Podcast Summary: The Five

Episode: Trump Gets Hero’s Welcome In Israel
Date: October 13, 2025
Host: Dana Perino
Panelists: Kennedy, Harold Ford Jr., Jesse Waters, Greg Gutfeld

Overview

This episode of The Five centers around President Trump’s historic diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East, particularly his role in brokering a peace deal that led to the release of 20 living hostages held by Hamas. The discussion spans Trump’s hero’s welcome in Israel, his speech in the Knesset, and the regional and global implications of his peace efforts. The panel also addresses reactions from political opponents, differences in policy approach compared to previous administrations, and contemporary issues in American cities involving law enforcement and political protests.

Main Discussion: Trump’s Peace Deal and Its Impact

Trump’s Diplomatic Achievement in Israel and the Middle East

• [00:24] Dana Perino: Opens with emotional scenes of families reunited as hostages are freed by Hamas under Trump’s peace deal. Trump receives a “thunderous ovation” while addressing the Knesset and does not shy away from criticizing former presidents Obama and Biden.

• [00:49] Donald Trump (Speech Excerpt):

  “When you settle eight wars in eight months, that means you don’t like war... It could have happened a long time ago, but it was strangled and set back almost irretrievably by the administrations of Barack Obama and then Joe Biden...”
  (00:49 - 01:17)

• [01:29] Donald Trump (On Rebuilding):

  “Now the rebuilding begins. The rebuilding is maybe going to be the easiest part. I think we’ve done a lot of the hardest part... All the momentum now is toward a great, glorious and lasting peace and our commitment to fulfilling the 20 point plan. I hope everybody is going to join the Abraham Accord. I like to say the Avraham. I love Avraham.”
  (01:29 - 02:08)

• [02:08] Dana Perino: Notes that, unusually, even some Democrats and media pundits are crediting Trump’s accomplishment.

Panel Gives Credit to Trump

• [02:21] Harold Ford Jr.:

  “Certainly.” (On giving Trump credit)

• [02:26] Greg Gutfeld:

  “It’s a terrific day for the hostage families. It’s a terrific day for President Trump, for our national interests.”

• [02:34] Harold Ford Jr.:

  “He should get a lot of credit. I mean, this was his deal. He worked this out.”

Analysis of Policy Shifts and Results

• [03:18] Jesse Waters:
  Delivers a critical rundown of previous U.S. foreign policy and contrasts Trump’s approach:

  • Trump used force against Iran instead of financial incentives.
  • Encouraged Israel to act more freely.
  • Shifted Arab relations through technology, not just arms sales.
  • Departs from “career diplomats” approach, instead relying on business figures.
  • Suggests Arab trust in Trump was built on his ability to control Netanyahu during negotiations.
  • Surmises that had Trump been imprisoned, the peace deal wouldn’t have happened.
  • Draws parallel to Ukraine, suggesting Trump may allow more assertiveness against Russia.
  • Suggests Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

  “If they had been successful in putting him in prison, Hamas would have still had the hostages, and the Iranians would have still had their nuclear program.” (04:39)

• [05:54] Harold Ford Jr.:
  Emphasizes hard and soft power in the deal—mentions Operation Midnight Hammer and the critical role of Israeli and U.S. forces in undermining Iranian-funded proxies.

  “It was so encouraging to see the president there with leadership in the Middle East, as well as many of our European allies... But we shouldn’t kid ourselves. It was President Trump that did it.” (06:15) Poses future-facing questions about leadership in Gaza and technology investments transforming the region.

Emotional Weight and Historic Nature

• [08:25] Kennedy:
  Describes the traumatic impact on hostage families, and highlights an unprecedented honor:

  “Speaker of the Knesset said that President Trump is the greatest ally Israel has ever had. Benjamin Netanyahu said that he was going to nominate President Trump for the Israel Prize, something that no non-Israeli had ever won.” (09:11) Reflects on Trump’s hunger for peace and speculates this wouldn’t have happened under Biden or Harris.

Reflections on Trump’s Criticism and Political Division

Media and Democrat Response

• [10:50] Greg Gutfeld:
  Marvels at the sudden silence from Trump’s critics when major achievements are made.

  “Every day you hear how awful Donald Trump is. Until something like this happens and it just goes deathly quiet.” (11:10)

  Urges listeners—especially Trump opponents—to use this moment as inspiration for mending personal rifts with Trump supporters.

  “If Trump can do that, maybe it’s time that you decide that you were a little harsh on your friends because they happened to see something in Trump that you missed.” (11:40)

  Frames Trump as someone coming from the “world of the unacceptable” who pursues big goals against the grain of professional politicians.

Segment: Domestic U.S. Issues—Crime, Protests, and the National Guard

Obama Criticizes Trump's Use of National Guard

• [15:15] Jesse Waters:
  Describes protests against ICE facilities in Portland and Obama’s public discontent with Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Chicago.

• [16:13] Jesse Waters and Greg Gutfeld:
  Mock Obama’s comments and lament how crime issues are used for political points.

• [18:05] Dana Perino:
  Posits that, in practice, Obama would also have to act to protect federal officers if he were still president.

• [19:30] Harold Ford Jr.:
  Supports using National Guard temporarily when cities are overwhelmed, but argues more resources, not indefinite federal presence, are needed to solve local crime.

Extended Panel Debate: Crime Solutions and Urban Policy

• [21:18] Greg Gutfeld:
  Expresses frustration over lack of progress on ending cashless bail and other urban crime solutions.

• [21:54] Harold Ford Jr.:
  Explains the limits of federal authority—encouragement, not mandates, is possible.

• [22:54] Kennedy:
  Criticizes city mayors for disconnect between leadership and law enforcement, and highlights cultural divides within cities like Portland.

Notable Moments: Hostage Release & Political Parallels

• [38:49] Dana Perino:
  Shares an emotional story about former hostage Keith Siegel’s reunion, underlining the human impact of the peace deal.
• [09:11] Kennedy:
  Notes historic nomination of Trump for the Israel Prize—emphasizing international recognition.

Additional Segments

Kamala Harris and Democratic Division

• [24:24] Kamala Harris:
  Faces hecklers accusing her of being a “war criminal.”
• [25:00] Harold Ford Jr.:
  Praises Trump’s accomplishment and doubts Biden or Harris could have achieved the same.
• [26:19] Kennedy:
  Breaks down Harris’ political vulnerability and rivalry with Gavin Newsom.
• [27:54] Jesse Waters:
  Sarcastically questions the logic of protesters targeting Harris for war crimes but remaining silent about Trump’s actual peace outcome.

Media Integrity: J.D. Vance vs. George Stephanopoulos

• [31:03] Greg Gutfeld & Jesse Waters:
  Criticize media priorities and question focus on minor scandals vs. pressing issues like troop payment during a government shutdown.
• [32:22] Dana Perino:
  Emphasizes both interviewer and politician have the right to steer the conversation.
• [34:20] Harold Ford Jr.:
  Asserts public officials should answer tough questions, regardless of political party.
• [35:14] Greg Gutfeld:
  Argues conservative politicians face more media bias.

Lighter Segment: Branded Weddings

• [37:01] Harold Ford Jr.:
  Poses a lighthearted question about sponsoring weddings to cut costs.
• [37:28] All:
  Panel pokes fun about mascot-filled, branded, and weekday weddings to save money.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Trump on Settling Wars:

  “When you settle eight wars in eight months, that means you don’t like war.” (00:49, Donald Trump)

• Kennedy on Hostage Release:

  “Speaker of the Knesset said that President Trump is the greatest ally Israel has ever had.” (09:11)

• Greg Gutfeld on Political Division:

  “If Trump can do that, maybe it’s time that you decide that you were a little harsh on your friends because they happened to see something in Trump that you missed.” (11:40)

• Jesse Waters on Policy Change:

  “He sold the Arab leaders technology instead of just weaponry.” (03:32)

• Harold Ford Jr. on Emerging Leadership:

  “Will there be a new generation of leadership that emerges as we think about the way Gaza is going to be governed?” (06:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump’s Speech in Knesset: 00:49 – 01:17
• Trump on Rebuilding and Abraham Accords: 01:29 – 02:08
• Panel Reaction – Giving Credit: 02:16 – 02:53
• Jesse Waters’ Foreign Policy Analysis: 03:18 – 05:44
• Harold Ford Jr. on U.S./Israeli Ops: 05:54 – 08:09
• Kennedy on Hostage Experiences: 08:25 – 10:29
• Gutfeld on Critics and Unity: 10:50 – 14:29
• Obama Criticizes Trump’s Use of National Guard: 15:15 – 18:05
• U.S. Urban Crime Policy Debate: 19:30 – 23:44
• Kamala Harris and Heckling: 24:03 – 30:28
• J.D. Vance Interview Segment: 31:03 – 36:43
• Branded Weddings Discussion: 37:01 – 38:32
• Hostage Reunion Highlight: 38:49 – 39:26

Conclusion

This episode of The Five provides a comprehensive discussion of President Trump’s significant diplomatic achievement in the Middle East, highlighting widespread (and rare) bipartisan praise for his efforts. The panel explores the ripple effects on global politics, U.S. urban issues, media integrity, and the evolving landscape of American partisanship. Memorable moments punctuate the broadcast with both gravity and humor, making the episode compelling for listeners interested in both foreign and domestic policy.