Trump Gangs Up On The Cartels

Fri Jan 24 2025

President Donald Trump was dealt his first major legal blow since returning to the White House when a federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked his executive order to end birthright citizenship for the future children of some immigrants. U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, called the order "blatantly unconstitutional." In all of the nonsense this week, one executive order that's received less attention is the administration's move to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Keegan Hamilton, senior editor for legal affairs and criminal justice at the Los Angeles Times, explains the real-world implications of Trump's cartel order. And in headlines: Trump signed an executive order to declassify documents related to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., John F Kennedy, and Robert F Kennedy; the Department of Justice put a hold on all new civil rights cases until further notice, and the Senate advanced Pete Hegseth's nomination to be t...

Summary

What A Day Podcast Summary: "Trump Gangs Up On The Cartels"

Published on January 24, 2025 | Host: Jane Coston | Produced by Crooked Media

Introduction

In this episode of What A Day, host Jane Coston dives into a series of impactful and contentious topics surrounding former President Donald Trump's latest actions. From legal battles and executive orders to significant developments in the entertainment industry, Jane provides a comprehensive analysis of the events shaping the current political and social landscape.

Trump’s Department of Justice Halts New Civil Rights Cases

[00:02] Jane Coston opens the episode by highlighting a significant move by Trump's Department of Justice (DOJ) to suspend the initiation of new civil rights cases. This decision marks a pivotal shift in the administration's approach to civil rights litigation.

Judicial Pushback: On January 24th, a federal judge, John Kunauer, temporarily blocked Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship for the children of certain immigrants. [00:02] Kunauer declared the order "blatantly unconstitutional," emphasizing the deep-rooted constitutional protections of birthright citizenship.
Legal Implications: Washington Attorney General Nick Brown remarked that the judge’s comments underscore the gravity of the case, reinforcing the notion that constitutional amendments cannot be overridden by executive orders alone.

Notable Quote:

[01:39] Keegan Hamilton: "In order to amend the United States Constitution, there is a pretty well laid out process to do that, and I think what the order today reinforces is that no one individual, not only not even the President of the United States, can simply erase what it means to amend the Constitution and the process therein."

Executive Order Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

A focal point of the episode is Trump's recent executive order aimed at designating Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). This move has sparked intense debate and legal scrutiny.

Interview with Keegan Hamilton

Jane speaks with Keegan Hamilton, Senior Editor for Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice at the Los Angeles Times, to unpack the ramifications of this designation.

Legal Permissions: [03:40] Keegan Hamilton explains that designating cartels as FTOs would enable the government to impose financial sanctions and pursue criminal charges related to terrorism, broadening the scope beyond existing drug-related offenses.
Economic and Diplomatic Fallout: The designation could strain US-Mexico relations, as the Mexican government has historically opposed such labels due to potential negative impacts on their economy and sovereignty. [04:29] Keegan Hamilton warns of economic ripple effects, particularly affecting American banks that have unknowingly facilitated cartel transactions.
Immigration Enforcement: [06:38] Hamilton discusses potential impacts on immigration, where individuals crossing the border might face enhanced scrutiny and harsher penalties if linked to cartels, complicating immigration status adjustments.
Military Actions and Risks: The conversation delves into the possibility of unilateral military actions against cartels. [07:36] Keegan Hamilton notes that while the designation doesn't legally permit military strikes, it could provide political cover for such actions, raising concerns about escalation and civilian casualties.
Effectiveness Against Drug Demand: [10:19] Hamilton asserts that while the designation raises awareness and facilitates legal actions, it does not directly reduce drug demand, which remains the underlying driver of the cartel's power.

Notable Quotes:

[05:30] Keegan Hamilton: "A lot of this is going to come down to how it's enforced and selective enforcement of the law."

[10:19] Keegan Hamilton: "The underlying cause of why the drug business exists doesn't go away by designating cartels as terrorist organizations."

Additional Executive Orders Signed by Trump

Apart from the FTO designation, Trump signed several other executive orders on the same day:

Declassification of Assassination Files: An order to declassify documents related to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy. [14:04] This move aims to shed light on historical events that have long been subject to speculation and conspiracy theories.
Crypto Capital Initiative: An executive order aiming to establish the United States as the "world capital in crypto." Although specifics are vague, this indicates a strategic push to dominate the burgeoning cryptocurrency market.

Pardons Issued by Trump

Trump also exercised his pardon power, granting clemency to:

Anti-Abortion Protesters: Individuals involved in the 2020 protests that blocked access to abortion clinics were pardoned, despite their federal law violations.
Ex D.C. Police Officers: Officers convicted in the death of Karen Hilton Brown, a 20-year-old Black man, were pardoned. This case drew significant attention due to the officers' prior criminal records and the controversial nature of the incident.

[15:41] Jane Coston emphasizes the gravity of these pardons, noting that Hilton Brown had no prior criminal record, raising questions about the administration's stance on accountability.

DOJ’s Hold on Civil Rights Litigation

The DOJ has placed an immediate hold on all new civil rights litigation:

Consent Decrees Halted: Ongoing agreements from the previous administration aimed at police reform are now under reconsideration, potentially undoing crucial reforms addressing police brutality and discrimination.
Internal Memorandums: Circulated memos indicate a strategic pause, signaling possible rollbacks on initiatives established in response to the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor cases.

Senate Advances Pete Hegseth's Nomination for Defense Secretary

A contentious Senate vote saw Pete Hegseth narrowly advanced for the position of Defense Secretary with a 51-49 vote.

Opposition from Key Republicans: Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins opposed the nomination, citing concerns over Hegseth's past behaviors, including allegations of sexual assault and problematic views on women in combat roles.
Chuck Schumer’s Critique: [17:26] Chuck Schumer harshly criticized Hegseth, questioning his suitability to handle national security responsibilities, especially given his personal conduct and leadership qualities.

Notable Quote:

[17:26] Chuck Schumer: "Pick best is this man with a known history of excessive drinking. The guy you want at the other end of the phone at 2am in a crisis in control of the nuclear codes. Who are we kidding? Who are we kidding?"

Oscar Nominations Announcement

The podcast also covers the latest Oscar nominations, highlighting significant milestones and controversies:

Top Nominated Film: "Amelia Perez" leads with 13 nominations, including Best Picture. However, the film has faced backlash for its portrayal of Mexico, with its French director apologizing for insufficient research.
Historic Nominations:
- Colman Domingo made history as the first Black actor to receive a Best Actor nomination in consecutive years since Denzel Washington.
- Carla Sofia Gascon became the first openly trans person nominated for an Oscar for her role in "Amelia Perez."
Controversial Films: "The Brutalist" faced criticism for its use of AI in post-production, raising ethical questions about technology in filmmaking.

[18:12] Jane Coston reflects on the nominations, acknowledging both the achievements and the controversies surrounding the nominated films.

Jane Coston's Commentary on the Political Climate

Towards the episode's conclusion, Jane Coston shares her thoughts on the prevailing political atmosphere shaped by Trump's actions:

Outrage Cycle: Jane asserts that Trump's actions are designed to provoke constant outrage, aiming to exhaust and demoralize opposition. She cites Steve Bannon, stating, "The goal is to flood the zone with shit," to illustrate the strategy of overwhelming the public with controversy.
Resilience and Focus: Emphasizing personal agency, Jane encourages listeners to remain focused on what truly matters, support their communities, and avoid getting swept away by the endless cycle of political turmoil.

Conclusion

In this episode of What A Day, Jane Coston provides a thorough examination of the multifaceted strategies employed by Donald Trump post-presidency, particularly targeting Mexican drug cartels through controversial executive orders. Coupled with significant political maneuvers and historic moments in the entertainment industry, the episode offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the current socio-political dynamics. Through insightful interviews and critical analysis, Jane underscores the importance of staying informed and resilient in the face of persistent political challenges.

Notable Quotes:

Jane Coston [09:15]: "As we've seen time and time again, Mexico has been trying to fight cartels for decades, and it's been, at best, a stalemate. Are we walking into the equivalent of the war on terror with this designation, entering into military action with no real end point?"
Keegan Hamilton [07:36]: "Designating the cartels as a terrorist organization doesn't really create, as I understand it, the legal footing to take some sort of unilateral military action in Mexico."
Chuck Schumer [17:26]: "Pick best is this man with a known history of excessive drinking. The guy you want at the other end of the phone at 2am in a crisis in control of the nuclear codes. Who are we kidding? Who are we kidding?"

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared by Jane Coston and guest Keegan Hamilton, providing a clear understanding of the significant events and their broader implications.

Summary

What A Day Podcast Summary: "Trump Gangs Up On The Cartels"

Published on January 24, 2025 | Host: Jane Coston | Produced by Crooked Media

Introduction

Trump’s Department of Justice Halts New Civil Rights Cases

Judicial Pushback: On January 24th, a federal judge, John Kunauer, temporarily blocked Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship for the children of certain immigrants. [00:02] Kunauer declared the order "blatantly unconstitutional," emphasizing the deep-rooted constitutional protections of birthright citizenship.
Legal Implications: Washington Attorney General Nick Brown remarked that the judge’s comments underscore the gravity of the case, reinforcing the notion that constitutional amendments cannot be overridden by executive orders alone.

Notable Quote:

[01:39] Keegan Hamilton: "In order to amend the United States Constitution, there is a pretty well laid out process to do that, and I think what the order today reinforces is that no one individual, not only not even the President of the United States, can simply erase what it means to amend the Constitution and the process therein."

Executive Order Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Interview with Keegan Hamilton

Jane speaks with Keegan Hamilton, Senior Editor for Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice at the Los Angeles Times, to unpack the ramifications of this designation.

Legal Permissions: [03:40] Keegan Hamilton explains that designating cartels as FTOs would enable the government to impose financial sanctions and pursue criminal charges related to terrorism, broadening the scope beyond existing drug-related offenses.
Economic and Diplomatic Fallout: The designation could strain US-Mexico relations, as the Mexican government has historically opposed such labels due to potential negative impacts on their economy and sovereignty. [04:29] Keegan Hamilton warns of economic ripple effects, particularly affecting American banks that have unknowingly facilitated cartel transactions.
Immigration Enforcement: [06:38] Hamilton discusses potential impacts on immigration, where individuals crossing the border might face enhanced scrutiny and harsher penalties if linked to cartels, complicating immigration status adjustments.
Military Actions and Risks: The conversation delves into the possibility of unilateral military actions against cartels. [07:36] Keegan Hamilton notes that while the designation doesn't legally permit military strikes, it could provide political cover for such actions, raising concerns about escalation and civilian casualties.
Effectiveness Against Drug Demand: [10:19] Hamilton asserts that while the designation raises awareness and facilitates legal actions, it does not directly reduce drug demand, which remains the underlying driver of the cartel's power.

Notable Quotes:

[05:30] Keegan Hamilton: "A lot of this is going to come down to how it's enforced and selective enforcement of the law."

[10:19] Keegan Hamilton: "The underlying cause of why the drug business exists doesn't go away by designating cartels as terrorist organizations."

Additional Executive Orders Signed by Trump

Apart from the FTO designation, Trump signed several other executive orders on the same day:

Declassification of Assassination Files: An order to declassify documents related to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy. [14:04] This move aims to shed light on historical events that have long been subject to speculation and conspiracy theories.
Crypto Capital Initiative: An executive order aiming to establish the United States as the "world capital in crypto." Although specifics are vague, this indicates a strategic push to dominate the burgeoning cryptocurrency market.

Pardons Issued by Trump

Trump also exercised his pardon power, granting clemency to:

Anti-Abortion Protesters: Individuals involved in the 2020 protests that blocked access to abortion clinics were pardoned, despite their federal law violations.
Ex D.C. Police Officers: Officers convicted in the death of Karen Hilton Brown, a 20-year-old Black man, were pardoned. This case drew significant attention due to the officers' prior criminal records and the controversial nature of the incident.

[15:41] Jane Coston emphasizes the gravity of these pardons, noting that Hilton Brown had no prior criminal record, raising questions about the administration's stance on accountability.

DOJ’s Hold on Civil Rights Litigation

The DOJ has placed an immediate hold on all new civil rights litigation:

Consent Decrees Halted: Ongoing agreements from the previous administration aimed at police reform are now under reconsideration, potentially undoing crucial reforms addressing police brutality and discrimination.
Internal Memorandums: Circulated memos indicate a strategic pause, signaling possible rollbacks on initiatives established in response to the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor cases.

Senate Advances Pete Hegseth's Nomination for Defense Secretary

A contentious Senate vote saw Pete Hegseth narrowly advanced for the position of Defense Secretary with a 51-49 vote.

Opposition from Key Republicans: Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins opposed the nomination, citing concerns over Hegseth's past behaviors, including allegations of sexual assault and problematic views on women in combat roles.
Chuck Schumer’s Critique: [17:26] Chuck Schumer harshly criticized Hegseth, questioning his suitability to handle national security responsibilities, especially given his personal conduct and leadership qualities.

Notable Quote:

[17:26] Chuck Schumer: "Pick best is this man with a known history of excessive drinking. The guy you want at the other end of the phone at 2am in a crisis in control of the nuclear codes. Who are we kidding? Who are we kidding?"

Oscar Nominations Announcement

The podcast also covers the latest Oscar nominations, highlighting significant milestones and controversies:

Top Nominated Film: "Amelia Perez" leads with 13 nominations, including Best Picture. However, the film has faced backlash for its portrayal of Mexico, with its French director apologizing for insufficient research.
Historic Nominations:
- Colman Domingo made history as the first Black actor to receive a Best Actor nomination in consecutive years since Denzel Washington.
- Carla Sofia Gascon became the first openly trans person nominated for an Oscar for her role in "Amelia Perez."
Controversial Films: "The Brutalist" faced criticism for its use of AI in post-production, raising ethical questions about technology in filmmaking.

[18:12] Jane Coston reflects on the nominations, acknowledging both the achievements and the controversies surrounding the nominated films.

Jane Coston's Commentary on the Political Climate

Towards the episode's conclusion, Jane Coston shares her thoughts on the prevailing political atmosphere shaped by Trump's actions:

Outrage Cycle: Jane asserts that Trump's actions are designed to provoke constant outrage, aiming to exhaust and demoralize opposition. She cites Steve Bannon, stating, "The goal is to flood the zone with shit," to illustrate the strategy of overwhelming the public with controversy.
Resilience and Focus: Emphasizing personal agency, Jane encourages listeners to remain focused on what truly matters, support their communities, and avoid getting swept away by the endless cycle of political turmoil.

Conclusion

Notable Quotes:

Jane Coston [09:15]: "As we've seen time and time again, Mexico has been trying to fight cartels for decades, and it's been, at best, a stalemate. Are we walking into the equivalent of the war on terror with this designation, entering into military action with no real end point?"
Keegan Hamilton [07:36]: "Designating the cartels as a terrorist organization doesn't really create, as I understand it, the legal footing to take some sort of unilateral military action in Mexico."
Chuck Schumer [17:26]: "Pick best is this man with a known history of excessive drinking. The guy you want at the other end of the phone at 2am in a crisis in control of the nuclear codes. Who are we kidding? Who are we kidding?"