
The fallout from President Donald Trump’s decision last week to fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics over what he called a ‘rigged’ jobs report continued Monday, as White House officials rushed to defend his actions. Amid growing bipartisan outcry, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett put the blame on a familiar culprit in the Trump Cinematic Universe: The Deep State. He told CNBC, “All over the U.S. government, there have been people who have been resisting Trump everywhere they can.” Trump is expected to announce his new pick to run the BLS this week, but already he’s made that person’s job – and the bureau’s job – harder by making Americans even less likely to trust their data. Heidi Shierholz, who served as the chief economist at the Department of Labor under President Barack Obama and now runs the nonpartisan labor think tank the Economic Policy Institute, joins us to talk about the BLS, the important data it compiles, and what the hell a revision is. A...
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Jane Coston
It's Tuesday, August 5th. I'm Jane Kosten, and this is what a day. The show that says let's not put a nuclear reactor on the moon. Let's not do that, let's do a lot of other things, but let's not put a nuclear reactor on the moon. On today's show, the Trump administration backtracks on the president's campaign promise to make health insurers cover ivf. Shocking. And Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott escalates the redistricting fight with state Democrats. But let's start by talking about the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a markedly non partisan entity which President Donald Trump has, surprise, surprise, injected partisan politics into after a recent jobs report that was not, shall we say, good. The fallout from Trump's decision last week to fire the head of the BLS in the wake of the report continued Monday. And amid growing bipartisan outcry, White House National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett put the blame on a familiar culprit in the Trump cinematic universe, the deep state.
Kevin Hassett
And for goodness sakes, we know that hopefully not much of the data area, but all over the US Government, there have been people who have been resisting Trump everywhere they can. And so to make sure that that's not going to happen in the data agencies, to make sure that the data are as transparent and as reliable as possible, we're going to get highly qualified people in there that have a fresh start and fresh set of eyes on the problem.
Jane Coston
Of course, Hassett was totally fine with the BLS as recently as February of this year. Here he is speaking to Bloomberg on how downward revisions were totally fine if they could be used to criticize the Biden administration.
Kevin Hassett
And so I say that what we learned with all these downward revisions is that the Biden economy, the Biden jobs, way worse than market slot. And that's sort of consistent with the rest of our views that their policies were unwise and there's a lot of cleaning up to do.
Jane Coston
Okay, sure. The White House turning to Trump good. Biden bad when it's up against the wall isn't really news at this point. But Trump firing someone because she told him information he didn't want to hear is bad, especially when that information is used to make big government decisions that affect all of us. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a very hard job survey more than 100,000 businesses about how many people they employ and do so at a time when the response rate is under 50%. Trump says he's going to announce his pick to run the BLS this week. But already he's made that person's job and the bureau's job even harder by making Americans even less likely to trust them. He's trying to control the narrative around the economy, but I don't think that's going to work. So to talk more about the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trump, and what the hell a revision is, I spoke to Heidi Schierholz. She's the president of the Economic Policy Institute, which is a nonpartisan labor think tank. And she served as the chief economist at the Department of Labor under President Barack Obama. Heidi, welcome to Water Day.
Heidi Schierholz
Thank you for having me.
Jane Coston
You raised some serious alarms over President Trump's firing of Erica McIntarfer. What's the biggest issue for you?
Heidi Schierholz
This is going in the absolute opposite direction. Taking down the commissioner of BLS because the. The numbers themselves were bad is a real marker of. Something is not right here. This is a move that an autocrat makes, not in a democracy. And then it's also bad for the economy. And I'm also happy to talk more about that.
Jane Coston
Yeah, I mean, I was struck by the president alleging the commissioner faked the jobs report to make him look bad. Which you called preposterous because it is. But can you touch on the BLS process and help us understand why it's so outlandish to claim the commissioner would essentially make job numbers up for no reason?
Heidi Schierholz
It is impossible to make up. Like, literally hundreds of people go into working on these numbers. It's huge. Trying to capture a labor market that's as big as ours. Like, it just takes a ton of people. So the idea that one person could affect these numbers is outrageous. And then the other thing is, what he was really focusing on was that there were revisions to earlier data. And all I'll say on that is BLS has to balance two competing needs. People need to have the numbers in a timely way as soon as possible, and they need the numbers to be accurate. So what they do is they put out initial estimates with, you know, they don't have all the data in. We know that they're not perfect yet, but people want the timely data. And then later they revise them when they get more of the data in. It is how it has always been done. Nothing that happened was weird. It is a good way to walk the line between timeliness and accuracy. And the idea that we're going after BLS for doing what they do. They are one of the most respected statistical agencies in the world going after them for this kind of methodology. It's just Outrageous.
Jane Coston
Yeah. The White House's biggest objections were about the revisions to the May and June numbers, which, as you point out, happen all the time. And I do want to ask. The May numbers were revised from a monthly gain of 139,000 jobs to just 19,000 jobs. And I am not a statistician. My stats. 350 experience in college. Not fun. So is a revision that big, unusual? I mean, it is a big difference. Yes, I get that. I totally understand.
Heidi Schierholz
Yes, it is a big revision. It is unusual to have them be that big. Sometimes revisions are positive, sometimes they're negative, sometimes they're big, sometimes they're small. But this was an unusually large downward revision. One of the things that that could mean is that we are heading into a downturn. And the reason that is, is when, as I said before, when the initial estimates come out, BLS doesn't have all the surveys because, turns out, not all businesses turn in their survey responses right on time. Right. So they, they actually have to impute a bunch of the data based on models. And those models look at the trends that have been happening. But if we are starting to fall off, like if we are starting to head into a recession, those models don't work as well as they usually do.
Jane Coston
Would we see this kind of revision gap? Like if I went back and looked at the revisions for the Great Recession or some of like the tougher economic times we've had since, in the last 60 years, since the BLS has been doing this, would I see these same kind of revisions?
Heidi Schierholz
Yes. Yes, you would. What we see is during inflection points, the models don't work as well. So the revisions are bigger. And so I don't know for sure that we're heading into a recession. But these kinds of weak, weak numbers and big downward revisions sort of point to things are potentially looking like they're really deteriorating out there.
Jane Coston
Right. I'll note that some economists were surprised that the May and June jobs numbers were as good as they were when first reported because of all the mass layoffs. And so it does kind of follow that the numbers would revise down. But, yeah, now the BLS has lost a commissioner because Donald Trump got mad and the administration is looking for a replacement that it deems, quote, qualified. What kind of impact does this kind of disruption have on the broader economy?
Heidi Schierholz
So it will depend on what the power that this person has. Like, right now, there is only one appointed official in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the commissioner. Right now, every single person in the Bureau of Labor Statistics is A career staff who's devoted to the independent, nonpartisan data that they put out. So if another person comes in and it is a, you know, a sort of Trump lackey or whatever, it will be hard for them to mess with the numbers because that they will have literally 2,000 people in there who are devoted to the integrity of the numbers. So, and I, and I do think that if they do try to mess with the numbers, we will have 2000 whistleblowers. Like these folks at BLS are so unbelievably devoted to the integrity of the data. But the whole world doesn't understand that.
Jane Coston
Right.
Heidi Schierholz
The whole world just saw that Trump just fired the person who produced independent numbers because they didn't tell the story that he liked. And so that calls into question the integrity of all of our numbers. And that's a real problem. Like, our economy runs on reliable data. Like businesses deciding whether they're going to hire and expand the Federal Reserve, like macroeconomic policymakers in this country deciding where to set interest rates. It's absolutely crucial that we have good data. I've been saying it's like without having trust in your data, it's like just trying to drive a car blindfolded. That is the kind of thing the rest of the world thinks we're doing now. And so there's no trust in what's going on. It's really going to erode our standing and it's going to have negative impacts, real negative impacts on our economy. I think this is the kind of way that you actually hurry along a recession.
Jane Coston
So let's talk about the broader state of the economy. Right now we have the weaker jobs report, plus more tariffs kicking in. I feel like there's been a lot of talk about how for recent college graduates, it's really hard to find a job. There's just been kind of these, like, you know, people keep joking online about how like X or Y is a recession indicator. I believe a new Justin Bieber album counts as a recession indicator. Amazing. It feels like things are shifting in the last couple of days, but not in a good direction. So what are you seeing out there?
Heidi Schierholz
So I think the way to say this is we don't know if we are headed into a recession right now, but the kinds of things that we are seeing is what heading into a recession looks like. We had way slower GDP growth in the first half of this year. We've had very, very weak jobs numbers for the last three months. Like those, the softer data, the consumer confidence, how people feel about their financial position. Those kinds of things have been sort of giving red flags for a really long time. We know, though, that there are tons of moving parts in our economy. I cannot say for sure that in another three months it'll be very clear that we are in a recession. But what we are seeing now absolutely is a setup for that. And then I also just think that this sort of stepping back even further, the broader concern about what this says about our democracy is real. It is the idea that we have a leader that when they get bad news about the economy, instead of rethinking their economic policies, they fire the person who delivered the bad numbers. It's unprecedented and it really signals a big concern about what's going on in this country sort of more broadly.
Jane Coston
Heidi, thank you so much for joining me.
Heidi Schierholz
It's been my pleasure. I appreciate it very much.
Jane Coston
That was my conversation with Heidi Schierholtz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and Chief Economist at the Department of Labor under President Obama. We'll get to more of the news in a moment, but if you like the show, make sure to subscribe, leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts and share with your friends. More to come after some ads what a Day is brought to you by Oneskin. Have you heard about oneskin's Scalp Serum OS1 hair? People are sending in reviews like, my hair has never felt this thick and full and my scalp feels healthier than ever and I started three months ago and I'm already seeing new little hairs in my scalp line. One customer even wrote, I have tried everything for hair growth and finally I'm getting a response from my hair. And it's not just talking. One skin scientist did a clinical study showing that after six months, participants had significantly thicker and denser hair. If you're ready to give OS1 hair a try, you can get 15% off your first three months supply with Code Wad at Oneskin Co. I'm a big fan of Oneskin, the world's first skin longevity company. By focusing on the cellular aspects of aging, Oneskin keeps your skin looking and acting younger for longer. For a limited time, you can try OneSkin with 15% off using code WAD at OneSkin co. That's 15% off at OneSkin Co with Code Wad. After you purchase, they'll ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them.
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Jane Coston
Here's what else we're following today. Head of Lines.
Kevin Hassett
Members, a quorum is not present. The roll has been called and a quorum has not been established.
Jane Coston
That's Texas Republican House Speaker Dustin Burroughs on the chamber floor Monday. Burroughs threatened consequences for statehouse Democrats who got out of Dodge to prevent their Republican counterparts from moving forward with a redrawn congressional map to help President Trump in next year's midterms. This is a fast moving story and we are recording this at around 8pm Eastern, so the details may have changed by the time you're listening to this. On Sunday, dozens of Democratic state representatives left Texas and traveled to New York and Illinois. In doing so, the Republican dominated Texas House was not able to establish the quorum of lawmakers required to do business. Sabotage at its finest. So the House voted to issue civil arrest warrants for the absent members Monday. Totally normal reaction, and Texas Republican governor Greg Abbott backed the move by ordering state troopers to help find and arrest those who fled. But Democrats who are not in Texas are beyond the jurisdiction of state authorities. Wampity Wompety Abbott railed against Democrats during a Fox News interview Monday morning. Our fellow Texans are being let down and not getting the flood relief they need because these Democrats have absconded from the responsibility and I believe they have.
Kevin Hassett
Forfeited their seats in the state legislature.
Jane Coston
Because they are not doing the job.
Kevin Hassett
They were elected to do.
Jane Coston
Somehow I feel like if this special session was really about helping desperate Texans get relief from last month's deadly floods and not about doing the Orange Overlord's bidding, the Democrats would not have fled the state. Just saying. Attorney General Pam Boundy is officially leaning into the Trump administration's Russiagate reboot. On Monday, she personally ordered the Department of Justice to open a grand jury investigation and declare claims that the Obama administration faked intelligence to undermine Trump's first term. Fox News broke the story, citing an anonymous source. Other outlets have since reported the same information. Fox says Bondi has ordered an unnamed federal prosecutor to lead the investigation and present results to a grand jury. It could allow the DOJ to eventually issue indictments. It's not clear which former officials might be the target of the investigation. This comes after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard alleged that the Obama administration committed treason by fabricating evidence that Russia was trying to help Trump in the 2016 election in order to damage his reputation. Gabbard handed over a bunch of documents she declassified for criminal referral to the doj. Well, if we wanted more proof that the Justice Department is being used to achieve Trump's political ends, this looks pretty damning. Who could forget the many, many times the president mentioned wanting to so very badly put his political opponents in jail? To be explicitly clear, multiple special counsels, congressional committees, and the Justice Department's own inspector general have studied Russia's efforts to interfere in the 2016 election on Trump's behalf. Nothing the Trump administration has released so far has undercut those conclusions.
Donald Trump
So, to the establishment this morning and the cowards hiding behind their long written press releases, buckle up. To the radical left. Brace yourselves. And to the great people of the great state of South Carolina, Help is on the way, you and me. This is where our mission begins. God is not done with South Carolina and neither AM I.
Jane Coston
Sorry, SC. That's self proclaimed Trump in high heels Republican Representative Nancy Mace. On Monday, she officially threw her hat, but I guess not her heels in the ring to be the next governor of the fine state of South Carolina. The race is already shaping up to be a knife fight among several other Republican candidates to gain the coveted endorsement of their Lord and savior, President Donald Trump, the state's Lieutenant governor, Attorney General and Representative Ralph Norman have already entered the primary. If you're not familiar with Mace's specific brand of MAGA insanity, here's a little taste from her campaign announcement.
Donald Trump
We are going to ban pronouns in the classroom. I don't want to see any glitter parties. I want kids coming home with A's and B's, not they and them. And let me be very clear, no state dollars to any K through 12 school, college or university that teaches there are more than 2 genders.
Jane Coston
She used multiple pronouns in this very announcement. Sad. Remember, this is a congresswoman who just three years ago was considered a moderate Republican. Mace really leaned into the whole shebang of right wing talking points in the rest of her speech, including but not limited to railing against, quote, illegals promising to bring state taxes down to zero and Vowing to stop, quote, biological men from entering women's bathrooms. Mace entered her third term in Congress last year, earning Trump's endorsement in that race. Recent polls show she could have a slight edge over her competition in the state's Republican primary, but there's no clear frontrunner yet. Because we live in hell.
Unknown
For people that are using ivf, which is fertilization. We are. The government is going to pay for it, or we're going to get or mandate your insurance company to pay for it, which is going to be great. We're going to do that. We want to produce babies in this country, Right? We want to produce babies.
Jane Coston
Yep, that's Trump almost a year ago at a campaign event in Wisconsin, promising to do something that would help Americans, especially real human women, in the creepiest way imaginable. He even went so far as to call himself the, quote, father of IVF at that Fox News all female town hall right before the election. Remember that? Well, it turns out he's more like the deadbeat dad of ivf because the White House reportedly has no plans to require health insurance companies to cover the procedure. That's according to two anonymous sources who spoke to the Washington Post. A few weeks into his second term, Trump signed an executive order giving his administration 90 days to present a list of recommendations to protect, access and reduce the cost of IVF treatment, which can range from 12 to $25,000 per cycle. But the matter has proven to be a bit more complicated than perhaps the president thought it would be, for a variety of reasons. One being money. Requiring state subsidized health care plans to cover the procedure could lead to higher premium costs for everyone on them. And that could be bad for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. But the political risks of axing Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans clearly didn't stop them before. So really, who's to say? And that's the news before we go. If you love messy power players and hate the men who actually have power, this fucking guy is for you. It's a YouTube series from Hysteria hosts Aaron Rein and Alyssa Mastromonaco, where they deep dive into the worst people in politics, business and beyond. Think of it like a true crime series, but the crime is having way too much power and being the absolute worst. A new episode just dropped, and it's all about Peter Thiel, tech billionaire, secret political puppet master, and maybe an actual vampire. Watch this fucking guy on YouTube or listen on Spotify. That's all for today. If you like the show, make sure you subscribe Leave a Review Contemplate that a zoo in Denmark has a great idea for your elderly pets and you are not going to like it at all. And tell your friends to listen. And if you're into reading not just about how the Alberg Zoo in Copenhagen posted on Facebook that pet owners could donate their rabbits, guinea pigs and small horses to be, quote, gently euthanized and then fed to predator animals like me. What a Day is also a nightly newsletter. Check it out and subscribe@crooked.com subscribe I'm Jane Coston and no no no nuclear reactors on the moon. No sending your bunnies to the farm upstate that is actually a zoo where they will be eaten by lions. No.
Donald Trump
No.
Jane Coston
What a Day is a production of Crooked Media. It's recorded and mixed by Desmond Taylor. Our associate producer is Emily Foer. Our producer is Michelle Aloy. Our video editor is Joseph Dutra. Our video producer is Johanna Case. We had production help today from Greg Walters, Matt Berg, Gina Pollack and Laura Newcombe. Our senior producer is Erica Morrison and our senior Vice president of news and politics is Adrienne Hill. We had help with the headlines from the Associated Press. Our theme music is by Colin Gilliard and Kashaka. Our production staff is proudly unionized with the Writers Guild of America east.
Unknown
Hi.
Dustin Burroughs
There, it's Andy Richter, and I'm here to tell you about my podcast, the three Questions with Andy Richter. Each week I invite friends, comedians, actors and musicians to discuss these three questions. Where do you come from, where are you going, and what have you learned? New episodes are out every Tuesday with guests like Julie Bowe and Ted Danson, Tig Notaro, Will Arnett, Phoebe Bridgers and more. You can also tune in for my weekly Andy Richter Call in show episodes, where me and a special guest invite callers to weigh in on topics like dating, disasters, bad teachers and lots more. Listen to the three Questions with Andy Richter wherever you get your podcasts.
Unknown
Did you know that parents rank financial literacy as the number one most difficult life skill to teach? Meet Greenlight, the debit card and money app for families With Greenlight, you can set up chores, automate allowance and keep an eye on your kids spending with real time notifications, kids learn to earn, save and spend wisely. And parents can rest easy knowing their kids are learning about money. With guardrails in place. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight. Com Podcast.
Podcast Summary: What A Day – August 5, 2025
Episode Title: Amid Bad Jobs Report, Trump White House Leans Into Politics
Host: Jane Coaston, Crooked Media
Release Date: August 5, 2025
In today's episode of What A Day, host Jane Coaston delves into the Trump administration's controversial actions following a disappointing jobs report, Texas Governor Greg Abbott's intensified battle over redistricting with state Democrats, and the White House's backtracking on a key campaign promise regarding IVF coverage. The episode provides in-depth analysis and expert insights on these pivotal issues shaping the current political and economic landscape.
Overview: The episode opens with a discussion on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Trump administration's reaction to a disappointing jobs report. President Donald Trump's decision to fire the BLS commissioner, Erica McIntarfer, amidst bipartisan criticism, signals a troubling politicization of what is traditionally a nonpartisan agency.
Key Highlights:
Partisan Politics Intrusion:
Jane Coaston highlights how President Trump has injected partisan politics into the BLS, a position historically maintained as nonpartisan.
“The fallout from Trump's decision last week to fire the head of the BLS in the wake of the report continued Monday,” [00:02].
Kevin Hassett's Justification:
Kevin Hassett, White House National Economic Council director, blames the "deep state" for resistance against Trump, asserting the need for "highly qualified people" to ensure data transparency.
“...the deep state. [Trump] is going to get highly qualified people in there that have a fresh start and fresh set of eyes on the problem.” [01:16].
Contradictory Statements:
Coaston points out Hassett's previous support for BLS data revisions that criticized the Biden administration, highlighting inconsistencies in his stance.
“... downward revisions were totally fine if they could be used to criticize the Biden administration.” [01:51].
Interview with Heidi Schierholz:
Jane Coaston interviews Heidi Schierholz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and former Chief Economist at the Department of Labor under President Obama, regarding Trump's firing of Erica McIntarfer.
Democratic Concerns:
“Taking down the commissioner of BLS because the numbers themselves were bad is a real marker of something is not right here. This is a move that an autocrat makes, not in a democracy.” [03:15].
BLS Integrity and Methodology:
Schierholz explains the BLS's rigorous process, emphasizing the impossibility of manipulating job numbers and the importance of data revisions for accuracy.
“It is impossible to make up... literally hundreds of people go into working on these numbers.” [03:54].
Economic Implications:
Discussing the significant downward revisions in job numbers, Schierholz warns that such trends could indicate an impending recession and erode trust in critical economic data.
“Like, our economy runs on reliable data. Like businesses deciding whether they're going to hire and expand the Federal Reserve... It is absolutely crucial that we have good data.” [08:21].
Overview: The episode transitions to the political showdown in Texas, where Republican House Speaker Dustin Burroughs faces off against Democrats over redistricting efforts aimed at benefiting President Trump in the upcoming midterms.
Key Highlights:
Quorum Deadlock:
Due to strategic absences by Democratic state representatives, the Republican-dominated Texas House failed to establish a quorum necessary to proceed with redistricting.
“Members, a quorum is not present. The roll has been called and a quorum has not been established.” [13:47].
Civil Arrest Warrants and Governor Abbott's Response:
Speaker Burroughs declared civil arrest warrants for absent Democrats, a move supported by Governor Greg Abbott, who authorized state troopers to locate and arrest the fleeing lawmakers.
“Sabotage at its finest... Abbott backed the move by ordering state troopers to help find and arrest those who fled.” [13:56].
Governor Abbott's Rhetoric:
Governor Abbott criticized the absent Democrats for neglecting flood relief responsibilities, framing their actions as a betrayal to Texans.
“Our fellow Texans are being let down and not getting the flood relief they need because these Democrats have absconded from the responsibility.” [14:30].
Overview: The episode addresses Attorney General Pam Bondi's initiative to reopen investigations into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election, targeting claims that the Obama administration fabricated intelligence to undermine Trump's presidency.
Key Highlights:
Initiation of Grand Jury Investigation:
Bondi has ordered the Department of Justice to launch a grand jury investigation based on allegations by former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard that the Obama administration falsified evidence against Russia.
“She personally ordered the Department of Justice to open a grand jury investigation and declare claims that the Obama administration faked intelligence...” [15:10].
Lack of Substantive Evidence:
Coaston notes that multiple investigations, including those by special counsels and congressional committees, have not corroborated claims that the Obama administration fabricated Russian interference.
“Nothing the Trump administration has released so far has undercut those conclusions.” [16:48].
Trump's Objective:
The move appears to align with Trump's long-standing objective to discredit political opponents by seeking legal troubles through the Justice Department.
“Who could forget the many, many times the president mentioned wanting to so very badly put his political opponents in jail?” [16:48].
Overview: Nancy Mace, a Republican Representative from South Carolina, announces her candidacy for the state's governorship, positioning herself firmly within the pro-Trump, MAGA faction of the party.
Key Highlights:
Campaign Platform:
Mace's announcement emphasizes a staunchly conservative agenda, including banning pronouns in classrooms, opposing glitter parties, and restricting funding for education on gender diversity.
“We are going to ban pronouns in the classroom... No state dollars to any K through 12 school, college or university that teaches there are more than 2 genders.” [17:57].
Political Shift:
Transitioning from a moderate Republican to a far-right candidate, Mace leverages Trump's endorsement to gain traction in the crowded Republican primary.
“She used multiple pronouns in this very announcement. Sad.” [18:17].
Election Dynamics:
With notable figures like Lieutenant Governor Ralph Norman and Attorney General sitting in the race, Mace faces significant competition, although recent polls suggest she may have a slight edge.
“Recent polls show she could have a slight edge over her competition in the state's Republican primary.” [18:17].
Overview: Coaston examines the Trump administration's shift away from fulfilling a campaign promise to mandate health insurers to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, despite prior commitments and public assurances.
Key Highlights:
Campaign Promise vs. Administration Action:
President Trump had promised to require health insurers to cover IVF, marketing himself as the "father of IVF." However, reports indicate the administration lacks concrete plans to implement this mandate.
“...Trump almost a year ago at a campaign event in Wisconsin, promising to do something that would help Americans, especially real human women...” [19:22].
Executive Order and Challenges:
An executive order was signed, directing the administration to propose recommendations to protect and reduce IVF costs within 90 days. However, financial implications and potential premium hikes have complicated these efforts.
“Requiring state subsidized health care plans to cover the procedure could lead to higher premium costs for everyone on them.” [19:22].
Political Ramifications:
The complexity and potential political fallout of mandating IVF coverage may influence Republican strategies ahead of the midterm elections, highlighting the challenges of balancing policy goals with electoral considerations.
“The political risks of axing Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans clearly didn't stop them before.” [19:22].
Jane Coaston's comprehensive coverage in this episode of What A Day underscores the intertwining of politics and economics under the Trump administration. From undermining nonpartisan institutions like the BLS to escalating partisan conflicts in Texas and South Carolina, the episode paints a stark picture of the current political climate. Additionally, the administration's retreat from key campaign promises raises questions about policy integrity and future governance.
Notable Quotes:
Kevin Hassett:
“...the deep state. [Trump] is going to get highly qualified people in there that have a fresh start and fresh set of eyes on the problem.” [01:16]
Heidi Schierholz:
“Taking down the commissioner of BLS because the numbers themselves were bad is a real marker of something is not right here. This is a move that an autocrat makes, not in a democracy.” [03:15]
Nancy Mace:
“We are going to ban pronouns in the classroom... No state dollars to any K through 12 school, college or university that teaches there are more than 2 genders.” [17:57]
Donald Trump:
“To the establishment this morning and the cowards hiding behind their long written press releases, buckle up. To the radical left. Brace yourselves. And to the great people of the great state of South Carolina, Help is on the way, you and me.” [16:48]
This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the key discussions and insights presented by Jane Coaston on August 5, 2025.