Podcast Summary: The Five – "Trump At NATO As Ceasefire Holds Steady"

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host/Authors: Emily Compagno, Harold Ford Jr., Jesse Waters, Dana Perino, Joey Jones
Description: In this episode of The Five, the panel delves into the high-stakes NATO summit attended by President Donald Trump, evaluates the fragile ceasefire he brokered between Israel and Iran, and navigates the turbulent waters of political impeachment discussions. They also touch upon the potential gubernatorial ambitions of Vice President Kamala Harris and analyze recent Supreme Court decisions affecting immigration policies. The conversation is peppered with spirited debates, insightful analysis, and moments of levity.

1. President Trump’s NATO Summit and Middle East Ceasefire

Overview:
The episode opens with President Trump's attendance at a NATO summit in Amsterdam, following a tense 24-hour period testing a ceasefire he facilitated between Israel and Iran. The ceasefire, though holding steady, remains fragile, with Trump expressing frustration over violations and contemplating the future stability of the region.

Notable Discussions:

• Trump’s Frustration and Accusations:
  “I'm not happy with Israel... I'm not happy with Iran either.” – Donald Trump [01:29]
  Trump criticizes both Israel and Iran for breaching the ceasefire agreement, highlighting the complexities of maintaining peace in a historically volatile region.

• Ceasefire Fragility:
  Jesse Waters remarks on the precarious nature of the ceasefire:
  “It’s as fragile as Tim Walls right now. It could break at any moment.” – Jesse Waters [03:47]

• Regime Change Debate:
  Trump addresses the controversial topic of regime change in Iran:
  “If there was, there was, but no, I don’t want it. I’d like to see everything come down as quickly as possible.” – Donald Trump [02:17]

• White House and Pentagon Statements:
  The panel discusses conflicting reports from the liberal media versus official statements:
  “Our bombing campaign obliterated Iran's ability to create nuclear weapons.” – Secretary Hegseth [Timestamp unclear]
  “This alleged assessment is flat out wrong...” – White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt [Timestamp unclear]

Analysis: Harold Ford Jr. emphasizes the differing objectives between Israel and the United States, suggesting that Trump's primary goal is to end ongoing conflicts without plunging the region into further chaos. The panel acknowledges the strategic importance of the ceasefire in potentially paving the way for the Abraham Accords and reducing proxy influences from China and Russia.

2. Media Leak Controversy and Impeachment Discussions

Overview:
The conversation shifts to a leaked classified assessment from the White House, alleged to downplay the effectiveness of military strikes against Iran's nuclear program. The panel critiques the liberal media's portrayal of the leak and examines the ensuing impeachment talks spearheaded by Representative Al Green and amplified by figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).

Notable Discussions:

• Dana Perino on Media Credibility:
  “I don’t believe it because the person who wrote it is the same journalist who wrote the Hunter Biden laptop is Russia disinformation.” – Dana Perino [07:50]

• Impeachment as Political Strategy:
  Emily Compagno critiques the impeachment movement:
  “President of the United States admitting that he unilaterally brought the United States into a war without congressional approval is a very grave public admission... It is illegal. It is unconstitutional.” – Emily Compagno [13:12]

• Historical Context of Impeachment:
  Harold Ford Jr. provides a historical perspective on presidential military actions without congressional approval:
  “There have been a bunch of presidents who have ordered strikes without congressional approval... Why didn't it lead to impeachment for everybody else?” – Harold Ford Jr. [19:47]

• Panel’s Stance on Impeachment:
  The panel largely dismisses the impeachment efforts as politically motivated and lacking substantive grounds, highlighting bipartisan support for Trump's national security decisions.

Analysis: The discussion underscores a deep partisan divide, with the panel arguing that impeachment attempts are more about political theater than legitimate constitutional concerns. They reference past administrations to illustrate perceived inconsistencies in how military actions are scrutinized and highlight the entrenched nature of impeachment as a recurring political tool.

3. Kamala Harris’s Gubernatorial Ambitions

Overview:
Vice President Kamala Harris is rumored to be considering a run for Governor of California. The panel critiques her potential candidacy, questioning her qualifications and political strategy.

Notable Discussions:

• Dana Perino’s Critique:
  “She can’t even pass the California bar, so how does she expect to be governor?” – Dana Perino [23:24]

• Jesse Waters on Policy Disconnect:
  “When you want to run for office and you say no, I was a part of all those decisions and I like them. You either don’t have any policy ideas yourself or you don’t understand why those are unpopular.” – Jesse Waters [27:06]

• Harold Ford Jr.’s Perspective:
  “She has to have a reason and substance. And if she doesn’t, she’s going to suffer the fate that your comments suggest.” – Harold Ford Jr. [29:07]

Analysis: The panel expresses skepticism about Harris’s suitability for the governorship, citing her legal qualifications and perceived lack of distinct policy propositions. They also suggest that her association with the Biden administration and current approval ratings might hinder her electoral prospects in California’s dynamic political landscape.

4. Supreme Court Decision on Immigration and "Alligator Alcatraz"

Overview:
A Supreme Court decision now permits the deportation of convicted immigrants to third countries, prompting the Department of Homeland Security to establish a new detention facility nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" near the Everglades.

Notable Discussions:

• Dana Perino on Alligator Alcatraz:
  “There’s nothing anti-immigrant about it. I support putting American prisoners in a swamp surrounded by gators.” – Dana Perino [32:18]

• Emily Compagno’s Legal Insights:
  “This decision... is about judicial slapback. This is about reminding the lower courts that they cannot micromanage what happens to an illegal immigrant in their operational execution by the federal government.” – Emily Compagno [35:58]

• Harold Ford Jr. on Judicial Reasoning:
  “I just wish the court would release its reasoning. I think it’s only fair that we all have an understanding.” – Harold Ford Jr. [34:13]

Analysis: The panel critiques the Supreme Court's procedural decision, viewing it as a reinforcement of executive authority over immigration enforcement. The introduction of "Alligator Alcatraz" is met with a mix of humor and concern, highlighting the extreme measures proposed to deter illegal immigration. The hosts discuss the broader implications for due process and the balance of power between branches of government.

5. Light-Hearted Segments and Personal Anecdotes

Overview:
Amidst serious discussions, the panel shares personal stories, jokes, and promotions of upcoming projects, adding a touch of levity to the episode.

Notable Moments:

• Group Therapy Commentary:
  The hosts humorously debate the oversharing culture in modern workplaces, reflecting on personal boundaries and professionalism.
  “We share a lot. We do.” – Greg Gutfeld [36:43]

• Jesse Waters’ Marine Corps Story:
  Jesse recounts his experiences in the Marine Corps, blending humor with camaraderie:
  “My buddy Danny Ridgeway... sends us trail cam pictures of him naked walking through the woods.” – Jesse Waters [37:16]

• Book Promotions:
  The panel promotes books related to personal loss and community stories:
  “Gianna Caldwell... has just written a book called The Day My Brother was Murdered.” – Greg Gutfeld [39:18]

Analysis: These segments provide a balance to the intense political discourse, showcasing the hosts' personalities and fostering a sense of connection with the audience. The light-hearted interactions and personal anecdotes serve to humanize the panelists and maintain an engaging conversational flow.

6. Final Remarks and Upcoming Features

Overview:
As the episode wraps up, the hosts hint at future content, including a special episode featuring contributors from Jesse Waters’ book and humorous takes on current events.

Notable Mentions:

• Upcoming Fox Nation Special:
  “We’re going to film a Fox Nation special. So look out for that the week of Fourth of July.” – Jesse Waters [39:18]

• Community Pranks and Local Events:
  Emily shares a heartwarming story about a parish's prank that brought the community together:
  “They got 200 of the congregants’ husbands to wear the same shirt. It was so cute.” – Emily Compagno [40:43]

Analysis: The episode concludes with teasers for future content, encouraging listeners to stay engaged with The Five and Fox News podcasts. These mentions reinforce the show's dynamic range, covering everything from geopolitical analysis to community stories and upcoming media projects.

Conclusion:
In this episode of The Five, the panel navigates through significant geopolitical events, internal political strife, and societal trends with a blend of rigorous analysis and personable dialogue. From President Trump's high-stakes diplomacy at NATO and the fragile Middle East ceasefire to the contentious discussions surrounding impeachment and Kamala Harris's political ambitions, the hosts provide comprehensive insights. Additionally, lighter segments and personal anecdotes ensure a well-rounded and engaging listening experience for audiences seeking both depth and relatability in current affairs.