The Rubin Report: "Pam Bondi Has a Brutal Message for Controversial App Creator"
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Overview
In this episode of The Rubin Report, host Dave Rubin delves into pivotal discussions surrounding free speech, media bias, immigration enforcement, and the ongoing debates over transgender athletes in sports. The episode features a critical examination of celebrity opinions on political issues, the implications of controversial apps targeting law enforcement, and significant policy changes affecting transgender youth in sports and medicine. Throughout the episode, Rubin engages with current events, legislative actions, and cultural shifts, providing his perspective on safeguarding free expression and maintaining national security.
1. Jason Bateman’s Critique of Trump Supporters
Timestamp: 05:30
The episode opens with a clip of actor Jason Bateman on Nicole Wallace's MSNBC podcast, expressing frustration with Trump supporters. Bateman criticizes the persistent negative portrayal of his supporters, questioning when media narratives will shift focus from Trump's actions to the responsibility of his voters.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Bateman: “He [Trump] is never changed... it’s the people that have put him there and then put him there again that deserve a great deal of responsibility.”
- Dave Rubin: “Why would you be on this political talk show to alienate half your fan base? It's like the Hulk; every time I see him now, it's like I don't see him as the Hulk or any of the other characters that he is.”
Rubin uses Bateman’s comments to highlight the frustration felt by many conservatives towards what they perceive as biased media coverage. He emphasizes the importance of holding voters accountable for electing leaders whose policies may not align with broader national interests.
2. The Controversial “IceBlock” App and Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Response
Timestamp: 25:00
Rubin transitions to discussing the emergence of "IceBlock," an app designed to alert users of ICE agents’ locations. Promoted by CNN, the app has garnered over 20,000 users, primarily in Los Angeles, amidst large-scale deportation efforts.
Notable Quotes:
- Joshua Aaron (App Creator): “Iceblock is designed to be an early warning system for users when ICE is operating nearby.”
- Attorney General Pam Bondi: “He's giving a message to criminals where our federal officers are. He cannot do that. We are looking at him.”
Rubin expresses concern over the app’s potential to undermine law enforcement operations, suggesting that such tools may facilitate the evasion of ICE agents. Bondi’s firm stance underscores the administration’s intention to prosecute those promoting actions that could threaten the safety of federal officers.
3. Media Bias and Immigration Enforcement
Timestamp: 35:45
The conversation shifts to the role of mainstream media in shaping public perception of immigration enforcement. Rubin criticizes CNN for promoting the IceBlock app, arguing that it represents a form of anti-law enforcement activism rather than objective journalism.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Rubin: “CNN and most mainstream media are way more activism than it is journalism.”
- Rubin: “Why is it you’re not concerned with the lies the other way? This is a really good example of just get a mirror.”
Rubin challenges the media’s impartiality, asserting that outlets like CNN selectively highlight issues that align with their political agendas, thereby influencing public opinion against federal immigration policies.
4. Violence Against ICE Agents and Border Security
Timestamp: 50:20
Rubin highlights a segment from Fox News detailing the increase in assaults on ICE agents, attributing the rise in violence to heightened enforcement under President Trump’s administration.
Notable Quotes:
- Fox News Report: “Assaults are up nearly 700%. There were 10 assaults from January through June last year. This year, 79 assaults.”
He connects these statistics to broader immigration policies, suggesting that strong border security measures discourage illegal entries and reduce conflicts between agents and undocumented immigrants.
5. Title IX and Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Timestamp: 1:05:00
Another significant portion of the episode addresses recent actions by the University of Pennsylvania to comply with Title IX by restricting transgender male athletes from competing in women’s sports. Rubin critiques this decision, positioning it as a victory against what he describes as "gender ideology extremism."
Notable Quotes:
- Rubin: “Title IX was put in so that women would have access to sports so that they could compete in their own facilities and in a way that was equitable to them.”
- Vicki Hartzler (Fox News): “Women's sports are for women, not men pretending to be women.”
The discussion underscores the tension between evolving gender identities and traditional definitions of gender categories in athletics. Rubin advocates for maintaining biological distinctions to ensure fair competition and protect women’s sports.
6. Termination of Transgender Surgeries for Children by Stanford Medicine
Timestamp: 1:20:30
Rubin reports on Stanford Medicine's decision to halt transgender surgeries for minors, citing pressure from the Trump administration. He frames this as a protective measure for children, aligning with his broader narrative of resisting progressive social policies.
Notable Quotes:
- Eric Daugherty (Stanford Report): “Stanford Medicine has now terminated its transgender surgeries for children.”
- Rubin: “But I will not lie about biology and I certainly will not pretend that just because a five-year-old who's been brainwashed thinks they are something, are something.”
This segment reinforces Rubin’s stance on biological determinism and skepticism towards medical interventions for gender transition in youth, reflecting ongoing debates in medical ethics and child welfare.
7. Community Q&A and Personal Reflections
Timestamp: 1:35:15
In the latter part of the episode, Rubin engages with his audience through a Q&A segment. Topics include publishing books, the idea of instituting age limits for judges, and political ambitions. Rubin shares personal anecdotes about his early career in stand-up comedy and his commitment to influencing politics through media rather than holding office.
Notable Quotes:
- Audience Member (B.B. Gillison): “Why is no one talking about the Republican candidate for New York City mayor, Curtis Sliwa?”
- Dave Rubin: “I love what I’m doing, number one. Number two, I think I am affecting things actually.”
This interactive section humanizes Rubin, showcasing his dedication to political discourse and his multifaceted approach to activism through media entrepreneurship and personal engagement with listeners.
Conclusion
In this episode, Dave Rubin meticulously navigates through pressing socio-political issues, emphasizing the importance of free speech, accountability in media, and stringent immigration enforcement. By addressing controversial topics such as the portrayal of Trump supporters, the legality of apps targeting law enforcement, and the policies affecting transgender individuals, Rubin advocates for policies and media practices that align with conservative values and national security interests. His discussions aim to foster a dialogue that challenges prevailing narratives and seeks to uphold principles of fairness and justice in the face of evolving cultural dynamics.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- Jason Bateman: “He [Trump] is never changed... it’s the people that have put him there and then put him there again that deserve a great deal of responsibility.” [05:30]
- Dave Rubin: “CNN and most mainstream media are way more activism than it is journalism.” [35:45]
- Rubin: “Title IX was put in so that women would have access to sports so that they could compete in their own facilities and in a way that was equitable to them.” [1:05:00]
- Rubin: “But I will not lie about biology and I certainly will not pretend that just because a five-year-old who's been brainwashed thinks they are something, are something.” [1:20:30]
Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and reflects the viewpoints expressed therein. It aims to present an unbiased account of the discussions held during the podcast episode.