We Can Do Hard Things: Episode Summary Title: Amanda & Jessica Follow the Money: Who’s Getting Rich and Who’s Getting Cheated
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle
Guests: Jessica Yellen

Introduction

In this gripping episode of We Can Do Hard Things, hosts Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach are joined by Amanda Doyle and guest Jessica Yellen to delve deep into the financial and political maneuvers shaping America today. The episode, titled "Amanda & Jessica Follow the Money: Who’s Getting Rich and Who’s Getting Cheated," unpacks the intricate web of policies, privatizations, and foreign relations that are influencing who benefits and who suffers in the current administration.

Capitol Hill and Trump's Divisive Speech [04:10 – 08:19]

Amanda Doyle sets the stage by recounting her attendance at President Trump's joint session of Congress speech held on Capitol Hill. The atmosphere was tense, marked by unprecedented partisanship and divisive rhetoric.

• Amanda Doyle ([04:20]): "Trump started... taunted Democrats who won't applaud for this or that, while then turning around and lying about things."
• Jessica Yellen ([08:19]): "This is business as usual, where you would sit there out of respect for the office. But when you have a president that does not respect the office..."

Amanda highlights the sharp divide within the Democratic Party, noting that some members are pushing back more aggressively against Trump's tactics, while others are concerned about maintaining support in swing districts that voted for him.

Breaking Down Social Security and Medicaid [11:05 – 18:12]

The conversation shifts to the crumbling foundations of Social Security and Medicaid under the current administration. Amanda reveals alarming insights from her interviews with Democratic members of Congress.

• Amanda Doyle ([13:04]): "Trump is lying about Social Security... they are trying to break these systems."
• Jessica Yellen ([18:12]): "We have to follow the money of the Supreme Court saying freeze. We have followed the money of the Social."

They discuss how the administration is systematically dismantling these vital programs, potentially paving the way for their privatization. The strategical portrayal of these programs as fraudulent serves to justify drastic changes that could strip millions of Americans of their benefits.

Economic Turmoil: Tariffs and Market Instability [25:14 – 31:09]

Amanda and Jessica examine the recent imposition of massive tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, analyzing their immediate and long-term impacts on the U.S. economy.

• Amanda Doyle ([25:14]): "Tariffs tanking, Social Security downsizing, disabling it... Who are you bankrupting?"
• Jessica Yellen ([31:09]): "Russia's market surged this week. It’s been up 11.1% since Trump took office. Why are they going up while we are going down?"

The tariffs have led to retaliatory trade wars, causing the stock market to plummet and increasing economic instability. While wealthy investors may capitalize on the volatility, everyday Americans face rising prices, diminished savings, and increased financial insecurity.

Privatization and the Crypto Reserve [21:20 – 26:00]

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the administration's push towards privatizing government functions, with a particular focus on the creation of a crypto reserve.

• Amanda Doyle ([21:38]): "Crypto is a digital number keeper on the computer. It's not a thing you need to dip into in a crisis."
• Jessica Yellen ([22:02]): "It's like the government's go bag."

The proposed crypto reserve represents a shift from traditional strategic reserves (like oil or medical supplies) to digital assets, raising concerns about transparency and the concentration of wealth among the tech elite and wealthy investors. This move is seen as a method to funnel taxpayer dollars into cryptocurrency markets, enriching a select few while undermining public trust in government institutions.

Foreign Policy Fallout: Ukraine and Russia [31:38 – 44:55]

Amanda and Jessica delve into the tumultuous relationship between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, highlighting a particularly chaotic White House meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.

• Jessica Yellen ([34:21]): "We have now aligned our foreign policy with Russia against Europe and Ukraine."
• Amanda Doyle ([36:51]): "Now, is there a way in which this worked for Zelensky...?"

The episode details how Trump's administration is perceived as jeopardizing support for Ukraine, while simultaneously fostering a troubling alignment with Russian interests. The meeting between Trump and Zelensky devolved into an ambush, culminating in Trump humiliating Zelensky and derailing a minerals deal, which symbolically signifies a broader decline in U.S. commitment to democracy both internationally and domestically.

European Realignment and Global Implications [43:16 – 44:40]

The discussion extends to Europe’s response to the U.S. administration’s policies. Amanda points out that Europe is stepping up its defense and economic support for Ukraine independently of the United States.

• Amanda Doyle ([43:16]): "Europe is starting to strengthen its own military spending, separate from the US."
• Jessica Yellen ([44:40]): "We are breaking down our commitment to democracy in our nation."

This realignment signals a significant shift in global alliances, with Europe distancing itself from U.S. leadership and taking more responsibility for its own defense and foreign aid, thereby weakening the traditional NATO bond and altering the balance of power.

The Technocratic Takeover: Doge, Elon Musk, and Project 2025 [45:50 – 47:16]

Amanda introduces the concept of a clandestine alliance between tech elites like Elon Musk, referred to as "Doge," and conservative technocrats associated with Project 2025. This alliance aims to rapidly privatize government functions and accumulate wealth and control.

• Amanda Doyle ([45:50]): "Doge and Project 2025 folks are on this mission to change and break as much as possible."
• Jessica Yellen ([47:16]): "They are trying to break quickly... We can do this."

The amalgamation of tech power and far-right ideology poses a significant threat to democratic institutions, with plans to undermine public services and increase wealth disparities.

Conclusion: Call to Action for Democracy [48:12 – 49:19]

As the episode wraps up, Amanda and Jessica emphasize the importance of collective action to resist these authoritarian and privatization efforts. They urge listeners to support organizations fighting for democracy and to hold their elected officials accountable.

• Jessica Yellen ([48:12]): "Money is revealing of values... Support organizations like Democracy Forward, Southern Poverty Law Center, and the ACLU."
• Amanda Doyle ([49:19]): "Nothing is inevitable. What we do matters. We Can Do Hard Things."

The hosts encourage listeners to stay informed, participate in town halls, and contribute to democratic organizations to ensure accountability and prevent the erosion of democratic institutions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Amanda Doyle ([04:20]): "Trump started... taunted Democrats who won't applaud for this or that, while then turning around and lying about things."
• Jessica Yellen ([08:19]): "This is business as usual, where you would sit there out of respect for the office. But when you have a president that does not respect the office..."
• Amanda Doyle ([13:04]): "Trump is lying about Social Security... they are trying to break these systems."
• Amanda Doyle ([25:14]): "Tariffs tanking, Social Security downsizing, disabling it... Who are you bankrupting?"
• Jessica Yellen ([21:20]): "So, can you tell us some of those things?"
• Amanda Doyle ([43:16]): "Europe is starting to strengthen its own military spending, separate from the US."
• Jessica Yellen ([47:16]): "They are trying to break quickly... We can do this."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a critical examination of the current political and economic landscape, highlighting the insidious ways in which policies and privatization efforts are designed to enrich a select few while undermining public welfare and democratic institutions. Through thorough analysis and passionate discussion, We Can Do Hard Things empowers listeners to recognize and resist these challenges, fostering a more informed and active citizenry.