Trump, GOP Shouting Match

Summary

Podcast Summary: What A Day – “Trump, GOP Shouting Match”
Date: June 24, 2026
Host: Jane Coaston
Guest: Senator Chris Van Hollen

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Episode Overview

In this episode of What A Day, host Jane Coaston delivers a fast-paced, insightful breakdown of the chaotic political energy dominating the day—particularly President Trump’s increasingly erratic relationship with his own party. The main event: an in-depth conversation with Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen on how President Trump has become “the Republican lawmaker’s biggest problem,” sabotaging bipartisan efforts, and sparking extraordinary frustration even among GOP leaders. The episode also covers the US-Iran conflict, shifting military vaccine policies, and the ripple effects of recent primaries and court rulings on voting rights.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Chaos in the Republican Ranks: Trump’s Legislative Sabotage

• Trump Cancels Bipartisan Housing Bill Signing

  • The 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a rare bipartisan achievement aimed at tackling housing affordability, was abruptly derailed by President Trump, who refused to sign unless Congress also passes his Save America Act (06:02–07:37)
  • Quote:

    “It’s one of the very few bipartisan initiatives since Donald Trump came to the White House and he decided to just throw a stick of dynamite into the whole thing today.”
    – Senator Chris Van Hollen (06:19)

• Consequences for the Republican Party

  • Trump’s demand puts GOP members in a bind, undermining their top campaign issue (cost of living) and frustrating leaders who hoped to tout real progress before voters.
  • Quote:

    “Senate Republican leaders are not only scratching their heads, they're, you know, probably willing to jump out of the balconies around here because every time they think maybe there'll be something positive coming out of the White House...the president blows it up.”
    – Senator Chris Van Hollen (00:00, repeated at 10:25)

2. The Contentious Save America Act

• Details and Implications
  • The Save America Act would require voters to show a passport or birth certificate—documents tens of millions of Americans lack—dramatically restricting voting access.
  • Quote:

    “This would undermine the ability of millions of American citizens to exercise their right to vote by putting more obstacles in their way.”
    – Senator Van Hollen (07:37)

  • Driven by election denialism; Trump has publicly said the bill is intended to “guarantee the midterm elections,” favoring Republicans by suppressing likely Democratic voters.
  • Jane Coaston summarizes:

    “All of this stems from election denialism.” (08:54)

  • The Act is highly unlikely to pass the Senate, setting up continued gridlock (09:03).

3. Trump’s Disruption Beyond Elections

• Linking Unrelated Legislation

  • Trump threatened to withhold support from Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act unless Save America is attached—even though FISA pertains to surveillance, not voting rights (09:55).
  • Trump increasingly prioritizes personal loyalty and political revenge over policy or party unity.

• Trump’s Inner Circle and Appointments

  • Trump wants to install political loyalists, such as Bill Pulte, in sensitive intelligence roles, heightening security concerns (11:20).

4. Congressional Pathways & Veto Power

• Working Around the President
  • Congress may pass the housing bill with sufficient bipartisan support to override a Trump veto or enact the law after a required waiting period.
  • Quote:

    “If he vetoes it, we have an override option...Based on the numbers...we would be able to, I think, override the veto."
    – Senator Van Hollen (12:31)

• This is a rare instance where lawmakers could sidestep presidential obstruction.

5. Senate Action on War Powers: The Iran War

• Senate Passes Historic War Powers Resolution

  • Congress passed a concurrent resolution to direct withdrawal of forces from Iran, marking the first time in US history both chambers passed such a measure (16:41).
  • Quote:

    “This is the first time in history that a concurrent War Powers resolution has passed the Congress...it directs the President to begin to reduce...forces out of the conflict area.”
    – Senator Van Hollen (16:41)

• Fragile Ceasefire & Strategic Realities

  • The US-Iran ceasefire is fragile; Iran has leveraged its geography to inflict economic pain worldwide—an unintended consequence of the war (18:05).
  • Despite some Democratic critique of the peace memorandum, Van Hollen argues the only alternatives are the imperfect deal or continued war.
  • Quote:

    “There’s no good way to end a bad war. We should never have gotten into this mess in the first place.”
    – Senator Van Hollen (18:05)

• Enforcement and Next Steps

  • If Trump flouts the directive to withdraw troops, a constitutional crisis could loom—potentially involving the courts (20:00).
  • Quote:

    “If the President decides not to begin to redeploy troops...then you have a constitutional crisis...It does largely depend on exactly what actions the President takes.”
    – Senator Van Hollen (20:00)

6. Broader Political Climate

• US Military Reinstates Flu Vaccine After Outbreak (02:02–02:47)
• NYC Progressive Sweep: Mayor Zoram Mamdani-backed progressives win Democratic primaries, signaling a leftward shift in Congress (03:09).
• Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Proof of Citizenship Order: Judge permanently bars most of Trump’s attempts at imposing documentary proof requirements for voter registration (03:09–03:45).
• Trump’s Split GOP Endorsements: South Carolina governor’s runoff saw Trump endorse both candidates; only one could win, reflecting a scattershot approach (03:09).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "President Trump has one clear... it's managing to piss off his purported allies. Thirty years ago, it was casino investors. Now, it's the Republican Party."
  – Jane Coaston (03:45)

• "He just threw a stick of dynamite in it."
  – Jane Coaston, quoting Republican leaders on Trump’s housing bill cancellation (07:07)

• "Their calculation is that there’ll be, you know, more Democrats who are somehow prevented from accessing the polls than Republicans. And so that's what it’s all about right now, Donald Trump's fixation on trying to fix the midterm elections."
  – Senator Van Hollen (08:21)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:14 – Opening headlines: Senator Van Hollen’s blunt assessment, “Senate Republican leaders…jump out of the balconies…”
• 02:02–02:47 – US military vaccine flip-flop: Flu outbreak and reinstatement of shot requirement
• 03:09–03:45 – NYC Left surges; Trump’s dual endorsement strategy and court block on voting orders
• 06:02–12:31 – Deep dive: Trump derails bipartisan housing bill and the Save America Act battle
• 16:15–20:55 – Congress acts on Iran war powers; future of US forces and potential constitutional crisis

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Takeaway

This episode shines a spotlight on President Trump’s self-sabotaging leadership style—alienating allies, blowing up bipartisan deals, and waging a relentless fight to shape the electoral landscape in his favor, even at his party’s expense. Senator Van Hollen provides a sharp analysis of congressional dynamics and the stakes—both domestic and international—under a President increasingly untethered from party or precedent. The war in Iran, voting rights, legislative process, and intra-party turmoil are all expertly unpacked in “Trump, GOP Shouting Match.”

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For listeners and non-listeners alike, this summary captures the drama, substance, and sarcasm that define What A Day’s approach.

Transcript

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

Senate Republican leaders are not only scratching their heads, they're, you know, probably willing to jump out of the balconies around here because every time they think maybe there'll be something positive coming out of the White House, like the plan today to sign the Road to Housing act, the president blows it up.

[Jane Coaston]

I'm Jane Coston, and this is. What a day. Look, today has already been a complete mess in a lot of ways. So I'd like to introduce you to Mexican national team supporter Merlin the Duck. He has custom duck socks and a mini Mexico soccer jersey. Merlin the Duck has been declared Mexico's World cup ambassador. On Monday, he even got to meet Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. This is, I regret to inform you, the high point of today's news. On today's show, we talk to Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen about how President Donald Trump has become the Republican lawmaker's biggest problem. Before we get into all that, here's what we're following. Today, Wednesday, June 24th.

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

The war is going very well. As you know, we're winning by a lot. Iran is making very big concessions, and we'll see what happens. But it's been very, very, very powerful. It's going very, very well.

[Jane Coaston]

Sure. President Trump spoke to reporters at the Capitol today ahead of his lunch with Senate Republicans, and he was quite optimistic about that war he started. But I wonder if the American people feel the same way. Well, according to a new Reuters Ipsos poll, only one in four Americans think that the war with Iran was worth its costs. Yikes. The poll also found that the war is dragging down Trump's approval rating, which is back at 34%. And that's not all. Around 63% of respondents said they don't think Trump's interim peace deal with Iran will last.

[Pete Hegseth]

Our new policy is simple. If you, an American warrior entrusted to defend this nation, believe that the flu vaccine is in your best interest, then you are free to take it. You shouldn't, but we will not force you because your body, your faith, and your convictions are not negotiable. Your health.

[Jane Coaston]

Yep. That Secretary of Defense slash little boy Pete Hegseth back in April, arguing your body, your choice by ending mandatory flu vaccines for service members. Well, it's now June, and the US Military has reinstated flu shot requirements for recruits. That's according to ABC News, which says more than 200 Air Force members at a base in Texas have been diagnosed with with the flu, something a mandatory vaccine might have prevented.

[Pete Hegseth]

It's unacceptable that one in four are living in poverty it's unacceptable that too many New Yorkers are spending all of their day trying to figure out how they're going to make their rent check or pay for their groceries or pay their Con Ed bill. And what we saw last night was a hunger for leaders who will be there on the front lines looking to make it easier for working people to to afford life in the greatest city in the world.

[Jane Coaston]

New York City Mayor Zoram Mamdani held a press briefing today following great success in Tuesday's primary elections. Mohamdani had waded into Democratic US House primaries to boost three progressives over establishment backed candidates and guess what? All of them won. They defeated two incumbents, all but ensuring that two self described Democratic socialists will be elected to Congress in their deep blue districts. Elsewhere, President Trump was also looking for a win and he figured out how to get one. Trump endorsed both candidates in the South Carolina Republican runoff for governor. Thus it was no surprise when Trump backed South Carolina Attorney General Allen Wilson won, Defeating Trump backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Yvette in the runoff. A win is a win, I guess, but Trump can't win them all. While our dear president tries to push through his new proof of citizenship requirements, a federal judge said no. Okay, maybe those weren't the exact sentiments, but a federal judge today did permanently bar the Trump administration from implementing most of his first Executive Order on Elections, part of which sought to require people to show documentary proof of citizenship like a passport or birth certificate when they register to vote. The ruling effectively converts a preliminary injunction issued a year ago in which the judge temporarily blocked many of Trump's efforts to overhaul elections and into a permanent ban. And that's the news. President Trump has one clear it's not real estate and it's not monogamy. It's managing to piss off his purported allies. Thirty years ago, it was casino investors. Now it's the Republican Party. Case in point. Trump was supposed to sign a big housing bill today, a bipartisan housing bill, the 21st century road to Housing Act. Republicans were hoping to campaign on the legislation and show that they care about the number one concern of American the high cost of living. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt even tweeted support for the bill last night. But Donald Trump doesn't care. This morning he abruptly canceled the signing ceremony without telling Republican members of Congress. Why? Well, according to his True Social Post, he won't sign the bill until Congress passes the Save America act, that massive federal elections bill that would require Americans to show their passport or birth certificate in order to vote there's only one issue. The GOP doesn't have the votes to pass the Save America Act, a fact Senate Republicans probably told Trump at their lunch today. But again, Trump doesn't care about anything Congress says or does, which includes the Iran War Powers Resolution that finally passed the Senate yesterday, which he called, quote, poorly timed and meaningless. So to talk more about how Trump seems determined to derail Congress even when it hurts his own party, I spoke to Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. Senator Van Hollen, welcome back to What a day.

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

It's great to be with you, Jane.

[Jane Coaston]

So today, we were just talking about this. President Trump canceled the signing of a bipartisan housing bill because he wants to pass the Save America Act. Can you tell us about this housing bill? Because it seems like the one thing Democrats and Republicans could agree on right now.

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

You're absolutely right. It has a number of provisions to address the issue of housing affordability. It's not everything at once, but it is a step forward. It will increase the supply of housing. It will also make sure that hedge funds can't buy up certain current housing stock and therefore jack up housing prices on everybody else. It includes provisions that I had worked on with respect to affordable housing for our veterans. So you can see why this was a bipartisan product. In fact, it's one of the very few bipartisan initiatives since Donald Trump came to the White House and he decided to just throw a stick of dynamite into the whole thing today.

[Jane Coaston]

Yeah, I was really struck by how even last night, the White House was saying, this is so great. You have Republicans who want to campaign on it. You know, you could see all of Trump's allies talking about how great this bill was. But as you said, he just threw a stick of dynamite in it. Because in the words of House Speaker Mike Johnson, President Trump is, quote, laser focused on the Save America Act. Can you remind us what the Save America act is and why it's having trouble getting support even from Republicans?

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

Yes. Despite its name, the Save America act. This would undermine the ability of millions of American citizens to exercise their right to vote by putting more obstacles in their way. This has been sold with a complete lie, which is that we have all these people who are here illegally voting in our elections. Not. Not true. What the bill requires is not just any id, but certain forms of id. So, for example, a passport or birth certificate. Well, we know that tens of millions of American citizens don't have those documents, and so we would put more obstacles in their ability to vote. Donald Trump has said very plainly he said this in public, that this is his effort to, quote, guarantee the midterm elections. And his former Secretary of Homeland Security said the same thing. He said this will make sure that the right people get elected. Their calculation is that there'll be, you know, more Democrats who are somehow prevented from accessing the polls than Republicans. And so that's what it's all about right now, Donald Trump's fixation on trying to fix, fix the midterm elections in

[Jane Coaston]

favor of Republicans, which all stems from his belief that he won the 2020 election, like all of this stems from election denialism.

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

It all goes back to that. And I will say this is not going to pass the United States Senate. It's just not going to pass. And so when the President says that he's not going to sign the housing bill until he gets the Save America act, if he sticks to that, then he's not signing the housing bill because the so called Save America act will not pass the United States Senate. And of course, this is the President who just said like a week ago that the affordability crisis was something made up by the Democrats. He said inflation is good. He likes inflation. I think the American people who remember Canada, Trump saying he was going to focus on bringing down prices and ending wars are very confused at the moment since he started a war and prices are going up.

[Jane Coaston]

Yeah. And this isn't the first time Trump has thrown a stick of dynamite into his own party's legislative goals for the Save America Act. Earlier this month, he said he won't support section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance act unless the Save America act passes with it, even though FISA has nothing to do with voting. And we saw this. Even with that, like maga, slush fund for election denialists. Why is Trump becoming the Republican Party's worst enemy?

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

Well, I really can't read his mind here, but your conclusion is right. I know Senate Republican leaders are not only scratching their heads, they're, you know, probably willing to jump out of the balconies around here because every time they think maybe there'll be something positive coming out of the White House, like the plan today to sign the Road to Housing act, the President blows it up. I think it is because he is ultimately driven by this desire to seek revenge for what he claims. And of course he's made it up, was the 2020 election results. And he wants that slush fund to reward people who, at his orders, essentially, you know, rioted to the Capitol, assaulted police officers. And with the Save America act, as we were saying it sort of goes back to the same fraud that he's perpetrating on the American people. So those are clearly his, his priorities, political revenge. I mean, if you think about the FISA issue, it's because he's determined to put Bill Pulte, who knows nothing about national security or nothing about intelligence, in place at the dni, which of course oversees our most, most sensitive secrets. And his claim to fame is that he was a political hitman for Donald Trump. And he's already gone about, you know, firing people who have experience and expertise when it comes to our intelligence and our security and making us all less safe as a result.

[Jane Coaston]

So something that interests me is that because the housing bill has bipartisan support, there's a way that it can get passed without Trump. So if Trump continues to try to hold this legislation hostage, to force his political priorities, Congress on this issue, I think can kind of just work past him. Is that correct?

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

Well, I think so long as the president doesn't veto the bill. And of course, if he vetoes it, we have an override option. And based on the numbers, the healthy bipartisan numbers it passed with, we would be able to, I think, override the veto. I think the numbers are there, and if the president sits on it, then, then after a period of time that also the law would go into effect. The president doesn't have forever to not to sign a bill passed by the Congress.

[Jane Coaston]

We'll get back to my conversation with Senator Van Hollen in a moment to talk about Congress actually making some history yesterday. But if you like the show, make sure to subscribe. Leave a five star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts. Watch us on YouTube and share with your friends. More to come after some ads. What a day is brought to you by ZBiotics. Let's face it, after a night with drinks, I don't bounce back the next day like I used to. I have to make a choice. I can either have a great night or a great next day. That is until I found pre alcohol zebiotics. Pre alcohol probiotic drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by PhD scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Here's how it works. When you drink, alcohol gets converted into a toxic byproduct in the gut. It's a buildup of this byproduct, not dehydration. That's to blame for rough days after drinking. Pre alcohol produces an enzyme to break this byproduct down. Just remember to make pre alcohol your first drink of the night. Drink responsibly and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Every time I have pre alcohol before drinks, I notice a difference the next day. Even after a night out, I can confidently plan on working out without Worry. Go to ZBiotics.com wad to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use WAD at checkout. Zebiotics is backed with a 100% money back guarantee, so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked. Remember to head to zbiotics.com wad and use the code WAUD at checkout for 15% off. What a day is brought to you by Deleteme. You know you should really be doing something to protect yourself from scammers, but you also know you don't know what you should be doing. So here's what you do. Go to www.joindeleteme.com wad and enter code wade. You'll get 20% off DeleteMe. DeleteMe removes your personal information that's being sold online. In the age of AI, we're all especially vulnerable to scammers using your personal data that's floating around on the Internet against you. Have you ever Googled yourself and found your home address, phone number, or the name of a family member? It's unsettling, but the good news is Deleteme can help. That's why Deleteme was named the top pick for data removal services by Wirecutter. I feel as if I'm getting more scam calls than ever before, and I'm not alone. And while these calls drive me nuts, they're not nearly as dangerous as someone getting my information to stalk me or my family. That's why Deleteme is so essential. Take control of your data and keep your private life private by signing up for Delete Me now at a special discount for our listeners. Get 20% off your delete me plan when you go to www.joindeleteme.com wad and use promo code wad at checkout. The only way to get 20% off is to go to www.joindeLeteme.com wad and enter code wad at checkout. That's www.joindeleteme dot com wad code wad.

[Rachel]

One crunchy bite of Hershey's cookies and cream bar and I'm taken right back to college. Move in Day I was a little overwhelmed by the newness of it all. Boxes were everywhere. I needed a break from unpacking, but Just as I was able to take a breath and open, opened my Hershey's cookies and cream bar, my new roommate Rachel walked in. I offered her a piece, but she said no. Then after a beat, she said, actually, those are my favorite ones. We left, the ice was broken, and we've been friends ever since.

[Jane Coaston]

Hershey's. It's your happy place. Let's get back to my conversation with Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. Now, I want to turn to the Iran war. Yesterday, the Senate finally passed a war powers resolution to limit Trump's future actions in Iran. Of course, the US And Iran are currently in peace talks as of this second. So what does a War powers resolution do at this point?

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

Well, it makes it clear that there's a bipartisan majority in Congress to end the war. This is the first time in history that a concurrent War Powers resolution has passed the Congress, the first time in history, and it directs the President to begin to reduce, take forces out of the conflict area. So I know the President claims that this doesn't have an impact, but part of their argument all along for why they're able to sort of have free rein has been that Congress did not weigh in. Congress clearly has weighed in now. Now, of course, we're in a ceasefire, but it's a fragile cease fire. And I think what this does is send a very strong reinforcing message that this war has to come to an end, that this ceasefire has to hold, and that we should get out of this war that should never have been started in the first place.

[Jane Coaston]

I'm glad you said that, Senator, because I think you and I agree that this war was bad from the very start and it is good for it to. I think Democrats, some of your colleagues, actually on both sides of the aisle have said that the US Is getting a bad deal in this memorandum of understanding. Do you think that this memorandum of understanding is good enough to end the war?

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

The short answer is yes. And let me just say this, there's no good way to end a bad war. We should never have gotten into this mess in the first place. We are worse off. Iran was able to demonstrate its ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, which, as you well know, was open before the war started. And shutting down the strait was imposing huge economic harm on the United States, on consumers, gas prices going up, food prices going up, inflation now at a three year high, and on the world economy. And so we did, by attacking Iran, together with Prime Minister Netanyahu, we actually gave Iran leverage that it did not previously have or did not previously use. Yes, they suffered a lot of destruction. But from a complete strategic perspective, they have shown that they're able to use their geographic position to really inflict huge economic pain on the United States and the world. And so the short answer to your question is, I think that we should move forward with this memorandum of understanding. I do think some Democrats are treading into potentially territory where there could be misinterpreted to suggest that the war should go on, because There are only two options here. One is to go forward with the MoU. The other is to engage in war. And restarting this war, a full blown war, would be a huge mistake.

[Jane Coaston]

So as you've mentioned, Trump will probably try to pretend this didn't happen. He doesn't like listening to Congress. But to your point, this War Powers Resolution has passed both the House and the Senate. So what comes next? Where do we go from here?

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

Well, if they continue to proceed with the ceasefire, then the next step would also include, you know, the withdrawal of some US Forces from the region. And that would be complying with the War Powers Resolution. If the President decides not to begin to redeploy troops out of the region, then you have a constitutional crisis, a situation, and then the issue is, do the courts get involved and how do they get involved? And so I think it does largely depend on exactly what actions the President takes. As I said, I do think that this concurrent resolution, both houses of Congress, does reinforce the need for the President to follow through on the ceasefire and finally ending this war permanently.

[Jane Coaston]

Senator Van Hollen, as always, thank you so much for joining me.

[Senator Chris Van Hollen]

It's great to be with you. Thanks.

[Jane Coaston]

That was my conversation with Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. Before we go, are you proud to be an American? I am, actually. We have free coffee refills and massive college football stadiums. But it's not always that simple. In case you missed it, last Saturday on Offline, Jon Favreau and journalist Jerusalem Demzis discussed patriotism on the Internet and why they believe liberals would benefit from authentically reclaiming patriotism. Offline offers deeper intellectual conversations about the impact of tech on politics. New episodes drop every Saturday. Wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. That's all for today. If you like the show, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, celebrate the one good thing we members of the Trump administration hating other members of the Trump administration. And tell your friends to listen. And if you're into reading, and not just about how, according to New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan's new book, regime Change. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant called Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick a, quote, idiot in front of Trump, adding that he'd, quote, fucked up a minerals deal like me. Water Day is also a nightly newsletter. Check it out and [e-mail] subscribe I'm Jane Koston. And finally, Scott Bassant and I have two things in common. We're gay and we both think Howard Lutnick is an idiot. What a Day is a production of Crooked Media. Our show is produced by Caitlin Plummer, Emily Foer, Erica Morrison and Adrienne Hill. Our team includes Hayley Jones, Greg Walters, Matt Berg, Joseph Dutra, Johanna Case and Desmond Taylor. Our music is by Kyle Murdoch and Jordan Cantor. We had help today from the Associated Press. Our production staff is proudly unionized with the Writers Guild of America. East.