Meet the Press Oct. 5 — Sec. Marco Rubio, Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Adam Schiff
Oct 5, 2025
In this discussion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses the latest in Middle East diplomacy, including a significant framework for hostage release from Gaza. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries tackle the looming government shutdown, debating the link between ACA tax credits and Medicaid cuts. Senator Adam Schiff warns about the political rhetoric affecting U.S. cities and shares concerns over potential Justice Department overreach. Together, they explore how these issues intersect with current policy and governance.
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Hostage Release Hinges On Logistics
- Hamas agreed to the hostage-release framework but logistics remain the key barrier to immediate release.
- Secretary Marco Rubio says de-escalation and coordination (Red Cross, timing, safe zones) will determine how fast hostages return.
Long-Term Peace Requires Demobilization
- A lasting peace requires demobilizing and disarming terrorist groups and creating nonviolent Palestinian governance.
- Rubio warns that without demobilization, hostages and a ceasefire won't produce long-term stability.
Statehood Seen As Conditional Process
- The administration frames Palestinian statehood as a conditional, negotiated process tied to security and governance reforms.
- Rubio emphasizes statehood cannot be credible if Gaza remains governed by terror-affiliated actors like Hamas.