Podcast Summary: The Five – Episode 05-29-2025

Introduction

In the May 29, 2025 episode of The Five, hosted by Fox News Radio, the panel delves into a range of hot-button issues dominating national conversations. The five hosts—Greg Gutfeld, Emily Compagno, Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Watters, and Dana Perino—engage in spirited discussions, debates, and sometimes debunks surrounding political maneuvers, economic policies, and societal challenges.

1. Elon Musk’s Departure from Washington D.C. and the Doge Mission

Overview: The episode opens with a heated discussion about Elon Musk’s recent announcement to leave Washington D.C., highlighting his gratitude towards former President Trump and the ongoing "Doge mission."

Key Points:

• Musk’s Announcement: Elon Musk declared his departure from D.C. via a post on social media platform X, emphasizing the strengthening of the Doge mission within the government.

  Greg Gutfeld (01:07): "Elon Musk announcing his departure from D.C. and thanking President Trump with an announcement on X where he said, 'the Doge mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government bus.'"

• Economic Impact: Musk claims the Doge mission has saved over $175 billion since Trump’s tenure, although Dana Perino expresses skepticism about the actual savings and the sustainability of such initiatives.

  Dana Perino (02:28): "They are dead now at the hands of Elon Musk and his co-conspirators."

• Democratic Criticism: The panel critiques Democrats for opposing Musk and the Doge mission, suggesting that their opposition could lead to economic instability.

  Greg Gutfeld (02:01): "Trump and Musk are just eroding the American dream. They're rigging the system for billionaires while stealing from the elderly, from the disabled to cut taxes for their billionaire club."

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Gutfeld (02:08): "They are dead now at the hands of Elon Musk and his co conspirators."
• Dana Perino (02:28): "They are dead now at the hands of Elon Musk and his co-conspirators."

2. Harvard’s Student Visa Policies and Chinese Influence

Overview: The conversation shifts to President Trump’s aggressive stance on Chinese student visas and the ongoing legal battle with Harvard University.

Key Points:

• Visa Revocations: The Trump administration plans to revoke Chinese student visas, citing concerns over campus surveillance and intellectual property theft.

  Dana Perino (13:06): "The state Department will begin aggressively remaking some Chinese student visas. And for good measure, the United States grants about 300,000 student visas to Chinese nationals every year."

• Harvard Lawsuit: A federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from revoking Harvard's ability to enroll foreign students, with the administration insisting that Harvard must "behave."

  Greg Gutfeld (13:38): "We want to know where those students come. Are they troublemakers? What countries do they come? ... Harvard wants to fight. They want to show how smart they are. And they're getting their ass kicked."

• Economic and Security Concerns: The panel debates the economic contributions of international students against national security risks, with varying opinions on the effectiveness and fairness of the administration’s approach.

  Jessica Tarlov (16:37): "Foreign students do contribute to the American economy. ... we’d rather have them working here than working against us somewhere else."

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Gutfeld (13:38): "We want to know where those students come. Are they troublemakers? What countries do they come?"
• Jessica Tarlov (16:37): "Foreign students do contribute to the American economy. Especially, remember ..."

3. Trade Tariffs and Judicial Pushback

Overview: The panel examines the reinstatement of Trump-era tariffs after a series of judicial rulings deemed them overreach, and the administration's response labeling it a "judicial coup."

Key Points:

• Judicial Rulings: Two courts ruled against Trump’s tariffs, stating that the President overstepped his authority under existing statutes.

  Jessica Tarlov (23:37): "A US Appeals court is reinstating all of the Trump tariffs as the process plays out in the courts."

• Republican Response: The administration, represented by Jesse Watters, argues that the tariffs are essential for national security and economic stability, with plans to invoke different statutes to sustain them.

  Jesse Watters (24:01): "The president's rationale for imposing these powerful tariffs was legally sound and grounded in common sense."

• Legislative Analysis: The discussion highlights the complex interplay between executive actions and judicial oversight, emphasizing the Republicans' frustration with perceived judicial interference.

  Jesse Watters (25:00): "It's that kind of thinking that is so destructive... economic catastrophe is the next logical step if you keep throwing away other people's money."

Notable Quotes:

• Jesse Watters (24:36): "The president's rationale for imposing these powerful tariffs was legally sound and grounded in common sense."
• Greg Gutfeld (27:06): "I think I have a new name for the Democrats. I call them the Unelectables."

4. K-12 Education Crisis and Progressive Policies

Overview: Jessica Tarlov leads a robust discussion on the deteriorating state of K-12 education in the U.S., criticizing progressive policies and advocating for traditional educational standards.

Key Points:

• Educational Standards: The panel criticizes the current educational system for failing to produce competent graduates, with scores in math and reading plummeting.

  Jessica Tarlov (33:08): "It is outrageous that they would think is okay to have that kind of math and English skills."

• Progressive Policies: The episode condemns progressive educational reforms like grading for equity, which San Francisco recently abandoned amid backlash.

  Greg Gutfeld (31:45): "Why do they always try to sneak it past parents?... This stuff is designed for lazy teachers."

• Conservative Success: Emily Compagno highlights Mississippi’s success in improving education by enforcing strict standards and returning to foundational teaching methods like phonics.

  Emily Compagno (36:36): "The Mississippi education miracle is unbelievable... they went back to old fashioned phonics."

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Gutfeld (31:45): "This stuff is designed for lazy teachers. You don't have to grade papers. You don't have to do real exams."
• Jessica Tarlov (33:24): "This is what I think that story... it's a national emergency."

5. Light-Hearted Segments and Other Topics

Overview: Interspersed with serious discussions, the hosts engage in lighter banter and promotional segments, maintaining the show’s dynamic and entertaining atmosphere.

Key Points:

• Tickling Debate: A humorous exchange on why it’s impossible to tickle oneself, with Emily Compagno and Greg Gutfeld sharing playful insights.

  Greg Gutfeld (38:16): "You can take a rubber band and you could tie it around your wrist and your hand will go numb."

• Product Promotions: Brief advertisements for LifeLock, Vanta, Mint Mobile, and Olly products are seamlessly integrated into the conversation.

  Jesse Watters (30:58): "Get started@vanta.com."

• Animal Stories: The hosts share amusing anecdotes about pets and wildlife, adding a relatable touch to the discussion.

  Jessica Tarlov (41:04): "Percy can do amazing tricks with these balls."

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Gutfeld (38:16): "You never do anything you need because you do. You were in love with the feeling of novelty."
• Emily Compagno (38:53): "We need stories like 'Shut up, Data.'"

6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts summarizing their key points and promoting upcoming segments. Greg Gutfeld closes with a light-hearted comment, reinforcing the show’s blend of serious analysis and entertaining discourse.

Closing Remarks:

• Greg Gutfeld (40:33): "One dog, three balls."
• Jessica Tarlov (42:37): "Listen to the 5ad free on Amazon Music with your prime membership or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Five offers a comprehensive look into the pressing issues affecting America, from economic policies and educational reforms to national security and immigration. The hosts provide a blend of insightful analysis, sharp critique, and engaging banter, ensuring listeners are well-informed and entertained. Notable quotes throughout the discussion underscore the passionate stances the hosts hold on these critical matters, making the episode a must-listen for those seeking a thorough understanding of current events through a conservative lens.