Today was the first day on the job for Katie Zacharia, Donald Trump’s new press secretary. And boy was it rough. Her debut briefing lasted just 15 minutes, and the cringe was almost too much to bear.
But Zacharia’s lack of stage presence wasn’t her biggest problem. You see, there is a pretty big question around her credentials as a lawyer, starting with…is she even one? Investigative reporting couldn’t find a record of her being licensed to practice law anywhere in the country. So when asked by the press “What state did you pass the bar exam in?” her answer was strange at best.
And while the White House was sorting through its personnel problems, Trump was busy remaking the East Potomac public golf course in his image. Up to its old tricks, the administration informed the court at 4:55 p.m. on Friday that 169 trees were coming down. But by the end of the holiday weekend, more than 430 had been ripped out. Now a federal judge is furious and wants answers yesterday.
Former NOAA official Monica Medina joins us to discuss the destruction at East Potomac and whether the administration can be held accountable.
Elsewhere, an Air Force major is facing military charges after publicly calling for Trump’s impeachment and removal from office, including being held in solitary confinement 24/7. Author Paul Loeb (@paulloeb) joins us to discuss the consequences of speaking out, a subject at the heart of his newly reissued book, The Impossible Will Take a Little While.
And finally, Kristi Noem decided to pick a fight with Kacey Musgraves. The singer’s response lands her in the DEFIANCE Hall of Fame.
THIS WEEK ON THE ANT HILL
WEDS, OCT 14 — MY DEFIANCE MISSION — On Mission Wednesdays, we highlight the defiance actions Members are taking in their own communities. Tell us your story here. Every action counts!
THURS, OCT 15 — SHOW US YOUR ANT-ITUDE! — We wanna see your DEFIANCE swag, your original artwork, your unique ways of shouting out your defiance to the world in creative ways. Send your pics to our editor here.
THURS, OCT 15 — DEFIANCE BOOK CLUB — Our current selection is: 1984 by George Orwell. We’ll be discussing chapters 7 & 8 in our Members-only chatroom @ 2:30 pm ET. It’s never too late to join the party! Visit your library or favorite bookstore to pick up a copy.
FRI, OCT 16 — DOGS (AND CATS!) OF THE DEFIANCE — That’s right…even our furry friends are sticking it to the man. Do you have a dog (or a cat or a horse or a rabbit or a ferret…) that would sooner lift their leg on Trump than play fetch? Send us a pic, and they might be featured in a future issue! Because fighting authoritarianism is hard work, a little fun is important too. :)
GROW THE DEFIANCE
DEFIANCE Members are absolutely crushing it, spreading the word about our club for the courageous to their friends. There is strength in numbers, and that’s exactly what defiance requires. Here’s how you can help build our numbers—and get a shoutout on the Daily with Miles and Xander:
Use the buttons provided to share your personal referral link on X, Facebook, or email. Or, copy the link (circled in the example below) to share it via text or other social platforms.
