Summary of "The Chris Cuomo Project" Podcast Episode: Reacting to Viewer Comments on Putin and Trump, Red Dye, Steve Bannon & More

Release Date: May 29, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Chris Cuomo Project, host Chris Cuomo, alongside his producer Greg Ott, delves into a variety of listener-comments-driven discussions. Covering topics from international politics and domestic policies to health concerns and cultural phenomena, Cuomo provides his seasoned perspectives shaped by years in journalism.

1. Trump and Putin: Potential Backdoor Deals (02:00 - 04:40)

A listener named Rent the Mess raises concerns about possible undisclosed negotiations between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The caller speculates whether Trump might be leveraging tariffs on Russia in exchange for easing tensions in Ukraine.

Caller 1 (02:00):
"Is Trump working some kind of backdoor deal with Putin, giving Putin a break in some way on tariffs in exchange for Putin giving Trump a break with Ukraine, which will be interesting to watch."

Chris Cuomo addresses these suspicions by highlighting the existing economic sanctions on Russia and the delicate balance the current administration maintains to pressure Putin without overstepping diplomatically. He points out potential conflicts of interest, such as Trump's involvement in cryptocurrency ventures that could benefit him personally.

Chris Cuomo (03:15):
"They’re creating a new club in D.C. for dignitaries and hotshots to come in and they get like special memberships and Trump's going to benefit from it. And they're in Washington to do business with the country. I mean, it's got emoluments written all over it."

Cuomo underscores the importance of transparency and accountability, suggesting that while economic pressure is necessary, it must be executed without personal gain influencing international relations.

2. Political Party Divisions and Governance (04:40 - 07:14)

Another caller, Darren, questions whether the increasing partisanship hampers effective governance. He reflects on Cuomo's previous advocacy for media to focus on governance over partisan games.

Darren (04:40):
"If they actually did their damn job and just governed instead of all these partisan games, would we actually be in a better place? And would your opinion on the parties change at all?"

Chris Cuomo responds by criticizing both major political parties for fostering division over manufactured cultural issues. He asserts that the parties are the root cause of the binary conflict, preventing meaningful bipartisan collaboration.

Chris Cuomo (05:50):
"They are the problem. They are the root of this binary battle to the bottom. The division is almost exclusively manufactured."

Cuomo emphasizes the need to move beyond party lines to address genuine societal challenges, advocating for a more unified political approach.

3. Red Dye and Autism/ADHD Concerns (07:14 - 08:54)

A comment suggests a potential link between red dye in food and conditions like autism and ADHD, urging Cuomo to investigate this connection.

Caller 2 (07:14):
"There's a lot of talk about the autism and ADHD. I don't see anyone linking it to the red dye. It might be something your team wants to look into."

Chris Cuomo acknowledges the concern but admits that the science on red dye's impact is inconclusive. He references ongoing investigations by figures like Bobby Kennedy and advocates for clear, evidence-based information to guide public understanding.

Chris Cuomo (07:36):
"We need straight talk and answers, and we're not getting it right now because the premium is on the controversy."

He calls for critical thinking and transparent communication from authorities to ascertain the validity of such health concerns.

4. Appreciation for Interview Style (08:54 - 11:42)

Listener Jeff from Windsor commends Cuomo's interviewing approach, specifically referencing his session with Steve Bannon.

Jeff (08:54):
"I think you're going to do great. [...] I really appreciate how you do not necessarily get into confrontations with your guests."

Chris Cuomo appreciates the feedback, explaining that while he values confrontational interviews to hold guests accountable, understanding their perspectives is equally important.

Chris Cuomo (09:10):
"Sometimes it's what's not said in response to a question that tells you what you need to know."

Cuomo highlights the balance between challenging guests and seeking deeper insights for the audience's benefit.

5. Immigration and Due Process Commentary (11:42 - 19:21)

Andy from North Bergen, NJ, raises questions about the due process rights of individuals entering the U.S. illegally, referencing a high-profile deportation case involving a "Maryland dad."

Andy (11:42):
"Do they have the right to get due process? I thought that was only within the confines of this country."

Chris Cuomo affirms that everyone physically present in the U.S., regardless of legal status, is entitled to due process under the Constitution. He references Supreme Court decisions to support his stance and criticizes the politicization of individual cases.

Chris Cuomo (12:31):
"Everyone in the country has due process. Everyone who is physically in America or American controlled territory has due process under the Constitution."

Cuomo stresses the importance of adhering to legal standards in immigration cases and the detrimental effects of politicizing due process rights.

6. YouTube Comments on Trump's Third Term and Political Analysis (19:21 - 27:49)

The episode features reactions to YouTube comments regarding rumors of Trump's potential third term. One commenter challenges Cuomo's analysis by questioning the lack of consequences following certain events.

YouTube Commenter (19:21):
"Where are the consequences?"

Chris Cuomo responds by discussing Trump's resilience despite numerous challenges, including impeachments and legal actions. He attributes Trump's sustained support to a disconnect between party elites and the broader electorate.

Chris Cuomo (19:41):
"You are not seen as better. Now how does that fucking feel? The Democrats lost. Trump didn't win."

Cuomo emphasizes that political parties must address the needs of the majority rather than focusing on ideological extremes to prevent losing touch with the electorate.

7. Corporate Tax Rates vs. Tariffs (22:55 - 23:51)

Drawing from a previous interview with James Fishback, a viewer named Brad Boyd suggests that instead of imposing tariffs on consumers, the government should raise corporate tax rates and incentivize domestic production.

Brad Boyd (22:55):
"Instead of tariffing every American, how about raising corporate tax rates, then giving tax breaks to corporations that make their products here good?"

Chris Cuomo agrees with the notion of incentivizing domestic production. He advocates for strategic use of tariffs combined with tax incentives to promote economic growth and job creation within the U.S.

Chris Cuomo (23:08):
"I think it's a good intention. [...] They are part of the mix right now."

Cuomo underscores the importance of a balanced economic policy that supports both trade fairness and domestic industry growth.

8. Sarah Palin and AOC YouTube Comments (23:51 - 25:22)

Comments from viewers Richard M. and Carmen Jones reflect polarized opinions about interviews with former Governor Sarah Palin and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).

Richard M. (23:51):
"Just because you think someone's worldview is smaller than yours doesn't mean you are better or more competent to do the job."

Carmen Jones (25:22):
"AOC may be young, but she's definitely more in touch with what people need."

Chris Cuomo advises maintaining an open mind and understanding differing perspectives to bridge political divides. He encourages listeners to engage with opposing viewpoints to foster constructive dialogue.

Chris Cuomo (25:22):
"It's so important that you fight through your disagreement, you fight through your disgust, you fight through your bias to remain open to understanding better."

Cuomo emphasizes empathy and comprehensive understanding as tools to overcome entrenched political partisanship.

9. Discussion on Aliens and UAPs (27:49 - 33:44)

In a lighter segment, Cuomo engages in a playful yet critical discussion about aliens and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), responding to a comment that suggests his focus on "Trump Derangement Syndrome" (TDS) overshadows other topics.

Greg Ott (27:49):
"Stick to aliens. Your TDS clouds your political vision, so stick to aliens."

Chris Cuomo addresses the topic by emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability in government. He dismisses conspiratorial notions about aliens, attributing the fascination to a lack of governmental transparency.

Chris Cuomo (29:40):
"The issue with UAPs, or UFOs, whatever you want to call them, is transparency for me and not little green men or Area 51."

Cuomo reiterates his focus on factual disclosure and criticizes the sensationalism surrounding extraterrestrial theories.

Conclusion

In this episode, The Chris Cuomo Project offers a comprehensive look at pressing political and social issues through the lens of listener interactions. Chris Cuomo navigates complex topics with a blend of critical analysis and empathetic understanding, advocating for transparency, bipartisan collaboration, and evidence-based discourse. By addressing concerns ranging from international politics to domestic health issues, Cuomo engages his audience in meaningful conversations aimed at fostering a more informed and united society.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments within the episode have been omitted from this summary to focus solely on the substantive content discussed.