The Five – "High Stakes Peace Talks"
Date: August 18, 2025
Host: Dana Perino (with Katie Pavlich, Harold Ford Jr., Jesse Waters, Greg Gutfeld, Kat Timpf)
Topic: Breaking Down Trump’s High-Stakes Ukraine Peace Talks, Domestic Crime Policy, Sanctuary Cities, and Political Hot Buttons
Episode Overview
This episode of The Five centers on President Trump’s ambitious peace talks at the White House with Ukrainian President Zelensky and European leaders, following his recent sit-down with Vladimir Putin. The panel explores the prospects and pitfalls of a trilateral peace summit, analyzes shifts in US and European approaches to Ukraine, and debates the political calculus behind land swaps and security guarantees. The show also pivots to Trump’s crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., the controversy over sanctuary city policies following a fatal crash involving an illegal immigrant, and features their trademark satirical commentary on political rivals.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. White House Ukraine Peace Summit: New Efforts for War Resolution
- President Trump’s hosting of Zelensky, European and NATO leaders at the White House (00:04–01:45)
- Trump’s calm, drama-free meeting contrasted to previous "blow-ups."
- Discussion of a potential trilateral summit involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US.
- Movement towards land swaps and Russia accepting security guarantees for Ukraine.
“No matter what deal I make... they’ll say Trump was absolutely horrible... We’ve made more progress in settling this war in the last two months than they made in four years.” — Donald Trump (01:09)
- Tangible Steps Reported:
- Russia’s conditional acceptance of Ukrainian security guarantees.
- Talk of prisoner/child swaps, economic assistance, and border changes.
2. Ukraine’s Changing Borders: Realism vs. Principle
- Jesse Waters points out that international borders have always shifted after wars, hinting at inevitable concessions for peace.
- Compares postwar Europe and US territorial acquisitions, challenging Democratic critics:
“No country gives back land they win in battle. That’s what this is all about. You have to accept reality.” — Jesse Waters (03:06)
- Harold Ford Jr. counters with warnings about emboldening Russian expansionism:
- Reminds viewers of Putin's desire to "reconstitute the geographic footprint" of the USSR.
- Stresses the importance of not being cavalier about redrawing borders, especially for Baltic states.
“If we talk too casually about redrawing lines, we run the risk of saying to countries like Latvia and Estonia… don't worry if [Putin] takes over parts of your country…” — Harold Ford Jr. (08:05)
3. The ‘Trump Approach’ to Diplomacy and Peace
- Greg Gutfeld offers a skeptical take on security guarantees outside NATO:
“That’s kind of like a foreign policy version of friends with benefits. No ring on the finger, no formal commitments…” — Greg Gutfeld (10:12)
- Gutfeld and others emphasize the progress and optimism injected by Trump’s negotiations. The "power of positive thinking," they say, is making the difference.
- Kat Timpf & Dana Perino praise Trump’s energy and humility:
“This is a president who went to Alaska on Friday, flew B2 bombers over Putin's head, had a summit, flew back... And has every single leader there say, we've done more in the last two weeks than in the last three and a half years.” — Kat Timpf (12:51)
4. D.C. Crime Crackdown: Is Safety Winning Out?
- Trump touts swift action on D.C. crime, with arrests and increased police/National Guard visibility. (16:08–17:25)
- Democrats accuse Trump of “manufactured emergency,” but panelists say residents are welcoming the change.
- Greg Gutfeld argues that “broken windows” policing has a proven record.
“There’s nothing more harmful to a black person than a virtue signaling white liberal. If they are more responsible for more suffering than drugs, crime, poverty, because they’re the ones that are always defending and or enabling it.” — Greg Gutfeld (19:10)
- Harold Ford Jr. urges Democrats to propose viable alternatives, not just critique, warning the issue could “bite us like the border did.”
5. Sanctuary City Policies & Tragic Consequences
- Controversy Explodes over Sanctuary Policy after a fatal car crash caused by an illegal immigrant truck driver licensed in California (26:01–32:26):
“I would advise Gavin Newsom... call these people right now, because people are... saying, your deadly policies killed my son or daughter.” — Jesse Waters (27:38)
- Panel consensus: California and other blue states’ sanctuary and licensing policies are irresponsible and create tragic downstream consequences.
- Kat Timpf rebukes the narrative of "compassion":
“Sanctuary policies are not compassionate, and there are serious consequences… that Newsom and Democrats in general have embraced…” — Kat Timpf (31:08)
6. Texas Dems Return: Gerrymandering & Political Posturing
- Texas Democrats return from protest; heated debate about partisan redistricting.
- Eric Swalwell’s combative rhetoric satirized:
“When they go low, we’re going to bury them below the Capitol…” — Eric Swalwell (Clip) (32:41)
- Panel: Warn Democrats that "tough talk" and manipulating procedural rules often backfires.
7. Political Satire & Closing Segments
- Satirical take on James Comey professing fandom for Taylor Swift; panel finds it awkward and cringeworthy. (37:49–39:56)
- Lighthearted “one more thing” finishes, including news about sports, charity, and panelist antics.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Media Double Standards and Trump’s Image:
“If Obama had done this, they would give him another Nobel, a Grammy, an Oscar, a Tony and the Stanley Cup.” — Greg Gutfeld (11:38)
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Zelensky’s wardrobe as a diplomatic signal:
“It's a sign of respect, and the American people agree with me. ... It's also a sign that he stepped up his suit game—warming relations between Trump and Zelensky.” — Jesse Waters (02:38)
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On Democratic strategy and crime:
“If there are things we don't like about what President Trump is doing in this regard... offer legislation to do it.” — Harold Ford Jr. (23:11)
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Satirical zinger on Eric Swalwell:
“I don't think Eric swallows buff enough to bury anybody. ... Democrats always do these things like blow up the filibuster. ... And then a couple years later... they’re just outraged that how could this happen?” — Kat Timpf (35:01)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Peace Talks, Summit Recap: 00:04–03:08
- Border Change Debate, Security Guarantees: 03:08–10:12
- ‘Power of Positive Thinking’ Diplomacy: 10:12–12:51
- Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown: 16:08–23:15
- Sanctuary Policies Fatal Crash: 26:01–32:26
- Texas Democrats & Redistricting: 32:41–36:36
- Political Satire—Comey & Swift: 37:49–39:56
Tone & Style
The show mixes sharp, polemical commentary with humor, inside references, and a dose of sarcasm. Each panelist brings their personal flair—from Gutfeld’s comedic cynicism to Waters’ energetic contrarianism and Ford’s more moderate, policy-based analysis. The debate is lively, partisan, and often irreverent, but covers major developments in war, national policy, and American culture.
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