Noem sparks outrage after calling for 'right people' voter for 'right leaders,' Marco Rubio urges European reforms but reassures US backing, US debt skyrocketing to $64 trillion in 10 years?, and more | 2.16.26 - Rising Recap
Podcast: Rising
Published: 2026-02-16
Duration: 50 minutes
Summary
This episode covers Kristi Noem's controversial comments on voting, Marco Rubio's call for European reforms, and alarming projections of the US national debt. It also touches on Barack Obama's remarks about aliens and Trump's critique of Bill Maher.
What Happened
Kristi Noem has stirred significant backlash by suggesting that her administration should ensure that the 'right people' are elected, sparking outrage from political figures like Joe Walsh and David Axelrod. Her comments come in the context of promoting the Save America Act, which includes voter ID requirements, raising concerns about voter suppression and democratic integrity.
Marco Rubio, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, emphasized the importance of strengthening US-European relations while urging reforms in Europe. He reassured that the US remains a steadfast ally, stating that global order should not overshadow the vital interests of individual nations.
The Congressional Budget Office has projected that the US national debt could soar to $64 trillion over the next decade. This alarming figure is attributed to Republican tax and spending policies, as well as former President Trump's immigration policies, with debt held by the public expected to rise from 101% of GDP in 2026 to 120% by 2036.
Barack Obama, in a recent interview, discussed various issues including homelessness, immigration, and the existence of aliens. He criticized the political handling of homelessness and stated that, statistically, it's likely there's life beyond Earth due to the vastness of the universe.
Obama also called out former President Trump for a lack of decorum, referencing a controversial racist video and the deployment of immigration agents to Minnesota. These comments appear to be a critique of the current political climate and a call for dignity in public office.
Finally, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Bill Maher, describing a dinner with him as a 'waste of time' and labeling Maher as 'very boring.' This comes amid Trump's regular media consumption that includes major newspapers and Fox News, with additional clips sent to him.
Key Insights
- Kristi Noem's call for electing the 'right people' under the Save America Act raises alarms about potential voter suppression. Her approach ties voter ID requirements to maintaining democratic integrity, a stance that provoked backlash from political figures like Joe Walsh and David Axelrod.
- The US national debt is projected to reach a staggering $64 trillion within the next decade, largely due to Republican tax policies and Trump's immigration strategies. This fiscal trajectory could see debt rise from 101% of GDP in 2026 to 120% by 2036, signaling significant economic challenges ahead.
- Barack Obama posits that the vastness of the universe statistically suggests the existence of extraterrestrial life. By critiquing political mismanagement of issues like homelessness, he underscores the need for more dignified leadership in addressing complex societal problems.
- Donald Trump's disdain for Bill Maher, as expressed on Truth Social, highlights his ongoing engagement with media personalities. This incident reflects Trump's broader media consumption habits, which include daily newspaper readings and curated Fox News clips.
Key Questions Answered
What did Kristi Noem say about voting?
Kristi Noem sparked controversy by suggesting that only the 'right people' should vote to elect 'right leaders,' which was seen as a push for her administration to control election outcomes.
What are the US national debt projections?
The Congressional Budget Office projects that the US national debt could reach $64 trillion in the next ten years, primarily due to Republican tax policies and immigration policies from Trump's administration.
What did Marco Rubio say about European reforms?
At the Munich Security Conference, Marco Rubio called for European reforms while assuring that the US remains committed to its allies. He emphasized that global order should not compromise national interests.