Podcast Summary: The Five

Episode: Soon: Trump Delivers Economic Address In PA
Date: December 10, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Five centers around the renewed political presence of former President Donald Trump as he prepares to deliver an economic address in Pennsylvania—signaling a return to the campaign trail reminiscent of 2024. The hosts discuss Trump’s economic agenda, looming midterm battles, and broader cultural and political issues. The episode features poignant discussions around Charlie Kirk’s legacy, rising candidates like Jasmine Crockett, and quirky trends from fashion to airport upgrades, with the unmistakable candid and sometimes humorous tone FOX News viewers have come to expect.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Trump’s Economic Address and 2026 Midterm Campaigning

(02:31 – 10:03)

• Dana Perino opens by framing Trump’s visit to Northeast Pennsylvania as both a pitch for his economic policies (lowering costs for everyday Americans) and an early campaign turbo-boost for the 2026 midterms.
• Erica Tarlov underscores Trump’s ongoing importance as a "difference maker" and a "turnout machine" for the GOP (02:50).
• The panel discusses Trump’s self-grading ("A plus. Plus plus plus plus" - Tyrus, 03:19), his claims that he's curbed inflation, improved oil and gas prices, and put more money in voters’ pockets (Jesse Watters highlights specifics, 04:57).
• Jessica Tarlov challenges these claims, noting the global economic context, ongoing layoffs, higher living costs, and dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic record:
  “He’s just setting our economy on fire and not in the good way. Like the dumpster fire way. The A plus plus plus plus grade, obviously that’s ridiculous.” (06:50)

Notable Segment:

• Jesse Watters proposes linking mass deportations with economic relief:
  “What I'd like to see him do is connect the mass deportations with the economy…lower rent prices because there's just not as many people to compete. So you also build and you deport, build houses, deport migrants, and then that's how you unlock the American dream.” (05:51)

Reflections on Charlie Kirk and Family, Leadership, and Faith

(12:28 – 22:24)

• The panel discusses the posthumously released book by Charlie Kirk, Stop in the Name of Why—Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life, now topping Amazon’s charts.
• Erica Tarlov (his wife) shares emotional insights into Kirk’s personal and family life, the importance of the Sabbath, and his unwavering faith.
  “I saw a side of my husband that the world never got to see…He was able to just reset, recalibrate, and say, you know what? The noise of this world can wait 24 hours.” (14:14)
• Discussion turns to leadership continuity at Turning Point USA, the impact of Charlie’s faith-driven example, and daily family routines without screens (15:15).
• Erica offers a moving explanation of how she managed to forgive her husband's alleged killer, modeling Christian grace:
  “If I had any ounce of hate in my heart, the Lord would not be able to use me…Faith is just a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.” (18:59)
• Panelists share how Kirk inspired renewed spirituality among them—Jesse, Jessica, Greg, and Harold now have a morning Bible study group (20:45).

Quote:

“Your life might be the only Bible someone reads. So be authentic with it.” —Erica Tarlov (19:59)

Political Battles: Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Bid in Texas

(24:42 – 31:13)

• The hosts analyze Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s (D-TX) Senate run and her confrontational campaign style, with skepticism about her chances in deeply red Texas.
• Tyrus is especially critical:
  “Jasmine Crockett gets attention because she says dumb, outlandish things…She doesn’t represent the average Democratic person. She’s just playing a role.” (26:41)
• Jessica Tarlov notes demographic shifts and Democratic infighting due to gerrymandering and seat shuffling but agrees that Crockett’s messaging (“not needing Trump voters”) is strategically flawed and noninclusive (28:12).
• Erica Tarlov cleverly pivots Crockett’s slogan (“the JC way”) to “the Jesus Christ way,” connecting it to Turning Point Action’s 2026 campaign:
  “If you did it the Jesus Christ way, we wouldn’t have this issue. But turning point action...we will do it the Jesus Christ way.” (30:30)

Airport Upgrades and Quirky Policy Proposals

(32:39 – 38:06)

• The group discusses a billion-dollar plan to upgrade U.S. airports, including workout equipment at terminals—a lighthearted debate ensues over the practicality and wisdom of “pull-up bars in airports.”
• Tyrus entertains with his deadpan critique:
  “I object. No, you don’t need a billion dollars…Open some damn windows, put some plants in there and play some classical music and everyone will behave. That doesn’t cost a billion dollars.” (33:42)
• Dana and the group share traveler pet peeves (speakerphone use, lack of quiet zones) and ideas to boost patriotism and family friendliness in airports.

“Swag Gap” and Relationship Trends among Gen Z

(39:23 – 42:28)

• Tyrus introduces the Gen Z “swag gap”—couples supposedly splitting over mismatched fashion sensibilities. Dana and Jessica suggest it’s less about breakups and more about first impressions ("the ick").
• The hosts jokingly reveal personal and family fashion struggles, with supportive references to seeing beyond appearances in relationships.

Memorable Moment:

“My husband was not the best dresser. Him and I disagreed on fashion. I didn’t care if he wanted to wear shorts with compression stockings…” —Erica Tarlov (41:47)

“One More Thing”: Lighthearted Closing Segments

(43:19 – end)

• Dana announces her forthcoming romantic comedy novel, Purple, thematically about love across the political divide (43:31).
• Jesse highlights Lake Michigan’s “icicle claws,” poking fun at doomsday climate headlines (44:15).
• Jessica shares the story of the “golden wave”—the world’s largest gathering of golden retrievers in Buenos Aires (44:46).
• Erica tells of “tactical elves” (firefighters) rappelling down a children’s hospital as a holiday treat (45:12).
• Tyrus plugs his comedy tour, matching his bold chair-side fashion (45:37).

Notable Quotes

• On Trump's campaign presence:
  “No one is better on the stump than Donald Trump…No one can connect with the average guy and no one can raise money like he can.” —Jesse Watters (04:57)

• On leadership and faith:
  “Turning Point USA...is not a 9 to 5. It’s a mission driven organization and everyone that works there is working there because they understand the heart and soul and the DNA of Turning Point USA.” —Erica Tarlov (16:46)

• On Charlie Kirk’s inspiration:
  “Every day, he wanted to help people remember…are you gonna make this place better, or are you gonna make it worse? Are you gonna be a solution or are you gonna be an additional problem?” —Erica Tarlov (21:27)

• On forgiveness:
  “It’s not a weakness, it’s a form of a strength...Am I going to stand in the corner, be in fetal position and crying, or I’m going to stand on my two feet by the Lord’s strength?” —Erica Tarlov (19:59)

• On airport fitness:
  “The last thing you need at the gym is somebody working out. And RFK Jr…I don’t need to see his armpit sweat…and that’s gonna be sitting next to me on the airplane.” —Tyrus (33:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump’s Economic Agenda and Reception – 02:31–10:03
• Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and Sabbath Book – 12:28–22:24
• Forgiveness and Faith after Loss – 18:59–20:34
• Jasmine Crockett Senate Run Discussion – 24:42–31:13
• Airport Upgrade & Pull-Up Bar Debate – 32:39–38:06
• Gen Z “Swag Gap” and Dating – 39:23–42:28
• One More Thing/Novel Announcements/Holiday Acts – 43:19–46:02

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a conversational, candid, and at times irreverently humorous style, typical for The Five. While the topics oscillate between serious current events, heartfelt personal stories, and playful banter, the hosts are direct, at times combative, and always keen to inject wit and personality into the conversation.

For New Listeners

This episode provides political analysis, moving human stories, and culture war commentary—the full “Five” experience. Standout moments include the discussion of how family and faith intersect with public life, the honest confrontation of political strategy, and the open-hearted tribute to Charlie Kirk’s enduring influence. Whether you’re following politics or just looking for cultural pulse points, the segment structure and vibrant personalities make for both informative and engaging listening.