HEATED EXCHANGE: Bartiromo confronts Democrat over REFUSAL to condemn anti-ICE agitators

Summary of Congressional Interview on Government Shutdown, ICE Operations, and Voting Rights

Key Concepts:

• Government Shutdown: The ongoing shutdown of the US federal government due to disagreements over funding, specifically impacting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• ICE Operations & Protest: Concerns regarding ICE operations, citizen protests against them, and potential escalation of conflict, including the use of firearms.
• Voter ID Laws: Debate surrounding proposed federal voter ID requirements, specifically the "SAVE America Act," and concerns about voter suppression.
• State Tax Policies & Migration: The impact of state tax policies (particularly in New York) on population migration to states like Florida.
• Automatic Voter Registration: The practice of automatically registering citizens to vote when they obtain a driver's license.

1. Government Shutdown & DHS Funding

The interview begins with the context of a five-day government shutdown, specifically impacting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Senator John Fetterman’s opposition to the shutdown is highlighted, emphasizing the principle of “country over party.” The DHS funding lapsed on Saturday, leaving many departments working without pay, though ICE is currently unaffected due to prior funding allocations described as a “big, beautiful bill.” The core disagreement revolves around constraints on federal immigration officers.

2. Congressman Jared Moskowitz’s Opposition to DHS Funding & Criticism of Kristi Noem

Congressman Jared Moskowitz explains his vote against funding the Department of Homeland Security. He immediately pivots to a strong critique of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, calling for her resignation or firing by the President. He alleges that under her leadership, border wall construction has been less effective than under President Obama (200 miles supported vs. Obama’s efforts), fewer federal agents were deployed to red states under FEMA, and her approval rating has declined from 59% to 39%. Moskowitz asserts that Americans voted for the deportation of criminals, not for citizens being harmed during protests. He claims Noem has “destroyed FEMA and DHS” and is more concerned with personal matters than with public safety.

3. ICE Operations, Citizen Protests, and Use of Force

The discussion shifts to the contentious issue of ICE operations and citizen protests. Moskowitz addresses concerns about citizens confronting ICE agents, referencing instances where Governors and other officials encouraged citizens to film ICE operations. He acknowledges the right to protest but questions the responsibility of encouraging people to directly interfere with ICE’s work. He emphasizes that ICE agents will respond if citizens obstruct their operations, particularly if those citizens are armed. He points out that the right to carry a weapon does not negate the potential for a reaction from ICE agents when confronted by an armed protester interfering with their duties.

4. Specific Incident in Minnesota & ICE’s Withdrawal

A specific incident in Minnesota is discussed, where a protester allegedly threw something at a car, damaging a light. Moskowitz argues that ICE’s withdrawal from Minnesota was a direct result of the situation becoming unmanageable, attributing the failure to ICE, DHS, and Governor Noem. He reiterates his belief that Noem is prioritizing personal concerns over ensuring the safety of citizens and allowing ICE to effectively enforce the law.

5. Debate on Federal Voter ID Requirements – The “SAVE America Act”

The conversation transitions to the proposed federal voter ID law, the “SAVE America Act.” Moskowitz states he supports voter ID, citing Florida’s existing system using photo IDs. However, he strongly opposes the SAVE America Act, arguing it goes “way beyond” a simple ID requirement. He claims it would disproportionately affect women whose birth certificates don’t match their driver’s licenses and would depress voter turnout, requiring unnecessary re-registration. He refutes claims that the Act is solely about preventing non-citizens from voting, framing it as a tactic to suppress turnout.

6. Counterarguments & Evidence of Voter Fraud

The interviewer challenges Moskowitz’s claims, pointing to the lack of evidence supporting widespread non-citizen voting. Moskowitz acknowledges numerous court cases filed over the 2020 election alleging non-citizen voting, but notes they were all dismissed. He maintains that the law should focus on ensuring American citizens vote in American elections. The interviewer pushes back, citing instances of illegal immigrants driving trucks and potentially attempting to vote.

7. State Tax Policies and Population Migration

The discussion shifts to the impact of state tax policies on population migration. Moskowitz predicts an exodus from states like New York to Florida due to proposed tax increases, specifically referencing a potential 9.5% property tax increase proposed by Zohran Mamdani in New York. He notes that companies and wealthy individuals are already leaving high-tax states like California and New York for Florida. He argues that wealth taxes are ineffective and drive away the very people they are intended to tax.

8. Automatic Voter Registration & Concerns about Driver’s Licenses

The interview concludes with a point raised by a producer, Mike, regarding automatic voter registration through driver’s licenses. He highlights that 23 states have automatic voter registration, with 20 being blue states. He questions the concern about illegal voting, given that driver’s licenses are accessible to non-citizens in many states. Moskowitz responds that there is no evidence of widespread non-citizen voting and that the issue is a “solution in search of a problem.” He reiterates that the cases alleging non-citizen voting were never heard.

Notable Quotes:

• “Kristi Noem needs to resign or be fired by the President.” – Congressman Jared Moskowitz
• “Americans voted to have people deported, criminals, and gang members. Did not vote for people shot in the street by masked men.” – Congressman Jared Moskowitz
• “This is on ICE. They know how to handle protests.” – Congressman Jared Moskowitz
• “If this was working so well why did President Tom Homan pull out of Minnesota?” – Congressman Jared Moskowitz
• “We have a solution in search of a problem. Where is the evidence that non-citizens are voting?” – Congressman Jared Moskowitz

Technical Terms:

• DHS (Department of Homeland Security): A US federal executive department responsible for security, including border control and immigration enforcement.
• ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): A US federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): A US federal agency responsible for coordinating disaster relief efforts.
• SAVE America Act: A proposed federal law requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship.

Logical Connections:

The interview follows a logical progression, starting with the immediate context of the government shutdown, then delving into specific criticisms of a state governor’s performance, and finally broadening to national debates about voting rights and economic migration. The discussion seamlessly transitions between these topics, often linking them through the overarching theme of political polarization and differing approaches to governance.

Data & Statistics:

• Governor Noem’s approval rating declined from 59% in August to 39% in January.
• 200 miles of border wall supported under Governor Noem, compared to efforts under President Obama.
• 23 states have automatic voter registration, 20 of which are blue states.
• Proposed property tax increase in New York: 9.5%.
• Median income in New York: $122,000.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The interview reveals deep partisan divisions on issues ranging from government funding and immigration enforcement to voting rights and economic policy. Congressman Moskowitz presents a strongly critical perspective, focusing on perceived failures of leadership and advocating for policies he believes will protect citizens and ensure fair elections. The discussion highlights the complex interplay between federal and state policies, and the potential consequences of those policies on population migration and political participation. The core takeaway is the significant ideological gap between the parties and the challenges of finding common ground on critical national issues.