Detailed Summary of "MAGA Divides Over Iran. Plus, Inside the Crackdown on Student Journalists" – On the Media Podcast, June 20, 2025

Hosted by Brooke Gladstone and Michael Loewinger from WNYC Studios, the Peabody Award-winning podcast "On the Media" delves into the intricate workings of the media landscape. In the episode titled "MAGA Divides Over Iran. Plus, Inside the Crackdown on Student Journalists," released on June 20, 2025, Gladstone and Loewinger explore the fissures within the MAGA movement regarding U.S. intervention in Iran and examine the increasing scrutiny faced by student journalists. This detailed summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. Introduction

The episode begins with a heated exchange between Tucker Carlson and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, highlighting the tension within the Republican Party over foreign policy, specifically concerning Iran. Brooke Gladstone introduces the main themes of the episode: the internal divisions among MAGA hawks and America First advocates over U.S. intervention in Iran, and the escalating challenges faced by student journalists amid political pressures.

2. MAGA Divides Over Iran

a. Internal Rift within the Republican Party

The discussion opens with an examination of the ideological conflict within the Republican Party, particularly between Trump-aligned interventionists and isolationist America Firsters. Tucker Carlson remarks, “The funny thing about a big ideological conflict happening in the Republican Party is that on many issues, Trump is not ideological. Trump is genuinely up for grabs on a lot of foreign policy issues” (00:29).

b. Polling on Trump's Popularity

Gladstone and Loewinger delve into recent polling data indicating a significant drop in Donald Trump’s approval ratings, especially concerning his stance on immigration. CNN data analyst Harry Entin notes, “We have two new polls... How about AP Newark? -16 to -21?” (02:19). This marks Trump's lowest approval in his current term, highlighting a disconnect between his policies and public sentiment.

c. Discussion on Political Violence and Media Narratives

The hosts shift focus to political violence, discussing the misconception perpetuated by MAGA proponents that the left is inherently more violent. Brooke Gladstone cites studies indicating that “murders are more the province of the right” (05:12). The conversation touches upon the portrayal of incidents like the Minnesota shooter, who was a Trump supporter, challenging the narrative that associates political violence predominantly with the left.

d. Foreign Policy Stance and Potential Conflict with Iran

A significant portion of the episode analyzes the Republican divide over potential U.S. military engagement with Iran. Gladstone references an exchange where Don Jr. confronts the futility of America intervening, stating, “We're fully supportive of Israel's war in Gaza. They've gotta do what they've gotta do” (25:48). The uncertainty surrounding Trump's position is highlighted, with Loewinger noting, “Trump does not love the isolationists as much as he enjoys being involved in peace deals and trade negotiations” (27:37).

e. The Role of Influential Figures in Shaping Policy

The episode underscores the influence of key figures like Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump Jr., and JD Vance in steering the MAGA movement’s foreign policy. Carlson expresses skepticism about entering conflicts, stating, “What would be the big deal if China took Taiwan? I don't really see why this is worth threatening World War three over” (25:48). This reflects the America Firsters' prioritization of domestic issues over international entanglements.

3. Inside the Crackdown on Student Journalists

a. Overview of Increased Scrutiny

Shifting focus, the hosts address the heightened scrutiny and challenges faced by student journalists in the United States. Gladstone introduces the case of Alastair Kitchen, an Australian writer denied entry into the U.S. due to his writings on pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University (33:08).

b. Case Studies: Columbia University and UT Dallas

The episode presents detailed accounts of student journalists at Columbia University and the University of Texas at Dallas facing interrogations, visa revocations, and administrative pressures for their reporting. For instance, Georgia Delane from Columbia recounts being accused of trespassing and vandalism for merely covering a peaceful protest, reflecting the administration's crackdown on journalistic freedom (36:05).

At UT Dallas, Gregorio Olivarez Gutierrez narrates his experience leading the campus newspaper, the Mercury. After publishing a special edition highlighting a violent police raid on peaceful student protesters, the administration retaliates by suspending email accounts and threatening the leadership. Gregorio states, “We asked her [the new advisor] what was journalistic malpractice and she did not elaborate” (43:03).

c. Impact of Legislation and Administration Policies

Gladstone and Loewinger discuss the implications of laws like SB 37, which empowers the Board of Regents to establish curriculum and allows for political censorship. This legislative environment creates a hostile atmosphere for student journalists, as evidenced by multiple instances of administrative intimidation and the muffling of dissenting voices.

d. Student Responses and the Rise of Retrograde

In response to administrative suppression, students like Gregorio and his team at UT Dallas establish an independent newspaper, Retrograde. Despite limited resources, Retrograde gains significant traction, achieving over a million views and being recognized by the student government as the official campus paper (48:27). Gregorio asserts, “We ended up getting a large outpouring of support” (48:11).

e. Broader Implications for Student Media

The hosts draw parallels between the struggles of student journalists and the challenges faced by traditional media outlets. The crackdown on student journalism is portrayed as part of a broader trend where institutions prioritize control over free expression. Gregorio emphasizes the importance of independent journalism, stating, “Once you stop doing journalism, people can just act with impunity” (50:42).

4. Conclusion

The episode concludes by highlighting the resilience of student journalists in the face of increasing administrative and political pressures. Gladstone and Loewinger underscore the essential role of independent media in safeguarding democracy and holding power accountable. The internal divisions within the MAGA movement and the struggles of student journalists serve as microcosms of the larger battles over media control, free speech, and political ideology in contemporary America.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "The funny thing about a big ideological conflict happening in the Republican Party is that on many issues, Trump is not ideological. Trump is genuinely up for grabs on a lot of foreign policy issues." — Tucker Carlson (00:29)

• "We have two new polls... How about AP Newark? -16 to -21? Awful, awful, awful. The worst for Donald Trump in this term so far." — Brooke Gladstone (02:38)

• "Political violence is more prevalent in this country." — Tucker Carlson (05:17)

• "What would be the big deal if China took Taiwan? I don't really see why this is worth threatening World War three over." — Tucker Carlson (25:48)

• "Someone has to do it. Because once you stop doing journalism, people can just act with impunity." — Gregorio Olivarez Gutierrez (50:42)

This episode of "On the Media" effectively illuminates the nuanced and often conflicting perspectives within the MAGA movement regarding international intervention, while simultaneously shedding light on the precarious state of student journalism in a polarized political climate. Through in-depth interviews, real-life examples, and incisive analysis, Gladstone and Loewinger provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these pressing issues.