What a Day: Episode Summary – "Tech Bros Tasked With Gutting Government"
Released on November 13, 2024 by Crooked Media
Introduction
In the November 13, 2024 episode of "What a Day", host Jane Coaston delves into the tumultuous aftermath of President-elect Donald Trump's victory. The episode, titled "Tech Bros Tasked With Gutting Government," explores the anticipated shifts in the U.S. government structure, focusing particularly on Trump's unconventional Cabinet appointments and his contentious plans to overhaul key federal departments, especially the Department of Education. The show emphasizes the potential implications of these changes on various aspects of American society, including education policy, climate regulations, and civil rights enforcement.
Trump’s Cabinet Appointments and the Department of Government Efficiency (00:02 - 02:13)
Jane Coaston opens the discussion by highlighting President-elect Trump's creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), a move seen as a nod to his tech affiliations, notably with Elon Musk. Trump describes this department as the "Manhattan Project of our time" (00:45), stirring concerns about its actual purpose and potential impact.
Key Cabinet picks discussed include:
- Marco Rubio for Secretary of State: If confirmed, Rubio would be the first Latino in this role and notably the first to be referred to as "Little Marco" by Trump.
- Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security: Known for controversial actions, including the reported killing of her puppy, as mentioned in her memoir.
- Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
- John Ratcliffe as Director of the CIA.
- Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense: A Fox News host and former Army major, replacing current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a four-star general.
Jane expresses skepticism about Trump's ability to effectively implement his promises, particularly the elimination of the Department of Education.
The Future of Education: Closing the Department of Education (02:13 - 07:32)
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Trump's pledge to close the Department of Education, transferring control back to the states. To provide expert insight, Jane interviews Erica Meltzer, National Editor at Chalkbeat.
Notable Quotes:
- Donald Trump (02:13): "And one other thing I'll be doing very early in the administration is closing up the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. and sending all education and education work and needs back to the states."
- Donald Trump (02:44): "Students to love their country, not to hate their country like they're taught right now. Fifth, we will support bringing back prayer to our schools."
Key Discussion Points:
- Feasibility of Closing the Department: Erica Meltzer explains that shutting down the Department of Education would require an act of Congress, and it's uncertain whether there is sufficient political will to achieve this.
- Implications of Decentralization: Transferring responsibilities like Title IX enforcement to the Department of Justice could lead to a loss of specialized expertise in education.
- Potential Policy Changes: Meltzer discusses proposals under Project 2025, including phasing out Title I funding and altering special education funding, which could have drastic effects on high-poverty school districts and students with disabilities.
- Contradictions in Trump's Plan: The necessity of a federal bureaucracy to implement policies like teaching patriotism and reinstating school prayer conflicts with the goal of eliminating the Department of Education.
Additional Insights:
- Historical Context: The debate over the Department of Education traces back to policies like George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind Act and opposition to Common Core, reflecting ongoing conservative dissatisfaction with federal involvement in education.
- Civil Rights Enforcement: There's concern about how changes might affect protections for marginalized groups, including transgender students, with potential moves to repeal such protections.
Legal Challenges and Religious Symbols in Schools (07:32 - 10:04)
Jane shifts focus to recent legal battles surrounding religious symbols in public schools, specifically the Ten Commandments in Louisiana classrooms. This issue exemplifies the broader debate over the role of religion in public institutions.
Notable Quotes:
- Jane Coaston (09:01): "A survivor of Smythe's abuse spoke to the UK's Channel 4 News anonymously on Tuesday about Archbishop Welby's resignation. He said that this was just the start of real accountability from the Church."
Key Points:
- Judicial Decisions: A federal judge's ruling against the display of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana public schools highlights the contentious nature of integrating religious symbols in educational settings.
- Supreme Court Stance: Analysts predict a Supreme Court more receptive to religious expressions in public life, potentially influencing future cases.
- Freedom of Religion vs. Separation of Church and State: The ongoing legal disputes mirror the tensions between upholding religious freedoms and maintaining secular public institutions.
Political Ramifications and Chaos in the Trump Administration (10:04 - 16:53)
As the episode progresses, Jane discusses the broader political landscape post-election, emphasizing the narrow Republican control of the Senate and the uncertain future of the House of Representatives.
Key Developments:
- Senate Race Outcome: Democrat Ruben Gallego wins the Arizona Senate race, limiting the GOP majority to 53 seats.
- House Control: The House majority remains undecided, with pending races in California that could potentially give Republicans a slim majority.
- Trump's Legal Troubles: Prosecution delays in Trump’s New York hush money trial add to the administration's challenges.
Notable Quotes:
- Donald Trump (13:57): "It is a beautiful morning in Washington."
- Donald Trump (14:07): "For the country, and we do not take it lightly."
- Donald Trump (15:22): "I think the point we're trying to make is the world needs to have a long term approach to reducing emissions, that you can do it in a very cost-effective way, but you need consistency of approach and policy."
Climate Policy Discussion:
- Oil Executive’s Stance: Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, warns against drastic changes to U.S. climate policies, arguing for a consistent, long-term approach to reducing emissions (15:22).
- Trump’s Climate Promises: Despite global warming trends, Trump vows to exit the Paris Agreement and increase fossil fuel extraction, raising concerns about the administration's commitment to climate action.
Church of England Scandal:
- Archbishop Welby's Resignation: Justin Welby steps down amid revelations of covering up abuse by John Smythe, highlighting issues of accountability within religious institutions (16:40).
Trump’s Leadership Style and Future Challenges (16:53 - 21:11)
Jane critiques Trump's leadership approach, drawing parallels to his first term characterized by unpredictability and conflicting promises.
Notable Quotes:
- Jane Coaston (16:53): "Trump is, if he's anything, a performer who plays to his audience, no matter what that requires him to say. And that works great in elections. But once again, we are learning that that's a pretty tough way to run a presidential administration."
- Trump’s Campaign vs. Administration: Jane highlights the challenges Trump faces in fulfilling diverse and often contradictory promises, such as his intentions to support both isolationist policies and aggressive military actions.
Administrative Chaos:
- Hiring Difficulties: The Trump administration is already experiencing turmoil, reminiscent of the chaotic start seen during his first term.
- Policy Implementation: The lack of clear direction and the promise to cater to various factions within his support base complicate effective governance.
Future Political Landscape:
- Upcoming Polls and Predictions: The episode concludes with a preview of future analyses on polling data and listener questions, indicating ongoing uncertainty surrounding Trump’s ability to navigate his administration's complexities.
Conclusion
The November 13, 2024 episode of "What a Day" provides a comprehensive examination of the immediate challenges and anticipated policy shifts under President-elect Donald Trump. From controversial Cabinet appointments and the potential dismantling of the Department of Education to tumultuous legal battles and climate policy debates, the episode underscores the significant transformations on the horizon. Host Jane Coaston effectively navigates these topics, offering insightful commentary and expert opinions to inform listeners about the profound changes shaping the future of the United States.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Donald Trump (00:45): "It's the Manhattan Project of our time."
- Donald Trump (02:13): "Closing up the Department of Education in Washington, D.C."
- Donald Trump (02:44): "Students to love their country, not to hate their country like they're taught right now."
- Donald Trump (15:22): "The world needs to have a long term approach to reducing emissions."
- Jane Coaston (16:53): "Trump is, if he's anything, a performer who plays to his audience."
Production Credits:
- Host: Jane Coaston
- Guest: Erica Meltzer, National Editor at Chalkbeat
- Producers: Michelle Eloy, Raven Yamamoto, among others
- Theme Music: Colin Gilliard and Kashaka
For more details and episodes, visit Crooked Media's What a Day.