Podcast Summary: The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
Episode: Deep Sh!t State: Trump’s Retribution Campaign
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In the August 14, 2025 episode of The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart, host Jon Stewart delves into the controversial topic of the "Deep State" within the United States government. Joined by two distinguished guests—Michael Feinberg, a former FBI agent with 16 years of service, and Devlin Barrett, a seasoned reporter from The New York Times covering the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI—the episode explores the alleged retribution campaign against officials tied to the Trump administration.

Michael Feinberg's Resignation and Allegations ([01:07] - [05:02])

Jon Stewart opens the discussion by introducing Michael Feinberg, who recently resigned from his position at the FBI. Feinberg explains that his resignation was precipitated by his association with Pete Strzok, an FBI agent known for being on former President Trump's "shit list." At [03:40], Feinberg states:

"I have zero problem whatsoever testifying about anything in my life... But Dan Bongino found out I was friends with Pete Strzok, and my career was essentially over."

Feinberg recounts his commendable career trajectory within the FBI, highlighting his role in a major Chinese counterintelligence case involving Huawei at [05:34]:

"I received the FBI's highest investigative commendation, the Director's Award for a major Chinese counterintelligence case."

Despite his accomplishments, Feinberg was abruptly informed by Dan Bongino, the FBI's Deputy Director, that his promotions were halted and he faced potential demotion due to his personal associations, leading to his decision to resign at [06:36].

Institutional Impact and the "Deep State" ([06:05] - [10:48])

Devlin Barrett provides critical analysis of Feinberg's situation, questioning the integrity of the DOJ and FBI:

"This flies in the face of civil service laws and how the rules have always worked at the Bureau." ([08:15])

Barrett emphasizes the broader implications of such actions, noting the chilling effect on other agents who might fear retaliation for prosecuting politically sensitive cases. Feinberg adds:

"They are being fired vindictively based on... cases that the present administration thinks they shouldn't have worked on." ([10:42])

This segment underscores concerns about political interference undermining the DOJ and FBI's ability to function impartially.

Comparing Trump Administrations' Impact ([18:36] - [22:57])

The conversation shifts to contrast the first Trump administration with the present one. Feinberg asserts that while the initial term involved aggressive actions by figures like Jeff Sessions and William Barr, there was still an underlying respect for DOJ norms. In contrast, the current administration, led by Kash Patel, lacks this reverence:

"We have a criminal defense team... these people have no reverence for the norms and traditions of the Robert F. Kennedy building." ([19:55])

Barrett further elaborates, describing the administration's actions as part of a broader "human story" of retribution against perceived enemies:

"It's a very human retribution campaign against all of the people that he's mad at." ([15:22])

Legal Framework and Supreme Court Decisions ([20:13] - [26:15])

The discussion touches upon recent Supreme Court decisions affecting public corruption prosecutions. Feinberg references the Blagojevich case and the narrowing of the "quid pro quo" standard, arguing that explicit corruption remains prosecutable:

"In most public corruption cases, there's not a lot of gray area. The quid pro quo is pretty explicit." ([45:54])

Barrett adds that recent immunity decisions by the Supreme Court significantly hinder investigations like the Mueller probe:

"The immunity decision basically would make the Mueller investigation never happen now." ([48:42])

This segment highlights the legal challenges facing the DOJ in pursuing corruption cases under the current judicial climate.

Operation and Functioning of the FBI in Current Climate ([30:13] - [43:46])

Jon Stewart, Feinberg, and Barrett discuss the operational shifts within the FBI, particularly the deployment of agents in roles uncharacteristic of their training, such as street patrols in Washington, D.C. Feinberg expresses concern over the lack of formal guidelines:

"We were just sort of told, and never in writing, that the Attorney General has authorized you to do this." ([38:49])

Barrett warns of the long-term damage to the FBI's functionality and public trust:

"Pushing out all those people... there is a great scraping that has happened within these institutions of institutional clout and knowledge and experience." ([80:11])

Feinberg underscores the detrimental impact of prioritizing political loyalty over professional competence:

"The integrity of the organization is totally destroyed if your number one priority is ideological rigor or political loyalty." ([43:40])

The "Deep State" Concept and Its Reality ([52:19] - [66:36])

The guests critically examine the notion of the "Deep State," suggesting it is a self-created narrative by officials like Kash Patel and Dan Bongino aiming to consolidate power by eliminating dissent within the DOJ and FBI. Stewart asserts:

"The deep state never existed... what Patel and Bongino are doing are actually creating it." ([58:15])

Feinberg discusses how conspiracy theories, such as the role of Ray Epps in January 6th, have been weaponized to delegitimize legitimate investigations:

"The deep state is a problem... When we get in there, we're going to expose the deep state... and then they get in there and bupkis." ([58:15])

Barrett emphasizes the human behavior aspect, noting that even with extensive documentation, certain segments of the population remain skeptical:

"January 6th was the most videotaped, most recorded crime... but there are still many who believe it was some sort of con." ([63:15])

Future of DOJ and FBI Institutions ([71:09] - [85:59])

The conversation turns toward the long-term implications for the DOJ and FBI. Feinberg raises concerns about the erosion of institutional knowledge and the challenges of maintaining a competent workforce under politically driven leadership:

"If the first order of hiring is purely that you are ideologically in line... how do they fill out an organization of competent people?" ([42:43])

Stewart reflects on historical lessons, expressing pessimism about the current administration's ability to restore institutional integrity:

"If we started fixing things today... it would take a minimum of a decade." ([82:35])

Barrett adds that power is increasingly centralized within the executive branch, undermining checks and balances:

"Power is bleeding away from Congress and bleeding away from the courts, and it's pooling into the executive." ([69:56])

Conclusion and Future Steps ([89:03] - [93:19])

As the episode nears its end, Feinberg and Barrett discuss their future endeavors post-resignation. Feinberg mentions his involvement with organizations like Justice Connection and starting a fellowship with Lawfare to advocate for national security and rule of law. Stewart concludes on a somber note, expressing deep concern for the country's trajectory:

"I'm in near despair about the future of our country... half the nation isn't going to want to have that reconciliation because they see nothing wrong with what's happening." ([85:59])

Notable Quotes

• Michael Feinberg ([05:34]):
  "I received the FBI's highest investigative commendation, the Director's Award for a major Chinese counterintelligence case."

• Devlin Barrett ([08:15]):
  "This flies in the face of civil service laws and how the rules have always worked at the Bureau."

• Jon Stewart ([58:15]):
  "The deep state never existed... what Patel and Bongino are doing are actually creating it."

• Devlin Barrett ([63:15]):
  "January 6th was the most videotaped, most recorded crime... but there are still many who believe it was some sort of con."

• Jon Stewart ([85:59]):
  "I'm in near despair about the future of our country... half the nation isn't going to want to have that reconciliation because they see nothing wrong with what's happening."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a critical examination of the current state of the DOJ and FBI under the Trump administration, highlighting concerns about political interference, the erosion of institutional integrity, and the perpetuation of conspiracy theories undermining public trust. Through insightful dialogue, Stewart, Feinberg, and Barrett shed light on the challenges facing American law enforcement and the broader implications for democracy.

Note: Portions of the transcript containing advertisements and non-content sections have been omitted to focus solely on the substantive discussions.