Podcast Summary: "Commander-In-Culture" Episode of The Five
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Hosts:
- Dana Perino
- Emily Compagno
- Joey Jones
- Greg Gutfeld
1. Introduction to the Episode
The episode kicks off with Dana Perino introducing the main topic: President Trump's engagement in cultural affairs, particularly his role in hosting the Kennedy Center Honors. The hosts set the stage for a deep dive into how Trump's involvement signifies a "golden age of cultural dominance" for Republicans.
2. Kennedy Center Honors and Trump's Cultural Influence
Key Discussion Points:
- Trump Hosting the Honors: President Trump is set to host the Kennedy Center Honors, aiming to elevate Republican influence in cultural spheres.
- Honorees Announced: Notable figures such as George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and Kiss are highlighted as this year's honorees.
Notable Quotes:
- Dana Perino [00:33]: "President Trump at the Kennedy center in D.C. today as he ushers in a golden age of cultural dominance for Republicans."
- Joey Jones [01:16]: "The most prestigious awards in the performing arts."
- Emily Compagno [02:18]: "This just kind of a Soviet... Feel to it, a Stalinist feel to it."
Insights:
- Cultural Shift: The hosts discuss how Trump's active participation in cultural events is unprecedented since FDR, emphasizing his significant impact on both culture and politics.
- Criticism of Left's Response: Emily Compagno draws parallels between Trump's actions and authoritarian regimes, expressing concern over potential cultural purges.
3. Trump's Cultural Policies and Public Reaction
Key Discussion Points:
- Drag Queen Story Hour vs. UFC Fight: The hosts contrast the left's support for events like Drag Queen Story Hour with Trump's proposed UFC match at the White House, highlighting differing approaches to cultural engagement.
- Cultural Dominance Narratives: Emily Compagno and Greg Gutfeld argue that Trump's policies are more aligned with common sense and resonate better with the general American populace compared to progressive initiatives.
Notable Quotes:
- Emily Compagno [05:05]: "Now do you understand why you're so completely effed?"
- Greg Gutfeld [04:05]: "I love him. You know what else I'm excited for is the UFC match that's gonna take place on July 4th at the White House."
Insights:
- Public Sentiment: The discussion suggests that Trump's initiatives, such as the UFC fight, are poised to garner higher public approval compared to progressive cultural programs.
- Media Critique: The hosts criticize the media's portrayal of Trump's actions, labeling it as hypocritical and out of touch with mainstream American values.
4. DC Crime Crackdown and Its Implications
Key Discussion Points:
- National Guard Deployment: President Trump has intensified his crackdown on crime in Washington D.C., involving the National Guard to patrol neighborhoods.
- Mayor Bowser's Opposition: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser criticizes the crackdown, emphasizing the need to protect the city's autonomy and advocating for Democratic control.
Notable Quotes:
- Emily Compagno [11:45]: "We're going to be essentially crime free. This is going to be a beacon."
- Joey Jones [12:47]: "Authoritarian."
- Dana Perino [17:19]: "I know this is happening one and she's trying to figure out, okay, how do we get to the other side of this in a way that is better for the city?"
Insights:
- Polarized Reactions: The crackdown has sparked significant debate, with Republicans viewing it as a necessary step towards safety, while Democrats see it as authoritarian overreach.
- Impact on Elections: The hosts discuss how these actions may influence upcoming elections, particularly in shaping public opinion towards law enforcement and governance.
5. Election Dynamics in New York City
Key Discussion Points:
- Mayoral Race: The conversation shifts to New York City's mayoral race, focusing on Democrat socialist candidate Zoran Mamdani's campaign against establishment figures like Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams.
- Vote Splitting: The hosts argue that vote splitting among progressive candidates is facilitating Mamdani's strong polling numbers.
Notable Quotes:
- Joey Jones [26:17]: "He's polling in the 40s. Everyone else is in the 20s or lower."
- Greg Gutfeld [27:54]: "The most frightening thing about him is his anti Semitism."
Insights:
- Concern Over Policies: The hosts express concern over Mamdani's proposed policies, such as city-run grocery stores, and their potential failures based on past implementations.
- Call for Unification: There is a strong call for progressive candidates to consolidate their efforts to prevent Mamdani's rise and maintain Republican influence in the city's governance.
6. Critique of Democratic Representatives on Immigration
Key Discussion Points:
- Personal Backgrounds: The hosts criticize Democratic representatives like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib for their stances on immigration, accusing them of betraying American values despite their immigrant backgrounds.
- Immigration Policies: They argue that these representatives undermine ICE and advocate for policies that the hosts deem harmful to national security and societal cohesion.
Notable Quotes:
- Emily Compagno [32:34]: "The Democrat who brags she's Guatemalan before American is back to smear ICE as terrorists."
- Joey Jones [36:23]: "These people are disgusting. They make me absolutely sick."
Insights:
- Cultural Identity: The discussion highlights tensions within the Democratic Party regarding national identity and immigration, with the hosts asserting that certain representatives prioritize their cultural or national backgrounds over American loyalty.
- Policy Implications: The hosts argue that the representatives' anti-ICE rhetoric contributes to increased challenges in immigration enforcement and national security.
7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about AOL shutting down its dial-up service, reflecting on nostalgic aspects of internet history. The hosts briefly touch upon various topics before signing off, maintaining the episode's energetic and opinionated tone.
Conclusion
In this episode of The Five, the hosts provide a robust discussion on President Trump's expanding role in cultural affairs, his administration's crackdowns on crime in D.C., and the dynamics of current political races. Through a blend of analysis and pointed commentary, they emphasize a Republican vision of cultural and societal order, critiquing Democratic approaches as ineffective and out of touch. Notable quotes throughout the episode underscore the hosts' perspectives on authoritarianism, cultural dominance, and the importance of unifying political strategies to counteract progressive agendas.