassau County, NY
[75:36] Ballot initiatives and local measures

Tone and Style

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Clear explanation of complex, urgent threats: From Trump’s authoritarian escalations to the possible gutting of the Voting Rights Act, and the dangers for democratic representation and civil liberties.
Guide to 2025 elections: In-depth local/state race coverage for listeners tired of “off-year” neglect and wanting actionable awareness about the fights shaping immigrants’ rights, criminal justice reform, and democracy’s future.
Firsthand activist testimony: Brings international crisis to domestic listeners through unfiltered voices of those risking their safety for humanitarian aid.
Tools for engagement: Pointers to ballot measures, major races, and the importance of down-ballot engagement.

[End of summary]

wavePod

3598 - Trump Calls for Political Arrests; Urgent 2025 Elections w/ Daniel Nichanian

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

The Majority Report with Sam Seder

Episode 3598 - Trump Calls for Political Arrests; Urgent 2025 Elections w/ Daniel Nichanian

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard in Chicago, Trump’s Authoritarian Rhetoric, and ICE Tensions

2. ICE Overreach and Local Law Enforcement

3. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Flotilla Interception and Activist Testimonies

4. Looming Threats to the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and Supreme Court Cases

Interview: Daniel Nichanian (Bolts Magazine)

Bolts Cheat Sheet and Off-Year Election Landscapes

Local Progressive Organizing

Ballot Initiatives and Direct Democracy

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

Timestamps – Important Segments

Tone and Style

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Summary

The Majority Report with Sam Seder

Episode 3598 - Trump Calls for Political Arrests; Urgent 2025 Elections w/ Daniel Nichanian

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard in Chicago, Trump’s Authoritarian Rhetoric, and ICE Tensions

2. ICE Overreach and Local Law Enforcement

3. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Flotilla Interception and Activist Testimonies

4. Looming Threats to the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and Supreme Court Cases

Interview: Daniel Nichanian (Bolts Magazine)

Bolts Cheat Sheet and Off-Year Election Landscapes

Local Progressive Organizing

Ballot Initiatives and Direct Democracy

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

Timestamps – Important Segments

Tone and Style

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters