Podcast Summary: The Five – "America’s Hockey Heroes At WH Before Trump SOTU"
FOX News Podcasts – February 25, 2026
Overview
This episode of The Five centers on the anticipation and analysis of President Trump's upcoming State of the Union address in his second term, falling during America's 250th year of independence. The hosts—Dana Perino, Kellyanne Conway, Harold Ford Jr., Jesse Watters, and Brian Kilmeade—discuss the President's achievements, policy priorities, the optics of inviting the U.S. gold-medal men's hockey team to the White House, and the divisive decision by many Democrats to boycott the speech. The panel also covers media reaction to Trump’s honoring of “angel families,” updates on a high-profile missing persons case, and the broader themes of patriotism, unity, and political spectacle.
Key Segments & Insights
1. Pre-State of the Union Hype
[00:20–02:37]
- The episode opens with discussion about President Trump pausing his SOTU preparations to meet with the men’s hockey team—an event intended to boost national pride and preview the themes of the evening.
- Trump is set to highlight economic wins, border security, foreign policy victories, and "the best three years on the economy in the nation's history."
- Press Secretary Caroline Levitt previews a speech celebrating both policy accomplishments and “the spirit of 1776,” incorporating stories of American heroism.
“It is America’s 250th. He’s just going to appeal to the pride and patriotism of every America. We want America’s 250th to be for all 350 million Americans...”
—Kellyanne Conway [03:54]
2. What to Expect from the President’s Address
[02:37–07:55]
- Panelists expect a long, detail-heavy speech with “record-setting accomplishments” and announcements intended to win bipartisan applause (e.g., baby bonuses, Maduro's capture).
- Trump will stress achievements like reduced rent, crime, border crossings, and inflation.
“He’s going to announce all of these great metrics, like baby bonuses... How are Democrats going to sit there and not clap at that?”
—Brian Kilmeade [06:15]
3. Economic and Political Perspectives
[07:55–10:28]
- Harold Ford Jr. offers a Democratic perspective, noting economic optimism but cautioning about public sentiment—many Americans remain concerned about affordability and unfulfilled promises on issues like housing and healthcare.
- Agreement across the table: tonight is a critical moment for Trump to reset and appeal broadly ahead of midterms.
“He talks a lot about things, but he doesn’t follow through... He talks about housing prices, lowering them... He’s done nothing on that front.”
—Harold Ford Jr. [08:42]
4. Democrat Boycotts and the Spectacle of Absence
[14:34–22:31]
- Over 70 Democrats plan to boycott the address, with some attending counter-rallies—a move drawing ridicule and concerns about the breakdown of national unity.
- Hosts discuss the optics and political strategy behind the boycott, tying it to small-dollar fundraising and disunity within the Democratic Party.
- Comparison to political traditions: the importance of showing up even when in opposition, contrasted with abstaining "like a game of hooky."
“It is strange to me to run for office and then not want to actually be there to be a part of what is a tradition. You might hate it, you might despise the speech, but you could go.”
—Dana Perino [16:43]
“The modern Democratic Party, everyone... protest, perform, and then post it. And taking a stand is different than making a scene.”
—Kellyanne Conway [22:31]
5. The “Angel Families” and Border Security
[26:10–32:39]
- Discussion on Trump’s high-profile meeting with “angel families”—families of victims of crimes by undocumented immigrants—held at the White House as a counterpoint to media narratives.
- The panel criticizes media outlets for using the phrase “so-called angel moms,” arguing it is dismissive and dehumanizes their loss.
- Broad agreement: policy debates should not overshadow personal stories and national empathy.
“They don’t like to talk about angel moms because it humanizes the issue of illegal immigration. And they don’t want it to be humanized.”
—Brian Kilmeade [28:44]
“We should honor not only these families, but we should honor families… whose kids have been shot by anybody. Shame on anyone for calling this so-called.”
—Harold Ford Jr. [30:17]
6. America’s Hockey Heroes at the White House
[33:05–36:24]
- Detailed segment on the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams’ visit to the White House, with star player Jack Hughes emphasizing the event’s patriotic—not political—nature.
- Hosts praise the humility, humanity, and sportsmanship of the hockey teams, contrasting their attitude with the political grandstanding of lawmakers.
- The celebration is framed as a feel-good, unifying moment for the nation on the eve of SOTU.
“When you get the chance to go to the White House, meet the President, you know, we’re proud to be Americans and you know, that’s so patriotic. So no matter what your views are, we’re super excited to go...”
—Jack Hughes (audio clip) [33:43]
7. What Trump Needs to Deliver
[36:50–38:56]
- Final panel reflections: Trump should enjoy the moment, avoid unnecessary attacks (especially on the Supreme Court), and focus on drawing positive contrasts with Democrats.
- Continuing concerns about affordability, global security (Iran and Ukraine), and political polarization.
- General call for unity and patriotism in this high-visibility “America 250” moment.
“He’s a performer. He understands the stagecraft. He understands the substance and he loves his country and he wants everybody else to love this country in this historic America 250 year.”
—Kellyanne Conway [37:09]
“If you compare President Trump and the economy, immigration, you can go down the list. Energy. The people still trust Republicans and President Trump over the Democrats.”
—Dana Perino [38:01]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On SOTU Boycott:
“I refuse to show up for this fascist. Yes, I’m boycotting. I won’t legitimize him.”
—Mocked Democratic official, as paraphrased by Kellyanne Conway [15:42] -
On Angel Families:
“We should honor every American family, whether your loved one was assassinated or killed by an illegal or an American. God bless those families.”
—Harold Ford Jr. [31:10] -
On Hockey Heroes:
“These young men are the least example of that. USA all the way.”
—Kellyanne Conway [36:07]
Important Timestamps
- [00:20] – Opening, State of the Union preview
- [02:37] – What’s expected from Trump’s speech
- [06:15] – Discussion about bipartisan applause and “baby bonuses”
- [14:34] – Democrat boycott segment begins
- [26:10] – Panel dissects the politics and coverage surrounding “angel families”
- [33:05] – Segment on the U.S. hockey team at the White House
- [36:50] – Closing debate: What President Trump should do in his address
Tone & Style
The episode features a blend of celebratory, combative, and at times, comedic commentary marked by friendly ribbing between panelists and passionate, colloquial language. The discussion is fast-paced and loaded with pointed political analysis, skepticism about Democratic motives, populist language, and repeated themes of unity, patriotism, and presidential legacy.
Summary Utility
This summary provides a clear roadmap of topics discussed, identified key speaker perspectives, highlighted the social and political tensions in play, and pulled the most significant moments for a reader who missed the episode. The summary respects the program's conversational, energetic tone, while distilling critical insights and timestamps for easy navigation.