IHIP News Podcast Summary

Episode: Dictator Trump Is Campaigning For Third Term? He Refuses To Leave
Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Date: December 18, 2025

Overview of Main Theme

This episode dives into recent alarming revelations alleging that Donald Trump, with encouragement and vast financial support from billionaire donors like Miriam Adelson, is plotting to run for an unconstitutional third presidential term. Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan dissect the web of corruption, billionaire influence, media complicity, the state of the Republican Party, and the visible cracks in American democracy. The tone is passionate, sarcastic, and deeply critical, with comedic jabs and urgency for activism.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Billionaire Influence and Unconstitutional Maneuvering

• Opening rant about Trump’s status as the “most unpopular, most criminal, most corrupt, most demented president we've ever had,” and his dictatorial aspirations.
  • “Of course he wants to run a third term. Not only is this unconstitutional… but crazy people like to do crazy things.” – Political Commentator [00:05]
• Billionaires like Miriam Adelson are highlighted as enabling these plans, wielding enormous sums (e.g., donations of $250 million) and expressing willingness for more.
  • Clip played of Adelson suggesting another massive donation for “four more years.” [01:41]
  • Hosts mock and condemn the casual power exchange:
    • “She said, think about it. I'll give you another 250.” – Host [02:10]

2. Corruption and Complicity Across Political Lines

• Miriam Adelson’s connections to both right (Trump) and left (hosting Hillary Clinton as keynote speaker) are presented as evidence of elite duplicity.
  • “This is why people don't like Democrats, because they are duplicitous. They have their feet in two different puddles at the same time.” – Political Commentator [00:36]
• Discussion on Alan Dershowitz’s involvement as both legal advisor and author of a book discussing the legality of a third Trump term, raising the point of corruption entanglement and ethical lapses.
  • “Alan Dershowitz… knee deep in corruption, knee deep in child sexual traffic rings.” – Political Commentator [03:46]

3. Media Complicity and Messaging Failures

• Mainstream media is criticized for giving platforms to corrupt actors while barring important messages from presidents like Obama and Biden.
  • “Democrats don't have a messaging problem. We have a this problem… Major networks wouldn't air it [Obama's immigration address].” – Political Commentator [11:40]
• Billionaire ownership of media and their role in shaping public opinion for their own gain is noted as a core danger.

4. State of the Trump Administration and Public Speech

• Trump’s recent public speech: described as unhinged, incoherent, and full of lies, with an excerpt played to illustrate.
  • “One year ago, our country was dead. We were absolutely dead.” – Trump [07:48] (played excerpt)
• Satirical analysis follows:
  • “Think about it. I think it's like 30 minutes of him screaming like that, lying, lying and screaming.” – Political Commentator [08:08]
  • “I came away thinking this was Sundowner Hour on steroids. Anybody who watched this had to think, he's lost his fucking mind.” – Guest Analyst [08:16]

5. Tariffs, the Economy, and Public Perception

• Persistent misuse and public dislike of tariffs are discussed, mocking Trump's insistence and economic confusion.
  • “He sits there and gaslights. He lies about everything. And you know what he's worried about? Because he has to keep saying it. Oh, everybody loves tariffs.” – Guest Analyst [08:46]
• Connection made between economic mismanagement and broader decline of America as a superpower, driven by corrupt intent and billionaire manipulation.
  • “The point of all of this is the suicide of a superpower.” – Political Commentator [09:57]

6. Republican Party Decay & Rise of Authoritarianism

• The party is described as more interested in cruelty and authoritarian power than democracy or public opinion.
  • “This administration is an authoritarian administration. They're going to do what they want. They don't give a about the voter.” – Guest Analyst [14:21]

7. Art, Journalism, and the Power of Portraiture

• Praise for Christopher Anderson, Vanity Fair photographer, and his candid depiction of Trump’s inner circle. Special focus on Stephen Miller’s interaction with Anderson about how to be portrayed.
  • “You know, you have a lot of power in the discretion you use to be kind to people. And I looked at him and I said, you know, you do too.” – Christopher Anderson, recounted by Host [16:31]
• Reflection on how art and journalism can serve as mirrors showing the moral depravity of those in power, and how public derision can be effective resistance.
  • “We have to keep bursting their bubble and stay focused and stay locked in to get us to these midterms, and it has to be too big to rig.” – Political Commentator [17:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Billionaire Influence:
  • “It's so brazenly corrupt and ridiculous.” – Political Commentator [00:54]
• On Corrupt Media:
  • “When you see a Democratic establishment icon, Hillary Clinton on the stage with these people… they're controlling the opposition.” – Political Commentator [04:18]
• On Trump's Mental Fitness:
  • “Anybody who watched this had to think, he's lost his fucking mind. The flight of ideas, the grandiosity.” – Guest Analyst [08:16]
• On Authoritarianism and Public Deceit:
  • “Their faith has been weaponized against them and the gig is up.” – Political Commentator [18:12]
• On Resistance:
  • “We have real people. We have real numbers. So as we all head into this holiday season, remember, the majority of us are good.” – Political Commentator [18:43]

Important Timestamps

• 00:05 – Opening rant on Trump's third-term ambitions and billionaire backers
• 01:41 – Clip: Miriam Adelson endorses “four more years” and offers more money
• 03:46 – Connecting Alan Dershowitz to Trump’s legal maneuvering and Epstein scandal
• 07:22 – Trump’s erratic speech excerpt played
• 08:08 – Hosts’ analysis and mockery of Trump’s speech
• 09:26 – Discussion on tariffs, economic sabotage, and the decline of US global standing
• 11:40 – Critique of mainstream media and messaging problems
• 14:21 – Discussion on authoritarianism, cruelty, and the GOP’s priorities
• 16:09 – Christopher Anderson’s portrait anecdote & reflection on art as resistance
• 18:12 – Urging large-scale activism for upcoming midterms, “too big to rig” rallying call

Tone, Humor, & Engagement

The hosts maintain a sharp, sardonic tone dripping with exasperation, punctuated by humor and vivid metaphors. Both direct sarcasm at political figures and use passionate, rallying language to energize their mostly progressive audience. They pull no punches, referring to Trump as “wholly incompetent,” and his administration as “morally depraved psychopaths.” The show closes on an activist note, encouraging massive turnout and visible resistance: “We have real people. We have real numbers.” [18:43]

Conclusion

Welch and Sullivan present this episode as an urgent, scathing anti-corruption exposé, infusing wit with righteous indignation. Their message: Trump’s third-term ambitions and the billionaire class’s corrupt enabling represent a dangerous crisis for American democracy. They call for vigilance, turnout, and truth-telling to ensure the majority’s will cannot be subverted by oligarchy or authoritarianism.