Bongino VS. Smith - January 9, 2026 - young-turks Recap

Podcast: young-turks

Published: 2026-01-10

Duration: 3 hr 14 min

Guests: Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola

Summary

The episode explores federal cover-ups in ICE-related shootings and tensions within the MAGA media, highlighting right-wing infighting and controversial immigration enforcement tactics.

What Happened

The episode opens with cellphone footage revealing the ICE agent Jonathan Ross's shooting of Renee Nicole Good, which has sparked accusations of a federal cover-up. Minnesota investigators claim the FBI is blocking access to key evidence, leading to criticism from local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, about the federal government's handling of the case. The shooting reignites debates over immigration enforcement tactics, particularly in light of a similar incident in Portland where Border Patrol agents shot two individuals.

Cenk Uygur and John Iadarola discuss the political implications, criticizing right-wing figures like JD Vance for allegedly misrepresenting the circumstances of the shooting. They challenge the narrative that the ICE agent was acting in self-defense, arguing that the footage does not support such claims and highlights flaws in law enforcement training. The hosts express skepticism about the FBI's ability to conduct a fair investigation under the current administration.

On the West Coast, Portland faces its own crisis with the shooting by Border Patrol agents. Portland's mayor has called for a halt to ICE operations, criticizing federal overreach and the Department of Homeland Security's justification of the shooting as a defensive act. Cenk Uygur questions the credibility of such claims, likening them to unreliable sources.

The episode also dives into internal conflicts within the MAGA media ecosystem, spotlighting a feud between comedian Dave Smith and former FBI deputy Dan Bongino. Cenk Uygur accuses Bongino of aligning with the establishment, while Smith is portrayed as a more genuine populist voice. The clash reflects broader tensions among right-wing figures over issues like the Epstein files and federal investigations.

The discussion shifts to Donald Trump's controversial foreign policy proposals, including threats of military action in Mexico and Iran. The hosts criticize these strategies as tactically sound but strategically flawed, highlighting the broader implications for international relations and the potential economic costs.

The episode also touches on the geopolitical interests in Greenland, where Trump's administration is reportedly considering financial incentives to annex the territory. The discussion highlights the strategic importance of Greenland's rare earth mineral resources and the potential benefits for multinational corporations involved in such ventures.

Concerns about militarized law enforcement tactics are raised, with parallels drawn between U.S. agencies and Israeli Defense Forces training. The episode discusses the implications of such training for American civil liberties and the potential for increased authoritarian responses to domestic unrest.

Overall, the episode paints a picture of a deeply divided political landscape, fraught with controversies over immigration, media infighting, and international policy decisions that could have far-reaching consequences.

Key Insights