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

Summary

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

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

Transcript

[Charles Schwab]

This podcast is supported by Charles Schwab. Decisions made in Washington can affect your portfolio every day, but what policy changes should investors be watching? Washington Wise is an original podcast from Charles Schwab that unpacks the stories making news in Washington right now and how they may affect your finances and portfolio. [e-mail] WashingtonWise.

[Catherine Porter]

From the New York Times, it's the Headlines. I'm Catherine porter. Today's Friday, April 25th.

[Unknown Host]

Here's what we're covering. Covering today in New York, George Santos, the disgraced former congressman with a reputation.

[Catherine Porter]

For lying, will be sentenced. Santos pleaded guilty last year to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft after stealing campaign funds from donors. His actions first came under scrutiny after the Times revealed he'd fabricated almost his.

[Unknown Host]

Whole life story, lying about everything from his education to his work history, and.

[Catherine Porter]

Even claiming to be of Jewish descent. He's one of only six congressmen in the country's history to have been expelled. His colleagues voted him out as damning. Accusations piled up, including that he used.

[Unknown Host]

Some of the stolen funds to buy himself Botox and designer clothes.

[Catherine Porter]

Santos faces a minimum of two years.

[Unknown Host]

In prison, though prosecutors are asking for.

[Catherine Porter]

Just over seven years, saying that's necessary.

[Unknown Host]

To protect the public from being defrauded by Santos again.

[Catherine Porter]

Since being kicked out of office, Santos tried to capitalize on his infamous name.

[Unknown Host]

Selling personalized videos on the website Cameo.

[Catherine Porter]

Working on a documentary about himself, and.

[Unknown Host]

Starting a podcast called Pants on Fire.

[George Santos]

I honestly don't know how to not be myself. I have a larger than life personality.

[Catherine Porter]

Although Santos previously said he took full.

[Unknown Host]

Responsibility for his actions, calling them, quote.

[Catherine Porter]

Unethical and guilty, he has sounded less apologetic on his podcast.

[George Santos]

And 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.

[Unknown Host]

As Elon Musk prepares to take a step back from his work slashing the.

[Catherine Porter]

Federal budget, he's been updating his estimate of how much money the Department of Government efficiency will save taxpayers.

[Unknown Host]

He started by claiming he'd save $2.

[Catherine Porter]

Trillion than it was 1 trillion. Most recently, Musk has said it will be about 150 billion, a fraction of his original goal. But what he hasn't discussed is that.

[Unknown Host]

His effort will actually cost the federal government money. The Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit.

[Catherine Porter]

That studies the federal workforce, says the firings, rehirings and lost productivity that came with Doge's chaotic and aggressive tactics will.

[Unknown Host]

Add up to more than $135 billion this fiscal year, almost as much money.

[Catherine Porter]

As Musk he saved in the months.

[Unknown Host]

And years to come.

[Catherine Porter]

Taxpayers will also bear the cost of defending Doge's cuts in court. At least 30 lawsuits have been filed involving Musk's team. The Times has found new details about just how vulnerable Defense Secretary Pete Heth's communications have been. Last month, Hegseth came under fire for sharing highly sensitive information about military strikes in the messaging app Signal, which was.

[Unknown Host]

Connected to his personal cell phone.

[Catherine Porter]

While it's not unusual for government officials.

[Unknown Host]

To keep their personal cell phones when.

[Catherine Porter]

They enter office, they are not supposed to use them for official business. And even as Hegseth was messaging about the strikes, his phone number was easy to find online. It was linked to his profiles on.

[Unknown Host]

Google maps, Facebook and sleeper.com a fantasy sports site. Cybersecurity experts say that it's a clear opportunity for hackers. They say it's like publicly sharing your street address.

[Catherine Porter]

Someone need the right tools to break into your house, but they would know.

[Unknown Host]

Exactly where to find you and start trying. And when it comes to the secretary.

[Catherine Porter]

Of defense, the experts say, there's no.

[Unknown Host]

Way people aren't trying to get access to his phone. One former top intelligence official told the Times Hegseth is likely one of the five most targeted people in the world for espionage. He said there's, quote, a 0% chance that someone hasn't tried to install spyware on his phone.

[Catherine Porter]

At the Vatican, tens of thousands of mourners have been filing through St. Peter's.

[Unknown Host]

Basilica to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis before his funeral tomorrow. Dozens of heads of state and monarchs from around the world are expected to.

[Catherine Porter]

Attend the elaborate ceremony, including President Trump.

[Unknown Host]

Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky.

[Catherine Porter]

Most of the funeral mass, which will.

[Unknown Host]

Begin at 4am Eastern, will be celebrated in Latin as a centuries old tradition.

[Catherine Porter]

Unfolds with incense, hymns and Gregorian chants.

[Unknown Host]

Once the Pope is buried, the cardinals.

[Catherine Porter]

Of the Catholic Church will gather to elect a new pope in a process that's so under wraps, the whole Vatican.

[Unknown Host]

Will be swept for recording devices and.

[Catherine Porter]

Even the cooks and secretaries on staff.

[Unknown Host]

Will have to take an oath of secrecy.

[Catherine Porter]

The ritual's called a conclave.

[Unknown Speaker]

I would like you to withdraw your name from the next ballad, which an.

[Unknown Host]

Oscar winning movie broke down last year in detail portraying a fictional version of.

[Catherine Porter]

The days long vote.

[Unknown Speaker]

You should be careful Thomas. Your own ambition has not gone unnoticed.

[Unknown Host]

This week may be no surprise. People have been rushing to watch the film. According to one tracking company, viewership jumped by 3200% on streaming platforms. Papal experts say the film is actually fairly accurate, though one American cardinal who participated in the last conclave said that the Hollywood thriller is not the, quote, spiritual reality of what a conclave is.

[Catherine Porter]

And finally.

[James Wagner]

In Mexico, there's this decades long tradition of music called narco corridos, which is a spin on traditional Mexican ballads, but specifically about drug cartels, drug figures and narco culture.

[Unknown Host]

James Wagner covers Mexico for the Times.

[James Wagner]

They're talking about the glitz and glamour of it, from cars to women to the fast life of being an narco leader. In some of the songs that people are singing, literally about violence, you know, killing people in Mexico, the songs are very popular. But what's happened in the last few months is politicians across the country have really started clamping down on this type of music, arguing that it incites violence in other people or supports the drug culture and drug trafficking.

[Catherine Porter]

James says that as part of that.

[Unknown Host]

Crackdown, authorities have threatened fines or even jail time for any musician who performs songs that provoke violence or glorify criminal activity. And Mexico's president has also publicly come out against narco corridos and announce a.

[Catherine Porter]

National song contest with rewards for palads.

[Unknown Host]

That don't celebrate the cartels.

[James Wagner]

It's been almost a referendum on free speech in the country. What you can sing, what incites violence, and what is simply art. Some artists I've been talking to and people in the music industry have been torn by this. 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. And those people feel that banning songs or regulating them isn't going to be the solution to eradicating violence and drug trafficking and cartels in the country.

[Unknown Host]

Those are the headlines today on the Daily how a case before the Supreme Court could expand the rights parents have over what their children learn in schools. That's next in the New York Times audio app. Or you can listen wherever you get your podcasts. This show is made by Will Jarvis, Jessica Metzger, Tracy Mumford and Yon Stewart. Original theme music by Dan Powell. Special thanks to Isabella Anderson, Larissa Anderson, Jake Lucas, Zoe Murphy, Paula Schuman and Chris Wood. I'm Katherine Porter. The headlines will be back on Monday with Tracy Mumford.