Gaetz Tapped For AG, Blue State Opposition, Israel Vs. France Soccer Match

Summary

Up First from NPR: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Gaetz Tapped For AG, Blue State Opposition, Israel Vs. France Soccer Match
Hosts: Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, A Martinez
Date: Thursday, November 14th

NPR's Up First delivers the essential news to start your day, covering the most significant stories with in-depth reporting and analysis. In this episode, hosts Leila Fadel and Steve Inskeep delve into President-elect Donald Trump's controversial selection for Attorney General, the strategic resistance from blue state governors against the incoming administration's policies, and heightened security measures surrounding an international soccer match in Paris amid rising tensions.

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1. President-Elect Trump's Attorney General Nominee: Matt Gaetz

Background on Matt Gaetz: President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz for the role of Attorney General. Gaetz, a prominent figure within the Republican Party, has garnered significant attention and scrutiny due to his provocative actions and controversial political stance.

Controversies and Investigations: Matt Gaetz is no stranger to controversy. Known as a provocative legislator, he gained notoriety for actions such as wearing a gas mask on the House floor during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic (00:29). Gaetz has also been a vocal supporter of efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and played a pivotal role in the ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023. Additionally, Gaetz has faced investigations related to allegations of sex trafficking, although no criminal charges have been filed.

Reactions from Politicians and Groups: Gaetz's nomination has sparked immediate backlash across the political spectrum. Maine Senator Susan Collins expressed shock and skepticism over the nomination (02:40). Democratic leaders and some Republicans have criticized Gaetz, highlighting his role in contentious political maneuvers and questioning his fitness for the Attorney General position.

Insights from NPR Justice Correspondent Kerry Johnson: Kerry Johnson provides an in-depth analysis of Gaetz's qualifications and the potential implications of his nomination. She notes, "Gaetz has minimal legal experience, but he seems to have the most important credential for the incoming president, and that's loyalty" (04:11). Johnson emphasizes that Gaetz's appointment may signal a shift towards greater loyalty and alignment with Trump's agenda within the Justice Department.

Prospects for Confirmation: With the Senate under Republican control, Gaetz's confirmation prospects appear favorable but are complicated by his unpopularity among many senators. Johnson remarks, “Matt Gaetz is actually not a popular figure on Capitol Hill. And many senators who had been critical of him also said last night they respect President Elect Trump and that Trump deserves to have his own people in place for key jobs” (05:52). Despite this, the overall tension between maintaining party loyalty and upholding institutional integrity poses challenges for Gaetz’s confirmation process.

Notable Quotes:

• Leila Fadel: "President elect Trump has made no secret about his disgust with the Justice Department..." (03:05).
• Kerry Johnson: "Gaetz faced no criminal charges... And it's also worth mentioning Matt Gaetz actually asked Donald Trump for a pardon..." (03:25).
• Kerry Johnson: "Trump called Gates a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney who stands out for pushing for deeply needed reform..." (04:11).

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2. Blue State Governors Unite to Counter Incoming Trump Policies

Formation of Coalition: In anticipation of a Trump administration, blue state governors and attorney generals are forming coalitions to safeguard democratic institutions and resist policies they perceive as threats to democracy and constitutional norms. This collective effort aims to "push back against increasing threats of autocracy and fortifying the institutions of democracy" (07:15).

Key Initiatives and Strategies:

• Governors Safeguarding Democracy: Led by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, this new group seeks to collaborate with legal experts and advocates to address challenges facing democracy. Governor Pritzker highlighted their mission: “Together what we're doing is pushing back against increasing threats of autocracy and fortifying the institutions of democracy that our country and our states depend upon” (07:15).

• California's Special Legislative Session: Governor Gavin Newsom has convened a special session aimed at protecting California's values, including civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families. The session is set to begin on December 2nd, with a particular focus on increasing funding to combat federal government policies through legal avenues (08:43).

Countermeasures Against Proposed Federal Policies: Democratic states are preparing to utilize legal resources to challenge federal policies they disagree with, a strategy reminiscent of past state-led lawsuits against previous administrations. With courts becoming more conservative due to recent federal appointments, blue states aim to bolster their legal defenses effectively.

Republican States’ Preparations: Conversely, Republican-led states are aligning their policies with the Trump administration's agenda. Leaders like Texas Governor Greg Abbott are prepared to implement and enforce border policies and other Republican priorities at the state level, anticipating a more cohesive alignment with federal policies (09:55).

Notable Quotes:

• Governor Pritzker: “Together what we're doing is pushing back against increasing threats of autocracy and fortifying the institutions of democracy that our country and our states depend upon” (07:15).
• Trump Transition Team Spokesperson: “The American people gave President Elect Trump a mandate to implement his promises and he would deliver” (08:25).

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3. High-Security Israel vs. France Soccer Match Amid Rising Tensions

Context of the Match: The upcoming soccer match between the French and Israeli national teams in Paris is under intense scrutiny following violent incidents during a similar event in the Netherlands. Security concerns have escalated due to anti-Semitic and anti-Arab sentiments displayed by some fans.

Security Measures Implemented: French authorities have deployed approximately 4,000 police officers to secure the Stade de France, a fourfold increase from usual staffing levels. High fences and multiple security layers are in place, and local businesses around the stadium have been ordered to close to minimize potential disturbances (11:06).

Community Reactions and Safety Concerns: The match is being played with significantly reduced attendance, with only about 13,000 tickets sold out of an 80,000-seat capacity. Israeli authorities have advised their citizens against attending due to security fears. French Jewish and Muslim communities are particularly vigilant, given France's status as home to the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in Europe.

Statements from Officials and Individuals:

• French Interior Minister Bruno Retaillo: “What happened in Amsterdam was a totally uninhibited display of anti Semitism and we can't give an inch in the face of such threats” (11:50).
• French Coach: Emphasized the importance of maintaining normalcy and national pride, with President Macron and other former presidents attending to show solidarity (13:33).
• Demonstrators: Jewish groups participated in protests advocating for a ceasefire and a two-state solution, expressing fear of being blamed for the ongoing conflict in Gaza (12:31).

Impact on Public Sentiment: The heightened security and reduced attendance reflect broader anxieties regarding the potential for imported conflicts and community tensions in France. Demonstrators, including members of the Jewish community, voiced their distress over feeling targeted for governmental actions unrelated to individual identities (12:31).

Notable Quotes:

• Eleanor Beardsley (NPR Paris Correspondent): “Israel has discouraged its citizens from going... that's basically a policeman for every three people attending” (12:23).
• Helene (Demonstrator): “We should not confuse the Jews and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. And that's the problem right now in the west, she said. We're making Jews feel guilty for Netanyahu's murderous war in Gaza” (13:31).

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Conclusion

In today's episode, Up First navigates the complexities of political maneuvering with Matt Gaetz's contentious nomination for Attorney General, the strategic coalition formed by blue state governors to counteract President-elect Trump's anticipated policies, and the delicate balance of ensuring security and peace in international sporting events amid geopolitical tensions. These stories collectively underscore the deeply polarized and proactive measures being taken across various sectors in anticipation of significant political shifts.

Additional Information:

• Episode Produced By: Ziad Butch, Nia Dumas, Julie Jeffenbrock
• Edited By: Anna Ukunanov, Larry Kaplow, Ryland Barton, Mohamed Albardisi, Alice Wolfley
• Engineering Support: Robert Rodriguez
• Technical Director: Zach Coleman

For more updates and in-depth analyses, subscribe to Up First and support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

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Transcript Timecodes Reference:

• [00:29]: Introduction of Matt Gaetz's background
• [02:40]: Reactions from Senator Susan Collins
• [03:05]: Discussion on Trump's disapproval of the Justice Department
• [03:25]: Kerry Johnson on Gaetz's investigations and pardon request
• [04:11]: Kerry Johnson on Gaetz's credentials
• [04:48]: Kerry Johnson on reactions to Gaetz's nomination
• [05:52]: Prospects for Gaetz's confirmation
• [07:15]: Formation of Governors Safeguarding Democracy
• [08:25]: Trump transition team's response
• [08:43]: California's legislative session under Governor Newsom
• [09:55]: Republican states' preparations
• [11:06]: Security measures for the soccer match
• [11:50]: Statement from Interior Minister Bruno Retaillo
• [12:23]: Security presence at the stadium
• [12:31]: Community reactions and demonstrations
• [13:31]: Demonstrators' perspectives
• [13:33]: Statements from the French coach and officials

Transcript

[Leila Fadel]

I was watching a cult documentary.

[Steve Inskeep]

A cult documentary.

[Leila Fadel]

It's about a sort of like a yoga wellness thing that really ends up being yoga wellness.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay.

[Leila Fadel]

Did you watch, have you watched it?

[Steve Inskeep]

No. No, no. Have you seen the documentary about the cult that they listen to the radio and have tote bags?

[Leila Fadel]

Yeah. That's a good cult, though. That's acceptable.

[Steve Inskeep]

Yeah, exactly. No, they're fine. Senators will consider President elect Trump's choice for attorney general.

[Leila Fadel]

Florida lawmaker Matt Gaetz is best known as a prov who faced an ethics probe and supported a bid to overturn an election. Do Republicans go along?

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm Steve Inskeep with Leila Father and this is up first from NPR News. Blue state governors are organizing to resist the new president's promised policies.

[Ryland Barton]

What we're doing is pushing back against increasing threats of autocracy and fortifying the institutions of democracy.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, but what do they actually do?

[Leila Fadel]

And Paris police are on high alert as France and Israel face off in a soccer match. The precautions come after violence broke out following an Israeli soccer match in the Netherlands last week. Can French authorities avoid a repeat? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

[Kerry Johnson]

This message comes from Made in Cookware. Did you know that many popular dishes in Tom Colicchio's craft restaurant are Made in Made in Cookware? Their carbon steel cookware combines the best of cast iron and stainless steel clad, gets super hot and is tough enough for grills or open flames. Remember what great dishes on menus worldwide have in common. They're Made in Made In. For full details, visit madeincookware.com that's M A D E I N cookware.com this message comes from Carvana. Whether you need weeks to research the perfect car or know exactly what you want, Carvana makes car buying easy. Choose from Carvana's massive inventory using customizable search tools. However you buy, buy your car with Carvana.

[Leila Fadel]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Saatva. You hear a lot of statistics during elections. Here's another Over a third of Americans suffer from sleep deprivation. Saatva offers handcrafted mattresses to help you sleep soundly. Visit saatva.com NPR Allies of President Elect Trump have said his choice for attorney general was the most important of all his cabinet selections. Now we know his choice. A Florida lawmaker who's faced repeated investigations.

[Steve Inskeep]

Congressman Matt Gaetz gained attention in recent years as a provocateur. Early in the pandemic, he wore a gas mask onto the floor of the House of Representatives. Later, he took part in the bid to overturn Trump's 2020 election defeat and also played a big role in unseating House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023. Democrats and also some Republicans immediately questioned Trump's choice, and Maine Senator Susan Collins said she was shocked.

[Leila Fadel]

NPR justice correspondent Kerry Johnson has been following the reaction, and she's here to talk more about it now. Good morning, Kerry.

[Kerry Johnson]

Good morning, Layla.

[Leila Fadel]

Okay, so President elect Trump has made no secret about his disgust with the Justice Department, which sought to prosecute him twice during the Biden years. What does the selection of Matt Gaetz say about the direction Trump might be going?

[Kerry Johnson]

I think it says a lot. Just like Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz has been under investigation by federal prosecutors and the FBI in Gaetz's case for allegations about sex trafficking. Gaetz faced no criminal charges, and he said that federal investigation is over, but he's still been under review by the Ethics Committee in the House of Representatives. That ethics probe actually ended when he resigned from the House last night. The committee had been planning to release their findings perhaps as early as this week, but it's not clear that will happen now that Gaetz has resigned from the House. And Laila, it's also worth mentioning Matt Gaetz actually asked Donald Trump for a pardon in the final weeks of the last Trump administration after the siege on the Capitol, but he did not get one.

[Leila Fadel]

So what about credentials? What credentials does Gates bring to the Justice Department?

[Kerry Johnson]

Gates has minimal legal experience, but he seems to have the most important credential for the incoming president, and that's loyalty. Trump called Gates a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney who stands out for pushing for deeply needed reform at the Justice Department. And Trump says G will root out what he calls corruption within the Justice Department and perhaps carry out what the president elect has called his campaign of retribution against prosecutors and his perceived political enemies.

[Leila Fadel]

As you heard Steve mention, Gates has been a controversial figure in Congress. What's the reaction to this idea?

[Kerry Johnson]

You know, it was surprising to many lawyers in Washington, including some prominent Republican Susan Collins of Maine, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Both senators expressed surprise last night. Matt Gaetz has really been a firebrand, really a disruptive force even within the House of Representatives. Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, says Matt Gaetz will be a disaster. And the interest group Public Citizen called him uniquely awful. That group pointed out Gaetz said the Capitol riot was not an insurrection and that Gates had actually moved to introduce legislation to support the rioters.

[Leila Fadel]

Okay, so if Gates manages to get confirmed by Congress, Carrie Just remind us what exactly the attorney general does.

[Kerry Johnson]

It's a huge dub. The attorney general runs an institution with more than 100,000 people, prosecutes crimes, defends civil rights laws, fights drug trafficking, and oversees the FBI. This job requires strong judgment and respect for the law.

[Leila Fadel]

Okay, Carrie. So next year, Republicans will control the Senate with 53 votes. Are the prospects for Gaetz to be confirmed pretty high?

[Kerry Johnson]

You know, it's hard to say at this point. Matt Gaetz is actually not a popular figure on Capitol Hill. And many senators who had been critical of him also said last night they respect President Elect Trump and that Trump deserves to have his own people in place for key jobs. Trump has also floated the idea of forcing Congress into a recess and making cabinet appointments. That way, if his choices meet with resistance or delay in the Senate, we're going to be watching that closely since it could deprive the Senate of its duty of advice and consent and really upset the balance of power.

[Leila Fadel]

That is NPR's Kerry Johnson. Thank you for your reporting, Kerry.

[Kerry Johnson]

My pleasure.

[Steve Inskeep]

Several Democratic led states are taking steps to prepare for a second Trump term.

[Leila Fadel]

Right. Many blue state governors and attorney generals are forming coalitions and developing plans to try and push back against policies they expect from the incoming administration. Democratic leaders are making state level efforts to protect against what they describe as threats to democracy and constitutional norms as Republican states prepare for a more aligned federal government.

[Steve Inskeep]

More aligned with them. Yeah. Talking about this is NPR's Rylan Barton who's on the line. Good morning.

[Ryland Barton]

Hi, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so what are the Democratic state leaders doing exactly?

[Ryland Barton]

So one of the efforts is this new group called Governors Safeguarding Democracy, led by Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. pritzker. In Colorado, Democratic Governor Jared Polis. It's unclear specifically what this group hopes to accomplish, but broadly, ultimately, they say they're going to work with legal experts and advocates to tackle what they call these challenges facing democracy. Here's Governor Pritzker on a call with reporters Tuesday. And together what we're doing is pushing back against increasing threats of autocracy and fortifying the institutions of democracy that our country and our states depend upon. I should say that nowhere on their website or in their announcement did they say anything about Trump. One specific thing they responded to on the phone, though, was this idea of Trump's incoming deputy. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has floated that mass deportations in blue states could be accomplished using National Guard units from red states. Pritzker called that unacceptable and said he would not cooperate. In response to the effort from Democratic state leaders. A spokesperson for Trump's transition team wrote to us that the American people gave President Elect Trump a mandate to implement his promises and he would deliver.

[Steve Inskeep]

That's something that Stephen Miller did say at one time on a podcast. So I'm trying to think this through. I know that when there's a Democratic president that red states, Republican led states have often gotten together, they've sued, they've organized in different ways. Texas, for example, has been very prominent. So what would the blue states do now?

[Ryland Barton]

So so far in California, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has called a special legislative session for lawmakers to, as he put it, protect California values. Now, Newsom did single out the incoming Trump administration, saying the session would focus on bolstering California legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, immigrant families. The session begins December 2nd. But the only specific we have so far is that he wants more funding to fight the federal government in court. California has been a prolific challenger of Trump's or was a prolific challenger of Trump's first administration. They filed over 100 lawsuits back then on things from climate to health care to immigration. Courts are a lot more conservative now after a wave of appointments from President Trump. Several other Democratic attorneys general are also promising similar actions, including Arizona, Minnesota, and Washington state. It's not unusual, as you just said, for states to file these lawsuits against an administration. Republican attorneys general filed dozens of lawsuits against the Biden administration over the last four years.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, taking a wild guess. Republican states might have fewer reasons to sue a Trump administration, but how are they preparing for this new term?

[Ryland Barton]

Well, Republican state leaders are gearing up for the policies Trump talked about when voters in their states voted for him. They're ready to chart their own course on things like the environment, education, health care. It's interesting to think about Republican state leaders like Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whose Operation Lone Star was a direct challenge to the federal government over whether the state could enforce border policies. He and other GOP governors spent the last four years fighting the federal government. Now they'll likely be aligned with it.

[Steve Inskeep]

Ryland Barton, thanks so much.

[Ryland Barton]

Thank you.

[Leila Fadel]

Thousands of police are being deployed around a Paris stadium ahead of the soccer match tonight between the French and Israeli national teams.

[Steve Inskeep]

This is a high security match which is going ahead despite calls for postponement or a change of venue because of anti Semitic and anti Arab violence that took place in Amsterdam last week when an Israeli team from Tel Aviv played there.

[Leila Fadel]

We go to NPR's Eleanor Beardsley in Paris to find out more. Good morning, Eleanor. Good morning, Lelo So this game is being described as high risk over the possible tensions between fans. So why are officials going ahead with it?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, French officials say they will not back down in the face of anti Semitic threats or violence. The French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailo, said they are able to secure the match so it will go ahead in the Stade de France, just north of Paris. That's where they recently held many Olympic events. Retailo condemned the attacks against Jewish fans in Amsterdam and said it was a reminder of the worst days of Europe's past and they would have none of it. Let's listen to him, he said. What happened in Amsterdam was a totally uninhibited display of anti Semitism and we can't give an inch in the face of such threats. There were also reports of soccer hooliganism on the part of Israeli fans. They were filmed ripping down Palestinian flags on apartment buildings and chanting, death to Arabs.

[Leila Fadel]

So how will the French secure the stadium?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

By deploying 4,000 police. That's four times more than usual with double layers of security inside and outside the stadium. I was out at the Stade de France yesterday and they were making a security perimeter with high fences around the stadium and all the restaurants and bars that usually make a lot of money on game nights told me they'd been ordered to close tonight. You know, Israel has discouraged its citizens from going. And officials say fewer than 13,000 tickets have been sold in a stadium that seats 80,000. So that's basically a policeman for every three people attending.

[Leila Fadel]

So France has the largest Jewish and Muslim communities in Europe. How do people feel about the war in Gaza after more than a year?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Yeah, well, French officials are very wary of this conflict being imported to French streets. So far that's been avoided. But antisemitic acts are up and increasingly French Jews say they feel like they're being blamed for the war, especially the longer it goes on. Last night there were demonstrations against a planned visit of a far right Israeli minister who supports the Israeli settler movement. He didn't come in the end, but the demonstrations went ahead. One included a group of Jewish, Jewish groups. And some of these people said they had not demonstrated since last October 7th when Hamas attacked Israel. But they said they felt they needed to come out and denounce this never ending war. They were chanting, we want a ceasefire and a two state solution now. Helene was one of the demonstrators. The young woman said she did not feel safe providing her last name for broadcast. Let's listen, she said. We should not confuse the Jews and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. And that's the problem right now in the west, she said. We're making Jews feel guilty for Netanyahu's murderous war in Gaza.

[Leila Fadel]

And what are the teams saying?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, Israeli fans interviewed this morning on the radio said they felt they had already lost with all the security and fear. Meanwhile, the French coach says, let's try to have a normal match. President Macron will go, he says, to support the French team and in fraternity and solidarity. And two other former French presidents are going. It seems to be a point of national pride that this sporting event goes off peacefully.

[Leila Fadel]

All right. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley in Paris. Thank you, Eleanor.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Thank you.

[Leila Fadel]

And that's a first for Thursday, November 14th. I'm Leila Faulden.

[Steve Inskeep]

And I'm Steve Inskeep. Your next listen can be consider this from npr. Democrats are considering their political future after losing last week's election. What do they do to change?

[Leila Fadel]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Anna Ukunanov, Larry Kaplow, Ryland Barton, Mohamed Albardisi and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Nia Dumas and Julie Jeffenbrock. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez, and our technical director is Zach Coleman. Join us again tomorrow on shortwave. We know the human body is this amazing, singular thing capable of facing down all kinds of infection and disease, from managing UTIs to cancer to Long Covid. Our show is dedicated to destigmatizing our relationship to our bodies. Listen to the shortwave podcast from npr.

[Kerry Johnson]

Some of our favorite planets aren't even real, but could they be Here on shortwave, we journey to other planets, distant.

[Leila Fadel]

Galaxies in our universe, and in our.

[Kerry Johnson]

Favorite works of science fiction. Listen now to the shortwave podcast from NPR.