495. Terror in Minnesota: The Putinisation of America (Question Time) - The Rest Is Politics Recap

Podcast: The Rest Is Politics

Published: 2026-01-29

Duration: 1 hr 0 min

Guests: Gary Haugen, Molly Hodson

Summary

Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss the implications of ICE's actions in Minnesota on American democracy, the viability of a centrist movement in UK politics, and the transformative power of political rhetoric.

What Happened

ICE's actions in Minnesota, where protesters were killed, are examined for their impact on democracy and truth in the Trump era. Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell consider the portrayal of activist Alex Pretty as a domestic terrorist despite contradictory evidence, questioning the consequences for American political rhetoric and media landscapes.

The episode shifts to the political landscape in the United Kingdom, discussing the emergence of the Prosper movement, which aims to represent the center and center-right. Rory Stewart notes that about 22 million people in Britain identify with these political positions, yet many feel politically homeless, creating an opportunity for new political movements.

Departure of high-profile politicians like Swela Braverman to Reform UK is highlighted as a sign of political realignment. The Conservative Party's challenges in maintaining a cohesive ideology are explored, with the potential for a new centrist force in British politics being debated.

Stephen Miller's use of fascist rhetoric during and after the Trump administration is scrutinized. His influence on both domestic and international policies is discussed, raising concerns about the normalization of extreme political discourse.

The discussion also covers the significant investments in ICE, which have surpassed $170 billion, more than any non-military organization in history. This financial commitment is contrasted with the portrayal of ICE's actions and its implications for American civil liberties.

Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell delve into the power of rhetoric in shaping history, drawing parallels with figures like Churchill and Lincoln. They argue that effective political communication can indeed alter the course of events, emphasizing the need for new ideas and strategies in today's political climate.

The episode concludes with a disturbing look at the rise of online child sexual exploitation. The Philippines is identified as a major hub, driven by poverty and technological factors. The role of AI in combating this issue is discussed, with a call for greater government intervention and technological solutions.

Key Insights

• ICE has received over $170 billion in investments, making it the most funded non-military organization in U.S. history, raising questions about its impact on American civil liberties.
• Approximately 22 million people in Britain identify with center and center-right political positions, yet many feel politically homeless, presenting an opportunity for new political movements like the Prosper movement.
• High-profile politicians, such as Swela Braverman, are departing to Reform UK, indicating a potential realignment within the Conservative Party and a challenge to maintain a cohesive ideology.
• The Philippines is identified as a major hub for online child sexual exploitation, driven by poverty and technological factors, with AI being discussed as a tool to combat this issue.