Fragile Ceasefire With Iran Holding On Day 2 - The Five

Podcast Summary: The Five (FOX News Podcasts) — "Fragile Ceasefire With Iran Holding On Day 2" Date: April 9, 2026

Overview

In this episode, the panel of "The Five" dives deep into the second day of the fragile ceasefire with Iran, the dynamics around Trump's negotiations, NATO’s role in the conflict, and the American political response. They also touch on domestic policy debates from public transportation to gender acronyms in Canada, the state of the Democratic party, and lighter segments on grocery shopping and viral news. The tone throughout is energetic, irreverent, and combative, true to the show’s spirit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump, Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz

Ceasefire Update: The panel opens with news of day two of the U.S.-brokered truce with Iran, as marine traffic resumes and oil tankers are passing through the Strait of Hormuz ([00:05]).
Trump’s Posture: Trump signals optimism about a deal with Iran's leadership ("the mullahs"), but warns "things will get very painful if they don't play ball."
NATO Criticism: Trump is also criticized for calling NATO "do nothing" regarding their support in the conflict, a point that sets up debate about America's global alliances.

Notable Quotes:

“[Trump’s] very optimistic a deal will be cut with the mullahs, but threatening things will get very painful if they don't play ball.” — Greg Gutfeld ([00:47])

2. Democratic Response: The 25th Amendment Calls

Political Backlash: The Democrats are pushing for the 25th Amendment, questioning Trump's fitness as Commander in Chief while referencing past uses of the Amendment for medical absences ([01:27]-[02:14]).
Panel Pushback: The panel mocks the frequent calls for impeachment and questions the seriousness of these efforts, attributing them to political fundraising tactics.
Perspective on Strongman Politics: Jesse Waters argues that Trump's "strongman" language is culturally appropriate for regional negotiations and criticizes Democrats for misunderstanding both regional dynamics and Trump’s methods ([02:20]-[04:49]).

Notable Quotes:

“The Democrats saying that Trump needs to be 25th doesn't make any sense... Trump's talks like a Persian strongman. That's the kind of language they understand: strength, respect, honor.” — Jesse Watters ([03:09])
“What the President is doing is bat crazy.” — Democratic quoted by Jesse/Gutfeld ([02:00])

3. Who Controls Iran Now?

Leadership Vacuum: The panel discusses uncertainty about who’s actually leading Iran post-conflict, with the Republican Guard playing a crucial role in ceasefire negotiations ([07:47], [10:22]).
Truce ‘Fog’: Dana and Emily highlight the ambiguity of negotiating when Iranian leadership is fractured or in hiding.

Notable Quotes:

“The entire leadership is gone, and whoever is still around is probably in hiding, so I don't know who—we're talking to.” — Greg Gutfeld ([10:22])

4. NATO, Russia, and China: The Bigger Picture

Strategic Importance: Harold Ford Jr. stresses the need for NATO, warning that withdrawal risks increasing Russian and Chinese influence, particularly as China helps negotiate an end to the Iran crisis ([07:56]-[09:55]).
Calls for Focus: He urges both parties to move beyond politicking towards actionable strategy.

Notable Quotes:

"If we withdrew from NATO... we would basically be ceding Europe to Putin." — Harold Ford Jr. ([07:56])

5. Domestic Politics: Polls, Democrats, and Messaging

Democratic Poll Troubles: The panel riffs on polling showing Democrats trailing Republicans, mocking campaign messaging and media narratives. They focus on Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger as an example of “deception” within the Democratic ranks ([15:19]-[19:12]).

Notable Quotes:

"Off comes the Bill Clinton skin suit, and underneath it it's Ho Chi Minh in her fright wig. This is not an ideological difference. It is pure deception." — Greg Gutfeld ([17:23])
Advice for Democrats: Harold Ford Jr. lays out what Democrats should focus on: reducing government size, a real middle-class tax cut, healthcare, educational reform, and clear ideas rather than personal attacks ([19:12]-[20:33]).

Notable Quotes:

“These are the things we need to be talking about, not the ‘I hate, I can't stand he's a bad guy.’ He's not a bad guy. He has the wrong priorities.” — Harold Ford Jr. ([19:12])

6. NYC Free Bus Plan & Social Policy Debates

Free Buses Fiasco: The next segment mocks NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s failed promise to provide free buses, citing failed experiments in other cities and fiscal impracticality ([23:28]-[30:58]).
Equity & Taxation: The discussion pivots to debates about racial equity plans, taxation, and skepticism about redistributive policies.

Notable Quotes:

"Zoran wants to raise taxes on whites to fund a racial equity plan... This inequity plan is basically mugging the citizen without a knife." — Greg Gutfeld ([25:34])
Campaign Rhetoric vs. Reality: The panel references Mario Cuomo's quote, “you campaign in poetry and you govern in prose,” to emphasize the gap between promises and implementation ([27:15]).

7. Canadian Gender Acronyms & Wokeness

Acronym Overload: The show highlights a viral Canadian MP using the acronym "MMIWG2SLGBTQIA," lampooning the proliferation of identity acronyms and the conflation of different causes ([31:31]-[34:36]).

Notable Quotes:

“This is basically worse than stolen valor. It's stolen victimhood.” — Greg Gutfeld ([34:06])

8. Lighter Segments: Grocery Shopping Genders, Viral Awards, and More

Grocery Shopping Study: Playful banter on a study showing men spend 5–10% more than women on groceries, leading to jokes about shopping, masculinity, and deals ([34:55]-[37:52]).
Viral News & One More Thing: Includes fun stories about awards, animal babies at the zoo, indigenous protests, and quirky global happenings ([38:10]-[41:32]).

Memorable Quotes:

“I love a good black banana.” — Greg Gutfeld ([37:57])

Timestamps for Important Segments

Ceasefire & Strait of Hormuz Discussion: [00:05]–[04:49]
25th Amendment Debate & Partisan Reactions: [01:27]–[05:18]
NATO, Russia, Global Implications: [07:47]–[09:55]
Uncertainty in Iranian Leadership & "Fog of Truce": [10:22]–[11:35]
Democrats' Poll Struggles & Messaging: [15:19]–[19:12]
Policy Solutions for Democrats: [19:12]–[20:33]
NYC Free Bus Plan & Redistribution: [23:28]–[30:58]
Canadian Gender Acronym Segment: [31:31]–[34:36]
Grocery Shopping Genders: [34:55]–[37:52]
Final "One More Thing" Segments: [38:10]–[41:32]

Notable Quotes

On Trump's negotiations:
"Trump talks like a Persian strongman. That's the kind of language they understand: strength, respect, honor." — Jesse Watters ([03:09])
On Democratic leadership & deception:
"Off comes the Bill Clinton skin suit, and underneath it it’s Ho Chi Minh in her fright wig... It is pure deception." — Greg Gutfeld ([17:23])
On NYC free buses and redistribution:
"Zoran wants to raise taxes on whites to fund a racial equity plan. This is... mugging the citizen without a knife." — Greg Gutfeld ([25:34])
On gender acronyms & victimhood:
"This is basically worse than stolen valor. It's stolen victimhood." — Greg Gutfeld ([34:06])
On shopping habits:
"I love a good black banana." — Greg Gutfeld ([37:57])

Tone, Language, and Style

Language is direct, often sarcastic, and punctuated by humor and cultural references.
Panelists trade jabs and analogies (e.g., "Gladiator," “skin suit,” “stolen valor”) to make their points memorable and relatable.

Useful Takeaways

The situation with Iran remains extremely fragile, with much negotiation and uncertainty ahead concerning both the ceasefire and regional leadership.
There is sharp partisan division in the U.S. over Trump’s handling of the situation, with Democrats invoking the 25th Amendment and Republicans defending his approach.
Domestic policy debates—from NYC transportation to Democratic messaging—reflect deeper disagreements on fiscal policy, racial equity, and the direction of progressive politics.
Frequent criticisms about political communication, dramatized campaign rhetoric, and the quality of leadership are present throughout.
Lighter segments keep the podcast engaging with discussions of everyday life (shopping, viral stories) and pop culture references.

This summary captures the key debates, colorful exchanges, and notable moments from an action-packed episode, offering newcomers a detailed and engaging window into the conversation.

Podcast Summary: The Five (FOX News Podcasts) — "Fragile Ceasefire With Iran Holding On Day 2" Date: April 9, 2026

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump, Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz

Ceasefire Update: The panel opens with news of day two of the U.S.-brokered truce with Iran, as marine traffic resumes and oil tankers are passing through the Strait of Hormuz ([00:05]).
Trump’s Posture: Trump signals optimism about a deal with Iran's leadership ("the mullahs"), but warns "things will get very painful if they don't play ball."
NATO Criticism: Trump is also criticized for calling NATO "do nothing" regarding their support in the conflict, a point that sets up debate about America's global alliances.

Notable Quotes:

“[Trump’s] very optimistic a deal will be cut with the mullahs, but threatening things will get very painful if they don't play ball.” — Greg Gutfeld ([00:47])

2. Democratic Response: The 25th Amendment Calls

Political Backlash: The Democrats are pushing for the 25th Amendment, questioning Trump's fitness as Commander in Chief while referencing past uses of the Amendment for medical absences ([01:27]-[02:14]).
Panel Pushback: The panel mocks the frequent calls for impeachment and questions the seriousness of these efforts, attributing them to political fundraising tactics.
Perspective on Strongman Politics: Jesse Waters argues that Trump's "strongman" language is culturally appropriate for regional negotiations and criticizes Democrats for misunderstanding both regional dynamics and Trump’s methods ([02:20]-[04:49]).

Notable Quotes:

“The Democrats saying that Trump needs to be 25th doesn't make any sense... Trump's talks like a Persian strongman. That's the kind of language they understand: strength, respect, honor.” — Jesse Watters ([03:09])
“What the President is doing is bat crazy.” — Democratic quoted by Jesse/Gutfeld ([02:00])

3. Who Controls Iran Now?

Leadership Vacuum: The panel discusses uncertainty about who’s actually leading Iran post-conflict, with the Republican Guard playing a crucial role in ceasefire negotiations ([07:47], [10:22]).
Truce ‘Fog’: Dana and Emily highlight the ambiguity of negotiating when Iranian leadership is fractured or in hiding.

Notable Quotes:

“The entire leadership is gone, and whoever is still around is probably in hiding, so I don't know who—we're talking to.” — Greg Gutfeld ([10:22])

4. NATO, Russia, and China: The Bigger Picture

Strategic Importance: Harold Ford Jr. stresses the need for NATO, warning that withdrawal risks increasing Russian and Chinese influence, particularly as China helps negotiate an end to the Iran crisis ([07:56]-[09:55]).
Calls for Focus: He urges both parties to move beyond politicking towards actionable strategy.

Notable Quotes:

"If we withdrew from NATO... we would basically be ceding Europe to Putin." — Harold Ford Jr. ([07:56])

5. Domestic Politics: Polls, Democrats, and Messaging

Democratic Poll Troubles: The panel riffs on polling showing Democrats trailing Republicans, mocking campaign messaging and media narratives. They focus on Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger as an example of “deception” within the Democratic ranks ([15:19]-[19:12]).

Notable Quotes:

"Off comes the Bill Clinton skin suit, and underneath it it's Ho Chi Minh in her fright wig. This is not an ideological difference. It is pure deception." — Greg Gutfeld ([17:23])
Advice for Democrats: Harold Ford Jr. lays out what Democrats should focus on: reducing government size, a real middle-class tax cut, healthcare, educational reform, and clear ideas rather than personal attacks ([19:12]-[20:33]).

Notable Quotes:

“These are the things we need to be talking about, not the ‘I hate, I can't stand he's a bad guy.’ He's not a bad guy. He has the wrong priorities.” — Harold Ford Jr. ([19:12])

6. NYC Free Bus Plan & Social Policy Debates

Free Buses Fiasco: The next segment mocks NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s failed promise to provide free buses, citing failed experiments in other cities and fiscal impracticality ([23:28]-[30:58]).
Equity & Taxation: The discussion pivots to debates about racial equity plans, taxation, and skepticism about redistributive policies.

Notable Quotes:

"Zoran wants to raise taxes on whites to fund a racial equity plan... This inequity plan is basically mugging the citizen without a knife." — Greg Gutfeld ([25:34])
Campaign Rhetoric vs. Reality: The panel references Mario Cuomo's quote, “you campaign in poetry and you govern in prose,” to emphasize the gap between promises and implementation ([27:15]).

7. Canadian Gender Acronyms & Wokeness

Acronym Overload: The show highlights a viral Canadian MP using the acronym "MMIWG2SLGBTQIA," lampooning the proliferation of identity acronyms and the conflation of different causes ([31:31]-[34:36]).

Notable Quotes:

“This is basically worse than stolen valor. It's stolen victimhood.” — Greg Gutfeld ([34:06])

8. Lighter Segments: Grocery Shopping Genders, Viral Awards, and More

Grocery Shopping Study: Playful banter on a study showing men spend 5–10% more than women on groceries, leading to jokes about shopping, masculinity, and deals ([34:55]-[37:52]).
Viral News & One More Thing: Includes fun stories about awards, animal babies at the zoo, indigenous protests, and quirky global happenings ([38:10]-[41:32]).

Memorable Quotes:

“I love a good black banana.” — Greg Gutfeld ([37:57])

Timestamps for Important Segments

Ceasefire & Strait of Hormuz Discussion: [00:05]–[04:49]
25th Amendment Debate & Partisan Reactions: [01:27]–[05:18]
NATO, Russia, Global Implications: [07:47]–[09:55]
Uncertainty in Iranian Leadership & "Fog of Truce": [10:22]–[11:35]
Democrats' Poll Struggles & Messaging: [15:19]–[19:12]
Policy Solutions for Democrats: [19:12]–[20:33]
NYC Free Bus Plan & Redistribution: [23:28]–[30:58]
Canadian Gender Acronym Segment: [31:31]–[34:36]
Grocery Shopping Genders: [34:55]–[37:52]
Final "One More Thing" Segments: [38:10]–[41:32]

Notable Quotes

On Trump's negotiations:
"Trump talks like a Persian strongman. That's the kind of language they understand: strength, respect, honor." — Jesse Watters ([03:09])
On Democratic leadership & deception:
"Off comes the Bill Clinton skin suit, and underneath it it’s Ho Chi Minh in her fright wig... It is pure deception." — Greg Gutfeld ([17:23])
On NYC free buses and redistribution:
"Zoran wants to raise taxes on whites to fund a racial equity plan. This is... mugging the citizen without a knife." — Greg Gutfeld ([25:34])
On gender acronyms & victimhood:
"This is basically worse than stolen valor. It's stolen victimhood." — Greg Gutfeld ([34:06])
On shopping habits:
"I love a good black banana." — Greg Gutfeld ([37:57])

Tone, Language, and Style

Language is direct, often sarcastic, and punctuated by humor and cultural references.
Panelists trade jabs and analogies (e.g., "Gladiator," “skin suit,” “stolen valor”) to make their points memorable and relatable.

Useful Takeaways

The situation with Iran remains extremely fragile, with much negotiation and uncertainty ahead concerning both the ceasefire and regional leadership.
There is sharp partisan division in the U.S. over Trump’s handling of the situation, with Democrats invoking the 25th Amendment and Republicans defending his approach.
Domestic policy debates—from NYC transportation to Democratic messaging—reflect deeper disagreements on fiscal policy, racial equity, and the direction of progressive politics.
Frequent criticisms about political communication, dramatized campaign rhetoric, and the quality of leadership are present throughout.
Lighter segments keep the podcast engaging with discussions of everyday life (shopping, viral stories) and pop culture references.

This summary captures the key debates, colorful exchanges, and notable moments from an action-packed episode, offering newcomers a detailed and engaging window into the conversation.