UNBIASED Politics with Jordan Berman

Episode: November 17, 2025

Main Theme:
A clear, impartial recap of major U.S. political and legal news, including: President Trump rolling back certain tariffs, declassification of the Amelia Earhart files, updates on the Epstein documents and a high-profile execution by firing squad, plus quick-hit political updates and a critical thinking segment on capital punishment methods.

Episode Overview

Jordan Berman delivers a fact-based roundup of recent U.S. political and legal developments. The episode opens with an announcement of a new advice segment for listeners navigating political differences during the holidays and continues with in-depth, plain-language analysis of major headlines, focusing on tariffs, government declassification, the Epstein files controversy, legislative procedures, and a unique execution method in South Carolina.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Listener Advice Segment Announcement

[01:05 – 02:50]

• Jordan introduces an upcoming advice segment to help listeners deal with family and relationship tensions related to political differences during the holidays.
• Submissions will soon be open via email and the show's website.
• First segment scheduled for next Monday. Details to come in Thursday’s episode.
• Quote:
  “I know that it can be really difficult to navigate these dynamics… and what better time to do it than leading up to the holidays?” – Jordan Berman [01:25]

2. Trump Rolls Back Tariffs on Key Agricultural Products

[02:55 – 11:45]

• On Friday, President Trump exempted over 200 agricultural products from country-specific tariffs (coffee, beef, spices, tropical fruits, nuts, and more).
• Context: Recall the two-tiered tariff structure introduced in April—10% baseline on all imports (except Canada and Mexico), plus country-specific tariffs based on trade deficits.
• Example: Coffee imports from Brazil faced a combined 50% tariff, causing consumer prices to jump 20% in September.
• After exemption, only the 10% baseline applies to these goods.
• The move followed a May letter from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce requesting relief on items not produced domestically.
• Quote (from Trump’s executive order):
  “I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to further modify the scope of products subject to the reciprocal tariff.” – Executive order [04:55]
• Quote (from Chamber of Commerce letter):
  “Tariffs on coffee, bananas, cocoa... only raise prices for small businesses and consumers.” – Chamber of Commerce [06:19]
• The exemption aligns with these recommendations, particularly for fertilizers and products not available in the U.S.

3. Amelia Earhart Documents Declassified

[11:46 – 20:36]

• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, following Trump’s directive, released the first batch of declassified records about Amelia Earhart's disappearance.
• Documents include logbooks, search maps, communications, and news clippings.
• Quote (Gabbard on X):
  “Beginning today... records related to Amelia Earhart’s final flight and disappearance… will be declassified and shared with the American people.” – Tulsi Gabbard [12:49]
• Trump’s reasoning:
  “Her disappearance almost 90 years ago has captivated millions. I am ordering my administration to declassify and release all government records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip and everything else about her.” – Trump on Truth Social [13:25]
• Fresh insights? While the release contains additional context and rumors (including unused graves on remote islands and possible distress calls), no definitive new answers have emerged.
• More records are expected to be released in a rolling fashion.

4. Epstein Files Discharge Petition & Trump–Marjorie Taylor Greene Rift

[22:54 – 41:55]

The Discharge Petition [22:54 – 25:27]

• The House is on the verge of voting to force the Attorney General to release all unclassified Epstein-related DOJ records, with necessary support (218 signatures).
• Explains how a discharge petition works to bypass committee inaction and bring a bill to the floor.
• Insight: The petition excludes records with victim PII or child sexual abuse material.

Greene’s Advocacy and Trump's Backlash [25:28 – 34:25]

• Marjorie Taylor Greene joined Democrats to demand Epstein file release.
• Quote (Greene on CBS):
  “It’s for the victims. These women have been waiting, some of them, for decades… The American people deserve to see transparency from their government.” – Marjorie Taylor Greene [26:19]
• Greene explains she stands with victims and, based on conversations, does not believe Trump had involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
• After the interview, Trump withdrew his endorsement of Greene, citing her stance and criticizing her in a long Truth Social post.
• Quote (Trump on Truth Social):
  “She has gone far left, even doing The View with their low IQ Republican-hating anchors.” – Donald Trump [32:30]
• Greene responds publicly, claiming Trump’s reaction is about the Epstein files:
  “It’s astonishing really, how hard he’s fighting to stop the Epstein files from coming out, that he actually goes to this level.” – Marjorie Taylor Greene [33:41]
• Text message highlight:
  “Check the flight logs of Epstein’s plane. Bill Clinton is there like 26 times... Epstein was the spider that wove the web of the deep state. Lean into it.” – Marjorie Taylor Greene, to Trump [34:12]
• Greene reports receiving threats following the dispute.

Trump’s Change of Position [34:30 – 36:45]

• Trump reverses course, now calling on House Republicans to support the Epstein files vote.
• Quote (Trump in new Truth Social post):
  “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files because we have nothing to hide… It’s time to move on from this Democrat hoax…” [35:01]
• Previously, Trump had dismissed the matter as a Democrat distraction.
• Prospects: With broad support, the House will likely pass the bill, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune controls the Senate calendar; future is uncertain unless bill passes both chambers.

Executive Authority Angle [40:05 – 41:00]

• Jordan clarifies the President could, if desired, independently order the DOJ to release files, just as was done with the Amelia Earhart records.

5. Execution by Firing Squad in South Carolina

[43:57 – 50:30]

• Steven Bryant was executed Friday via firing squad—third such execution in South Carolina.
• Details of Bryant’s crimes and appeals are outlined. He elected firing squad over lethal injection or electric chair.
• Insight:
  • Execution process clearly described: inmate is strapped to a chair, target placed on heart, three shooters (prison staff), shield law protects shooter identities, doctor declares death.
  • Only a handful of firing squad executions have occurred in the US since 1977.
• Quote (on execution process):
  “The inmate is strapped to a chair and there is a bullseye target that is placed over the heart by a doctor…” – Jordan Berman [47:15]
• Facts on final meals (by state) discussed.
• Other states allowing firing squad: Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah.
• Mentions newer execution method: nitrogen hypoxia (adopted in a few states).

6. Quick Hitters: Brief Updates

[50:31 – 54:19]

• FEMA Acting Chief David Richardson resigning amid public controversy.
• A Georgia winner hits the $983 million Mega Millions jackpot.
• FAA lifts flight restrictions post-shutdown; airline schedules normalized.
• Trump to meet NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani to discuss affordability crisis and SNAP benefits.
• Supreme Court to consider if asylum seekers turned away at border “arrive” in U.S. for purposes of federal law (“metering” case).
• Quote:
  “Under federal law, a person who is physically present in the United States or who arrives... can apply for asylum.” – Jordan Berman [53:28]

7. Critical Thinking Segment: Capital Punishment Ethics

[54:20 – End]

• Jordan invites listeners to reflect on the ethics and logistics of the death penalty, especially methods like the firing squad.
• Questions posed for various viewpoints (supporters and opponents of the death penalty), such as:
  • Does inmate choice of method make the process more ethical?
  • Should there be a nationwide standard for execution methods?
  • Justification of death penalty costs versus life imprisonment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I’ve supported President Trump with too much of my precious time, too much of my own money, and fought harder for him even when almost all other Republicans turned their back and denounced him. But I don’t worship or serve Donald Trump. I worship God.” – Marjorie Taylor Greene, X post [34:03]
• “He. They can have whatever they want. They already do. I think they have 50,000 pages already. This is a hoax put out by the Democrats, and a couple of few Republicans have gone along with it, because they’re weak and ineffective.” – Donald Trump [36:14]
• “For those of you who support the death penalty, do you find that methods like the firing squad make executions more humane or less humane than the lethal injection?” – Jordan Berman, Critical Thinking Segment [54:35]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Advice Segment Announcement: [01:05 – 02:50]
• Tariff Rollbacks Explained: [02:55 – 11:45]
• Amelia Earhart Record Release: [11:46 – 20:36]
• Epstein Files Discharge Petition & Greene/Trump Dynamics: [22:54 – 41:55]
• Execution by Firing Squad: [43:57 – 50:30]
• Quick Hitters: [50:31 – 54:19]
• Critical Thinking on Death Penalty: [54:20 – End]

Tone and Style

• Neutral, informative, and legally precise.
• Clear breakdowns of complex legislative processes (e.g., discharge petitions, executive authority).
• Respectful, empathetic engagement with sensitive and controversial topics.

This summary encapsulates all the major content from the episode, ensuring even non-listeners have a clear, factual understanding of the news, debates, and questions driving U.S. political discourse as of November 2025.