Trump weighing military action in Iran, Jerome Powell reveals DOJ investigating him, David Letterman bashes CBS, And More: 1.12.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-01-12

Duration: 50 minutes

Guests: Trita Parsi, Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers

Summary

Jerome Powell is under investigation by the DOJ, with speculation it may be politically motivated. President Trump is contemplating military intervention in Iran amid escalating protests.

What Happened

Jerome Powell, the Chair of the Federal Reserve, revealed that the Department of Justice is investigating him, possibly for political reasons. He mentioned receiving grand jury subpoenas related to his testimony about the central bank's renovation, with a looming threat of criminal indictment. This has stirred concerns among some Republicans, including Senator Tom Tillis, and criticism from Democrats like Elizabeth Warren, who accuse Trump of misusing DOJ powers for personal gain.

President Trump is considering military action in Iran as protests intensify, resulting in at least 544 deaths. The unrest is driven by economic turmoil and calls for regime change, with Iran's Supreme Leader blaming Trump and the U.S. Meanwhile, Iranian-born writer Trita Parsi argues that U.S. intervention might be counterproductive, emphasizing the need for internal legitimacy for democracy in Iran.

The episode covers the controversial shooting of Renee Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis, with released footage sparking debate on whether Ross's actions were justified. Experts are split, discussing the legal doctrine of qualified immunity and alternatives to lethal force. Kristi Noem defended Ross, labeling Good's actions as domestic terrorism, a stance criticized as premature.

In media news, David Letterman criticized CBS and its leadership under Bari Weiss, describing the network as a 'wreck'. He praised Jimmy Kimmel for challenging network executives, suggesting that traditional late-night comedy is losing relevance with younger audiences shifting to different media formats.

Comedians Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers apologized for making disrespectful comments about Jasmine Crockett's Senate campaign on their podcast. Rogers compared Crockett's chances of winning a Senate seat to Beto O'Rourke's unsuccessful campaign, which faced backlash for being perceived as anti-black.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of protests in Iran and the potential global impact of U.S. military intervention. Trump's comments about Iran's desire for freedom were juxtaposed with Trita Parsi's cautionary stance on external interference.

Overall, the episode navigates complex geopolitical events, domestic legal issues, and media controversies, offering insights into the intersections of politics, justice, and public perception.

Key Insights