Podcast Summary: The Five
Episode Title: Trump To Iran: Cut A Deal Before It’s Too Late
Host/Author: FOX News Radio
Release Date: June 16, 2025
I. Introduction
In this episode of The Five, hosted by Dana Perino, the panel comprising Kennedy, Harold Ford Jr., Jesse Waters, and Greg Gutfeld delves into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, President Donald Trump's strategies regarding Iran, the ongoing immigration crackdown in Democrat-controlled cities, and public reactions to Trump's military parade.
II. Escalation Between Israel and Iran
Timestamp: [00:49] - [02:58]
Dana Perino kicks off the discussion by highlighting the fourth day of the deadly conflict between Israel and Iran. She introduces Mike Tobin, who provides an on-the-ground update from Tel Aviv. Tobin reports that Iran is signaling an interest in de-escalation and returning to the negotiating table, stipulating that the U.S. remains uninvolved. In contrast, the U.S. has expedited the deployment of the USS Nimitz carrier strike group to the region.
Notable Quote:
- Greg Gutfeld [02:00]: “The Israeli Air Force controls the skies over Tehran. This changes the entire campaign. We are on the way to achieving our two goals, eliminating the nuclear threat and eliminating the missile threat.”
Tobin shares alarming footage of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian F14s and missile production facilities, asserting that Israel has destroyed a significant portion of Iran's missile launchers. Despite Iranian warnings of imminent drone and missile strikes, none have materialized so far.
III. President Trump's Stance on Iran Negotiations
Timestamp: [02:58] - [10:37]
Following the initial update, Dana Perino shifts focus to the broader diplomatic efforts. The Wall Street Journal reports that Iran is eager to negotiate, prompting President Trump to urge swift action before the situation worsens. Jesse Waters questions Trump about any signs of Iran's willingness to de-escalate.
Notable Quotes:
- Donald Trump [03:28]: “Yeah, they'd like to talk, but they should have done that before. I had 60 days and they had 60 days. And on the 61st day I said, we don't have a deal. They have to make a deal.”
Dana and the panel discuss the complexities of U.S. involvement. They weigh the options between allowing military actions to continue softening Iran's capabilities and entering negotiations to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. The panel debates the potential consequences of a decapitation strike against Iran's leadership, with concerns about ensuing chaos and theocratic instability.
Notable Quote:
- Jesse Waters [07:15]: “Iran has talked about going on the offense and part of the existence of this regime is the desire to annihilate Israel, you know, which is right next door.”
Trump is portrayed as steadfast in his opposition to Iran's nuclear ambitions, emphasizing the historical context of non-proliferation and the dangers of empowering rogue states.
IV. Feasibility of a Nuclear Deal with Iran
Timestamp: [10:37] - [14:50]
Dana highlights the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) recent declaration of Iran's non-compliance with nuclear agreements. The panel scrutinizes Israel's skepticism towards renewed talks, contrasting it with Trump's belief in the possibility of a deal.
Notable Quotes:
- Harold Ford Jr. [09:56]: “The Iranians saw what happened to Gaddafi... So very delicate situation. The next couple days will be pretty serious.”
The discussion delves into historical precedents, like the overthrow of Iranian leaders and the fragile nature of regime changes. The panel considers the potential for Iran to return to talks under duress, especially as their strategic leverage diminishes.
V. Immigration Crackdown in Democrat-Controlled Cities
Timestamp: [15:09] - [23:29]
Shifting gears, justice on domestic soil becomes the focal point as President Trump announces a robust immigration crackdown targeting sanctuary cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. The panel debates the effectiveness and repercussions of this strategy.
Notable Quotes:
- Donald Trump [16:21]: “I want them to focus on the cities because the cities are where you really have what's called sanctuary cities and that's where the people are.”
- Dana Perino [17:05]: “Why shouldn't he point out the leadership? Because it's what people have voted for that have landed themselves in these situations in these cities.”
Harold Ford Jr. advocates for prioritizing the removal of the most dangerous immigrants first, aligning with public sentiment that favors targeting criminals over lawful workers. The discussion underscores the economic impacts of illegal immigration, including wage suppression and job market distortions.
VI. Public Reaction to Trump's Military Parade
Timestamp: [25:09] - [32:23]
The panel reflects on the contrasting public reactions to President Trump's military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, juxtaposed with massive anti-Trump protests labeled as the “No Kings” movement.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Gutfeld [26:42]: “I salute and believe that the United States army is the greatest fighting force to ever exist and the freedoms that I enjoy because of it also happen to agree with the premise of what they talked about, the no kings.”
The discussion emphasizes the deep societal divisions, highlighting how conservative and liberal factions interpret national symbols and events through vastly different lenses. The panelists express concern over the polarized responses, with Dana noting the unfounded nature of the “No Kings” protests.
VII. Reflections on Trump's Political Legacy
Timestamp: [38:22] - [42:33]
In a nostalgic segment, the panel reminisces about President Trump's iconic moment of descending the golden escalator during his presidential campaign, marking a decade since that pivotal event reshaped American politics.
Notable Quotes:
- Kennedy [38:22]: “10 years ago today, President Trump wrote down that golden escalator and announced his bid for the White House and changed the course of history.”
- Jesse Waters [41:37]: “I was watching this and it was actually a wonderful walk through history and the history, the military history of our country.”
The conversation touches on Trump's lasting influence on the Republican Party, his resilience in overcoming early criticisms, and his ability to connect with a significant portion of the American electorate despite controversies.
VIII. Celebrity Commentary: Sean Penn and Trump
Timestamp: [32:23] - [34:47]
The episode also features a lighter segment discussing Sean Penn's refusal to dine with President Trump, leading to humorous exchanges among the panelists about celebrity politics and personal appearances.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Gutfeld [32:29]: “The only reason I would not accept an invitation is because.”
- Dana Perino [34:34]: “I think he hit the nail on the head. It's exactly why they're giving crap to Maher...”
The panelists humorously critique Penn's appearance and speculate on his motivations, reflecting the show's blend of serious political discourse with satirical commentary.
IX. Conclusion
Wrapping up, the panelists acknowledge the multifaceted challenges facing the nation—from international tensions with Iran and Israel to domestic policy battles over immigration and public perception of leadership. They underscore the importance of strategic decision-making to navigate these complexities effectively.
Notable Quote:
- Greg Gutfeld [37:03]: “The fact that the no Kings rally can coexist with a rally commemorating the bravery and history of the United States army is nothing more than a testament to the greatness of our freedom.”
X. Final Thoughts and Sign-Off
As the episode concludes, the panelists share personal anecdotes and reflections on the evolving political landscape, reinforcing the show's commitment to providing diverse perspectives on pressing national issues.
Summary
In this episode of The Five, the panelists engage in a comprehensive analysis of the fraught relations between Israel and Iran, President Trump's assertive stance on preventing Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the ramifications of his immigration policies targeting major U.S. cities. The discussion is enriched with firsthand reports, strategic insights, and spirited debates, offering listeners a thorough understanding of the current geopolitical and domestic challenges facing the United States. Additionally, lighter segments on celebrity interactions and historical reflections provide a balanced and engaging narrative, making the episode both informative and entertaining for those who haven't tuned in.