What A Day – “Donald Trump’s Pot Shot”

Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Jane Coaston (Crooked Media)

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Jane Coaston guides listeners through the latest developments in U.S. cannabis policy, with a focus on President Donald Trump’s executive order to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. The discussion features in-depth analysis of the real-world impact of this move, both for the cannabis industry and for everyday Americans. Jane also touches on political reactions, economic news (including the state of inflation), and gives updates on Congress, the war in Ukraine, and the impending release of the Epstein files. The episode is marked by Jane’s candid tone and sharp wit, offering a blend of substantive reporting and critical, sometimes darkly funny, commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Trump’s Executive Order on Marijuana Rescheduling

(Main Segment: 00:55–10:53)

• Announcement and Context

  • President Trump signed an executive order rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I (no accepted medical use, high abuse potential) to Schedule III (recognized medical uses).
  • Trump’s tone was described as bored and perfunctory during the announcement.
  • Notably, rescheduling is not legalization—marijuana remains illegal federally, but the rescheduling would have significant policy and business ramifications.

• Quote (Donald Trump, 01:33):

  “Today I’m pleased to announce that I will be signing an executive order to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 controlled substance with legitimate medical uses. We have people begging for me to do this, people that are in great pain.”

• Impact of Rescheduling

  • Eases barriers for scientific research into marijuana’s medical uses.
  • Enables cannabis businesses to access financial services and tax deductions previously denied under federal law.
  • Potential for more accessible prescriptions and use of common payment methods in legal states.
  • However, does not affect state legality—recreational cannabis remains illegal in states where it already is.

• Clarification (Trump, 02:24):

  “The order I am about to sign is not the legalization or it doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug.”

• Interview with Jeremy Burke, Cultivated Media

  • Importance: Rescheduling aligns federal policy with scientific consensus on medical cannabis.
  • Primarily benefits industry and consumers in legal states; makes it easier for companies to function as legitimate businesses.
  • Rescheduling is “transformative” for the industry (Jeremy Burke, 05:32), but only an incremental policy change for broader legalization.

• Criticism and Limitations

  • Does not include record expungement, social equity provisions, or move toward full legalization.
  • Some advocates argue it’s too incremental and risks “giving cover” for abandoning broader reforms (Burke, 06:03).
  • Social and racial justice advocates find the executive order lacking on addressing criminal justice and equity.

• Quote (Jeremy Burke, 06:03):

  “Rescheduling does very little to nothing, I would say, for social equity concerns...There is nothing in the executive order...that will deal with things like record expungements...So while I think on balance this is a good move, there’s a lot further that he could go.”

• Political Calculations

  • Over 60% of Americans support legalizing recreational marijuana; it’s a uniquely popular bipartisan issue.
  • Trump’s move is seen as an attempt to boost popularity, but not a panacea for low approval ratings.
  • There’s increasing conservative pushback, led by evangelical and “prohibitionist” voices in the GOP. Some in the party (e.g., Speaker Mike Johnson) are vocally opposed, while the MAGA wing is more open.
  • Trump is navigating a balancing act between party factions.

• Quote (Burke, 07:54):

  “It’s hard to find 64% of Americans agree on anything else...Trump knows...the elections in November showed that, and this is a popular thing he can do. That being said, this isn't going to magically rescue his underwater approval ratings.”

• Media and Public Narrative

  • Jane notes Senator Ron Wyden’s criticism, accusing Trump of trying to “gaslight everyone into believing he just made pot legal” (05:45).
  • Right-wing media campaigns against marijuana exaggerate negative consequences and try to undermine support, according to Burke (09:11).
  • General skepticism about how much this is genuine policy reform versus a political gesture.

• Memorable Moment (Jane Coaston, 07:37):

  “How much high? Yes. Yeah. How much do you think the popularity of legalizing cannabis factors into Trump’s decision here?”

Headlines and Other Major News

(13:28–15:56)

• Congress and Healthcare

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized for adjourning early, delaying votes on Affordable Care Act subsidies.
  • Jane describes Congressional inaction as a “shitshow” (14:02) and calls out last-minute, insufficient proposals from House Republicans.

• Inflation and the Economy

  • Inflation data released, showing a slight decrease, but the data is incomplete due to earlier government shutdown.
  • Trump claims tariffs have benefited the economy.
  • Jane disputes this: “Actually, economists say that Trump's favorite word is partially responsible for current inflation..." (15:56)

• Russia-Ukraine War

  • Peace negotiations ongoing, with Trump administration pushing for a quick deal.
  • EU considering seizing frozen Russian assets for support to Ukraine; Trump opposes this.
  • Putin reiterates his determination to erase Ukraine’s sovereignty.

• Epstein Files Transparency Act Deadline

  • DOJ deadline to release unclassified Jeffrey Epstein documents.
  • Democrats release photographs and documentation.
  • Ghislaine Maxwell presses for release from prison, claiming “miscarriage of justice.”

Commentary, Reflections, and Notable Quotes

(15:56–End)

• Jane Coaston’s End-of-Year Reflections
  • Blunt assessment of 2025’s political turmoil:

    “The Trump administration seems set to light everything we love about this country on fire and dance in the ashes, believing firmly that a roughly 1.5% win in the popular vote meant that everyone was down for full on fascism.”

  • Mourning and resilience: Jane shares a personal note about her mother’s death and acknowledges 2025 as a difficult year.
  • Grounds for hope: Recent local elections show most Americans don’t support current authoritarian shifts.
  • Appreciation for the audience:

    “I have gotten so much hope from you, our listeners and viewers. You tune in every day and listen to our show. You comment on Youtube and you send emails. And many of you said hello at CrookedCon...I could say the same thing about you. The folks who are still in this, who still care, who are still in the fight.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 01:33 | Donald Trump | “Today I’m pleased to announce that I will be signing an executive order to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 controlled substance with legitimate medical uses.” | | 02:24 | Donald Trump | “The order I am about to sign is not the legalization or it doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug.” | | 06:03 | Jeremy Burke | “Rescheduling does very little to nothing, I would say, for social equity concerns...There is nothing in the executive order...that will deal with things like record expungements...” | | 07:54 | Jeremy Burke | “It’s hard to find 64% of Americans agree on anything else...this isn’t going to magically rescue [Trump’s] underwater approval ratings.” | | 09:11 | Jeremy Burke | “A lot of the prohibitionist arguments...are statistically illiterate...the sky will absolutely not fall with rescheduling, but I do think the right wing media sphere...has been pushing this.” | | 15:56 | Jane Coaston | “Actually, economists say that Trump's favorite word is partially responsible for current inflation, and in 2026 prices are expected to keep rising because of these tariffs...” | | 16:56 | Jane Coaston | “The Trump administration seems set to light everything we love about this country on fire and dance in the ashes, believing firmly that a roughly 1.5% win in the popular vote meant that everyone was down for full on fascism.” | | 18:15 | Jane Coaston | “But there were and still are signs of hope. Elections in Miami and New York City, Virginia and New Jersey tell me that actually the polls are right. Most people are not into this...” |

Important Timestamps and Segments

• 00:55–02:42 – Trump’s executive order and background on marijuana rescheduling
• 03:12–10:51 – Interview with Jeremy Burke (Implications, criticism, political response)
• 13:28–15:56 – Rapid-fire news: Congress, healthcare, inflation, Russia/Ukraine, Epstein files
• 15:56–End – Jane’s personal reflections, hope, and a heartfelt message to listeners

Tone and Style

• Maintains a candid, occasionally irreverent tone.
• Jane offers pointed political critique interspersed with humor and moments of personal vulnerability.
• The episode balances in-depth policy explanation with accessible analogies and clear context.
• Emphasis throughout on what policy changes actually mean beyond political posturing.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode provides a thorough, nuanced breakdown of the federal marijuana rescheduling move—what’s changed, what hasn’t, who benefits, and which issues remain unaddressed. It captures both the complexity and the limitations of incremental policy reforms under the Trump administration, including how such changes fit into current political strategies and public attitudes. Jane Coaston’s mix of factual reporting, sharp analysis, and unsparing honesty makes the episode not just informative but memorably engaging and relatable.