Podcast Summary: The Five – “Trump’s Big Deadline”

Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host/Authors: Dana Perino, Paul Morrow, Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Waters, Greg Gutfeld
Description: "The Five" delves into the pressing issues of the day through spirited discussions, debates, and occasional debunking of hot news stories and controversies.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode opens with Dana Perino and Paul Morrow promoting the Experian app and Fatherhood initiatives. However, the primary focus swiftly shifts to international conflict and domestic political turmoil.

2. Trump’s Two-Week Deadline on Iran-Israel Conflict

Overview of the Conflict:

At the outset, the panel discusses the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. A significant incident highlighted is the Iranian missile strike on an Israeli hospital, resulting in over 70 injuries. In retaliation, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, including a reactor.

President Trump’s Statement:

Paul Morrow introduces Caroline Levitt's report on President Trump's latest stance:

President Trump:
"Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations and that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks."
(00:56)

Trump emphasizes the imminent threat posed by Iran's nuclear capabilities, stating:

President Trump:
"Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. All they need is a decision from the Supreme Leader to do that. And it would take a couple of weeks to complete the production of that weapon, which would, of course, pose an existential threat not just to Israel, but to the United States and to the entire world."
(01:08)

Analysis and Insights:

Dana Perino and Paul Morrow delve into Trump's strategic approach, highlighting his transparency juxtaposed with strategic ambiguity:

Dana Perino:
"He's showing you his work but also keeping it a secret."
(05:04)

Paul Morrow further analyzes Trump's tactics, suggesting he's buying time to mitigate immediate threats without escalating to full-blown conflict:

Paul Morrow:
"He's buying time. Waiting till they are out of that capacity. And then... have to mitigate the immediate problem..."
(06:45)

3. Media Commentary: Goldberg’s Controversial Remarks

The discussion shifts to comments made by Barbara Goldberg on "The View," which caused significant backlash due to her remarks about racial dynamics:

Dana Perino:
"Keep hanging black people."
(02:31)

Dana reflects on Goldberg's comments as a symptom of broader identity politics issues within media:

Jessica Tarlov:
"Well, her reaction is born of identity politics. If you help these Jews, you're gonna hurt the blacks."
(02:46)

Greg Gutfeld criticizes the polarized viewpoints presented, emphasizing the complexity of the Iran-Israel situation beyond simplistic racial narratives.

4. Trump’s Decision-Making Style and Its Impact

The panel praises Trump’s refusal to engage in "half opinions," advocating for well-thought-out decisions rather than superficial stances:

Jessica Tarlov:
"He's like, do they work? You know, he thinks it through by asking the question that bureaucrats don't ask because they don't want to sound stupid."
(03:30)

Greg Gutfeld adds that Trump's approach stems from his desire to avoid losing, citing his reaction to the 2020 election:

Greg Gutfeld:
"He's not going to do anything where he's going to lose."
(03:45)

5. Democratic Party Struggles and Internal Conflicts

Fundraising Challenges:

The conversation transitions to the Democratic Party's internal turmoil, particularly regarding fundraising difficulties:

Paul Morrow:
"It's the Democrats, Magilla... you have to trust them."
(16:26)

Greg Gutfeld sarcastically comments on the party's struggles:

Greg Gutfeld:
"It doesn't matter."
(19:23)

Leadership Criticism:

The panel critiques the current DNC leadership, highlighting reports of chaos and weakness:

Greg Gutfeld:
"According to the New York Times, the DNC is in chaos and desperate for cash."
(15:29)

Identity Politics and Party Dynamics:

Jessica Tarlov and Dana Perino discuss the Democratic Party's internal identity battles, pointing to perceived dominance by "affluent, white liberal females" and the resulting policy appeasements:

Jessica Tarlov:
"It's a collection of appeasement signals... an orgy of appeasement."
(22:35)

Dana Perino:
"The credibility of the entire Kamala Harris campaign is weighing down the situation."
(16:04)

6. ICE and Immigration Protests

The hosts address recent anti-ICE demonstrations at Dodger Stadium, critiquing Democratic approaches to immigration enforcement:

Paul Morrow:
"We're rounding up illegals."
(25:30)

Jessica Tarlov:
"I just won't answer it because it's beneath me."
(28:50)

Greg Gutfeld mocks the effectiveness of anti-ICE activism:

Greg Gutfeld:
"Do you call ice?"
(28:45)

7. AI and Intelligence

A lighter segment explores concerns over artificial intelligence's impact on human intelligence, referencing a MIT study:

Jesse Waters:
"MIT did a study, and students who used artificial intelligence to write essays had lower brain activity than those who didn't."
(37:47)

The panel humorously debates the role of AI in education and information consumption:

Greg Gutfeld:
"It makes you stupider."
(38:31)

Jessica Tarlov:
"Over time, people are going to stop going to those links and those news sites are going to fold. Then what is GPT going to scavenge? So the terrain is going to shrink and GPT is going to have no."
(38:30)

8. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments

The episode concludes with promotional segments for upcoming shows and charity events, maintaining the show's engaging and community-focused atmosphere.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump on Decision-Making:
  "I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks."
  (01:01)

• Jessica Tarlov on Identity Politics:
  "It's a collection of appeasement signals... an orgy of appeasement."
  (22:35)

• Greg Gutfeld on Democratic Fundraising:
  "It doesn't matter."
  (19:23)

• Jesse Waters on AI Impact:
  "MIT did a study... lower brain activity."
  (37:47)

Conclusion

In "Trump’s Big Deadline," "The Five" navigates through intense geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Israel, critiquing media narratives and assessing President Trump's strategic decisions. Concurrently, the panel delves into the Democratic Party's internal challenges, fundraising woes, and identity politics, painting a comprehensive picture of the current American political landscape. Supplemented by discussions on immigration enforcement and the rising influence of artificial intelligence, the episode offers listeners a multifaceted analysis of both international and domestic issues shaping 2025.