The Rubin Report: "Press Go Quiet as Trump Makes Reporter Regret Asking Insane Question" Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Dave Rubin

1. Introduction and Overview

In this episode, Dave Rubin delves into the dynamic press conference held by former President Donald Trump, highlighting Trump's confident demeanor and strategic responses to media inquiries. Rubin emphasizes the shift in Trump's political landscape and the broader implications for American politics and media interactions.

2. Trump's Press Conference Highlights

Rubin starts by discussing Trump's recent press conference, portraying it as Trump's most effective and confident appearance since his election victory.

• Trump's Confidence: Rubin notes, "Trump is better than he's ever been. He is so confident and clear and clean" [03:08].

• Unscripted Responses: The host appreciates the unprepared nature of the questions and answers, suggesting authenticity: "These were not prepared answers, that were not prepared questions. It was what we want out of public officials" [03:08].

3. Pardoning Eric Adams

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Trump's remarks on the potential pardon of Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, who faces DOJ scrutiny.

• Trump's Stance: Trump indicates openness to pardoning Adams, stating, "I would certainly look at it" [03:58].

• Political Implications: Rubin interprets Trump's comments as a sign of politicizing the Justice Department, linking Adams' indictment to his criticism of Democratic policies: "They are looking to indict him because he got upgraded on some flights" [04:54].

4. Border Wall and Biden Administration Critique

Rubin and Trump critique the Biden administration's handling of the border wall, underscoring the increased costs and perceived sabotage.

• Increased Costs: Trump highlights the financial burden: "We ordered an additional 200 miles of wall. It's very expensive, and now it's about double the price of what it would have been six years ago" [06:45].

• Accusations of Sabotage: He accuses the current administration of criminal acts to delay construction: "They know we're going to use it and if we don't have it, we're going to have to rebuild it" [07:21].

5. Iran, Hostage Situation, and Foreign Policy

Trump addresses critical foreign policy issues, including Iran's nuclear ambitions and the American hostages in the Middle East.

• Hostage Negotiations: Rubin praises Trump's approach to the hostage situation, noting the potential positive outcomes: "There are still, we think, seven American hostages potentially alive" [09:44].

• Strategic Ambiguity: Trump maintains strategic ambiguity regarding preemptive strikes, emphasizing transparency: "I'm not going to comment on the Putin question, but I will comment on Bibi" [08:44].

6. ABC News Defamation Settlement

A pivotal moment in the episode is the discussion of ABC News agreeing to a $15 million settlement with Trump's presidential library over defamation claims.

• Settlement Details: Rubin outlines the settlement, highlighting George Stephanopoulos' role and the significant financial implications for ABC News: "ABC News agrees to pay $15 million to Trump's President library to settle defamation suit filed by President elect" [18:49].

• Media Accountability: Trump criticizes media outlets for their treatment of him, reinforcing the narrative of media bias: "You were flat out wrong about what happened" [20:10].

7. RFK Jr.'s HHS Nomination and Media Response

The conversation shifts to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the ensuing media backlash.

• Media Scrutiny: Rubin points out the media's aggressive tactics against RFK Jr., anticipating similar resistance: "Bobby represents the biggest threat to the establishment" [31:33].

• Kennedy's Controversial Views: Trump criticizes Kennedy's stance on vaccines and public health, suggesting his appointment could undermine scientific integrity: "RFK Jr. is going to continue making low-cost patent-free vaccines for the world's poor" [31:58].

8. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Crisis

Rubin discusses the political turmoil in Canada, attributing Trudeau's potential resignation to economic struggles and external pressures, including Trump's trade policies.

• Trudeau's Approval Ratings: Highlighting Trudeau's declining popularity, Rubin states, "His approval rating... has repeatedly dipped below 30% this year" [52:33].

• Impact of Trump's Tariffs: He connects Trudeau's troubles to Trump's trade threats, suggesting external interference exacerbates internal issues: "Donald Trump a week ago brought him to Mar-a-Lago... causing Trudeau's government to fall" [45:22].

9. Ketanji Brown Jackson's Broadway Appearance

A surprising highlight is the revelation that Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson appeared in a Broadway play, prompting Rubin's critique of her qualifications and stance on gender.

• Criticism of Jackson: Rubin questions Jackson's suitability for the Supreme Court based on her Broadway involvement: "Is that someone that you think should be making decisions over the most important cases?" [47:53].

• Debate on Gender Definitions: He challenges Jackson's understanding of gender, reflecting ongoing cultural debates: "Can you provide a definition for the word woman?" [48:36].

10. Concluding Remarks and Trump's Personal Updates

Rubin wraps up the episode with reflections on resilience and perseverance, drawing parallels between Trump's adversities and personal growth.

• Inspiration from Trump: He emphasizes Trump's message of never giving up: "Never ever quit. You have to have flexibility... but don't quit" [51:25].

• Personal Anecdote: Rubin shares a personal milestone, marking three years since relocating to Florida, symbolizing broader themes of change and adaptation: "Today I believe we have landed in the free state of Florida" [53:54].

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Trump on Eric Adams: "I would certainly look at it" [03:58].
• Trump on Border Wall Costs: "It's about double the price of what it would have been six years ago" [06:45].
• Trump on ABC News Settlement: "You were flat out wrong about what happened" [20:10].
• Trump on RFK Jr.: "RFK Jr. is going to continue making low-cost patent-free vaccines for the world's poor" [31:58].
• Rubin on Trudeau's Crisis: "This is absolutely spectacular what's happening in Canada" [45:22].
• Rubin on Resilience: "Never ever quit... you have to have flexibility... but don't quit" [51:25].

Conclusion

This episode of "The Rubin Report" offers a comprehensive analysis of Donald Trump's latest press conference, his ongoing legal battles with the media, and the broader geopolitical ramifications of his actions. Rubin presents a narrative of resilience and political savvy, positioning Trump as a steadfast figure challenging entrenched media and political establishments. The discussions extend to international politics, highlighting the interconnectedness of US policies with global leaders like Canada's Justin Trudeau. Additionally, the episode touches on cultural debates surrounding gender and judicial competence, reflecting the multifaceted nature of contemporary American discourse.

For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of Trump's strategies and their implications, this episode serves as a critical resource, blending real-time political developments with insightful commentary.