Podcast Summary: "Trump: Iran Retaliation A 'Very Weak Response'" – The Five, FOX News Radio
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Host/Authors: Dana Perino, Kayleigh McEnany, Harold Ford Jr., Jesse Watters, Joey Jones
Introduction and Context
At the outset of the episode, Dana Perino sets the stage by addressing the recent escalation between the United States and Iran. Following Iran's deployment of a missile barrage targeting a US base in Qatar, President Trump labeled the retaliation as a "very weak response" that the administration had anticipated and effectively countered. Perino introduces the panel and highlights the key developments:
Dana Perino [00:04]: "...Trump called it a quote, very weak response which we expected and have very effectively countered."
Details of the Attack and Immediate Response
Jennifer Griffin, reporting from the Pentagon, provides a comprehensive update on the missile attack:
- Attack Details: Iran launched at least 14 missiles, including ballistic ones, targeting the US air base at Al Udeid in Qatar, home to 5,000 to 10,000 US troops.
- Defense Success: All but one missile were intercepted by Qatar's air defenses, resulting in no American casualties or significant damage.
- US Counterstrike: In retaliation, the US conducted a stealthy B2 bombing raid targeting three Iranian nuclear sites with Massive Ordnance Penetrators and Tomahawk missiles.
Jennifer Griffin [00:58]: "...the Iranians fired at least 14 missiles... All but one of the missiles were intercepted by air defenses inside Qatar."
She also mentions potential Israeli involvement and the uncertainty surrounding Iran's next moves.
Panel Discussion
Military Preparedness and Leadership
Joey Jones reflects on the readiness of the US military forces:
Joey Jones [03:08]: "...the men and women on these bases, they're football players that just saw the clock go zero for the game to start. They don't want war, but they're ready for it."
He emphasizes the soldiers' preparedness to respond effectively, highlighting a text from an army special operator affirming their readiness.
Harold Ford Jr. concurs, praising the military's capabilities and the administration's strategic planning:
Harold Ford Jr. [06:59]: "...the President himself orchestrating from all press reports an unbelievable deception within deception was nothing short of astonishing."
He raises concerns about whether the US is aiming for regime change or simply seeking to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities.
U.S. Strategy and International Relations
Jesse Watters analyzes the strikes as a strategic move to set back Iran's nuclear program without triggering broader conflict:
Jesse Watters [04:03]: "This is a best case scenario... deterrence is back because you know, Joe Biden. Don't, don't."
He commends the precision and secrecy of the operation, suggesting it enhances the US's negotiating leverage.
Kayleigh McEnany discusses the broader geopolitical implications, particularly Iran's isolation after the strikes:
Kayleigh McEnany [08:56]: "...China, one thing they care most about is China. They don't care about Iran and China."
She underscores the global condemnation Iran faces and posits that the strikes may lead to Middle East peace accords rather than further conflict.
Democratic Responses and Political Reactions
The conversation shifts to the Democratic Party's reaction to the strikes, notably AOC's calls for impeachment:
Kayleigh McEnany [19:14]: "...AOC with this hot take... it is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment."
Jesse Watters criticizes Democrats for hypocrisy, comparing their reactions to similar actions taken by previous administrations:
Jesse Watters [19:33]: "Obama and Biden launched thousands of missile strikes against Syria, Pakistan, Libya, Iraq. No Democrat ever called for congressional authorizations."
Harold Ford Jr. defends the administration's actions and highlights the bipartisan support for preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons:
Harold Ford Jr. [24:07]: "I think the president was right in what he did. He was constitutionally correct in what he did."
Domestic Security Concerns
The panel addresses potential retaliatory threats from Iran, including cyber attacks and sleeper cells within the US:
Jesse Watters [12:36]: "Their entire economy runs through the Strait of Hormuz... It's economic suicide for them if they do it."
Joey Jones raises alarms about Iranian sleeper cells and border security, linking it to increased illegal crossings by Iranian nationals:
Joey Jones [27:38]: "...over 1500 Iranians crossing illegally since 2021, with nearly half released into US cities."
Dana Perino reassures listeners about enhanced intelligence and law enforcement collaboration post-9/11:
Dana Perino [28:18]: "...we have joint terrorism task forces... local law enforcement in the same room with Department of Homeland Security and the FBI."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a brief mention of ongoing Israeli strikes against Iranian targets and the panel's reaffirmation of the administration's stance on maintaining peace and security. Dana Perino wraps up by acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the team and setting the stage for future developments.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Dana Perino [00:04]: "Trump called it a quote, very weak response which we expected and have very effectively countered."
- Joey Jones [03:08]: "...they don't want war, but they're ready for it."
- Jesse Watters [04:03]: "This is a best case scenario... deterrence is back because you know, Joe Biden. Don't, don't."
- Harold Ford Jr. [06:59]: "...an unbelievable deception within deception was nothing short of astonishing."
- Kayleigh McEnany [08:56]: "...China, one thing they care most about is China. They don't care about Iran and China."
- Jesse Watters [19:33]: "Obama and Biden launched thousands of missile strikes against Syria, Pakistan, Libya, Iraq. No Democrat ever called for congressional authorizations."
- Joey Jones [27:38]: "...over 1500 Iranians crossing illegally since 2021, with nearly half released into US cities."
Summary: In this episode of The Five, the panel meticulously dissects the recent conflict between the US and Iran, emphasizing President Trump's strategic response to Iran's missile attacks on a US base in Qatar. The discussion highlights the effectiveness of US air defenses, the precision of the retaliatory strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, and the broader geopolitical implications, including Iran's isolation and potential shifts towards Middle East peace accords. The panelists also critically address Democratic criticisms, particularly regarding impeachment calls, while stressing the importance of military preparedness and enhanced domestic security measures to counter potential Iranian threats. Overall, the episode presents a comprehensive analysis of the situation, underscoring the administration's commitment to national security and strategic dominance.