The Headlines: George Santos to Be Sentenced, and the Real Cost of DOGE’s Cuts

Episode Release Date: April 25, 2025
Hosted by Catherine Porter, The New York Times

1. George Santos to Be Sentenced

Overview:
George Santos, the former congressman whose career unraveled due to multiple fabrications and fraudulent activities, is set to receive his sentencing. Santos, who pleaded guilty last year, faces serious prison time for his crimes.

Key Points:

• Fraudulent Background: Santos fabricated numerous aspects of his personal and professional life, including his education, work history, and even his Jewish heritage. These deceptions were extensively uncovered by The New York Times, leading to a swift downfall.

• Legal Consequences: Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to misappropriating campaign funds. He now faces a minimum of two years in prison, although prosecutors are seeking just over seven years. Prosecutors argue that a longer sentence is necessary to prevent Santos from defrauding the public again.

• Exclusion from History: Santos joins an exclusive group of only six congressmen in U.S. history to be expelled from office, reflecting the severity of his misconduct.

Notable Quotes:

• George Santos (01:43): “I honestly don't know how to not be myself. I have a larger than life personality.”

• George Santos (01:50): Discussing his accountability, Santos stated, “Then people say, oh, he doesn't atone. What does that even mean? Should I, like curl up in a ball and stay in that fetal position forever? Because that's what atoning is is expected.”

Post-Expulsion Activities: Since his removal from office, Santos has attempted to capitalize on his notoriety by:

• Selling personalized videos on Cameo.
• Working on a documentary about his life.
• Launching a podcast titled “Pants on Fire.”

2. The Real Cost of DOGE’s Cuts

Overview:
Elon Musk's initiative to streamline the federal budget, dubbed "DOGE," has come under scrutiny as the actual financial impact contradicts initial projections.

Key Points:

• Initial Promises vs. Reality: Musk initially claimed that DOGE would save taxpayers $2 trillion, later adjusting to $1 trillion, and most recently revising the estimate down to approximately $150 billion.

• Hidden Costs: Contrary to Musk's savings projections, the Partnership for Public Service reports that DOGE's aggressive tactics, including mass firings and rehirings, have resulted in over $135 billion in costs for the current fiscal year. These expenses stem from decreased productivity and the financial burdens of legal defenses against DOGE’s measures.

• Legal Challenges: With at least 30 lawsuits filed against Musk's team, taxpayers are shouldering the costs of these legal battles, which could continue for years.

Notable Quotes:

• Unknown Host (02:18): “As Elon Musk prepares to take a step back from his work slashing the Federal budget, he's been updating his estimate of how much money the Department of Government efficiency will save taxpayers.”

• Unknown Host (03:04): “Taxpayers will also bear the cost of defending Doge's cuts in court.”

3. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Cybersecurity Breach

Overview:
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under fire for compromising sensitive military information, raising significant cybersecurity concerns.

Key Points:

• Sensitive Information Exposure: Hegseth was found sharing classified details about military strikes via the messaging app Signal, linked directly to his personal cell phone.

• Vulnerability Risks: Cybersecurity experts highlight that Hegseth’s exposed phone number, connected to various online profiles, presents an "open invitation" for hackers, equating it to publicly sharing one’s street address.

• Espionage Target: A former top intelligence official revealed that Hegseth is likely among the world’s top five most targeted individuals for espionage, emphasizing the near certainty ("a 0% chance that someone hasn't tried to install spyware on his phone") of attempted cyber intrusions.

Notable Quotes:

• Unknown Host (04:09): “Exactly where to find you and start trying.”

• Former Intelligence Official (04:15): “A 0% chance that someone hasn't tried to install spyware on his phone.”

4. Pope Francis’ Funeral and the Conclave for His Successor

Overview:
The Vatican is preparing for the elaborate funeral of the late Pope Francis, set to take place at St. Peter's Basilica, followed by the conclave to elect his successor.

Key Points:

• Global Attendance: Tens of thousands, including prominent figures like former President Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are expected to attend the funeral.

• Traditional Rituals: The funeral mass will feature traditional elements such as incense, hymns, and Gregorian chants, conducted in Latin.

• Secrecy of the Conclave: Following the burial, cardinals will enter a highly secretive conclave to elect a new pope. The Vatican will sweep the area for recording devices, and all staff will take oaths of secrecy to preserve the conclave's confidentiality.

• Cultural Impact: An Oscar-winning movie that fictionalizes the conclave has surged in popularity, increasing viewership by 3,200% on streaming platforms. While papal experts acknowledge some accuracy in the film, they caution that it does not fully capture the spiritual essence of the conclave process.

Notable Quotes:

• Unknown Host (05:33): “You should be careful Thomas. Your own ambition has not gone unnoticed.”

• American Cardinal (05:46): “The Hollywood thriller is not the spiritual reality of what a conclave is.”

5. Mexico’s Crackdown on Narco Corridos

Overview:
Mexico is intensifying efforts to regulate narco corridos, a genre of music that glorifies drug cartels and violent figures, amidst concerns over its influence on societal violence.

Key Points:

• Cultural Significance: Narco corridos blend traditional Mexican ballads with themes centered on drug cartels, portraying the glamorous and violent lifestyles of cartel leaders.

• Government Intervention: In response to rising violence, Mexican politicians are implementing strict measures against narco corridos, including fines and potential jail time for musicians whose songs incite violence or support criminal activities.

• National Song Contest: The Mexican president has announced a national contest promoting songs that do not celebrate cartels, aiming to shift cultural narratives away from glorifying drug trafficking.

• Free Speech Debate: The crackdown has ignited a national debate on free speech, with artists and industry stakeholders divided. While some musicians support the regulations to combat violence, others argue that regulating music is ineffective and infringes on artistic expression.

• Public Reaction: Many listeners, particularly those accustomed to the genre, believe that enjoying narco corridos does not equate to endorsing violence, questioning the efficacy and fairness of the government's approach.

Notable Quotes:

• James Wagner (06:37): “It's been almost a referendum on free speech in the country. What you can sing, what incites violence, and what is simply art.”

• James Wagner (07:33): “Some agree that violence is a major problem in the country, have actually changed their lyrics and are okay with some level of regulation. But some people that listen to this genre and have grown up listening to it their entire lives and still like it now say that they're not the problem, that listening to a corrido doesn't make you a bad person.”

Conclusion:
Today's episode of The Headlines delivered a comprehensive analysis of significant global and national issues, from political fraud and cybersecurity threats to cultural shifts and international ceremonies. By providing in-depth coverage and expert insights, the podcast ensures listeners are well-informed on the pressing topics shaping our world.

Produced by Will Jarvis, Jessica Metzger, Tracy Mumford, and Yon Stewart. Special thanks to Isabella Anderson, Larissa Anderson, Jake Lucas, Zoe Murphy, Paula Schuman, and Chris Wood.