We Went To The 'Fighting Oligarchy' Rally

Summary

What a Day Podcast Summary: "We Went To The 'Fighting Oligarchy' Rally"

Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host: Jane Coaston
Podcast: What A Day by Crooked Media

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Introduction

In the April 14th episode of What a Day, host Jane Coaston dives into a spectrum of pressing political and social issues shaping the United States. The episode primarily focuses on the dynamic "Fighting Oligarchy" rally featuring prominent Democrats Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Additionally, Jane explores turbulent developments in Washington, including tariff uncertainties, a shocking arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, and controversial immigration policies affecting thousands of immigrants.

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Fighting Oligarchy Rally: Uniting Against the Trump Administration

Event Overview

Jane Coaston and producer Johanna Case attended the "Fighting Oligarchy" rally in Los Angeles’ Gloria Molina Grand Park, where Sanders and AOC galvanized over 34,000 attendees. The event aimed to unify Democrats, union representatives, and activists in opposition to the Trump administration's policies.

Key Speakers and Highlights

• Bernie Sanders ([01:43]): Sanders addressed the crowd by highlighting Elon Musk’s recent tweet criticizing his focus on combating oligarchy. He affirmed, “Elon, you're damn right that's what I've been talking about. The difference is I'm no longer talking about how we're moving to oligarchy. I'm talking about how we are living today in an oligarchic form of society.”

• Jane Coaston ([02:33]): Jane emphasized the rally’s unifying spirit, stating, “What seemed to unite people was a desire to show solidarity with one another and reject Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.”

• Attendee Perspectives:

  • Audrey ([03:07]): Expressed frustration with the current administration’s policies, criticizing the erosion of rights: “Because he's a fucking asshole. He's trying to take away all the rights that we got 50 years ago.”

  • Hector Ruiz ([03:46], [07:06]): A third-grade teacher from Orange County voiced the need for tangible Democratic action over mere messaging: “I want the Democrats to start showing a lot more fight than they've been showing... the $5 isn't going to cut it.”

  • Trent ([05:21], [07:44]): From Pasadena, he stressed the importance of legislative battles against unfair practices: “... I would like for more, I guess actual fighting and legislation like Cory Brooker just did... actually trying to fight fire with fire.”

  • Jen and Audrey ([05:51], [05:59]): Jen, accompanied by her niece Jocelyn, highlighted the importance of safeguarding social programs: “I don't care if you have to cross the aisle, but I don't want them to give up on Social Security and Medicaid and Medicare... It needs to be good for all.”

  • Kenna ([06:30]): From Santa Monica, she discussed the balance between activism and personal well-being: “Instead of just doom scrolling, I took on my brother and some friends out here and I'm ready to have some fun and be ready as a community.”

  • Glory ([07:21], [07:42]): Representing Long Beach, Glory focused on the collective strength of the community: “I’m just trying to figure out how to persist... if we're all together in this, we can keep fighting forward.”

Jane’s Reflections

Jane found the rally deeply inspiring, noting the diversity and unified purpose of the attendees: “The diversity of age, race, gender, beliefs was off the charts and all of them were united in support of something better than what we have right now.”

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News Highlights

1. Tariff Chaos Under the Trump Administration ([11:13] - [12:48])

• Electronic Tariffs Confusion: President Trump's administration faced backlash due to conflicting statements about tariffs on electronics from China. Initially, Customs and Border Protection exempted items like smartphones and computers from the proposed 145% tariffs. However, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick later clarified that these products would still be subject to tariffs under separate semiconductor sectoral taxes, set to implement in two months ([11:25]).

• China’s Response: In retaliation, China announced the suspension of certain exports, including rare earth minerals and magnets crucial for fighter jets, cars, and electronics, further escalating trade tensions ([12:11]).

2. Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence ([12:48] - [14:11])

• Incident Details: Early Sunday morning, a fire broke out at Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion, leading to his evacuation along with his family. Police arrested a man suspected of arson, who allegedly accessed the property by climbing a fence and used homemade incendiary devices. The attack coincided with the first night of Passover, a significant Jewish holiday ([12:57]).

• Governor Shapiro’s Response: Shapiro remained resolute, stating, “I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love... looking out for all Pennsylvanians” ([13:57]). He also expressed gratitude towards first responders for ensuring his family's safety ([13:36]).

3. Immigration Policies Targeting Immigrants’ Social Security Numbers ([14:11] - [End])

• Policy Overview: The Trump administration initiated a controversial effort to classify over 6,000 living immigrants as deceased by transferring their Social Security numbers to the Death Master File. This move effectively strips immigrants of financial benefits, making it challenging to secure legal employment, use credit cards, or enroll children in schools.

• Case Study: Mahmoud Khalil: A Columbia University graduate student of Syrian and Palestinian descent, Mahmoud Khalil, faced deportation despite his legal permanent residency. Accused by the White House of holding "pro Hamas" beliefs, his lawyers argue that his activism is protected under the First Amendment. An immigration judge upheld the administration’s decision, citing an undated memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though no concrete evidence was provided ([14:11]).

• Public Reaction: Attendees like Hector Ruiz voiced deep concerns about the administration’s actions, emphasizing the human impact: “Having to pay $150 more, for example, for a washing machine doesn't help them... trying to apologize to them as an adult for having screwed up their future so badly.”

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Conclusion

The April 14th episode of What a Day captures a pivotal moment in American politics, showcasing grassroots activism against perceived oligarchic governance and highlighting significant policy disputes affecting immigrants and trade relations. Through on-the-ground reporting and in-depth interviews, Jane Coaston provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current political landscape, emphasizing the need for unity and decisive action amidst growing societal challenges.

For those interested in further details and the electrifying atmosphere of the Fighting Oligarchy rally, subscribing to What a Day on your preferred podcast platform or watching the latest episode on YouTube is highly recommended.

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This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate all essential discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode.

Transcript

[Jane Coston]

It's Monday, April 14th. I'm Jane Coston, and this is Whataday, the show that doesn't know if there are or aren't tariffs on electronics coming from China. As far as I'm concerned, they are Schrodinger's tariffs. They are there and they are also not there, which is a great way to build an economic policy. In my book. On today's show, the Social Security Administration lists immigrants as dead to push them out of the country. And police are investigating an arson at the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. But let's start with this past weekend. Congress is out of session this week. Despite everything going on in Washington, nothing can get in the way of spring break, baby. Time to get absolutely crazy. In Iowa's 2nd district, many Democrats will be holding town hall events, particularly in GOP districts. One example, as Politico reported on Thursday, Democrats will hold a town hall in the North Carolina district of National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Huds, the representative who told Republicans to stop holding in person town hall events back in early March. But as we've mentioned on the show before, Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez are doing something a little different on their Fighting Oligarchy tour. The pair is barnstorming America to bring together local Democrats, union representatives and others to stand in opposition to the Trump administration. In Los Angeles on Saturday, the two brought together more than 34,000 people in Gloria Molina Grand Park. I went with what a Day producer Johanna Case to find out what inspired so many people to attend.

[Bernie Sanders]

You know, it's funny, just yesterday, our good friend Elon Musk, Mr. Musk sent out a tweet, and in essence, he said, you know, Bernie Sanders has been talking about the growth of oligarchy year after year after year. Well, Elon, you're damn right that's what I've been talking about. The difference is I'm no longer talking about how we're moving to oligarchy. I'm talking about how we are living today in an oligarchic form of society.

[Jane Coston]

I talk to young people, middle aged people, senior citizens, families, friends, and a dog named Ava. And what seemed to unite people was a desire to show solidarity with one another and reject Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. I want to see what the fight behind us. I wanted to galvanize all of us to be able to fight all together in solidarity with every nationality, every color, every being in this, you know, United States of America. I'll be honest, like, I want to fight against that stereotype where, like, young people don't really, like, show up as much. And I just want to show up locally for, like, what I believe in.

[Audrey]

Because he's a fucking asshole. He's trying to take away all the rights that we got 50 years ago. I'm 53 years old and I am seeing the rights that I have always enjoyed in this country go away from my niece. My niece, as a woman, is losing her rights.

[Jane Coston]

I don't know what's going to happen to my country because I grew up in a time where the only person I knew in politics was Donald Trump. That was Terry, Audrey and Jen and her niece Jocelyn. When I asked some folks like Hector Ruiz, a third grade teacher from Orange county, what they wanted to hear from Democrats, they largely said they didn't really want to hear anything. They wanted to see some action.

[Hector Ruiz]

I want the Democrats to start showing a lot more fight than they've been showing they haven't been. I mean, I'm tired of getting. I'm tired of getting the text messages to rush $5. The $5 isn't going to cut it. I mean, if you're going to stand outside the Treasury Department and wonder why there's a single little nerdy guy that's preventing you from coming in, why aren't you rushing this? Why aren't Democratic senators, why aren't Representatives doing what AOC and Bernie are doing and going around and actually showing some fight? It's falling upon us, unfortunately.

[Jane Coston]

Some of the people I talked to had specific policies they wanted to hear more about from Democrats. But again, they also just wanted to hear more fight. I spoke with some younger folks. Here's Trent from Pasadena, who came along with friends Satara and Audrey, who we heard from earlier and who had a very specific policy he wanted to hear more about. I mean, I really like a lot of what Bernie supports, you know, like stopping Citizens United or like, you know, I guess overturning Citizens United, taking a lot of money out of, like, private money out of politics. And Lily of Simi Valley also came with friends. I definitely want to hear a lot of support for trans rights and trans issues because that's something that even Democratic progressive candidates haven't been able to kind of deliver on and have. They've been fucking up. They've been fucking up a lot. And I spoke with Glory, she's from Long beach, and said she's just trying to figure out how to persist when it feels like the rights of immigrants, women and people of color are being scaled back very Quickly, what do you want to see Democrats prioritize right now? I mean, because it's a. There's so much going on. Like that whole flood the zone with shit thing is real. But what do you want to see Democrats prioritize?

[Trent]

I would like for more, I guess actual fighting and legislation like Cory brooker just did, 25 hours of similar filibuster and. Exactly. Filibuster. But more things like that, like actually fighting to fight against some of these legislations and rules that are being written up in Congress and things like that. And actually trying to fight fire with fire. Because what usually happens is letting things happen and then things get worse. So now it's really time to start fighting back.

[Jane Coston]

Here's Jen again. She was there with her niece Jocelyn, who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in her very first presidential election last year.

[Audrey]

I don't care if you have to cross the aisle, but I don't want them to give up on Social Security and Medicaid and Medicare and all the stuff that is important for the American people. Not the 1%, but the American people. I want them to have a plan, whether it is being a little centrist or being more left. But we need to make it good for all. It's not good for some. It needs to be good for all. And that's what I want to hear.

[Jane Coston]

It's April. This administration only started in January. I know. I'm exhausted. And I had to ask how the people at the fighting oligarchy rally were making sure they could keep pushing back for four years. Here's Kenna of Santa Monica who is trying to find balance and support in this moment. Instead of just doom scrolling, I took on my brother and some friends out here and I'm ready to have some fun and be ready as a community. So it's just continuing on with that. Gotta fill your own cup and gotta fill your own before other people. So definitely some meditation maybe too, and work it out. And here's third grade teacher Hector again talking about how he tries to explain what's happening to his students, even tariffs.

[Hector Ruiz]

I was trying to explain to my kids how that 10% can work its way up, you know, to that they're spending a lot more money on a washing machine, for example, that might be made overseas than they would normally be doing. And while I'm in a position now because I've taught long enough to earn a decent wage, a lot of my kids parents aren't. So having to pay $150 more, for example, for a washing machine doesn't help them. And so trying to explain to them, trying to clear to them, apologizing to them as an adult for having screwed up their future so badly, I do that on a regular basis. So I think that kind of helps me work through a lot of this as well.

[Jane Coston]

And here's glory again.

[Trent]

I think community is the biggest part. Having people around you who are like minded and being able to go to those people and be like, you know what, this really sucks. And having that moment of like, you know what? I don't think I can do it. But if we're all together in this, we can keep fighting forward.

[Jane Coston]

I know it's cliche or cringe or whatever to talk about something being inspiring right now, but seriously, genuinely, totally, unironically, the Fighting Oligarchy tour made me feel actually inspired. I met so many different kinds of people. Maybe it was because of the location, but the diversity of age, race, gender, beliefs was off the charts and all of them were united in support of something better than what we have right now and wanted to join others in showing just how big that support really is. And also there is a lot of Bernie Merch out there, Merch the likes of which I had no idea existed. We'll get to more of the news in a moment, but if you like the show, make sure to subscribe, leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts and check out Today's show on YouTube to see all the amazing people we met at the Bernie rally and Ava the Dog and share with your friends. More to come after some ads. What a day is brought to you by Zebiotics Pre Alcohol let's face it, after a night with drinks, I don't bounce back the next day the way I used to. When I was 22 and didn't have a couch, I used to have to make a choice. I could 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 do notice a difference the next day. Even after a night out, I can confidently plan on working out without worry. Spring is here and that means more opportunities to celebrate warmer weather before drinks on the patio, that tropical vacation, or your best friend's wedding. Don't forget zebiotics pre alcohol Drink one before drinking and wake up feeling great the next day. Go to zebiotics.com wad to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use code 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 zebiotics.com wad and use the code WAD at checkout for 15% off.

[Nicolomaini]

My name is Nicolomaini and for years I have been obsessed with one of Europe's greatest mysteries. Who killed God's Banker?

[Jane Coston]

The Wire said Calvi found dead suicide.

[Nicolomaini]

Question mark what truly happened to the banker who had the Vatican, the Mafia and a secret far right branch of the Freemasons all pounding on his door? From Crooked Media and Campside Media, this is Shadow Kingdom Season 1 God's Banker. Find it wherever you get your podcasts or get early access to the full season by joining Crooked's friends of the [e-mail] friends.

[Jane Coston]

Here's what else we're following today. Head of Lines.

[Hector Ruiz]

They'Re going to have a special focused type of tariff to make sure that those products get reassured.

[Jane Coston]

President Trump's tariff chaos somehow got even more chaotic, or at least more confusing. On Sunday, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said electronics imported from other countries actually will face tariffs, even though the administration said just days ago that they won't. This all started Friday when Customs and Border Protection declared smartphones, computers and other foreign made electronics exempt from Trump's reciprocal tariffs. This was great news for tech giants like Apple because they make the majority of their products in China. You know, a country that Trump hit with tariffs that top out at 145%. Here's what Lotnick told ABC's this Week about how semiconductors are going to be taxed.

[Hector Ruiz]

Those products are going to be part of the semiconductor sectoral tariffs which are coming.

[Jane Coston]

So they are getting hit with tariffs but like separate ones and they're coming in two months unless they change their minds. Are we in a situationship with tariffs in the midst of all of this? China announced Sunday that it's suspending some exports, including rare earth, minerals and magnets. These are important materials for, of all things, fighter jets, cars, electronics and phones, all the things Trump wants to be made here. We're recording this show on Sunday night. Surely nothing about the situation will change by the time you listen to it. Monday morning.

[Hector Ruiz]

We experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania here at the governor's residence.

[Jane Coston]

The governor of Pennsylvania and his family had to evacuate the governor's mansion early Sunday morning after a fire swept through part of the residence. Democratic governor Josh Shapiro said police banged on his door in Harrisburg at 2am and led them to safety. State police say no one was hurt. Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo said a man was arrested for suspected arson.

[Hector Ruiz]

This is not of record yet, but the charges will include attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. These are all very serious charges. As with any charges, the defendant is presumed innocent.

[Jane Coston]

Police said the man gained access to the home by hopping over a fence around the property. They say he also had homemade incendiary devices. The alleged attack happened on the first night of Passover, a major Jewish holiday. Shapiro had posted a photo Saturday celebrating Passover with his family's dinner table set for Seder. He said during the press conference that he's not fearful.

[Hector Ruiz]

I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love, stop me from being a leader of this commonwealth and looking out for all Pennsylvanians.

[Jane Coston]

Shapiro also said he's grateful for the first responders who kept his family safe. An immigration judge ruled Friday that the Trump administration can deport Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University grad student detained last month over his involvement in pro Palestinian campus protests. Khalil was born in Syria and is of Palestinian descent. He's a legal permanent resident of the United States. He helped organize the pro Palestinian encampment at Colombia last year. Immigration authorities arrested Khalil and revoked his green card last month. The White House deemed his activities, quote, pro Hamas. Halil's lawyers argue that the First Amendment protects his activism. But an immigration judge sided with the White House Friday, citing an undated memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The only evidence the administration offered was a whopping two pages long. The memo doesn't accuse Khalil of any crime, but claims his beliefs are a threat to national security and that his presence in the US Compromises the country's, quote, policy to combat antisemitism. Halil's attorneys have until April 23rd to appeal the decision. The Trump administration is working to effectively cancel the Social Security numbers of more than 6,000 living immigrants. It's basically an effort to classify them as dead, at least financially. That's according to multiple outlets. The Associated Press reports that the administration transferred the immigrants Social Security numbers to a database known as the Death Master File. It had been used to keep track of dead people who should no longer be receiving benefits. But why would the administration add these very alive people to a death database? The New York Times cites documents last week that show the administration had revoked these immigrants legal status. A Trump official said the initial immigrants affected were identified as having been suspected terrorists or having FBI criminal records. There have been no reports of the White House providing evidence of this claim. The White House says by removing the monetary incentive for illegal aliens to come and stay, we will encourage them to self deport. Taking away someone's Social Security number makes it, among other things, nearly impossible to get a legal job and much harder to use credit cards. In some cases, it can even make it difficult to enroll children in school. And that's the news. Before we go, in case you missed it, the Crooked store is having a why the F naught sale, so select t shirts are 25% off for a limited time. It's the perfect time to grab a piece that expresses what you care about, like a Don't Mess with Immigrants shirt or a touch grass tee for 25% off. Wear it to a protest, a volunteer event for a local election, or just your everyday life as a reminder of what you're fighting for. This sale ends today, so head to cricut.com store to shop now. That's all for today. If you like the show, make sure you subscribe. Leave a Review Shudder in horror at the fact that I think ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith might really run for President. And tell your friends to listen. And if you're into reading and not just about how seriously I think he's really going to do it. And we are going to have to watch an entire presidential campaign centered around a guy who spends three hours a day discussing Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Like me, what a Day is also a nightly newsletter. Check it out and [e-mail] subscribe I'm Jane Coston. And finally, a presidential debate over LeBron James legacy. Just what we all wanted. Water Day is a production of Crooked Media. It's recorded and mixed by Desmond Taylor. Our associate producers are Raven Yamamoto and Emily Foer. Our producer is Michelle Aloy. We had production help today from Johanna Case, Joseph Dutra, Greg Walters and Julia Claire. Our senior producer is Erica Morrison and our executive producer is Adrienne Hill. Our theme music is by Colin Gilliard and Kashaka. Our production staff is proudly unionized with the Writers Guild of America East.