Podcast Summary: The Five – "One Year Of Trump"

Date: January 20, 2026
Hosts: Greg Gutfeld, Kayleigh McEnany, Harold Ford Jr., Jesse Waters, Dana Perino, Megan Alexander

Overview

This episode marks the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, with the panel diving into the political, cultural, and media dynamics of the past year. Central topics include President Trump’s self-congratulatory White House press briefing, his ambitions regarding Greenland, the immigration debate, recent celebrity critiques of immigration enforcement, the political left’s perceived shifts, vetting drama in the Democratic Party, and cultural observations including a viral “steak cake.”

Hosted in The Five’s trademark energetic, combative, and satirical style, the group blends news analysis with pointed jokes, keeping discussion sharp and irreverent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Anniversary Performance and Accomplishments

[00:36–01:48]

• Trump celebrated by holding a near two-hour White House briefing, reciting his administration’s accomplishments.
• The hosts lampooned the length and self-aggrandizement of Trump’s "giant book of accomplishments".

Notable Quote:
“Year of President Trump driving the libs absolutely loco. And to celebrate, he annexed the White House briefing room for nearly two hours, holding reporters hostage while he read straight from a giant book of his own accomplishments.”
— Greg Gutfeld [00:36]

[01:48–03:22]

• Media coverage is discussed; claims that MSM ignores many of Trump’s policy moves.
• Comparison of Trump’s strategy to historic US territorial expansions.

2. Trump’s Greenland Plan and Geopolitical Debate

[01:59–06:37]

• Trump heads to Davos, possibly to “browbeat” globalists and negotiate for Greenland.
• The panel debates the seriousness and rationale of acquiring Greenland: geopolitical strategy, defense, economic interests, and “protecting supply lines.”
• Satirical speculation about buying Denmark included.

Notable Quotes:
"Donald Trump, he's a T. Rex."
— Harold Ford Jr. [02:49]

"Knee pads for all the world leaders."
— Dana Perino [02:45]
"You mate with him or he devours you."
— Dana Perino [02:51]

• Panelists argue the acquisition is logical given historical US purchases (Louisiana, Alaska).
• Kayleigh McEnany cautions against statehood for Greenland, warning of Democratic Senate gains:
  “Greenland is deeply, deeply leftist... That’s a political nightmare for Republicans.” [06:51]

3. Voter Priorities and Presidential Focus

[08:35–10:20]

• Dana Perino critiques Trump for focusing on issues the public may not prioritize (e.g., Greenland) and emphasizes the importance of connecting with voter concerns.
• The panel discusses political polling and messaging.

4. Immigration, Minneapolis, and ICE Policy

[13:19–17:26]

• Segment opens with details on criminal migrant arrests in Minneapolis: 10,000 total, 3,000 so-called “bad hombres.”
• The conversation criticizes open border policies and defends tough ICE enforcement.
• Greg Gutfeld rails against media “performative ignorance” regarding enforcement actions, explaining the need for aggressive ICE action due to lack of local cooperation.

Notable Quote:
“No entity in government has that batting average, unless you're measuring corruption. But it's irrelevant because they go after the viral videos instead.”
— Greg Gutfeld [15:00]

5. Church Protests and Selective Outrage

[17:26–25:32]

• Recent disruption of a Minneapolis church service by protestors is decried by Gutfeld and others as “cowardice,” with anger at celebrity activists’ selectivity.
• Comparisons are drawn to government crackdowns on pro-life protests under identical laws (FACE Act).

Notable Quotes:
“Could you imagine you’re in there in the roughest part of your life, and some douchebag is in there calling you names…”
— Greg Gutfeld [17:26]

“They prayed for the protestors who were yelling at them. That is Christianity, Don Lemon, and I hope you learn from it.”
— Kayleigh McEnany [22:51]

• Dana Perino and Megan Alexander call for fair application of laws and consistent outrage regardless of which “side” is involved.

6. Democratic Party Vetting Scandals

[26:35–32:01]

• Kamala Harris’s vetting of running mates is scrutinized, including reported questions to PA Gov. Josh Shapiro and MN Gov. Tim Walz about foreign allegiances.
• The segment highlights the tension and identity politics in Democratic selection processes.

Notable Quotes:
“These vetting processes for a VP, they’re supposed to be awkward. How do you think Kamala’s was with Biden, Doug, and the nanny? I’m sure that came up—and it should have.”
— Harold Ford Jr. [28:54]

7. Party Identity and “Wokeness”

[32:12–36:29]

• Bill Maher’s interview with Dana Carvey is spotlighted; Carvey laments being labeled “a Nazi” by the current left for holding Bill Clinton-era liberal views.
• Panelists reminisce about how the Democratic Party has shifted far left, making traditional moderates seem right-wing.

Notable Quotes:
“Well, I’m a Bill Clinton liberal, which is from the 90s, which is now called, me too, a Nazi bar.”
— Dana Carvey, via clip [32:53]
“I’m a Bill Clinton Democrat. ... The last time we passed serious welfare reform that prized and rewarded work, it was under his watch.”
— Dana Perino [34:11]

8. Cultural Sidebar: RFK Jr.'s Steak Cake & Panel Banter

[36:49–38:02]

• The panel reacts to RFK Jr.’s birthday cake made of steak, with playful jabs about food politics.
• Kayleigh McEnany: “A steak cake. Undoubtedly healthier than an actual cake.” [37:41]

9. Panel Banter, Light Moments, and Closing

[38:22–41:00]

• Updates on JD Vance’s expected fourth child, innovations in French fry packaging, animal trivia games, and viral videos round out the show.
• The rapport remains cheeky and irreverent throughout.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “Year of President Trump driving the libs absolutely loco.” — Greg Gutfeld [00:36]
• “Donald Trump, he's a T. Rex. You mate with him or he devours you.” — Harold Ford Jr. and Dana Perino [02:49–02:51]
• “Greenland is deeply, deeply leftist... That’s a political nightmare for Republicans.” — Kayleigh McEnany [06:51]
• “No entity in government has that batting average, unless you're measuring corruption.” — Greg Gutfeld [15:00]
• “They prayed for the protestors who were yelling at them. That is Christianity, Don Lemon, and I hope you learn from it.” — Kayleigh McEnany [22:51]
• “Well, I’m a Bill Clinton liberal, which is from the 90s, which is now called, me too, a Nazi bar.” — Dana Carvey, via panel [32:53]
• “A steak cake. Undoubtedly healthier than an actual cake.” — Kayleigh McEnany [37:41]

Important Timestamps

• [00:36] Trump’s White House performance and “giant book of accomplishments”
• [01:59] Preview of Trump’s Greenland gambit at Davos
• [03:22] Panel debates historical US territorial acquisitions and their relevance
• [06:51] McEnany on Greenland’s political implications
• [13:19] Minneapolis ICE arrests
• [17:26] Gutfeld’s tirade about church protest, media cynicism
• [22:51] McEnany praises congregants’ forgiveness, defines “real Christianity”
• [26:35] Democratic vetting scandals (Kamala Harris running mate saga)
• [32:12] Dana Carvey and the “soft-canceled” Democratic moderate
• [36:49] RFK Jr.’s steak cake and panel banter

Tone and Style

Throughout, The Five’s panel is brash, satirical, and adversarial – sometimes breaking news with humor, other times relishing in partisan shots (“libs absolutely loco,” “performative ignorance”). Even sensitive topics are approached with irreverence, balancing real policy concerns with punchlines.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode captures the high-energy, often sardonic analysis that defines The Five. If you’re seeking measured, detailed scrutiny of President Trump’s political strategy, border security, the rift among Democrats, and pop culture crossfire—intertwined with raucous banter and memorable one-liners—this episode is quintessential Fox News Panel TV.