Heritage Foundation staffers join Mike Pence's nonprofit, Stefanik exits New York governor's race, Bari Weiss faces heat for pulling '60 Minutes' segment on CECOT deportations, And More: 12.23.25 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2025-12-23

Duration: 50 minutes

Guests: Ro Khanna, Bari Weiss, Kristi Noem

Summary

This episode covers a range of political maneuvers and media controversies, discussing staff shifts from the Heritage Foundation to Mike Pence's nonprofit, Elise Stefanik's exit from the New York governor's race, and Bari Weiss's controversial decision to pull a '60 Minutes' segment.

What Happened

Elise Stefanik has exited the New York governor's race after lacking Donald Trump's endorsement and facing a potentially contentious primary. Stefanik, whose career has been tightly linked to Trump, has seen her political trajectory shift as Trump withdrew her nomination for UN ambassador, choosing instead to back Bruce Blakeman.

The Heritage Foundation is undergoing significant changes as staff members join Mike Pence's nonprofit, Advancing American Freedom. This move comes amidst internal disagreements over the Heritage Foundation's alignment with the Trump agenda and criticism of its president, Kevin Roberts, for defending Tucker Carlson after a controversial interview.

The episode delves into the debate surrounding the U.S. potentially adopting a Danish-style childhood vaccine schedule. Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb warns that reducing vaccinations could lead to a resurgence of diseases and strain on pediatric healthcare infrastructure.

Bari Weiss is facing backlash for pulling a '60 Minutes' segment on deportations to CECOT, citing a lack of new information. This decision has sparked criticism from figures like Ro Khanna, who argue it undermines trust in media transparency.

The Department of Homeland Security, under Kristi Noem, is offering a $3,000 incentive for illegal immigrants to self-deport by the year's end, a significant increase from previous offers. Critics argue that this program could inadvertently encourage illegal immigration while prioritizing speed over accountability.

Democratic politicians gearing up for the 2028 presidential race are reportedly undergoing personal makeovers, including weight loss and wardrobe updates. Prominent figures like Governor J.B. Pritzker and Senator Alyssa Slotkin are noted for their recent changes, highlighting the influence of public image in political strategy.

Key Insights