Louder with Crowder

Episode: The ICE Propaganda Is Getting Out of Control! Don't Fall For It
Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Steven Crowder
Regulars/Guests: Brian, Josh Firestein, Gen Z Commentator (anonymous), Donald Trump (quoted clips)

Episode Overview

Steven Crowder and his crew tackle the issue of media-driven and social media-driven propaganda, especially regarding recent stories about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), Iran, and even dietary changes proposed by politicians. The show’s main purpose is to debunk recent viral videos, narratives, and talking points that Crowder claims are being used to stir outrage and promote misinformation—particularly on the political left—about ICE, police actions, health guidance, and world events. Throughout, they answer audience questions, riff on health/diet culture, critique how stories are framed, and invite debate on “sanctuary cities.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dietary Guidelines & The Food Pyramid

Timestamp: 06:09 – 25:17

• Debunking Old Nutrition Advice:
  • Crowder and crew discuss the recent overhaul of federal dietary guidelines, highlighting a shift away from high carbohydrates/refined grains to emphasize whole foods, protein, and healthy fats.
  • Crowder notes the old food pyramid was largely influenced by industry and lobbyists, resulting in decades of advice to prioritize processed grains and minimize red meat and fats.
  • Quote (Steven Crowder, 07:09):
    “My message is clear. Eat real food... eat whole foods when you’re hungry, until before you’re full. If you do that, you’re probably going to solve 90% of the problems.”
  • Critique of past studies demonizing red meat by conflating unprocessed meats (steak, liver) with processed meats (bologna, pepperoni), leading to “false” associations with cancer and heart disease.
  • Discussion of nutrient deficiencies common in vegetarian/vegan diets (e.g., B12), bioavailability of vitamins in animal products, and personal anecdotes about failed juicing/kale smoothie fads.
  • Quote (Steven Crowder, 13:29):
    “You actually get more nutrition that’s available to your body from high quality meats than most vegetables.”
• Balance & Social Implications:
  • Crowder says the new guidelines are a “good place to start for most people” if you separate processed from unprocessed foods.
  • Recalls lobbying from cereal and processed food industries shaping public policy.
  • Humorously trashes unpopular vegetables (beets, kale, collard greens) for poor taste and questionable health claims.
  • Crowder references his own improved health since abandoning green smoothie diets.
  • The panel notes international variations, e.g., India’s own revision of food guidelines.

2. Sobriety Culture & Alcohol in Society

Timestamp: 16:35 – 25:58

• Discussion on Alcohol Use:
  • Crowder and the team discuss blue zones where moderate alcohol consumption is part of a long, healthy life, contrasting with American binge drinking and prohibition attitudes.
  • Quotes Dr. Oz on the social benefits of alcohol (“at a table, not for breakfast”).
  • Mocks the rise of “sobriety culture” among Gen Z—fewer social outlets, more isolation.
  • Quote (Gen Z Commentator, 21:04):
    “You’re 23 years old, working a corporate job, and you lift weights sometimes. I promise you it’s okay to drink and have fun and go out and make new friends. This sobriety culture really needs to end...”
  • Notes historic studies on cigars and pipes—some forms of tobacco use weren’t associated with increased mortality, possibly because of relaxation/social benefits.
  • Advice: Don’t drink just because you’re young; instead, find a sustainable lifestyle and exercise moderation.

3. Foreign Affairs: Iran, Propaganda, and U.S. Promises

Timestamp: 26:39 – 38:34

• Trump’s Promises & Iran Uprising:
  • Crowder highlights President Trump’s explicit, public promise to support Iranian protestors—a significant departure from standard ambiguity.
  • Explains dangers of making promises to foreign movements (recalling the Kurdish and Hmong betrayals), emphasizing the U.S. must keep its word or lose international trust.
  • Quote (Steven Crowder, 27:19):
    “If you make a promise, you need to keep it... Otherwise, our own allies will cease to trust us.”
  • Analyzes uncertainty surrounding reported Iranian death tolls from protests, and critiques both ends of the political spectrum for either minimizing or exaggerating numbers.
  • Argues that U.S. interests align more directly with Iranian regime change than with Gaza/Palestinian conflicts.
• Media Manipulation:
  • Dissects examples of viral videos and images presented as real Iranian protest footage which were not authentic (e.g., woman lighting cigar—the subject resides in Canada; crowd scenes with helicopter overlays).
  • Quote (Steven Crowder, 41:04):
    “We are in an era... people simply fabricating out of thin air stories that never took place, videos that don’t reflect what actually was happening...”

4. New Media Malpractice & Social Media Propaganda

Timestamp: 41:28 – 43:46

• Issue of Viral Disinformation:
  • Claims both traditional media and “influencers” are distorting facts for clicks—worsening polarization and mob outrage.
  • Warns that emotional videos and posts guide public opinion even when untrue, particularly around ICE, Israel/Iran, and police violence.
  • Crew uses humor and banter to emphasize absurdity/repetition of these patterns.

5. ICE (“Gestapo”) Narrative Debunked

Timestamp: 43:47 – 59:59

• Frequent Claims Debunked:

  • Crowder reviews stories asserting ICE officers are wantonly abusing or killing innocent Americans, and finds they unravel upon scrutiny.
  • CASE 1: Keith Porter Jr. (Los Angeles shooting)
    • Porter was shot by an off-duty ICE agent after repeatedly firing a rifle in public, then allegedly aiming it at the agent.
    • Quote (Steven Crowder, 48:23): “If you're shooting a real gun into the air and are asked to stop and you aim it at said person... what do you think is going to happen?”
  • CASE 2: "ICE rams protestors" in Memphis
    • Viral claims asserted that a trooper drove into protesters. Crowder notes dashcam footage released disproved this; protestors lied and performed for cameras.
    • Panel mocks activists for dishonesty and media for credulity.
  • CASE 3: ICE “randomly” harasses and detains US citizens
    • Viral video claimed a peaceful, compliant American was assaulted and arrested without cause. Panel plays unedited video, revealing subject swearing, resisting, and carrying multiple firearms.
    • Quote (Steven Crowder, 56:24):
      “And there’s your probable cause... you have guns on you, so can we agree that that would be probable cause?”
  • Discusses dubious statistics, noting most citizens detained by ICE are actually interfering with enforcement, not innocents swept up.

• Sanctuary Cities – Invitation to Debate:

  • Discusses Trump’s moves to withhold funding from sanctuary cities that refuse to enforce federal immigration laws, challenging listeners or guests to defend “sanctuary” policies on legal or practical grounds.
    • Quote (Steven Crowder, 59:59): “Can anyone make the case to me as to why a sanctuary city is anything other than by definition a violation of federal law?”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Steven Crowder on Nutrition:
  • “How did steak become the healthiest food in the country? I'd argue it's always been amongst the healthiest foods.” (11:13)
• Banter and Satire:
  • “Your steak’s not supposed to look like... JFK's liver.” (05:36, Crowder ribbing crew over steak-cooking mishaps)
  • On sobriety culture:
    “If you stay in your apartment all the time, how are you going to accidentally call somebody a slur and get into a fight?” (25:58, Brian)
• On the Media’s Failure:
  • “Some of the most viral posts have been flat out fabricated or completely false. It’s time for, I guess, new media malpractice.” (41:04, Crowder)
• On Public Outrage:
  • “I've never seen one where all of the descriptors used are actually accurate.” (52:17, Crowder, regarding viral ICE outrage stories)
• On Law Enforcement:
  • “Can anyone explain to me how that makes sense? And can anyone explain to me how people support [sanctuary cities] when they supported lockdowns of American citizens?” (59:59, Crowder)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 06:09 – 15:08: Food pyramid and recent changes in US dietary guidelines
• 16:35 – 25:58: Alcohol, social habits, and the “sobriety culture” of Gen Z
• 26:39 – 38:34: Iran protests, Trump’s promises, and media/propaganda impact
• 41:28 – 43:46: Disinformation in media and viral video fakery
• 43:47 – 59:59: ICE propaganda, debunking major viral stories, and sanctuary cities

Summary Tone

The episode combines sarcastic humor, rhetorical questions, and direct challenges to “mainstream narratives,” typical of Crowder’s style. The tone is irreverent and combative, with significant time devoted to lampooning viral narratives and critiquing both left-wing activists and media malpractice. Crowder encourages skepticism, fact-checking, and better standards for public debate while inviting genuine counter-arguments on areas like sanctuary cities.