Podcast Summary: "Don Takes Detroit"
Podcast: The Five
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: January 13, 2026
Episode Overview
In this lively episode of "The Five," the panel discusses President Trump's high-profile visit to Detroit as part of his "affordability tour," evaluating his claims about a thriving economy and his administration’s impact. They debate the current state of economic indicators like inflation, wages, and job growth, while offering pointed criticism of both Republican and Democratic narratives. The conversation then pivots to heated topics including the unrest in Minnesota over immigration enforcement, the Supreme Court’s deliberation on transgender athletes in women’s sports, the evolving portrayal of masculinity in media and politics, and America’s new television obsession: "competency porn." The show closes with a heartfelt tribute to the late cartoonist Scott Adams.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. President Trump’s Detroit Visit & Economic Claims
[00:19–06:14]
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Trump’s Address: President Trump appeared at a Ford factory, interacting with workers and touting what he called "the strongest and fastest economic turnaround in our country's history."
"Under our administration, growth is exploding, productivity is soaring, investment is booming, incomes are rising, inflation is defeated."
— Donald Trump (00:51) -
Panel Analysis:
- Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Waters emphasize current positive economic data—low inflation, high GDP projections, booming stock market, and strong auto sales.
- They credit Trump’s policies for repealing the EV (electric vehicle) mandate and achieving "energy dominance."
"America leads the world in energy dominance. And that's not an accident. That actually takes policy."
— Jessica Tarlov (03:19) -
Contrarian Views:
- Dana Perino provides a reality check, noting that while some indicators are positive, others (like unemployment and the cost of essentials) have increased, painting a "mixed picture."
- She cites specific price hikes in groceries, restaurants, and utilities.
- Panelists squabble over the interpretation of these figures and their implications heading into midterms.
2. Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Debate
[07:48–10:01]
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Kennedy Critique:
- Kennedy argues a temporary 10% cap on credit card interest rates would have unintended consequences, such as reducing perks and pushing risky borrowers toward predatory lenders.
"It sounds like a good idea, 10% cap for a year, but then after a year, it's just going to go right back to exactly where it was."
— Kennedy (08:09) -
Panel Banter:
- They note the superficial appeal of the cap but agree it's likely to backfire in the long run.
3. Minnesota ICE Protests & Media Narrative
[11:28–19:52]
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Background:
Protests erupt in Minnesota after the state sues DHS to halt what it terms "a federal invasion" of ICE enforcement agents.- Media commentary: Joy Reid suggests liberal white women are at the forefront of unrest because black protesters would face greater risk from police.
-
Panel Reactions:
- Greg Gutfeld and Kennedy satirize what they call the "performative" motivations of white liberal activists, contrasting them with black protesters’ involvement in causes rooted in their communities.
"White female liberals... are ripe for the programming and man, they get programmed from the get go."
— Greg Gutfeld (13:30)- Kennedy and Tarlov express skepticism over the professional orchestration and funding of protest groups, raising questions about the motivations behind their actions.
"These are the great unwashed... lazy attention seekers who are really doing this as a form of tourism."
— Kennedy (15:21) -
Civil Rights Concerns:
- Dana Perino highlights public outrage over an incident involving ICE and Officer Ross, referencing a poll showing 53% of Americans believe the officer should face criminal charges.
"82% of Americans have seen Officer Ross's video... 53% think that he should face criminal charges."
— Dana Perino (18:05)
4. Supreme Court Hears Transgender Athlete Cases
[22:19–32:08]
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Legal Context:
The Supreme Court hears arguments on state laws (from West Virginia and Idaho) that restrict transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. -
Key Arguments:
- Panelists broadly foresee the court upholding bans on trans athletes in women’s sports, reflecting widespread public opinion.
- Jessica Tarlov and Kennedy stress the "biological reality" of male puberty creating inherent advantages, with Kennedy saying:
"If you’re going to allow biological males into women’s sports, you either have to completely get rid of Title IX or let female competitors give themselves hormone therapy so they can compete."
— Kennedy (26:41) -
Critical Tone:
- Gutfeld delivers a scathing critique, arguing the debate is driven by "predatory fetishists" and that liberals are betraying women.
"This should not be taking up mental shelf space... You sell women down the fricking river because you want the attention."
— Greg Gutfeld (28:10)-
Jesse Waters likens the issue to a modern hysteria akin to the Salem witch trials, emphasizing its fleeting, now "barely identified" relevance.
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Debate ensues over scientific misunderstandings and how the left has framed the topic.
5. Masculinity, Young Men & Political Realignment
[32:16–37:26]
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Democrats & Male Voters:
- Bill Maher segment is highlighted, suggesting young men shift to Trump because "he’s the one guy who doesn’t make you feel guilty just for being born…"
"Maybe because, you know, he’s one guy who doesn’t make you feel guilty just for being born with a —."
— Bill Maher (32:42) -
Media & Political Strategy:
- Dana Perino, Kennedy, and Waters discuss how the left’s rhetoric has alienated men and left Democrats unable to diagnose post-2024 election losses.
- They note a rise in "manosphere" podcasts and dismissal of moderate voices within the party.
"Democrats still have no idea why they lost… they don’t want to listen… they want to be progressive and they want to be Mamdani."
— Jesse Waters (35:10)
6. “Competency Porn,” TV Trends, & Millennial Culture
[37:55–39:32]
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New Media Fad:
- Dana Perino introduces "competency porn"—shows featuring highly capable professionals—as a popular antidote to the era of "woke TV" with uninteresting characters.
"Now you have, like Landman... He’s flawed, he can be disgusting. People like flawed people because they’re interesting."
— Greg Gutfeld (38:14)- Kennedy ridicules the trend as merely a rebranding of established television tropes, comparing it to the term "adulting."
7. Tribute to Scott Adams
[39:41–41:00]
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Greg Gutfeld offers a solemn tribute to the late Scott Adams, creator of "Dilbert," crediting him alongside Trump and Musk as one of the three most influential people in U.S. culture in the last decade.
"He had more of an impact on politics and policy than most people on this planet ever will. I do think that there are three people that have changed this country in the last 10 years: Trump, Musk, and Scott Adams."
— Greg Gutfeld (40:13)
Notable Quotes & Moments
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On Trump’s Detroit Visit:
"You are so lucky I allow you into this room to even be with me. I'm kidding. I'm kidding."
— Donald Trump (00:51) -
On Economic Optimism:
"You got a 2.7 number [inflation]. And the stock market's at an all time high. Last year, I think 17% returns this year, it's going to go boom."
— Jesse Waters (04:38) -
On Women and Protest Movements:
"White female liberals... are ripe for the programming and man, they get programmed from the get go."
— Greg Gutfeld (13:30) -
On Transgender Sports Debate:
"This is like arguing over whether the earth is flat. Who wins? The flat earthers. Because you're arguing about it."
— Greg Gutfeld (26:59) -
On Scott Adams’ Legacy:
"He had more of an impact on politics and policy than most people on this planet ever will."
— Greg Gutfeld (40:13)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Trump’s Detroit Visit & Economic Discussion: 00:19–06:14
- Credit Card Cap Debate: 07:48–10:01
- Minnesota ICE Protests: 11:28–19:52
- Transgender Athlete Supreme Court Cases: 22:19–32:08
- Discussion on Masculinity and Political Media: 32:16–37:26
- "Competency Porn" & Millennial Trends: 37:55–39:32
- Scott Adams Tribute: 39:41–41:00
Tone
The episode maintains the combative, sardonic, and often sarcastic tone characteristic of "The Five," with panelists frequently teasing each other, using hyperbole, and blending humor with serious commentary. Guests often use pointed critiques and vivid analogies (e.g., "Salem witch trials," "kick over a beehive") to make their arguments memorable and engaging.
This comprehensive summary captures the main topics and tone, offering a thorough recap for anyone who hasn’t listened to the episode.