Trump’s New Plan to Target Liberal Groups, and a Shouting Match in the Senate

Summary

The Headlines – September 17, 2025

Episode: Trump’s New Plan to Target Liberal Groups, and a Shouting Match in the Senate
Host: Tracy Mumford, The New York Times
Date: September 17, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Headlines delves into several major news stories:

• The first court appearance of Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and the political fallout.
• The Trump administration’s new plan to target liberal organizations, including possible designation of certain groups as domestic terrorists.
• A contentious Senate hearing marked by a shouting match over the leadership of FBI Director Cash Patel.
• Updates on the TikTok/China deal, President Trump’s UK state visit, mass evacuations in Gaza, and the passing of actor and director Robert Redford.

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Major Segments & Key Insights

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1. Tyler Robinson Court Appearance and Political Fallout

[00:44–04:18]

• Details of the Case:

  • Tyler Robinson, charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk, made his first court appearance virtually from jail, wearing a green suicide-prevention vest.
  • Prosecutors announced intention to pursue the death penalty and outlined Robinson’s recent ideological shift to more left-leaning politics:
    • "Robinson had become more political and had started to lean more to the left, becoming more pro gay and trans rights oriented." – Tyler Robinson's Roommate [01:50]
  • Details included how Robinson’s parents recognized him from news footage and helped facilitate his surrender through a family friend in law enforcement.
  • Robinson’s confession to his roommate and partner highlighted personal motive:
    • "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out..." – Tyler Robinson [02:26]

• Political Response:

  • President Trump and allies are leveraging the incident to push claims (without evidence) of a left-wing network behind the killing.
  • The administration is planning to designate unspecified left-leaning groups as domestic terrorist organizations and is considering revoking the tax-exempt status of major philanthropic organizations (e.g., Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations).

• Liberal Philanthropies’ Reaction:

  • In an open letter, 100+ organizations condemned the administration’s response:
    • "Attempts to silence speech, criminalize opposing viewpoints, and misrepresent and limit charitable giving, undermine our democracy and harm all Americans." – Joint Philanthropy Letter [03:50]

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2. Shouting Match in the Senate: FBI Oversight Hearing

[04:20–05:43]

• Senate Hearing:

  • FBI Director Cash Patel faced aggressive questioning, leading to verbal altercations and personal insults, particularly between him and Senator Adam Schiff:
    • "You are the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate. You are a disgrace to this institution and an utter coward." – Cash Patel [04:37]
  • Democrats pressed Patel over mass firings/retirements within the FBI and alleged White House retribution campaigns. Patel denied but evaded direct answers on the specifics.

• Broader Criticism:

  • Former FBI officials, in court, described Patel as inexperienced and more interested in social media than running the Bureau.

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3. TikTok’s Future in the US

[05:43–06:06]

• Trump announced a framework for a deal to transfer US TikTok ownership away from its Chinese parent company, aiming to comply with a bipartisan Congressional mandate:

  • "I've reached a deal with China. I'm going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up." – President Trump [05:43]

• If completed, the deal will create a new American company whose ownership would be over 80% US-based.

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4. Trump in the UK: Diplomatic Relations

[06:06–07:36]

• President Trump is visiting the UK, meeting with King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

• The UK is organizing an extravagant state welcome to bolster relations and smooth recent tensions over issues like trade and military cooperation.

  • "The royal family is sort of their secret weapon. President Trump has this long standing affection for the royal family..." – Mark Landler, London Bureau Chief [07:05]

• Major US–UK economic deals, including on technology and nuclear power, are expected.

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5. Mass Evacuation in Gaza

[07:36–08:59]

• Photo editor Mona Bushnock describes the chaotic mass flight of tens of thousands from Gaza City as Israeli forces advance:
  • "We're seeing all these things piled onto trucks and vehicles as tens of thousands of Palestinians flee their homes..." – Mona Bushnock [07:36]
  • Many are moving on foot amid bombed-out landmarks and buildings.
• Israel claims the military operation is to root out Hamas, worsening the humanitarian crisis; about half a million remain in the city.

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6. Robert Redford’s Death and Legacy

[08:59–end]

• Renowned actor and director Robert Redford died at 89.
• Career highlights included “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “All the President’s Men,” “The Sting,” and “Ordinary People.”
• Founder of the Sundance Institute and film festival, which launched the careers of numerous independent filmmakers.
  • "He also paved the way for a lot of voices to break through by founding the Sundance Institute..." – Tracy Mumford [09:20]
• The episode shares a personal recommendation for “Sneakers” (1993) as a must-watch.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Robinson’s Motive:
  • "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out..." – Tyler Robinson [02:26]
• Philanthropies’ Joint Statement:
  • "Attempts to silence speech, criminalize opposing viewpoints... undermine our democracy..." – Open Letter [03:50]
• Senate Fireworks:
  • "You are the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate..." – Cash Patel [04:37]
• Diplomatic Insight:
  • "The royal family is sort of their secret weapon. President Trump has this long standing affection..." – Mark Landler [07:05]
• On Gaza:
  • "We're seeing all these things piled onto trucks and vehicles as tens of thousands of Palestinians flee their homes..." – Mona Bushnock [07:36]

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Timed Key Segments

• 00:44–04:18 – Robinson case details and White House response
• 04:20–05:43 – Senate/FBI Patel hearing controversy
• 05:43–06:06 – TikTok/China deal progress
• 06:06–07:36 – Trump’s UK visit; royal diplomacy
• 07:36–08:59 – Gaza mass evacuation
• 08:59–end – Robert Redford’s death and legacy

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This summary provides a comprehensive, timestamped guide to the episode’s major news stories, memorable quotes, and significant developments, reflecting the tone and focus of The New York Times reporting.

Transcript

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[Tracy Mumford]

From the new York Times, it's the headlines. I'm Tracy Mumford. Today's Wednesday, September 17th. Here's what we're covering.

[Judge Graff]

Could you state your name? Tyler James Robinson. Thank you for being here, Mr. Robinson. I'm Judge Graff.

[Tracy Mumford]

In Utah yesterday, Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made his first court appearance, joining by video from a county jail while wearing a green suicide prevention vest for count.

[Judge Graff]

One aggravated murder, a capital felony in violation of Utah code.

[Tracy Mumford]

The judge laid out the charges prosecutors have filed. They'd announced earlier in the day that they will seek the death penalty, and in a press conference, they provided the most detailed outline yet of Robinson's mindset after the shooting and how he came to turn himself in on September 11th.

[Tyler Robinson's Roommate]

The day after the shooting, Robinson's mother saw the photo of the shooter in the news and thought the shooter looked like her son.

[Tracy Mumford]

The Utah county attorney said that after authorities released surveillance footage from the scene of the shooting, Robinson's parents thought they recognized him. And Robinson's father said the rifle authorities described as the murder weapon was the same type he'd given his son as a gift.

[Tyler Robinson's Roommate]

Robinson's mother explained that over the last year or so, Robinson had become more political and had started to lean more to the left, becoming more pro gay and trans rights oriented.

[Tracy Mumford]

Investigators said his mother called him to ask where he was. He claimed he was at home sick.

[Tyler Robinson's Roommate]

But roommate, you weren't the one who did it, right? Robinson? I am. I'm sorry.

[Tracy Mumford]

Prosecutors said Robinson had already confessed to the killing in texts with his roommate, his romantic partner, who had been transitioning from male to female.

[Tyler Robinson's Roommate]

Roommate why? Robinson? Why did I do it? Roommate? Yeah. Robinson. I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out if I am able to grab my Eventually.

[Tracy Mumford]

Robinson's parents convinced their son to come to the family home, where he implied to them that he was the gunman. They reached out to a family friend who was a retired law enforcement officer. He called up the local sheriff to negotiate a surrender and then drove Robinson over to the sheriff's office so he could turn himself in. In the Six days since Kirk was killed, President Trump and his allies have laid out a broad plan to go after the political left, claiming without evidence that the gunman was connected to a dangerous left wing network. The president said he wants to designate a range of groups as domestic terrorist organizations without specifying which ones he would target. The administration has also indicated it may go after a number of high profile liberal philanthropic groups, including the Ford foundation and George Soros's Open Society foundations. That could include trying to strip them of their tax exempt status, a move that could potentially undermine their finances and operations. In an open letter released this morning, a group of over 100 liberal philanthropies, including Ford and Open Society, accused Trump of trying to exploit political violence to restrict fundamental rights like the freedom of speech. The letter said, quote, attempts to silence speech, criminalize opposing viewpoints, and misrepresent and limit charitable giving, undermine our democracy and harm all Americans. Now a few more updates on the Trump administration on Capitol Hill.

[Judge Graff]

I'm not going anywhere. If you want to criticize my 16 years of service, please bring it on over to you.

[Tracy Mumford]

FBI Director Cash Patel was called to testify before the Senate amid concerns about his leadership of the bureau. But the hearing quickly devolved into a shouting match with personal attacks.

[Judge Graff]

You are the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate. You are a disgrace to this institution and an utter coward.

[Tracy Mumford]

Patel, who has embraced Trump's combative style, shouted down Senator Adam Schiff and other Democrats, including when he was pressed about the exodus of top agents from the FBI and allegations that he fired some staffers as part of a White House retribution campaign.

[Judge Graff]

Sir, you're over this committee. Sir, you don't tell me my time is over. You know, people of New Jersey, tell me what my time is. You can't lecture vegan.

[Tracy Mumford]

In a recent lawsuit, former top FBI officials portrayed Patel as out of his depth and more interested in posting on social media than on actually running the FBI's day to day operations. At the hearing, Patel denied those claims, but refused to directly answer questions about the thousands of FBI agents who've either been fired or retired since Trump took office. Also, President Trump once again pushed back a deadline for TikTok to either separate itself from its Chinese parent company or face a BAN in the US we.

[Judge Graff]

Have a deal on TikTok. I've reached a deal with China. I'm going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up.

[Tracy Mumford]

Trump said yesterday that the US And China have reached the framework for a deal to transfer ownership of the app if completed it would mark an end to the long running debate over TikTok's future in the US where it's used by roughly 170 million people. Last year, Congress, citing national security concerns about the app's ties to China, passed a bipartisan law laying out the sell or be banned ultimatum. While details of the deal are still being worked out, it's likely that TikTok's owner will spin off a new American company to run its U.S. operations and that it will reduce its Chinese ownership to less than 20%. And President Trump is in the United Kingdom today to meet with King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Britain and the US Are expected to announce billions of dollars in economic deals, including on technology and nuclear power. And the UK Will be trying to smooth over the tensions that have flared up between the longtime allies over issues like trade and military support for Ukraine. My colleague Mark Landler, the Times London bureau chief, says Britain is rolling out the red carpet with horse drawn carriages, royal artillery salutes and an opulent banquet at Windsor Castle.

[Judge Graff]

What the British correctly realize is that the royal family is sort of their secret weapon. President Trump has this long standing affection for the royal family, reverence for the royal family. He viewed his first state Visit here in 2019 as one of the highlights of his presidency. And I think the British government and the royal family are going to do whatever it takes to stay on his good side.

[Mona Bushnock]

Furniture, tents, mattresses, rugs, water tanks, containers, kitchen pots and pans, suitcases, clothes. We're seeing all these things piled onto trucks and vehicles as tens of thousands of Palestinians flee their homes in Gaza City, heading south.

[Tracy Mumford]

My colleague Mona Bushnock is a photo editor on the Times international desk. She's been covering the mass evacuation from Gaza City as Israeli forces moved in this week, setting off a chaotic exodus.

[Mona Bushnock]

Our freelance photographer Sehr Lhura goes pretty much on daily basis on the coastal road where people are leaving the city and heading south. And we've been seeing people jammed into vehicles and trucks and tractors. But many, especially the past few days, we're seeing many more doing the journey on foot. Especially yesterday, we saw more people in the photos and videos than any of the previous days. Now, in the background, we're seeing the landscape of Gaza City changing as people are leaving it. Towers in Gaza City and landmarks have been targeted and bombed and reduced to absolute trouble. We can also see plumes of smoke rising as people leave their homes.

[Tracy Mumford]

Israel says its military assault is aimed at rooting out Hamas militants in Gaza City, which it claims is one of the group's last strongholds. The assault there has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the territory. Roughly half a million people are believed to still be sheltering in the city, even as parts of it have been leveled in airstrikes. It's unclear how far Israeli forces have advanced this week. Satellite imagery from yesterday shows armored vehicles on nearly all sides of the city. Israeli military analysts said the troops were expected to move slowly, in part out of fear that they could accidentally kill some of the remaining hostages. And finally, the Hollywood legend Robert Redford died yesterday at 89. And people can duke it out over their favorite Redford role, whether it's the handsome outlaw in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, his turn as a crusading journalist in all the President's Men, the grifter in the Sting, the CIA agent caught in the cat and mouse game in Three Days of the Condor. There are just so many. Redford was born in Santa Monica, California, in 1936, and over his career he turned his screen idol, Good Looks into a force behind the camera, too, going on to direct the Academy Award winning film Ordinary People, about a family torn apart by grief, which mirrored parts of his own personal life. He also paved the way for a lot of voices to break through by founding the Sundance Institute in the early 1980s and building up its annual film festival, which became the place for indie films and auteurs. Quentin Tarantino, David O. Russell, Ryan Coogler, Chloe Zhao, Ava DuVernay. They all came up through Sundance, though Redford later bemoaned how much of a zoo and how commercial the festival became. If you're going to throw yourself a Redford Remembrance Movie marathon this weekend, the Times has a list of 15 movies of his to stream. We've got a link to it in the show notes. It includes my absolute favorite movie of all time, the woefully underappreciated 1993 caper about computer hackers trying to do the right thing. The movie is called Sneakers. It really holds up. Those are the headlines today on the Daily More on the emerging White House plan to use the federal government to crack down on left wing groups it believes inspire political violence. You can listen to that in the New York Times app or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Tracy Mumford. We'll be back tomorrow.