Timcast IRL Podcast Summary Episode: Market SKYROCKETS On Trump US China Trade Deal, Even CNN Calls It WIN
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Tim Pool
Guests: Emily Austin, Shane Cashman, Phil Labonte

1. Trump's China Trade Deal and Market Rebound

Timestamp: [00:50] – [12:54]

Tim Pool opens the episode discussing former President Donald Trump's recent trade deal with China, which has led to a positive rebound in the stock markets. Contrary to widespread skepticism within online communities like Reddit, where many had predicted prolonged market downturns due to Trump's earlier tariff implementations, the markets have not only recovered but, in some indices like the S&P 500, have surpassed pre-tariff levels.

• Tim Pool: “Donald Trump has secured a trade deal with China, and the markets have rebounded significantly, defying the long-term bearish predictions.”

Despite the recovery, Trump maintains a 34% tariff on Chinese goods, slightly reduced from an initial 145%, which Tim interprets as a strategic move to retain significant tariffs while avoiding the extreme backlash that higher tariffs would have caused.

• Tim Pool: "Even CNN has called this a victory, which surprised me, but it's great news for everyone’s 401ks and Donald Trump in general."

Phil Labonte adds that CNN recognizing the deal as a victory signifies a shift in media portrayal of Trump, who has traditionally been antagonized by major networks.

• Phil Labonte: “That's a CNN headline calling it a victory. It’s notable because everyone knows how the media treats him.”

2. DHS and the Assault Incident Involving a Congress Member

Timestamp: [12:54] – [14:27]

The conversation shifts to a concerning development reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where a video surfaced showing a member of Congress physically assaulting a federal agent. This incident has sparked riots outside a New Jersey facility, with Democrats using the event to rally against perceived violence and crime, labeling the aggressor as an insurrectionist.

• Tim Pool: “They posted a video of a member of Congress punching a federal agent. It’s grainy, but it shows a closed-fist punch.”

Shane Cashman and Phil Labonte discuss the implications of such actions, asserting that Democrats are painting their opponents as violent insurrectionists based on isolated incidents.

3. RFK Jr. and Trump's Executive Order on Drug Prices

Timestamp: [20:38] – [27:00]

The discussion transitions to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s support for Trump’s executive order aimed at reducing drug prices. Tim Pool highlights RFK Jr.'s unexpected endorsement, noting it as a significant move given Kennedy's liberal background.

• Tim Pool: “RFK Jr., a liberal figure, celebrates Trump’s executive order to slash medicine prices, calling it a long-awaited move to stand up for the American people.”

Phil Labonte emphasizes the importance of this executive action, suggesting that it breaks decades-old deadlocks influenced by the powerful pharmaceutical lobby.

• Phil Labonte: “This is a major win for the Trump administration. It forces pharmaceutical companies to negotiate fair prices.”

The episode critiques the Democratic Party's historical inaction on drug pricing reforms, highlighting Trump's unexpected alignment with efforts to reduce costs for consumers.

4. Immigration Policies and Refugee Resettlement

Timestamp: [27:00] – [44:33]

Tim Pool addresses Trump's immigration policies, particularly focusing on the resettlement of refugees from South Africa. He criticizes the Democrats for opposing these efforts, labeling those who resist as racists. The conversation includes the Episcopal Church's decision to terminate its partnership with the federal government to resettle white African refugees, citing moral opposition.

• Tim Pool: “The Episcopal Church ended its 40-year relationship with the government to resettle refugees because they’re white. These people are unrepentant racists.”

Emily Austin and Shane Cashman discuss the implications of such policies, arguing that legal and vetted immigrants should be welcomed while illegal immigration should be curtailed to maintain national security and economic stability.

• Emily Austin: “It's not that we're against immigration, but you have to do it the right way through documentation and vetting.”

The panel debates the ethics and practicality of resettling specific refugee groups, emphasizing the need for fairness and legality in immigration processes.

5. Media Portrayal of Trump and Alex Jones

Timestamp: [44:33] – [70:55]

Tim Pool criticizes mainstream media for their biased portrayal of Donald Trump, particularly focusing on how networks like CNN use excessive photo editing to make his complexion appear unnaturally orange.

• Tim Pool: “CNN puts him in articles with increased saturation, making him look fake. In reality, he doesn't appear orange in person.”

The discussion extends to conspiracy theories surrounding Alex Jones, where Phil Labonte and Emily Austin express frustration over Jones' dual nature—sometimes providing accurate insights while also promoting unfounded conspiracies. They debate the legitimacy and impact of Jones' controversial statements and actions.

• Phil Labonte: “Alex Jones was right about the Ukraine invasion months before it happened, but his other theories are completely unfounded.”

6. Height and Physical Attributes in Politics

Timestamp: [70:55] – [84:32]

The conversation shifts to the impact of physical attributes, such as height, on political success. Tim Pool references studies indicating that taller individuals are more likely to attain leadership positions, including the U.S. presidency. The panel discusses how this subconscious bias affects female candidates, particularly focusing on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).

• Tim Pool: “Studies show taller candidates have historically won more elections. AOC’s height at 5'4” is seen as a disadvantage in presidential races.”

Emily Austin and Phil Labonte debate the implications of these biases, arguing that they hinder qualified female candidates from succeeding.

• Emily Austin: “AOC is too short and her voice is too high-pitched to be effective in a presidential debate.”

The segment underscores the societal and psychological barriers women face in politics, beyond just policy disagreements.

7. Woke Culture and Political Dynamics

Timestamp: [84:32] – [101:18]

Tim Pool delves into the concept of "woke" culture, arguing that it has been co-opted and diluted by both liberals and conservatives to maintain control over political narratives. He criticizes individuals like James Lindsay and Seth Dillon for redefining "woke" to include right-wing ideologies, creating a nebulous and inconsistent term that undermines genuine political discourse.

• Tim Pool: “Woke has become a blanket term used to discredit anyone not aligned with a narrow liberal orthodoxy, even those on the right.”

Phil Labonte and Emily Austin discuss how this manipulation of language serves to fragment political opposition and stifle meaningful dialogue, leading to increased polarization and misunderstanding among different political groups.

• Phil Labonte: “By labeling disparate right-wing ideologies as 'woke,' they create confusion and weaken the political counterforce.”

8. Audience Interaction and Trivia Game Promotion

Timestamp: [101:18] – [126:11]

The episode features interactions with the audience through super chats, where listeners share their thoughts and questions. Tim Pool announces upcoming events, such as a second Culture War Live event featuring a trivia game between liberals and conservatives. The panel encourages listeners to participate and engage with the community.

• Tim Pool: “Join us for our next Culture War Live event where we'll have a liberals vs. conservatives trivia game. It's going to be interactive and fun.”

Additionally, the hosts promote their social media handles and other platforms, encouraging listeners to follow and support the show.

9. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [126:11] – End

As the episode concludes, the hosts reiterate key points discussed throughout the show, emphasizing the importance of truthful media representation, fair immigration policies, and the detrimental effects of distorted political narratives. They encourage listeners to stay informed, engage in constructive debates, and participate in upcoming events to further the discourse on these critical issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Pool [00:50]: “Donald Trump has secured a trade deal with China, and the markets have rebounded significantly, defying the long-term bearish predictions.”

• Phil Labonte [07:34]: “That's a CNN headline calling it a victory. It’s notable because everyone knows how the media treats him.”

• Emily Austin [14:05]: “I'm humiliated as an American that travels overseas and abroad.”

• Shane Cashman [13:25]: “Even CNN, especially an economist I like a lot, Thomas Sowell, was saying these were apocalyptic tariffs.”

• Tim Pool [27:00]: “Trump is doing something Democrats should be jumping up and down and cheering for. They should be popping champagne instead. They're mad.”

• Phil Labonte [38:25]: “Woke is just adherence to the cult. There is a cult. It exists in the liberal sphere.”

• Emily Austin [84:57]: “Women and men are not the same. Not in sports, not physically, not mentally, not emotionally.”

Conclusion:

In this episode of Timcast IRL, Tim Pool and his guests delve deep into the recent developments surrounding Trump's trade deal with China, its unexpected media portrayal, and the subsequent market reactions. They explore the complexities of immigration policies under Trump's administration, highlighting both victories and ongoing controversies. The discussion extends to broader societal issues such as woke culture, media bias, and the challenges female politicians face due to ingrained societal biases. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of factual accuracy, fair policymaking, and the need to navigate the increasingly polarized political landscape with informed and constructive dialogue.

For more detailed discussions and live interactions, tune into the Timcast IRL show on Rumble here.