Podcast Summary: The Five — "Dazzling Davos"

Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Sandra Smith
Panelists: Kayleigh McEnany, Harold Ford Jr., Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Five" dives into President Trump’s headline-grabbing visit to Davos, including the debut of the “Board of Peace” initiative and a high-profile clash with California Governor Gavin Newsom. The panel unpacks the political theater at the World Economic Forum, shifting American and Democratic Party priorities, the arrest of “anti-ICE agitators” in St. Paul, Michelle Obama dismissing the idea of a Barack Obama third term, and Democratic Socialism’s ascent. The show maintains its usual blend of sharp-tongued debate, humor, and culture commentary.

Davos Drama: Trump, Newsom & The “Board of Peace”

[00:35–11:34]

Key Discussion Points

• President Trump returns from Davos after touting deals and unveiling the “Board of Peace” framework.
• Governor Gavin Newsom accuses Trump of trying to “freeze him out” of speaking at the event, leading to on-stage barbs and a campaign-style speech from Newsom.
• The panel debates: Did Newsom come off as a serious leader or a headline-chaser?
• Trump’s “classy” public remarks about Newsom versus Newsom’s use of props and biting rhetoric.

Notable Quotes

• Gavin Newsom:
  "They made sure it was canceled. And that's what's happening in the United States of America. Freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech. It's America in reverse." (01:16)
• Jesse Watters:
  "He can't hold room. He always has to be bird dogging some opposition to get press...He spoke for, like, almost 30 minutes. Didn't mention Arctic security or Greenland or minerals or Ukraine. Didn't mention a thing that was serious." (02:56)
• Greg Gutfeld:
  "Wherever Trump goes, wherever that place is, is kind of rendered permanently different. Sometimes even irrelevant...Davos falls into that same pattern. It looks like another small town leveled by the orange tornado." (08:44)

Memorable Moments

• Panelists riff on Newsom’s use of props for a “gay oral sex joke” and contrast his behavior unfavorably with Trump’s.
• Greg’s analogy: Trump is the “pit bull,” Newsom is the “poodle.”

St. Paul Church Protest & ICE: Law, Order, and Public Backlash

[12:19–23:42]

Key Discussion Points

• The arrest of three alleged organizers after the storming of a St. Paul church: Nakima Armstrong, William Kelly, Chantel Allen—charged under the FACE Act.
• Debates over “performative” protest tactics, funding for activists, and local officials' cooperation (or lack thereof) with federal ICE agents.
• Vice President J.D. Vance visits Minnesota to support ICE, contending with reporters’ questions about family separation.
• Broader concerns about sanctuary city policies, accountability, and ongoing investigations into Minnesota officials.

Notable Quotes

• JD Vance:
  "They're trying to arrest sex offenders, but they're trying to do it in an environment where local officials have been told: Do not help them, do not provide intelligence...This is disgraceful." (13:38)
• Greg Gutfeld:
  "If a kid plays in traffic, it's not the car's fault who hits him. It's the sick parents who told him it was safe and recommended. That is exactly what Waltz and what Fry have done." (14:04)
• Jesse Watters:
  "This is what happens in all of these liberal protest movements. It starts with the bunch of whistle mommies, kind of innocent. And then it gets taken over by hardcore radical militants." (17:49)

Memorable Moments

• Kayleigh and Jesse link activism funds to continued disruption and question elected officials’ roles.
• Panelists debate the use and legacy of the FACE Act, its bipartisan origins, and current direction.

Michelle Obama Dismisses a Third Term for Barack

[24:13–30:43]

Key Discussion Points

• Michelle Obama on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast: firmly opposes Barack Obama running for a third term, encourages new leadership.
• Panelists dissect Michelle’s message to women regarding balancing family and career.
• Discussion about women’s choices, the role of sacrifice, and gender bias in politics.

Notable Quotes

• Michelle Obama:
  "I hope not, Michelle. I would actively work against that. I do believe that eight years is enough... And there's so many talented people out there." (24:35)
• Sandra Smith:
  "I sense deep regret from her when I hear a lot of what she said in this podcast. Deep frustration with the decision she's made in her life." (26:47)
• Kayleigh McEnany:
  "There was a little dig and a twist from her saying, nope, no third term for Barack, even though he said, I can do it." (28:51)

Memorable Moments

• Greg and Jesse joke about the differences between “chick podcasts” and "male podcasts."
• Sandra connects personally: "Before I walk into a cocktail party with my husband, I'm like, don't overshare. Keep it to yourself." (26:47)

Democratic Socialism, Wealth, and American Politics

[31:09–35:40]

Key Discussion Points

• Bernie Sanders appears on Colbert, touting increased support for Democratic Socialism within the Democratic Party.
• Panelists debate whether socialism is encroaching on both parties, and its impact on policy and the electorate.
• Discussion on the gap between wealthy figures advocating socialism and its real-world effects.

Notable Quotes

• Greg Gutfeld:
  "The easiest country to be a socialist in is a country where there is no socialism. Because then you have no consequence." (31:54)
• Sandra Smith:
  "It's just very cringe to think about two people worth so much money touting socialist policies that they would actually work in this country." (33:02)
• Kayleigh McEnany:
  "Collectivism is about to be on trial here in New York City. It's going to fail." (35:09)

Memorable Moments

• Greg and Harold spar over whether socialism's influence reaches both major political parties.
• Panelists predict policy and political consequences for cities and parties trying socialist models.

Cultural Commentary: Dating, LinkedIn, and Life’s Oddities

[35:55–40:11]

Key Discussion Points

• New report: LinkedIn being used as a tool to screen romantic interests.
• Panelists joke about online dating, job history as a dating filter, and oversharing on social media.

Notable Quotes

• Kayleigh McEnany:
  "I'd find people on social media, and I would do extensive investigations into them before I would meet them. LinkedIn, everything. It's called doing your homework, guys." (37:04)
• Greg Gutfeld:
  "Looking for jobs on LinkedIn is great for women because men don't care what job you have. LinkedIn, you can find out if the guy has a job, period, and where he works." (37:24)

"One More Thing": Lighthearted Wrap-Ups

[38:24–41:02]

• Greg celebrates winning a squirrel-themed game and shares the comedic “Don Lemon” trophy.
• Jesse spotlights a Bolivian cultural festival and his primetime segment where he quizzes liberals about Trump-era tariffs.
• Harold highlights teens volunteering at assisted living centers.
• Kayleigh plugs a Saturday investigative segment teasing potential funding misuse.
• Sandra closes with a heartwarming video of a moose on ski slopes.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Davos & Trump-Newsom Clash: 00:35–11:34
• St. Paul Church Protest / ICE: 12:19–23:42
• Michelle Obama Interview: 24:13–30:43
• Democratic Socialism Debate: 31:09–35:40
• Dating & LinkedIn Discussion: 35:55–40:11
• One More Thing/Wrap-up: 38:24–41:02

Episode Tone & Style

"The Five" stays true to its blend of spirited, sometimes acerbic debate, humor, and sharp one-liners, often interlacing cultural critique with political analysis. Panelists refer to each other's quirks and personal experiences, keeping the discussion lively and conversational for news junkies and casual listeners alike.