TOMI LAHREN: MINNEAPOLIS AND DEARBORN ARE JUST THE BEGINNING

Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels
Episode: TOMI LAHREN: MINNEAPOLIS AND DEARBORN ARE JUST THE BEGINNING
Release Date: December 7, 2025
Guest: Tomi Lahren

Episode Overview

In this charged and fast-paced episode, host Jillian Michaels sits down with conservative commentator Tomi Lahren for a far-reaching discussion about contemporary political flashpoints in America. The conversation covers the fallout from Minnesota’s billion-dollar fraud scandal involving Somali-run nonprofits, the complexities of mass immigration and assimilation, debates over national security and the “Death to America” chants in Dearborn, Michigan, and challenges facing the Republican Party in increasingly competitive “red” districts. Throughout, Lahren and Michaels tackle themes of crime, public safety, accusations of racism, and the need for political courage in contentious times.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee Special Election and Republican Prospects (01:46–08:14)

Tomi reflects on the recent special election in Nashville where Republican Matt Van Epps won, but by a much slimmer margin than Trump had previously—a 9-point win vs. Trump’s 20+.
She expresses concern about GOP complacency and lackluster ground campaigns.
Lahren’s Warning: “Next year, if Republicans play the game that they played in Tennessee, we are going to get shellacked. It’s going to be a red wedding for the GOP.” (03:23)
Points to grassroots apathy, “milquetoast” candidates, and misplaced faith in Trump’s coattails as critical vulnerabilities for Republicans in future elections.

2. The Minnesota Fraud Scandal & Political Hesitancy (08:14–15:20)

Discussion pivots to the $1 billion fraud involving Somali-run nonprofits in Minnesota.
Michaels and Lahren detail the allegations, including aid intended for children being diverted to luxury purchases and overseas real estate.
Explores the reluctance of state officials, specifically Democrats, to robustly investigate these issues for fear of racism accusations.
Quote: “Can you imagine all the things that we could get done to better this country…if people weren’t afraid of being called racists?” —Tomi Lahren (13:55)
Cites New York Times reporting that officials fear backlash from a key voting bloc (the Somali community) and political peril in pursuing aggressive scrutiny.

3. Assimilation, "Imported Populations," and National Security (10:33–20:52)

Tomi claims politicians are elected by “imported” communities:
“I don’t think Minnesota voted for Ilhan Omar; I think Somalia did, because they imported Somalia to Minnesota.” (10:33)
Michaels highlights connections in fraud allegations to terror groups like Al Shabaab.
They critique “suicidal empathy,” suggesting it impedes tough but necessary decisions on border integrity and deportations.
Policy discussion around Trump’s intent to review green cards from high-risk countries and terminate certain temporary permissions for Somali nationals.
Lahren’s take: “Mass deportations. All the people that came here under Joe Biden, in my opinion, they need to leave.” (18:27)

4. The Dearborn Incident and Racism as a Deflection (15:48–18:08)

Discusses footage of “Death to America” chants at a Dearborn, MI, rally and Rashida Tlaib’s refusal to answer questions—labeling press inquiries as racist.
Quote: “Nobody can address any of this because you’re racist.” —Jillian Michaels (17:24)
Critique of how accusations of racism or bigotry shut down dialogue on challenging topics, thereby stymying constructive debate and solutions.

5. Refugees, Assimilation Challenges, and American Identity (22:14–32:23)

Jillian shares her experience working with the UN Refugee Agency, noting the robust vetting system for refugees—but illustrates shortcomings using the example of an Afghan national who, vetted and brought over after assisting the U.S., later shot two National Guardsmen.
Tomi argues relocating individuals from war-torn or culturally dissimilar countries creates additional risks:
- “If you take somebody from Afghanistan and you drop them in the Pacific Northwest, they know nothing of that culture… It’s easy to become radicalized, it’s easy to become jaded and disgruntled.” (26:41)
Both discuss why even other Muslim-majority countries (e.g., Egypt, Jordan) are reluctant to absorb Palestinian refugees—cultural, economic, and security reasons.

6. The “Racism” Label and Its Political Effects (28:41–32:23)

Michaels, as a gay woman with a Black child, discusses being called a racist for advocating secure borders, noting diversity within conservative circles.
Argues conservative critique is more about shared American values than identity politics.
Tomi draws lines between fundamentalist Islam and “incompatible” American values, expressing concern about Sharia law and social practices being imported.
Frustration at “double standards” in global immigration policy, especially regarding Westerners’ rights abroad versus what’s tolerated in the U.S.

7. Empathy vs. National Interest: Immigrants’ Perspective (33:39–36:48)

Plays a video of a Somali-American pre-med student speaking about feeling unfairly burdened as a scapegoat and pressured to explain her community.
Lahren acknowledges gray areas and the need for empathy, but maintains national interest should come first:
- “If you come into this country and you want to better it and…be an American and you love this country, then I think if you can contribute that, we welcome you here. But…why are we expected to take on that burden?” (35:03)
Example: Challenges around language barriers in schools, resource drain, and resulting resentment, even among communities of color.

8. Crime, Recidivism, and the Effects on Women (36:48–45:50)

Spotlight on rising crime rates and stories of repeat offenders (both immigrant and American) being released by “blue cities.”
Personal anecdotes: Jillian’s own brother’s changing views after crime affects him directly.
Discussion of the impact on women:
- “When you don't have public safety, the people that are most vulnerable are women and children. But women are the ones going to bear the brunt.” —Tomi Lahren (44:19)
Lahren laments liberal women voting for policies that, in her view, ultimately harm them.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Critique of Political Hesitancy:
“Can you imagine all the things that we could get done to better this country…if people weren’t afraid of being called racists?”
—Tomi Lahren (13:55)
On GOP Complacency:
“Next year, if Republicans play the game that they played in Tennessee, we are going to get shellacked. It’s going to be a red wedding for the GOP.”
—Tomi Lahren (03:23)
On Assimilation and Identity:
“I don’t think Minnesota voted for Ilhan Omar; I think Somalia did, because they imported Somalia to Minnesota.”
—Tomi Lahren (10:33)
On Mass Deportations:
“Mass deportations. All the people that came here under Joe Biden, in my opinion, they need to leave. … We’re full. We have to take care of America first. So that’s the first step, mass deportations.”
—Tomi Lahren (18:27)
On Progressivism and Safety:
“Excuse me, you can’t coexist with people who hate you and want to kill you. So again, yeah, they are sacrificing women.”
—Tomi Lahren (45:34)

Important Timestamps

01:46 — Tomi Lahren joins and discusses Tennessee’s special election
03:23 — Lahren warns of GOP complacency
08:36 — Overview of Minnesota fraud allegations
13:55 — Lahren on the chilling effect of racism accusations in public policy
16:55 — Footage of "Death to America" chants in Dearborn discussed
18:27 — Lahren advocates mass deportations and the rationale behind it
26:41 — Challenges of assimilation and risks with refugees and migrants
33:39 — Somali-American student speaks out about being scapegoated
35:03 — Debate on empathy vs. national interest, Lahren’s stance
39:32 — Busing of migrants and the impact on liberal enclaves
44:19 — Effects of crime and voting patterns on women

Tone & Style Observations

The tone is unflinchingly direct, passionate, at times exasperated, and marked by both personal anecdotes and data-driven debate. Tomi Lahren’s blunt candor is matched by Jillian Michaels’ willingness to probe, share her own experiences, and challenge both liberal and conservative talking points. The conversation moves swiftly through current events, deeper policy issues, and personal stories, ensuring a fast-paced, provocative listen for politically engaged audiences.

Where to Find More

Tomi Lahren: “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” on Outkick & YouTube; Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show
Jillian Michaels: Keeping It Real podcast and socials

End of Summary

Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels
Episode: TOMI LAHREN: MINNEAPOLIS AND DEARBORN ARE JUST THE BEGINNING
Release Date: December 7, 2025
Guest: Tomi Lahren

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee Special Election and Republican Prospects (01:46–08:14)

Tomi reflects on the recent special election in Nashville where Republican Matt Van Epps won, but by a much slimmer margin than Trump had previously—a 9-point win vs. Trump’s 20+.
She expresses concern about GOP complacency and lackluster ground campaigns.
Lahren’s Warning: “Next year, if Republicans play the game that they played in Tennessee, we are going to get shellacked. It’s going to be a red wedding for the GOP.” (03:23)
Points to grassroots apathy, “milquetoast” candidates, and misplaced faith in Trump’s coattails as critical vulnerabilities for Republicans in future elections.

2. The Minnesota Fraud Scandal & Political Hesitancy (08:14–15:20)

Discussion pivots to the $1 billion fraud involving Somali-run nonprofits in Minnesota.
Michaels and Lahren detail the allegations, including aid intended for children being diverted to luxury purchases and overseas real estate.
Explores the reluctance of state officials, specifically Democrats, to robustly investigate these issues for fear of racism accusations.
Quote: “Can you imagine all the things that we could get done to better this country…if people weren’t afraid of being called racists?” —Tomi Lahren (13:55)
Cites New York Times reporting that officials fear backlash from a key voting bloc (the Somali community) and political peril in pursuing aggressive scrutiny.

3. Assimilation, "Imported Populations," and National Security (10:33–20:52)

Tomi claims politicians are elected by “imported” communities:
“I don’t think Minnesota voted for Ilhan Omar; I think Somalia did, because they imported Somalia to Minnesota.” (10:33)
Michaels highlights connections in fraud allegations to terror groups like Al Shabaab.
They critique “suicidal empathy,” suggesting it impedes tough but necessary decisions on border integrity and deportations.
Policy discussion around Trump’s intent to review green cards from high-risk countries and terminate certain temporary permissions for Somali nationals.
Lahren’s take: “Mass deportations. All the people that came here under Joe Biden, in my opinion, they need to leave.” (18:27)

4. The Dearborn Incident and Racism as a Deflection (15:48–18:08)

Discusses footage of “Death to America” chants at a Dearborn, MI, rally and Rashida Tlaib’s refusal to answer questions—labeling press inquiries as racist.
Quote: “Nobody can address any of this because you’re racist.” —Jillian Michaels (17:24)
Critique of how accusations of racism or bigotry shut down dialogue on challenging topics, thereby stymying constructive debate and solutions.

5. Refugees, Assimilation Challenges, and American Identity (22:14–32:23)

Jillian shares her experience working with the UN Refugee Agency, noting the robust vetting system for refugees—but illustrates shortcomings using the example of an Afghan national who, vetted and brought over after assisting the U.S., later shot two National Guardsmen.
Tomi argues relocating individuals from war-torn or culturally dissimilar countries creates additional risks:
- “If you take somebody from Afghanistan and you drop them in the Pacific Northwest, they know nothing of that culture… It’s easy to become radicalized, it’s easy to become jaded and disgruntled.” (26:41)
Both discuss why even other Muslim-majority countries (e.g., Egypt, Jordan) are reluctant to absorb Palestinian refugees—cultural, economic, and security reasons.

6. The “Racism” Label and Its Political Effects (28:41–32:23)

Michaels, as a gay woman with a Black child, discusses being called a racist for advocating secure borders, noting diversity within conservative circles.
Argues conservative critique is more about shared American values than identity politics.
Tomi draws lines between fundamentalist Islam and “incompatible” American values, expressing concern about Sharia law and social practices being imported.
Frustration at “double standards” in global immigration policy, especially regarding Westerners’ rights abroad versus what’s tolerated in the U.S.

7. Empathy vs. National Interest: Immigrants’ Perspective (33:39–36:48)

Plays a video of a Somali-American pre-med student speaking about feeling unfairly burdened as a scapegoat and pressured to explain her community.
Lahren acknowledges gray areas and the need for empathy, but maintains national interest should come first:
- “If you come into this country and you want to better it and…be an American and you love this country, then I think if you can contribute that, we welcome you here. But…why are we expected to take on that burden?” (35:03)
Example: Challenges around language barriers in schools, resource drain, and resulting resentment, even among communities of color.

8. Crime, Recidivism, and the Effects on Women (36:48–45:50)

Spotlight on rising crime rates and stories of repeat offenders (both immigrant and American) being released by “blue cities.”
Personal anecdotes: Jillian’s own brother’s changing views after crime affects him directly.
Discussion of the impact on women:
- “When you don't have public safety, the people that are most vulnerable are women and children. But women are the ones going to bear the brunt.” —Tomi Lahren (44:19)
Lahren laments liberal women voting for policies that, in her view, ultimately harm them.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Critique of Political Hesitancy:
“Can you imagine all the things that we could get done to better this country…if people weren’t afraid of being called racists?”
—Tomi Lahren (13:55)
On GOP Complacency:
“Next year, if Republicans play the game that they played in Tennessee, we are going to get shellacked. It’s going to be a red wedding for the GOP.”
—Tomi Lahren (03:23)
On Assimilation and Identity:
“I don’t think Minnesota voted for Ilhan Omar; I think Somalia did, because they imported Somalia to Minnesota.”
—Tomi Lahren (10:33)
On Mass Deportations:
“Mass deportations. All the people that came here under Joe Biden, in my opinion, they need to leave. … We’re full. We have to take care of America first. So that’s the first step, mass deportations.”
—Tomi Lahren (18:27)
On Progressivism and Safety:
“Excuse me, you can’t coexist with people who hate you and want to kill you. So again, yeah, they are sacrificing women.”
—Tomi Lahren (45:34)

Important Timestamps

01:46 — Tomi Lahren joins and discusses Tennessee’s special election
03:23 — Lahren warns of GOP complacency
08:36 — Overview of Minnesota fraud allegations
13:55 — Lahren on the chilling effect of racism accusations in public policy
16:55 — Footage of "Death to America" chants in Dearborn discussed
18:27 — Lahren advocates mass deportations and the rationale behind it
26:41 — Challenges of assimilation and risks with refugees and migrants
33:39 — Somali-American student speaks out about being scapegoated
35:03 — Debate on empathy vs. national interest, Lahren’s stance
39:32 — Busing of migrants and the impact on liberal enclaves
44:19 — Effects of crime and voting patterns on women

Tone & Style Observations

Where to Find More

Tomi Lahren: “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” on Outkick & YouTube; Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show
Jillian Michaels: Keeping It Real podcast and socials

End of Summary

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee Special Election and Republican Prospects (01:46–08:14)

2. The Minnesota Fraud Scandal & Political Hesitancy (08:14–15:20)

3. Assimilation, "Imported Populations," and National Security (10:33–20:52)

4. The Dearborn Incident and Racism as a Deflection (15:48–18:08)

5. Refugees, Assimilation Challenges, and American Identity (22:14–32:23)

6. The “Racism” Label and Its Political Effects (28:41–32:23)

7. Empathy vs. National Interest: Immigrants’ Perspective (33:39–36:48)

8. Crime, Recidivism, and the Effects on Women (36:48–45:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone & Style Observations

Where to Find More

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee Special Election and Republican Prospects (01:46–08:14)

2. The Minnesota Fraud Scandal & Political Hesitancy (08:14–15:20)

3. Assimilation, "Imported Populations," and National Security (10:33–20:52)

4. The Dearborn Incident and Racism as a Deflection (15:48–18:08)

5. Refugees, Assimilation Challenges, and American Identity (22:14–32:23)

6. The “Racism” Label and Its Political Effects (28:41–32:23)

7. Empathy vs. National Interest: Immigrants’ Perspective (33:39–36:48)

8. Crime, Recidivism, and the Effects on Women (36:48–45:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone & Style Observations

Where to Find More