Podcast Summary: The Five – "Operation Hammer The Media" | Fox News Radio | June 26, 2025

Hosted by Dana Perino, Emily Compagno, Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Waters, and Charlie Hurt

I. Operation Hammer and the U.S. Strikes on Iran

A. Overview of Operation Hammer

The episode opens with a discussion on "Operation Hammer," a significant military operation directed by former President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth counters a leaked Pentagon report that assessed the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear program as only delaying it by three months.

• Dana Perino [00:04]: Introduces the topic, highlighting the Pentagon's early low-confidence damage assessment versus Secretary Hegseth's stance that the strikes were "devastated."

B. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Response

Hegseth vehemently defends the operation's success, asserting it was one of the most complex and secretive military endeavors in history.

• Charlie Hurt [00:44]: States, "President Trump directed the most complex and secretive military operation in history and it was a resounding success."
• Jesse Waters [01:31]: Emphasizes, "we significantly damaged the nuclear program, setting it back by years, I repeat, years."

C. President Trump's Statements on Truth Social

Trump accused the media of undermining the military's efforts and alleged that Democrats were responsible for leaking the Pentagon report.

• Dana Perino [02:07]: Summarizes Trump's warning: "The Democrats are the ones who leaked the information... They should be prosecuted."

D. Media's Handling and Coverage

The hosts critique the media's rapid dissemination of the leaked report without proper verification, labeling it as irresponsible journalism.

• Dana Perino [02:43]: Criticizes the media for treating the low-confidence report as "gospel" and spreading it "like wildfire."

E. Impact on the Middle East and Abraham Accords

The successful operation is seen as a catalyst for regional transformation and the expansion of the Abraham Accords, promoting peace in the Middle East.

• Dana Perino [05:16]: Highlights the potential for "a peaceful world and peaceful Middle East."
• Charlie Hurt [05:53]: Compares the operation's impact to the Abraham Accords, noting it as "one of the most significant things to happen in terms of world peace in the Middle East over the past several decades."

II. Democrats' Concerns Over Socialism and the Mayoral Race

A. Rise of Zoran Mamdani in New York City's Mayoral Race

The discussion shifts to the political landscape in NYC, focusing on the rise of socialist mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, causing alarm among establishment Democrats.

• Jesse Waters [15:13]: Describes the Democratic "freakout" over Mamdani's potential to "hurt the party's brand nationally."

B. Potential National Implications of Mamdani's Policies

Mamdani's platform includes defunding the police and legalizing prostitution, which hosts argue could serve as a model for national policies.

• Charlie Hurt [15:46]: States, "there are voters who support it. And that is very, very good for Republicans."

C. Republicans' Mixed Reactions

While some Republicans see Mamdani as a threat, others view his policies as an opportunity to counteract Democratic narratives on socialism.

• Dana Perino [16:10]: Notes the Republican response is "mixed," with some seeing the potential to challenge Mamdani effectively.

III. Immigration Policies and Congressional Debate

A. Criticism of Democratic Representatives

The hosts critique Democratic figures like Jasmine Crockett and Nicole Wallace for what they perceive as xenophobic stances on deporting migrants.

• Jesse Waters [23:40]: Mocks Crockett's terminology, suggesting it "sounds kind of xenophobic."
• Jessica Tarlov [23:48]: Argues, "75% of the 238 men that were sent to see COT have no criminal conviction."

B. Effectiveness of Current Policies

Discussion revolves around the inefficacy of current immigration policies, highlighting that the majority of deported individuals have no criminal records.

• Jessica Tarlov [26:10]: Points out, "Americans think that if you've been here and you haven't committed a crime, go about your business."

IV. Rosie O'Donnell and Trump Derangement Syndrome

A. Rosie O'Donnell's Experience

Rosie O'Donnell shares her struggles with Trump Derangement Syndrome, detailing personal hardships resulting from her political stance.

• Dana Perino [30:04]: Quotes Rosie: "I was very, very depressed. I was overeating. I was over drinking."

B. Hosts' Reactions and Light-Hearted Banter

The hosts engage in humorous exchanges about Rosie's situation, balancing the serious discussion with comedic relief.

• Jesse Waters [31:56]: Jokes about setting Rosie up with a "white guy" to alleviate her frustrations.

V. Lifestyle Trends and Humor Segment

A. Mouth Tape Trend for Better Sleep

A lighter segment tackles the viral trend of using mouth tape to improve sleep quality, met with skepticism by the hosts.

• Jessica Tarlov [35:11]: Mentions, "Influencers are taping their mouth shut at night, claiming it helps them get better sleep."
• Charlie Hurt [35:47]: Responds humorously, "If I walked in and my wife or one of my children with tape over their mouth, I would grab my gun and shoot everything that moved in the house."

B. Humorous Interactions Among Hosts

The segment is filled with playful interactions and jokes, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and wit.

• Jessica Tarlov & Jesse Waters [36:00]: Engage in a mock attempt to tape each other's mouths, eliciting laughter.

VI. Closing Segments and Final Thoughts

A. Operation Midnight Hammer and Cultural Festivities

The hosts briefly discuss cultural events like the "Festival in Portugal," juxtaposing it with American sensibilities.

• Emily Compagno [39:38]: Describes the festival where participants playfully bonk each other with hammers, questioning its feasibility in New York City.

B. Humorous Vehicle Segment

A segment on the world's thinnest car serves as a humorous closer, with hosts debating its practicality.

• Charlie Hurt [40:08]: Concludes, "I don't think this is going to take off in America."

Notable Quotes

• Charlie Hurt [00:44]: "President Trump directed the most complex and secretive military operation in history and it was a resounding success."

• Jesse Waters [05:16]: "It's treasonous. That's the T word."

• Dana Perino [16:58]: "Real socialism has never been tried."

• Jessica Tarlov [23:48]: "75% of the 238 men that were sent to see COT have no criminal conviction."

• Dana Perino [30:04]: "I was very, very depressed. I was overeating. I was over drinking."

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Five," the hosts delve deep into the ramifications of "Operation Hammer," scrutinizing both military success and media portrayal. They transition to political dynamics within the Democratic Party, highlighting concerns over rising socialist candidates and immigration policies. The episode balances serious discussions with lighter, humorous segments, maintaining an engaging and dynamic dialogue throughout. Notable moments include heated critiques of media integrity, heartfelt stories of political figures' struggles, and playful banter among the hosts, ensuring a comprehensive and entertaining overview for listeners.