What A Day: Episode Summary

Title: Asking A Question Got US Senator Padilla Handcuffed
Host: Jane Coaston (Crooked Media)
Release Date: June 13, 2025

1. Incident Involving Senator Alex Padilla

The episode opens with a gripping account of an unprecedented incident involving California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla. During a press conference in Los Angeles, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared to mismanage an immigration raid and seemed intent on asserting control over the city’s political landscape. As Secretary Noem was addressing the media, Senator Padilla approached her to question the administration's militarization efforts in California.

Notable Moment:

• Jane Coaston [00:02]: "On today's show, the House votes take back billions of dollars earmarked for foreign aid and public broadcasting... let's start with how Congress is reacting to what happened to Senator Padilla."

When Senator Padilla identified himself and raised his concerns, he was abruptly manhandled by security personnel. Surveillance footage revealed Padilla being forcibly removed, pushed to the ground, and placed in handcuffs before his eventual release.

Senator Padilla [02:02]: "If the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question this way, imagine what they're doing to farm workers, cooks, and day laborers across the country. We will hold this administration accountable."

2. Interview with Senator Adam Schiff

Jane Coaston interviews Senator Adam Schiff, who provides a detailed analysis of the incident and its broader implications for American democracy.

Key Points Discussed:

• Host [03:08]: "You were just speaking on the Senate floor and you said, 'What is becoming of our democracy?'"
• Senator Schiff [04:06]: "Seeing Senator Padilla mistreated was traumatic. It demonstrates the administration's hostility towards oversight and the erosion of the separation of powers."

Senator Schiff criticizes Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, asserting that her actions were unbecoming of her office and demanding her resignation. He emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation into the treatment of Padilla and highlights the lack of concern among Republicans regarding the incident.

Concerning Future Actions:

• Senator Schiff [05:39]: "There absolutely should be consequences for this... time will tell us."
• Senator Schiff [06:32]: "Americans need to recognize the broader implications of this behavior on their own protections and rights."

The discussion shifts to the potential abuse of power by the Trump administration, including threats against prominent figures like Governor Gavin Newsom and the misuse of the Justice Department to target political opponents.

Senator Schiff [08:02]: "The Justice Department, run by former Trump allies, shows no adherence to the rule of law except obedience to Trump. We must be concerned about continued persecution of lawmakers."

3. Supreme Court Rulings and Legislative Actions

The episode transitions to significant legal and legislative updates affecting various aspects of American society.

a. Supreme Court Ruling on Federal Raid Lawsuit Katrina Martin successfully secured a unanimous Supreme Court decision allowing her to proceed with a lawsuit against the federal government for an accidental and invasive FBI raid on her Atlanta home in 2017.

b. AJT v. Osseo Area Schools The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a lower standard of proof for discrimination claims, benefiting individuals with disabilities like Ava Tharp in ensuring adequate accommodations in educational institutions.

c. House Republicans Rescind $9.4 Billion in Spending A controversial House vote led by Republicans resulted in cutting funds for NPR, PBS, and foreign aid programs. This decision passed by a narrow margin of two votes without any Democratic support.

Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury [20:12]: "This is a full-scale attack on our international system, global peace and security, and the health and welfare of millions of children across the world."

4. Trump Administration’s Actions in California and Gaza

The episode delves into the Trump administration's aggressive policies in California and escalating tensions in Gaza.

a. Militarization of California President Trump signed several resolutions undermining California’s climate and clean air goals, including a ban on new gas-powered cars by 2035. In response, Governor Rob Bonta announced legal action to counter these federal overreaches.

b. Israeli Strikes on Gaza The ongoing conflict in Gaza saw Israeli forces conducting deadly strikes against aid distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), resulting in significant civilian casualties. Furthermore, Hamas has undergone leadership changes, with Izzeddine Al Adad emerging as the new leader under a substantial bounty.

Senator Schiff [10:19]: "The actions taken violate the law and court orders, demonstrating the administration’s willingness to pursue its agenda at any cost."

5. Upcoming Protests and Activism

The episode highlights the planned nationwide protests against the Trump administration, referred to as "No Kings Day of Defiance."

Interview with Leah Greenberg (Co-Founder of Indivisible) Jane Coaston speaks with Leah Greenberg about the motivations and goals behind the protests.

Key Insights:

• Leah Greenberg [24:29]: "We're protesting an administration that has been attacking our rights, our neighbors, and our democracy."
• Leah Greenberg [25:34]: "We expect to have 2,000 events across the country, demonstrating massive popular opposition to authoritarian tactics."

Greenberg explains that the protests aim to build a broad coalition to defend democracy against what they perceive as an authoritarian shift under Trump. The strategy focuses on mass mobilization to disrupt the administration's consolidation of power.

6. Closing Highlights

The episode wraps up with brief mentions of other news stories, including California’s legal battles against federal climate policy, ongoing conflicts in Gaza, and upcoming major protests against the Trump administration.

Jane Coaston [30:00]: "Hundreds of protests are planned across the country as part of the No Kings movement. If you're in D.C., consider joining the flagship protest in Philadelphia instead."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Senator Padilla [02:02]: "If the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question this way, imagine what they're doing to farm workers, cooks, and day laborers across the country. We will hold this administration accountable."

• Senator Schiff [04:06]: "Seeing Senator Padilla mistreated was traumatic. It demonstrates the administration's hostility towards oversight and the erosion of the separation of powers."

• Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury [20:12]: "This is a full-scale attack on our international system, global peace and security, and the health and welfare of millions of children across the world."

• Leah Greenberg [24:29]: "We're protesting an administration that has been attacking our rights, our neighbors, and our democracy."

Conclusion

In this episode of What A Day, Jane Coaston provides a comprehensive analysis of the alarming incident involving Senator Alex Padilla, the broader implications for American democracy, and the aggressive policies of the Trump administration. Through in-depth interviews with Senator Adam Schiff and Leah Greenberg, listeners gain insight into the political turmoil and grassroots movements striving to uphold democratic values amidst escalating authoritarian tactics.

For a more detailed conversation with Senator Schiff and Leah Greenberg, you can watch the full interview on the What A Day YouTube channel.