Tom Homan pulling 700 federal agents from Minnesota, Scott Bessent throws down with Dem Reps, Nicki Minaj doesn't believe moon landing happened, And More: 2.5.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-02-05

Duration: 50 minutes

Guests: Niall Stanage

Summary

The episode examines the impact of Tom Homan's decision to withdraw 700 federal agents from Minnesota, Scott Bessent's confrontation with Democratic Representatives over tariffs, and Nicki Minaj's controversial views on the moon landing.

What Happened

The episode begins by discussing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which have been used to smear various public figures, including J.K. Rowling. The files, containing millions of pages, have led to unverified accusations against many high-profile individuals. Robbie Soave notes that these documents are often used for partisan axe grinding rather than revealing concrete evidence of wrongdoing.

Tom Homan, the White House's 'border czar,' announced the withdrawal of 700 federal agents from Minnesota. This decision comes amid criticism of Operation Metro Surge, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calling for a more significant reduction in federal presence and state-led investigations into recent deaths linked to immigration enforcement.

The episode also covers President Trump's plan to erect a Christopher Columbus statue near the White House. This move has sparked controversy due to Columbus's contentious legacy, with some states choosing to honor Indigenous Peoples Day instead.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced heated exchanges with Democratic Representatives Maxine Waters and Gregory Meeks over Trump's tariffs and business interests. Bessent argued that tariffs did not contribute to inflation, citing historical data, but faced strong opposition from the lawmakers.

In a surprising segment, Nicki Minaj expressed her disbelief in the moon landing during a conversation with Katie Miller. This claim adds to a series of controversial statements made by Minaj, who also supports voter ID requirements, aligning with a significant portion of the American public.

The episode also addresses the Trump administration's response to the deaths of Alex Preti and Renee Good, as well as the broader implications of immigration enforcement policies. Trump acknowledged the negative publicity surrounding these incidents but emphasized the overall success of the deportation efforts.

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive look at recent political developments, controversies, and public perceptions surrounding key issues in the United States.

Key Insights

• The withdrawal of 700 federal agents from Minnesota by the White House's 'border czar' responds to local leaders' demands for a reduced federal presence and increased state-led investigations into immigration enforcement-related deaths.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued against the notion that Trump's tariffs contributed to inflation, citing historical data, despite facing opposition from Democratic Representatives Maxine Waters and Gregory Meeks.
• President Trump's proposal to erect a Christopher Columbus statue near the White House has sparked controversy, as some states have shifted to celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day due to Columbus's contentious legacy.
• Nicki Minaj expressed skepticism about the moon landing, adding to her series of controversial statements, including support for voter ID requirements, which aligns with a significant portion of the American public.