The Rob Carson Show – "Fraud, Karen, & Country"

Date: January 8, 2026
Podcast: The Rob Carson Show (Newsmax Radio)
Host: Rob Carson
Featured Guest: Justine Murray (Media Research Center)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into recent political controversies, notably the massive welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota, the media and political reactions to a recent high-profile ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) shooting involving a woman labeled as a “Karen”, and general commentary on the cultural and political climate heading into 2026. With his trademark humor and pointed commentary, Rob Carson, joined by conservative commentator Justine Murray, explores the interplay between media narratives, law enforcement, and political accountability. Parody songs, sharp sound bites, and spirited guest exchanges give this live show its energetic and irreverent tone.

Key Topics & Segment Breakdown

1. Show Kickoff & Newsmax Acclaim (00:04–02:30)

• Rob boasts about the show’s reach and Newsmax’s reliability as a conservative news source.
• Reflections on his career path, syndication aspirations, and shout-outs to radio affiliates nationwide.
• Quote: “They don’t betray you. … You know what you’re gonna get with Rob Schmidt, Rob Finnerty, you know what you’re gonna get with Carl Higbee, American Badass, Greg Kelly, all those guys…” (A, 00:44)

2. Economic “Good News” & Housing Policy (02:30–05:58)

• Celebrates a dramatic reduction in the U.S. trade deficit.
  • “The trade deficit cut in half because manufacturing is moving back here and other countries are buying our stuff... it almost makes sense.” (A, 01:40)
• Discusses President Biden's breaking announcement to limit large institutional ownership of single-family homes.
  • Impact on home affordability; anecdotes on rent inflation.
  • Biden’s pledge to address housing at Davos.

3. Minnesota State Fraud Scandal (05:58–13:00)

• Extensive coverage of 2010s–2020s reports of enormous welfare fraud in Minnesota, implicating Democrat officials.
  • Jim Jordan and Tom Emmer’s hearing highlights: Over 1,000 whistleblowers, reported retaliation against those exposing fraud.
  • $9 billion stolen from a population under 6 million; $3,000 per taxpayer estimated loss.
• Parody song targeting Governor Tim Walz, performed by Jim Gossett.
  • “Tim Waltz will not run, latest scandal means Tim Waltz is done, ‘cause he only has lies…” (A, 08:16)
• Notable Exchange on Retaliation against Whistleblowers:
  • “They would be fired with cause so they couldn’t have unemployment insurance... blacklisted from all state agencies...” (B, 07:36)
• Carson’s recurring theme: the media conceals Democratic Party corruption while punishing truth-tellers.

4. Political Incentives Behind Covering Up Fraud (13:00–15:51)

• Carson and congressional testimony tackle why fraud was ignored: Somali-American community’s political importance to MN Democrats.
• Quote:
  • "Do those who commit this fraud typically vote for Republicans or Democrats?"
    "They most definitely overwhelmingly vote for Democrats… donate only to Democrats… Somali population is an important demographic for Democrats to win over politically--unquestionably." (A & B, 14:03–14:45)
• Nancy Mace introduced pushing for the subpoena on Rep. Ilhan Omar's immigration records, suggesting widespread Somali-origin fraud.

5. Immigration, Crime, and Law Enforcement Backlash (15:51–22:30)

• Nancy Mace questions the appropriateness of deporting Somalians who committed fraud, sparking sharp exchanges.
• Carson invokes satire and parody to lampoon liberals’ defense of accused fraudsters and those targeted by law enforcement.
• Commentary on Minnesota’s “Karen” incident: A woman shot by ICE while allegedly trying to run down officers—media reportedly whitewashes the story.

6. Enter Justine Murray: Media, "Karen", and Law Enforcement (22:30–30:20)

• Justine Murray joins the show (via Newsmax hotline) to analyze media reactions and “irrational empathy” for progressive causes.
• Murray critiques narrative framing around law enforcement shootings and the media’s double standard.
• Discussion on media-celebrated violence against police and podcasters and conflating speech with “violence.”
  • Quote: “The media made it socially acceptable to kill us not just over our speech, but if we are deemed to own too much.” (B, 23:01)
• MPD statement: Minneapolis Police denounce “reckless rhetoric” by politicians, linking it to violence against police.

7. Political Rhetoric & The Culture of Outrage (30:20–33:38)

• Host and Justine critique late-night TV, particularly Jimmy Kimmel for “Donald J. Trump is gonna kill you” merch, blaming such rhetoric for inciting real-world violence.
• Quote: “He [Kimmel] inspires violence, incites violence every single day. ...He wants some nutbag to take him literally... so a woman who got killed while allegedly trying to mow down that ICE officer, she took the words of people like Jimmy Kimmel.” (B, 27:20–28:26)
• Minnesota’s Gov. Tim Walz is accused of stoking division, aiming for a “summer of love 2.0.” Justine labels his remarks a "call for civil war."

8. “Irrational Empathy,” Women & Progressive Movements (33:38–36:36)

• Carson references a Joe Rogan discussion: “irrational empathy” particularly among liberal women.
• Murray analyzes why young liberal women are especially susceptible to social contagion and progressive activism.
  • Quote: “Most teachers are women… so we’ve been indoctrinating each other and this generation...” (B, 33:38)
• Both point out historical precedents (e.g., Salem Witch Trials) and present-day versions of idolizing dangerous figures.

9. Global Freedom, Dictators, and Parody (36:36–41:00)

• Brief assessment of pro-Maduro protests versus anti-ICE activism; parallels with support for Iran’s Ayatollah and its tragic consequences for women.
• Parody song about Venezuelan strongman Maduro and U.S. foreign policy.
• Carson ends with a tongue-in-cheek discussion of Trump’s “big stick” policy toward global adversaries and Greenland.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Minnesota Fraud:
  “$9 billion stolen from less than 6 million citizens of Minnesota. Every taxpayer just had $3,000 stolen from their bank account. There you go. 3,000 bucks per person.” (A, 11:00)
• Parody Song:
  “Tim Waltz will not run, latest scandal means Tim Waltz is done, ‘cause he only has lies…” (A, 08:16)
• Media Cynicism:
  “The media made it socially acceptable to kill us not just over our speech, but if we are deemed to own too much.” (B, 23:01)
• Justine Murray on Indoctrination:
  “Most teachers are Women K through 12 schools. So we've been indoctrinating each other and We've been indoctrinating this entire generation for four years now.” (B, 33:38)
• Carson on Political Rhetoric:
  “For him [Jimmy Kimmel] to do something this just foolish and reckless... he killed late night, and honestly, he is an insult to late night.” (A, 27:20)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:04 — Show intro, syndication, Newsmax loyalty
• 02:30 — Good news segment: trade deficit, housing news
• 05:58 — Minnesota fraud hearings, whistleblower retaliation
• 08:16 — Parody song on Tim Walz
• 13:00 — Political nexus of Somali fraud cover-up
• 15:51 — Nancy Mace grills on denaturalization, Ilhan Omar
• 22:30 — Justine Murray joins: ICE shooting, media narrative
• 27:20 — Discussion on Jimmy Kimmel and late night TV
• 33:38 — Liberal women, “irrational empathy”, and activism
• 36:36 — Global protests, Venezuela, parody, foreign policy

Tone, Language & Style

The episode is fast-paced, humorous, and combative. Carson uses sarcasm, parody songs, and biting one-liners to skewer political opponents (particularly Democrats and liberal media) while Justine Murray provides sharp, ideologically aligned analysis. The overall tone is anti-establishment with an “us-vs-them” edge, championing conservative causes and law enforcement while deriding left-wing activism and media hypocrisy.

Conclusion

In this wide-ranging episode, Rob Carson frames the Minnesota fraud scandal as emblematic of Democratic corruption, criticizes the media’s handling of law enforcement stories, and lampoons both political and celebrity figures in left-leaning circles. Justine Murray’s contributions amplify the critique of “irrational empathy” among liberal activists and the dangers of political rhetoric. Satirical music and mocking sound bites underline Carson's message: 2026 is a year for conservative resurgence and cultural backlash against progressive excesses.