Prez 4 Sale! - December 17, 2025 - young-turks Recap

Podcast: young-turks

Published: 2025-12-18

Duration: 2 hr 42 min

Guests: Ana Kasparian, Candace Owens, Michael Blake

Summary

Donald Trump claims Miriam Adelson offered him $250 million to attempt an unconstitutional third term. Concurrently, he announces aggressive military actions against Venezuela.

What Happened

Donald Trump's assertion that mega-donor Miriam Adelson offered him $250 million to pursue a third presidential term has sparked controversy, highlighting ongoing issues with political donations and influence. Ana Kasparian criticizes this as an example of how political power is increasingly for sale, with Trump openly flaunting a willingness to accept such offers.

In parallel, Trump announced a blockade against Venezuela, accusing the country of stealing oil from the U.S., further escalating tensions. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to gain access to Venezuela's oil reserves, which has been a long-standing goal of his administration.

The impact of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela has been severe, with studies by economists Mark Weisbrot and Jeffrey Sachs highlighting significant economic and humanitarian consequences. These sanctions have crippled Venezuela's ability to import essential goods, worsening the plight of its citizens.

Anna Kasparian dissects the U.S. foreign aid dynamic, pointing out the $26 billion allocated to Israel and questioning the influence of AIPAC and other lobbying groups, which have spent millions to sway political decisions.

Candace Owens delves into a separate controversy involving the assassination of Charlie Kirk, where she discusses the lack of evidence against suspect Tyler Robinson, despite her personal belief in his involvement.

The episode also covers domestic issues, such as the inefficacy of California's Project Home Key, a housing initiative that despite its $3.75 billion cost, has failed to reduce homelessness. Gavin Newsom's veto of a bill intended to enhance oversight of the program is criticized as avoiding accountability.

Economic discussions touch on the U.S. national debt reaching $38 trillion, with the Trump administration's corporate tax cuts contributing to a significant drop in corporate tax revenue. This financial backdrop is set against rising unemployment and concerns about the impact of AI on future job markets.

Key Insights

• Miriam Adelson allegedly offered Donald Trump $250 million to run for a third presidential term, raising concerns about the influence of mega-donors in U.S. politics.
• U.S. sanctions have severely impacted Venezuela's economy, with economists Mark Weisbrot and Jeffrey Sachs noting the country's reduced ability to import essential goods, exacerbating humanitarian issues.
• The U.S. national debt has reached $38 trillion, with corporate tax cuts under the Trump administration contributing to a significant decrease in corporate tax revenue.
• California's Project Home Key, a $3.75 billion housing initiative, has been criticized for failing to reduce homelessness, and Governor Gavin Newsom's veto of a bill for increased oversight has drawn scrutiny.