PBD Podcast | Episode 720 Summary

Date: January 19, 2026
Episode Title: Anti-ICE Mob STORMS Church, Trump SLAMS Khamenei, Gaza Peace Board + Jon Stewart For President
Host: Patrick Bet-David (“Pat” or “PBD”)
Guests/Home Team: Tom, Adam, Vinnie, Elon

Overview

This episode of the PBD Podcast unpacks a week full of politically charged events—anti-ICE protests storming a Minnesota church, the Trump administration’s hardline posturing on Iran, friction between Israel and the US over Gaza’s future, and the wild proposition of Jon Stewart’s potential presidential bid. The panel of hosts delivers unfiltered takes, blends breaking news with irreverence, and debates the wide-reaching implications and motives behind recent headlines in American and international politics.

Key Discussion Points

1. Anti-ICE Protest Storms Church – Minnesota (00:00–16:00)

• Incident: Protesters stormed into a St. Paul church where the pastor is employed by ICE, triggering legal and cultural debates.
• The FACE Act: Multiple hosts explain its protection of worshipers’ access. “What they violated was called the FACE Act, which prohibits you stopping people in a house of worship. That's punishable by up to 10 years in prison...” (A, 08:19)
• Hosts' Outrage & Double Standards:
  • Strong criticism of Don Lemon for “facilitating” the protest.
    • “Don Lemon's an activist. He's not a journalist. He's pushing for escalation.” (C, 15:25)
    • “If conservatives did this at a mosque, there would be prosecutions in five seconds. So why isn't there a prosecution against the organizers?” (A, 12:35)
  • Panel decries government inaction and perceived hypocrisy, evoking religious and cultural divides.
  • Notable segment: Discussion of the “Baphomet” plaque at Minnesota’s State Capitol set off critiques of “cultural rot” and spiritual battles (09:29–10:03).
• Clips: Video clip played of pastor confronting Don Lemon: "We're here to worship Jesus. ... Please don't push me." (B, 07:44)

2. National ICE Protests & Media Narratives (16:00–32:00)

• Protests Escalate in Minnesota: Reports of anti-ICE protesters hampering law enforcement—with explicit mention they blocked ICE from arresting a child sex offender.
  • Memorable Quote: "We're here to arrest a child sex offender, and you guys are out here honking... That's who you guys are protecting." (ICE Officer via D, 24:58)
• Media Hypocrisy & “Paid Protests”:
  • Hosts claim social media now amplifies protests and distorts law enforcement’s actions, compared to more favorable Obama-era coverage.
  • “It's the same Tom [Homan], but a different Democratic Party. What's the moral of the story here? ... I don't think there is winning here for Trump.” (B, 19:32)
• Technology & Policing:
  • Law enforcement is more "precise and fast" due to modern tech, but more publicly scrutinized. (A, 29:00)
• Broader Cultural Worries:
  • Discussion turns dire regarding American “ideological sickness” and inversion of good and evil; hosts blame leftist ideology for normalizing attacks on law enforcement and Christians. (C/D, 30:43–31:58)

3. "Hit Piece" on Trump Backfires—Polling & Political Strategy (32:00–39:00)

• The Wall Street Journal publishes a critical article on Trump; polling within the article shows voters prefer Republicans across key issues—including economy, immigration, and border security.
• Memorable Exchange:
  • PBD: “So hit piece ended up becoming an endorsement. So I guess Trump is probably saying thank you, Wall Street Journal…” (B, 03:28)
  • Tom: “[Trump’s] approval rating among Republicans. All time high, first administration.” (A, 36:41)
• Electoral Forecast:
  • Panel predicts Republicans likely to lose the House in the next midterms but not face a "blue wave." (A, 37:53–38:05)
• Online “Noise” is Irrelevant:
  • "That means the noise online, nobody in America is following that. Means it's just purely noise, if you think about it." (B, 36:56)

4. Deep Frustration with GOP “Inaction” (39:00–44:00)

• Hosts Demand Action:
  • “Enough of this nonsense... No, no, do something. What is Pam Bondi actually doing? What are they doing?” (D, 39:48)
  • Repeated calls for real consequences and accountability for political opposition, not just “referrals” and “investigations.”
• Contrast with Left’s Tactics:
  • Left seen as “using government to go after political opponents.” (C, 43:19)
  • “Both sides are wanting to see arrests is what you’re saying?” (B, 43:14)

5. Gender, Tone & Electoral Appeal (45:00–51:00)

• Adam pivots: To win elections, Republicans must consider their tone, especially with women voters, who vote in higher percentages.
  • “Sometimes the way you say things does matter, especially when you're trying to win elections and it's one or two points.” (E, 47:14)
• Vinny counters: Voters prefer strong, decisive (Trumpian) leadership, not softened messages. (D, 48:09–49:17)

6. Trump's Evolving Style & Democratic Communication Strategy (51:00–53:00)

• Hosts analyze how Trump is “tough but gentler” post-presidency, learning from past battles.
  • "He is definitely a lot more gentler and a lot more smoother than he was 10 years ago. No question about it." (B, 50:19)
• Dems are lauded for their ability to “make a problem that’s a three seem like a nine.” (B, 51:07)

7. Iran: Leadership Crisis, Trump’s Dilemma (53:00–66:30)

• Background:
  • Massive unrest, thousands reportedly killed, internet down for weeks in Iran.
  • Trump vacillated: Talked tough about military action “if Iran cracks down on protesters” but ultimately exercised restraint amidst international (including Israeli and Gulf allies) concern.
• Reza Pahlavi lobbying Trump to follow through on threats; hosts highlight regime brutality.
  • Quote: “The man is a sick man who should run his country properly and stop the killing people.” (Trump via B, 54:06)
  • “If Trump does not take action after the words he spoke, ... it'll be perceived as a massive betrayal.” (C, 55:50)
• Hesitation Explained:
  • No clear alternative leader in Iran; fear of deeper destabilization; allies pressing for caution.
    • Tom: “You pulled back on the attack. ... So I understand the lobbying ... but ... he said he was going to be there, and now he's kind of pulled back, and I worry that he's in a bit of a spot.” (A, 60:08)
• Money Flow & Protest:
  • “Money is being moved” out of Iran by regime insiders—a potential signal of regime unease. (B, 64:28)
• Global Iranian Solidarity:
  • 100,000 protest in snow in Canada in support of Iranian freedom—framed as evidence of authentic protest vs. “paid” movements in the US. (B/E, 66:11)

8. Gaza Peace Board & Israel’s Exclusion (70:34–82:39)

• US Announces Gaza “Executive Committee”:
  • Israel expresses “rare criticism” over not being formally included in plans for Gaza’s post-war governance.
• Panel Analysis:
  • Elon: “There has to be an opportunity for the Palestinians to have some form of self-determination where Israel isn't involved while maintaining security for Israel. ... Real long-term solution: re-education and opportunity for coexistence.” (C, 70:34–80:07)
  • Adam: “No democratic leader has been elected more times than [Netanyahu]… so they will have to sign off on what happens [in Gaza].” (E, 71:56)
  • Tom: “The Board of Peace needs to include an Israeli formally.” (A, 75:07)
• Debate: Palestinian Autonomy vs. Security
  • Elon: “Coexistence is possible; the world holds Palestinians to a low standard by ignoring accountability for peace.” (C, 81:06–82:39)
  • Adam/Elon: “If Gaza had elections today, Hamas would win—a reality check for peace processes.” (E, 80:10)
  • Vinnie: “If you're going to take over, you got to get rid of everybody... otherwise, someone will do something bad.” (D, 78:09)

9. Tariffs Showdown: Greenland, Supreme Court & Economic Gamesmanship (83:28–107:15)

• Trump Slaps 10% Tariffs on Denmarks & EU Nations for opposing US acquisition of Greenland; EU threatens $93B retaliatory tariffs.
• Panel Explains High Stakes:
  • Tom: “Greenland is strategically important... Trump is likely leveraging tariffs as part of negotiation rather than literal conquest.” (A, 85:23–87:03)
  • PBD: “Is this too much? ... You're strong-arming, using tariffs to... corner somebody, to force them to give you something? Is this too much?” (B, 89:40–91:29)
  • Elon: “Trump usually does something… overboard to get a strong response so that when you settle… it feels like a concession on both parts.” (C, 91:29)
  • Memorable (humorous) moment: “This is why the population of Greenland's about to skyrocket [referring to a viral Miss Greenland video].” (C/D, 89:26)
• Legal Risks:
  • If the Supreme Court overturns tariffs, the US could lose the ability to deploy this critical economic weapon—33–37% likelihood per betting markets. (B, 94:12–97:45)
  • “If Supreme Court rules against tariffs, that is night and day strategic… it's like saying you have a military, you want to attack the enemy… and the Supreme Court says you can't use the tanks.” (B, 94:57)
• Tariff Revenue:
  • $264B collected—possibly at risk depending on court verdicts. (B/A, 99:03–99:05)
• Panel Deplores Executive Weakness:
  • PBD compares hand-tying by Supreme Court to a CEO being micro-managed—“You have to allow him. ... If it's a horrible decision, then the market will react.” (B, 105:36–106:24)

10. Jon Stewart 2028: Serious Presidential Chatter? (111:55–132:48)

• Stewart’s Response:
  • Jon Stewart “doesn’t exactly say no” to a 2028 run, joking about being an “effort candidate.” (B, 113:08)
• Panel Reaction:
  • Vinny: “He went from telling jokes to becoming one. ... This whole Trump Hitler thing—coming from a Jewish guy, you sound like a moron, Jon.” (D, 114:09)
  • PBD: “He is a very formidable candidate… if the choice is Newsom, Kamala, Whitmer, Pritzker, or Stewart, I’d probably put Shapiro first... then maybe Stewart.” (B, 119:17)
  • Elon: “He’ll have massive appeal with independents... He’s charismatic… authentic… He’s got mainstream, independent appeal.” (C, 125:03)
  • Adam: “Chances of this liberal bubble, five foot six, Jewish complainy guy winning anything is not simple.” (E, 129:12)
• Strategic Odds Discussion:
  • PBD: “I would dump $10k on Stewart and Stephen A. [Smith] and see what happens.” (B, 120:04)
  • Tom: “You'd be wagering 2 cents to win 95 cents... 49 to 1 odds.” (A, 121:00)
• Theme: Democratic bench is weak, and celebrities might try to cross into politics, echoing the path of Trump or Arnold Schwarzenegger.

11. Mortgage Rates, Market, & Real Estate Advice (132:48–137:11)

• Mortgage rates dip to lowest in three years after Trump directs Fannie/Freddie to buy $200B mortgage bonds.
• Tom: “This is definitely going to help people put more dollars in their pockets and reduce monthly payments that bought homes two years ago.” (A, 133:56)
• Adam: “People buy homes, people don't buy headlines... If you're not staying for 7–10 years and have a stable income, probably just rent.” (E, 136:02)
• Elon: “If your intention is to buy to stay in the home and to live there, it's never a bad decision. From an investment standpoint, it's a little risky right now.” (C, 136:44)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On culture wars & protest escalation:
  • “Conservatives just don’t do this kind of thing... the left does not live by those standards. They will take action and then the second anything happens in return, they have their martyr, they have their story.” (C, 15:25–16:29)
• On ICE tactics:
  • “ICE is faster and more precise with people they are picking out today than they were ten years ago because the technology is better...” (A, 29:00)
• On Jon Stewart 2028:
  • “Jon Stewart has had his little, you know, dancing, little monkey, little thing got going on. But it's great for a segment. We're having fun.” (E, 129:27)
  • “He’s charismatic… authentic… He’s got mainstream, independent appeal.” (C, 125:03)
• On Supreme Court and tariffs:
  • “If Supreme Court rules against tariffs... that's like saying you got a military, you want to attack the enemy… and the Supreme Court says you can’t use the tanks.” (B, 94:57)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 0:00–16:00 — Anti-ICE Protest at MN Church, Face Act, Don Lemon
• 16:00–32:00 — Media, ICE Protests, Policing Under Scrutiny
• 32:00–39:00 — Trump Polls, WSJ “Hit Piece,” Public Perception
• 39:00–44:00 — Calls for GOP Action, Political Double Standards
• 45:00–51:00 — Women Voters, Political Messaging
• 53:00–66:30 — Iran Protests, Trump’s Calculus, Regime Destabilization
• 70:34–82:39 — Gaza “Peace Board,” Israel Excluded, Regional Politics
• 83:28–107:15 — Tariffs, Greenland, Supreme Court Stakes
• 111:55–132:48 — Jon Stewart for President, Odds & Panel Debate
• 132:48–137:11 — Mortgage Market, Real Estate Analysis
• 137:11–End — Sports Banter/Show Wrap

Tone & Style

• Tone: Unfiltered, energetic, irreverent; mix of outrage, comedy, and earnest political concern.
• Style: Panelists freely rib each other and jump between hard news analysis and humor, maintaining a spontaneous, conversational flow.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

Expect heated, in-depth conversation about religion, law enforcement, media spin, US global strategy, and the next era of political celebrities. The show is the home for hardline views, political impatience, and blunt talk—sometimes abrasive, sometimes comical, always loud. While major stories are covered, the value lies in the hosts’ passionate responses and their finger on the pulse of culture-war America.