Podcast Summary: VINCE - Episode 28: Kristi Noem On The Border, Deportations, The Secret Service and More | Released April 23, 2025

In Episode 28 of VINCE, host Vince Coglianese delves deep into critical national issues with two prominent guests: Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Alex Pfeiffer, Principal Deputy Communications Director at the White House. The episode explores themes such as border security, mass deportations, Secret Service investigations, media strategies, and the Trump administration's accomplishments.

1. Interview with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

a. Strengthening Border Security and Reducing Illegal Encounters

Vince opens the episode by highlighting significant improvements in border security under Kristi Noem's leadership. Noem proudly states that they have achieved the lowest number of illegal border encounters in history during February and March, attributing this success to robust leadership and strategic policy implementation.

Kristi Noem ([04:24]): "If you were coming to this country illegally, don't do it. You can't get in. And if you get here, you can be charged criminally and we will take you back."

Noem emphasizes the administration's commitment to mass deportations, targeting not only violent criminals but all illegal entrants. She explains the strategic use of international advertisements in countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico to deter illegal immigration.

b. Combating Transnational Gangs: Focus on MS-13

A significant portion of the discussion centers around combating transnational gangs, particularly MS-13. Noem details collaborations with international leaders like President Bukele of El Salvador to dismantle these organizations.

Kristi Noem ([06:12]): "These gangs... are terrorists. They have been conducting terrorist operations in this country and they need to get out."

Noem also addresses the self-deportation phenomenon, where individuals flee the country to avoid persecution, further strengthening border security efforts.

c. Addressing Secret Service Challenges and Personal Security Incident

The conversation shifts to the Secret Service and recent investigations into assassination attempts against President Trump. Noem commends the Secret Service for their dedication but acknowledges areas needing improvement, particularly in communication during crises.

A poignant moment occurs when Noem shares her personal experience of having her purse stolen in Washington, D.C., despite Secret Service protection.

Kristi Noem ([18:35]): "I think somebody had it out for the DHS secretary and now she had her purse stolen."

This incident underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist even for high-profile officials and reaffirms the administration's focus on community safety and law enforcement accountability.

2. Interview with Alex Pfeiffer, Principal Deputy Communications Director

a. Navigating Media Flood and Highlighting Achievements

Alex Pfeiffer provides an insider's perspective on the Trump administration's media strategies during its 100th day. He discusses the challenges of garnering media attention amidst a plethora of governmental announcements and efforts to spotlight significant accomplishments like the approval of Resolution Copper in Arizona.

Alex Pfeiffer ([28:55]): "It's going to provide up to a quarter of the nation's copper needs."

b. Economic Progress and Domestic Investments

Pfeiffer highlights key economic developments, emphasizing domestic investments and manufacturing initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on foreign production.

Alex Pfeiffer ([32:41]): "They announced a $60 billion investment in New Jersey. It's going to create thousands of jobs."

He contrasts these positive developments with previous administrations, pointing out the failures of the past in areas like copper theft and manufacturing decline.

c. Addressing Media Bias and Promoting Transparency

Pfeiffer criticizes mainstream media for neglecting significant administrative achievements and praises independent media platforms for their role in disseminating the administration's successes.

Alex Pfeiffer ([37:04]): "If they want to talk about Kilmar, Abrego, Garcia every single day, I hope they do."

He also defends the administration's stance on immigration, rebuffing Democratic efforts to defend gang members like Kilmar Abrego Garcia and reinforcing the public's support for stringent deportation policies.

d. Moving Forward: Future Interviews and Transparency Efforts

Pfeiffer concludes by outlining future communication efforts and expressing a desire to maintain transparency and accountability within the administration.

Alex Pfeiffer ([38:19]): "They are very much resistant."

3. Key Themes and Insights

• Border Security and Deportations: The administration has made substantial progress in reducing illegal border crossings and is intensifying efforts to deport individuals with criminal backgrounds and illegal status.

• Combatting Terrorism and Gangs: Strategic international collaborations are being leveraged to dismantle terrorist organizations and transnational gangs operating within the United States.

• Secret Service Enhancements: Ongoing investigations into security lapses aim to strengthen the Secret Service's ability to protect national leaders effectively.

• Media Strategy and Transparency: The administration is focused on overcoming mainstream media biases by utilizing independent platforms to highlight governmental achievements and maintain transparency.

• Economic Investments: Significant domestic investments are driving job creation and reducing dependence on foreign manufacturing, showcasing the administration's commitment to economic growth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kristi Noem on Deportations ([04:24]):

  "If you were coming to this country illegally, don't do it. You can't get in. And if you get here, you can be charged criminally and we will take you back."

• Kristi Noem on Combating Gangs ([06:12]):

  "These gangs... are terrorists. They have been conducting terrorist operations in this country and they need to get out."

• Kristi Noem on Personal Security Incident ([18:35]):

  "I think somebody had it out for the DHS secretary and now she had her purse stolen."

• Alex Pfeiffer on Media Flood ([28:55]):

  "It's going to provide up to a quarter of the nation's copper needs."

• Alex Pfeiffer on Immigration Strategy ([35:44]):

  "The majority of Americans support not just deporting people with an additional criminal record, but they support deporting anyone here who is here without legal status."

• Alex Pfeiffer on Media Bias ([37:04]):

  "If they want to talk about Kilmar, Abrego, Garcia every single day, I hope they do."

Conclusion

Episode 28 of VINCE offers an in-depth look into the Trump administration's efforts to secure the nation’s borders, enhance national security, and navigate complex media landscapes. Through candid discussions with Kristi Noem and Alex Pfeiffer, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the administration's strategies, challenges, and achievements. The episode underscores a commitment to transparency, robust law enforcement, and economic revitalization, positioning VINCE as a pivotal source for unfiltered political insights.

Note: This summary focuses solely on the substantive content of the episode, omitting advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the instructions.