Podcast Summary: The Five – May 16, 2025

Hosted by FOX News Radio, "The Five" delves into the hottest topics of the day with five dynamic voices. In the May 16, 2025 episode, the hosts engage in spirited discussions ranging from political controversies to current events, providing listeners with diverse perspectives and in-depth analyses.

1. James Comey's Controversial Social Media Activity

The episode opens with a heated debate surrounding former FBI Director James Comey’s recent social media posts. Jesse Waters introduces the topic by highlighting Comey’s cryptic post featuring seashells arranged in the shape of "8647," which many interpret as a veiled death threat.

Jesse Waters [00:35]: "...Former FBI Director James Comey, now under investigation because he posted a cryptic picture of seashells formed in the shape of 8647, which is widely interpreted as a Mafia era death threat..."

Greg Gutfeld strongly criticizes Comey’s actions, asserting that the former FBI director is unfit for his position and suggests severe consequences.

Greg Gutfeld [01:29]: "He was a dirty cop. He's a dirty cop."

The hosts discuss the potential implications of Comey’s behavior, with Jessica Tarlov emphasizing the irresponsibility of his posts while defending his First Amendment rights.

Jessica Tarlov [05:57]: "It was really stupid. But it is also First Amendment protected speech."

Emily Compagno adds nuance by explaining the investigation process behind such threats, suggesting that while Comey’s posts are alarming, they may not necessarily warrant legal action.

Emily Compagno [10:50]: "...the question is whether it's actionable."

The segment concludes with a consensus among the hosts that Comey’s actions are detrimental to political discourse and potentially dangerous.

2. President Trump’s Rising Approval and Middle East Diplomacy

Transitioning from the Comey discussion, the conversation shifts to President Donald Trump’s recent achievements and rising approval ratings. Greg Gutfeld sarcastically remarks on Trump seemingly defying political predictions.

Greg Gutfeld [13:39]: "Adios, amigos. He is rising from the dead like Methuselah."

Martha MacCallum cites polls showing Trump’s improved favorability, attributing it to his active engagement in Middle East negotiations.

Martha MacCallum [13:46]: "He's up seven points to a minus one point net favorability rating."

Jessica Tarlov questions the legitimacy of Trump taking sole credit for deals that originated under the previous administration, pointing out discrepancies in reported investments.

Jessica Tarlov [15:37]: "...the eight and a half billion out of Qatar for Texas energy company McDermott that was already announced in 2023 and 2024."

Despite these criticisms, the hosts agree that Trump’s proactive diplomacy is garnering positive public perception, contrasting it with the Biden administration’s approach.

Jesse Waters [21:54]: "...President Trump said no 30 page proposal for Iran. It's one page. You cannot have nuclear weapons. If you pursue this program, we will obliterate you."

3. Democrats’ Credibility Crisis and Biden’s Performance

The discussion then pivots to the Democratic Party’s struggles, particularly focusing on President Joe Biden’s cognitive capabilities and public image. Jesse Waters and Jessica Tarlov highlight growing concerns within the Democratic ranks about Biden’s effectiveness and the party’s future prospects.

Jesse Waters [25:17]: "He is absolutely the same Joe Biden we all have known."

Jessica Tarlov underscores the importance of addressing Biden’s perceived shortcomings ahead of the 2028 elections, emphasizing that unresolved issues could jeopardize Democratic credibility.

Jessica Tarlov [26:13]: "...this is going to be an issue for 2028."

Emily Compagno critiques the Democratic Party’s handling of negative press and internal inconsistencies, suggesting that without transparency, their standing among voters will weaken.

Emily Compagno [28:06]: "...they have to answer for it. And it's the biggest political scandal in history."

Martha MacCallum urges Democrats to adopt more humility and accountability, advocating for honest admissions of mistakes to restore trust.

Martha MacCallum [30:08]: "...they have to admit they're wrong. We could all have a little humility."

4. Economic Contributions and Disney’s Growth

In a brief yet notable segment, the hosts spotlight Disney’s substantial economic impact. Jessica Tarlov presents statistics illustrating Disney’s significant investments and job creation across the United States.

Jessica Tarlov [13:27]: "Since 2017, Disney has nearly doubled spending on film and television content and is spending $23 billion in fiscal year 2025."

Greg Gutfeld humorously juxtaposes Disney’s positive contributions with political narratives, suggesting that such economic growth often goes unnoticed amidst larger political dramas.

Greg Gutfeld [13:35]: "Liberals hate to see it, but President Trump is on a roll."

5. Youth and Political Polarization

The episode also touches on the perceptions of young Trump supporters. Jessica Tarlov references Jordan Klepper’s observations about the unexpected kindness among young Trump voters, challenging the stereotype of aggressive MAGA supporters.

Jessica Tarlov [32:36]: "...young Trump voters surprised him. He said, 'I expected to be confronted by a bunch of Richards, but the cruelty wasn't there.'"

Greg Gutfeld expands on this by criticizing the media’s role in fostering negative stereotypes, arguing that genuine interactions reveal the flawed narratives pushed by liberal media.

Greg Gutfeld [33:50]: "You have to ask, why was he shocked by the... their kindness?"

Jesse Waters echoes this sentiment, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of political supporters and lamenting the instant judgment based on superficial indicators.

Jesse Waters [35:04]: "...people get judged before you meet them on little things, like if they have a flag on their lapel or maybe a flag on their car."

6. Medical Breakthroughs and Positive News

Amidst the political discourse, the hosts share uplifting news about medical advancements. Jessica Tarlov recounts the story of Kg Muldoon, a nine-month-old boy successfully treated with personalized gene-editing therapy for a rare genetic disorder.

Jessica Tarlov [39:54]: "A nine-month-old baby is the first person to successfully be treated with personalized gene editing therapy... He's meeting all of his developmental milestones."

Jesse Waters expresses amazement at the progress in medical science, highlighting the potential for future breakthroughs.

Jesse Waters [39:53]: "Medicine changing. So unbelievable."

7. Light-Hearted Segments and Listener Engagement

The episode concludes with the "Fan Mail Friday" segment, where hosts share personal anecdotes and engage in humorous exchanges about recurring dreams and family stories. These lighter moments provide a balanced end to a discussion-heavy episode.

Jesse Waters [36:37]: "So that's my recurring nightmare."

Martha MacCallum [37:56]: "Women and children first."

Conclusion

The May 16, 2025 episode of "The Five" offers a comprehensive exploration of current political tensions, leadership dynamics, and societal issues, all while interspersing moments of levity and human interest. Through spirited debates and diverse viewpoints, the hosts provide listeners with a multifaceted understanding of the pressing topics shaping the nation.