Empire State of Mind - Pod Save America Recap

Podcast: Pod Save America

Published: 2026-01-06

Duration: 1 hr 49 min

Guests: Mark Kelly

Summary

The episode covers Donald Trump's military intervention in Venezuela, driven by oil interests, and its global implications. It also discusses Minnesota's political scandal, recently released Epstein files, and an interview with Senator Mark Kelly on military orders.

What Happened

Donald Trump's decision to launch a military operation in Venezuela marks a significant and controversial start to 2026. The operation, which led to the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, is openly acknowledged by the Trump administration as a move to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves and deny access to China. Despite the strategic maneuver, the operation has been widely criticized as imperialistic and self-serving, with only 33% of Americans supporting U.S. involvement in Venezuela according to a Reuters poll.

The international response has been one of condemnation, with the UN Security Council meeting to address the situation and Latin American leaders expressing their concerns about U.S. aggression. Meanwhile, Stephen Miller's defense of colonialism on Twitter has fueled the fire, as has the potential for further military actions in Colombia, Mexico, and Greenland hinted at by Trump.

In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz's decision to not seek reelection due to a social services fraud scandal has become a major news story. The scandal, involving the misappropriation of millions in pandemic relief funds by a nonprofit, has given right-wing media ammunition to criticize Democrats and immigrant communities.

Elon Musk's provocative comments on denaturalizing Somali American citizens, including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, have added to the controversy. These developments have led to speculation about Amy Klobuchar potentially running for governor against Mike Lindell in the next election.

The release of Epstein files before Christmas has also captured public attention, revealing Trump's connections with Epstein through flights on Epstein's plane and photos with celebrities. The FBI faces criticism for mishandling the case, and the transparency issues in government investigations have been brought to light.

Senator Mark Kelly emphasizes the need for Congress to reassert its authority over military actions in his interview with Lovett. He critiques the Trump administration's interventionist policies and stresses the importance of service members adhering to legal orders, reflecting broader concerns about the administration's capricious use of military power.

Additionally, the episode features discussions on books like 'The Candy House' by Jennifer Egan, which is praised by the hosts as a great read. Their upcoming tour to New Zealand and Australia is also mentioned, highlighting the global reach and engagement of Pod Save America.

Key Insights