What A Day – Episode: Mike Waltz Loses Job, Gets A New One Release Date: May 2, 2025
Host: Josie Duffy Rice (in place of Jane Coaston)
Produced by: Crooked Media

1. National Security Shakeup: Mike Waltz's Departure

The episode kicks off with a significant development in the Trump administration's national security apparatus. On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced the removal of National Security Adviser Mike Waltz from his position. This decision came weeks after Waltz inadvertently added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic, to a confidential Signal group chat discussing a military operation in Yemen.

• Waltz's Gaffe: In March, Waltz included Goldberg in the chat and later claimed that his contact was “sucked in to his phone” (00:02).

Despite previous reassurances from Trump that Waltz would not be fired for the mishap, the president has now decided to reassign him within the administration.

2. Reassignment to Ambassador to the United Nations

Instead of outright dismissal, Trump is nominating Waltz to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. This move is presented as a promotion by Vice President J.D. Vance.

• J.D. Vance’s Statement:

  “So he wasn't let go. He is being made ambassador to the United nations, which, of course, is a Senate confirmed position. I think you can make a good argument that it's a promotion...” (03:10)

This strategic repositioning allows Waltz to remain within the administration while mitigating the fallout from the Signal chat incident.

3. Marco Rubio Takes on Additional Roles

In the wake of Waltz's departure, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as the interim National Security Adviser. This marks Rubio’s third or fourth role within the administration, raising concerns about the concentration of responsibilities.

• Host’s Commentary:

  “This is Rubio's like, third, fourth job, maybe so many jobs. This is the efficiency dream.” (00:02)

Rubio now juggles his duties as Secretary of State, interim National Security Adviser, and head of the National Archives, leading to questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of such an arrangement.

4. In-Depth Analysis with Jake Traylor

4.1. Factors Behind Waltz’s Ouster

White House Reporter Jake Traylor from Politico provides insights into the timing and reasons behind Waltz’s removal.

• Traylor’s Insights:

  “They got rid of Waltz because of the Signal Group chat that became so infamous and looked so, so rough for the administration.” (04:13)

Traylor suggests that the administration had been planning Waltz’s departure to avoid the appearance of instability, using the Signal incident as the pretext.

4.2. Influence of Far-Right Activist Laura Loomer

The conversation explores whether Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, influenced Trump’s decision to oust Waltz.

• Traylor on Loomer’s Role:

  “...Loomer brought up Waltz as one of the individuals who is not good for Trump to have around in his administration.” (05:31)

While Loomer claims credit for Waltz's ouster, her direct impact remains ambiguous, with Loomer himself responding only with the term “loomered” when questioned (05:31).

5. Speculation on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

The episode delves into rumors surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s possible removal, highlighting the administration’s cautious approach to personnel changes.

• Traylor’s Perspective:

  “Trump does not care too much about titles... Marco Rubio doubling as Secretary of State, but also now as NSA...” (06:46)

Hegseth’s tenure is under scrutiny due to controversies, but Trump’s efforts to present a more stable administration suggest that any changes would require substantial justification.

6. Administration's Stability and Future Prospects

Despite efforts to present a stable second term, recent turnovers signal potential volatility within the administration.

• Traylor’s Observation:

  “This is kind of true to form. Trump doesn't mean it's an entire return to the first administration...” (11:20)

Traylor warns that the administration's reliance on Trump's personal loyalty may lead to unpredictable shifts, even as attempts are made to avoid the high turnover seen in Trump’s first term.

7. Kamala Harris’s Return to the Public Sphere

Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her first major public speech since leaving office, signaling a potential political comeback.

• Harris’s Speech Highlights:

  “...fear is not the only thing that's contagious. Courage is contagious.” (16:17)

Speaking at an event hosted by Emerge in San Francisco, Harris criticized Trump’s policies on tariffs, immigration, and education, hinting at a possible gubernatorial run in California for 2026.

8. Joe and Jill Biden’s Upcoming Appearance on The View

Former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden are set to appear jointly on ABC's The View on May 8, marking their first interview since leaving the White House. This appearance suggests Biden’s eagerness to remain engaged in the political discourse.

• Host’s Note:

  “The Bidens appearance is set for May 8.” (16:53)

9. DOJ’s Legal Actions Against States Over Fossil Fuels

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed lawsuits against Hawaii and Michigan to preemptively block these states from suing fossil fuel companies for climate change-related damages.

• DOJ’s Argument:

  “...states' planned legal actions threaten American energy independence.” (15:52)

Legal experts criticize this strategy as unconventional, noting that typically, a plaintiff must first initiate a lawsuit before any defensive legal actions can be taken.

10. Changes in Vaccine Testing Protocols by HHS

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a shift in vaccine testing methodologies, advocating for placebo-controlled trials even for diseases with existing effective vaccines.

• HHS Statement:

  “All new vaccines will undergo safety testing in placebo controlled trials prior to licensure.” (15:52)

Medical experts express concerns over the ethical implications and potential delays, especially for vaccines against well-controlled diseases like polio and measles.

Conclusion

In just over a hundred days back in office, Trump's administration faces significant challenges, including high-profile personnel changes, legal battles over climate policies, and controversial shifts in public health protocols. Meanwhile, former officials like Kamala Harris and Joe Biden remain active on the political stage, hinting at continued engagement and potential future campaigns.

Notable Quotes:

• J.D. Vance on Waltz's Reassignment (03:10):

  “We brought Mike on to do some serious reforms of the National Security Council. He has done that. I like Mike. I think he's a great guy. He's got the trust of both me and the president.”

• Jake Traylor on Administration Volatility (11:20):

  “Trump doesn’t mean it's an entire return to the first administration. But I think a lot of us kind of had senses something like this was coming all along and it's kind of coming to fruition now.”

• Kamala Harris on Courage vs. Fear (16:17):

  “...fear is not the only thing that's contagious. Courage is contagious.”

Timestamps Reference:

• 00:02 – Introduction by Josie Duffy Rice
• 03:10 – J.D. Vance’s Statement on Waltz
• 04:13 – Jake Traylor Discusses Waltz’s Ouster
• 05:31 – Discussion on Laura Loomer's Influence
• 06:46 – Marco Rubio’s Expanded Roles
• 11:20 – Jake Traylor on Administration Stability
• 15:52 – DOJ's Lawsuits and Vaccine Testing Changes
• 16:17 – Kamala Harris’s Speech
• 16:53 – Biden’s Upcoming Appearance

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