Summary of "The Five" Episode: "Trump Speaks To Troops At Fort Bragg"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Five
- Host/Author: FOX News Radio
- Episode Title: Trump Speaks To Troops At Fort Bragg
- Release Date: June 10, 2025
Introduction
In the June 10, 2025 episode of "The Five", hosts Martha McCallum, Kayleigh McEnany, Harold Ford Jr., Jesse Waters, and Greg Gutfeld engage in a spirited discussion centered around former President Donald Trump's recent address to the troops at Fort Bragg. The conversation delves into the implications of Trump's remarks, the ongoing riots in Los Angeles, media responses, and internal dynamics within the Democratic Party.
Trump's Address to Troops and the Los Angeles Riots
Overview of Trump's Speech
President Donald Trump addressed the troops at Fort Bragg to commemorate the Army's 250th anniversary. During his speech, he highlighted the recent riots in Los Angeles, emphasizing the severity of the unrest and calling for decisive action.
Notable Quote:
- Trump (via Joe, [02:01]): "They only burn it. Did you see a lot of the flags being burned? They weren't being burned by people from our country or from people that love our country..."
Analysis of the Los Angeles Riots
The hosts provide a comprehensive recap of the events in Los Angeles, highlighting widespread looting, vandalism, and violence against law enforcement and American symbols. They attribute the unrest to factors such as lax immigration policies under President Biden, suggesting that the influx of immigrants has contributed to the instability.
Key Points:
- Rioters targeting law enforcement and American flags.
- Criticism of Democratic leaders for not adequately condemning the violence.
- Attribution of riots to immigration policies and lack of effective policing.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Gutfeld ([02:37]): "They're paid insurrectionists... They just want safety."
- Kayleigh McEnany ([06:08]): "The 10th amendment gives them the states, the police power to patrol their streets. That is in the Constitution. But they're not doing it."
Media Criticism and Coverage
The discussion shifts to a critical examination of how legacy media outlets are handling the coverage of the riots and Trump's actions. The hosts argue that media bias is downplaying the violence and chaos in Los Angeles, attempting to shift blame away from Trump's policies.
Key Points:
- Accusations that media outlets are using outdated footage to misrepresent the current situation.
- Criticism of ABC News correspondent Terry Moran for his anti-Trump statements leading to his suspension.
- Analysis of CNN's Brian Stelter for providing misleading fact-checks and downplaying violence.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Gutfeld ([15:39]): "He's blonde Berlusconi."
- Kayleigh McEnany ([33:37]): "Yeah, to the point about Eric Wimple. I mean, when I was press secretary, he had the Kayleigh McEnany watch. He wrote 15 articles on me. But, like, where was the Joe Biden watch?"
Democratic Party Internal Struggles
The hosts delve into the internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, focusing on leaked audio revealing disagreements between party leaders such as Ken Martin and Vice Chair David Hogg.
Key Points:
- Lack of cohesive leadership and clear messaging within the party.
- Criticism of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for being disorganized and ineffective.
- Calls for leadership changes, suggesting figures like Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Hakeem Jeffries should take more control.
Notable Quotes:
- Harold Ford Jr. ([25:10]): "We don't have a message. We seem to be too tied up with trying to protect people who are perpetrating crimes."
- Martha McCallum ([27:11]): "It's a party leadership that's fighting with each other... that's the message that's being presented and projected."
Immigration Policies and Their Impact
The conversation turns to the role of immigration policies under President Biden, attributing the Los Angeles riots to lax border control and high numbers of immigrants crossing into the country.
Key Points:
- Critique of President Biden’s immigration policies as unsustainable.
- Reference to comments by Jeh Johnson regarding the negative implications of current immigration trends.
- Connection between mass immigration and local unrest, advocating for stricter border enforcement.
Notable Quotes:
- Kayleigh McEnany ([06:08]): "The 10th amendment gives them the states, the police power to patrol their streets. That is in the Constitution. But they're not doing it."
- Harold Ford Jr. ([37:00]): "We need cognitive tests for presidents."
Calls for Presidential Action
There are strong calls for President Trump to utilize his authority under the Insurrection Act to restore order in Los Angeles, emphasizing his learned approach from past events in 2020.
Key Points:
- Trump's authority to deploy the National Guard is discussed.
- Emphasis on the need for coordinated leadership between federal, state, and local authorities.
- Concerns over the media's portrayal of Presidential actions as authoritarian.
Notable Quotes:
- Kayleigh McEnany ([05:44]): "He used the national guard when St. John's Church burned. We see him using the National Guard now. He has the power to do that..."
- Harold Ford Jr. ([20:47]): "He has grounds to do it. What I was trying to say... we need some leadership would emerge from the three of them and tell us what to expect."
Democratic Party Leadership and Future Prospects
The discussion moves to the potential future of the Democratic Party, highlighting the lack of clear leadership and the need for a unified message.
Key Points:
- Internal conflicts and lack of strategic direction within the party.
- Discussion about potential candidates and leadership figures who could unify the party.
- Emphasis on the importance of strong leadership in facing national challenges.
Notable Quotes:
- Harold Ford Jr. ([25:10]): "We don't have a message. We seem to be too tied up with trying to protect people who are perpetrating crimes."
- Martha McCallum ([28:23]): "You'll have to go back and forth, but I think the man, it is the man."
Immigration and Public Safety
The hosts further discuss the impact of immigration on public safety, arguing that the influx of immigrants has strained local resources and contributed to the unrest in cities like Los Angeles.
Key Points:
- High numbers of immigrants crossing the border are linked to increased crime and instability.
- Calls for stricter immigration enforcement to ensure public safety.
- Criticism of current administration's handling of immigration leading to national security concerns.
Notable Quotes:
- Harold Ford Jr. ([06:40]): "When you look at these images... I think Los Angeles right now is what unsustainable looks like having let 12 to 20 million people cross the border."
- Kayleigh McEnany ([34:59]): "This story is not getting any better. Unfortunately for a guy that served the country for a very, very long time, he's now going to be thought of it and some of the people around him as being part of a cover up."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with reflections on media bias, the necessity for strong leadership within both the Republican and Democratic parties, and the urgent need to address national security and public safety issues. The hosts emphasize the importance of accountability, coordinated action, and clear messaging to navigate the nation's current challenges.
Notable Quote:
- Harold Ford Jr. ([37:00]): "We need cognitive tests for presidents."
This episode of "The Five" provides a critical examination of President Trump's recent actions, the Los Angeles riots, media biases, and the internal struggles within the Democratic Party. The hosts advocate for decisive leadership, stricter immigration policies, and accountability within media coverage to restore order and national unity.
