System Update with Glenn Greenwald

A rapid Q&A dives into claims linking a right-wing figure to Minneapolis killings and the ethics of state violence. Discussion touches on media labeling and why political tags often fail. Immigration debates explore mass deportation logistics and the politics behind "abolish ICE" posturing. A segment examines vetting, alleged antisemitism complaints, and ties between politicians and Israel.

A deep dive into the forced sale of TikTok and how it could reshape online speech. Discussion connects the sale to pro-Israel influence and post-October 7 shifts in U.S. policy. Examination of media framing, ADL involvement, and moderation changes tied to Israeli interests. Raises alarms about large-scale censorship and foreign-aligned control over social platforms.

Investigates video evidence of an ICE killing and contrasts it with official statements. Walks through multiple camera angles showing what happened and how narratives shifted. Examines political figures amplifying false claims and the broader pattern of officials misrepresenting federal agent actions. Contextualizes the incident within history and partisan hypocrisy.

A surprising speech by Canadian PM Mark Carney at Davos challenges the notion of a benevolent 'rules-based' international order. Glenn Greenwald highlights Carney's admission that this framework is often a convenient illusion upheld by powerful nations. He critiques Western media's portrayal of foreign policy, emphasizing hypocrisy in actions versus rhetoric. The discussion includes Carney's call for honesty among middle powers and the impact of dollar hegemony. Despite skepticism about real change, Carney's candid revelations are deemed significant for future discourse.

Laura Poitras, an Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker known for her fearless investigative work, discusses her new film, Cover Up, focused on journalist Seymour Hersh. She delves into the importance of adversarial journalism and the emotional toll of reporting atrocities. Poitras highlights how the press often rehashes state narratives, the need for skepticism towards power, and Hersh's steadfast commitment to uncovering the truth. Their conversation also touches on the complexities of verifying sources and the effects of government cover-ups on public trust.

The ADL's call for increased censorship raises questions about free speech, targeting figures like Tucker Carlson and Hasan Piker. Glenn critiques the organization's shift from civil rights advocacy to pro-Israel lobbying. He discusses the consequences of their campaigns against critics, including calls for deplatforming and legislative pressures. Additionally, a heated debate on U.S. intervention in Iran highlights hypocrisy and historical lessons from past conflicts. The push for accountability in media power and democratic influence in foreign policy is also examined.

Media manipulation takes center stage as concerns rise over CBS News' biased reporting on Iran protests. The dangers of exaggerated casualty figures, like the reported 12,000 to 20,000 deaths, are highlighted. Glenn critiques the Ellison family's influence on U.S. media narratives and underscores the historical patterns of war propaganda. He emphasizes the need for skepticism toward unverified claims and discusses how public opinion sharply opposes U.S. intervention. The conversation warns against letting sensationalism lead to military actions.

John Mearsheimer, an international relations scholar known for his realist perspectives, dives into critical issues like U.S. involvement in Venezuela and Iran. He critiques Trump's actions as imperialistic, discussing how limited military strategies often backfire. Mearsheimer warns that any U.S. intervention in Iran could unite the populace against their government. He explores the dangers of sanctions and de-dollarization, highlights the power of nationalism, and predicts a grim future for diplomatic resolutions in Ukraine.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's controversial trips to Israel to sign local laws take center stage. The legislation targets anti-Israel speech and escalates punishments against boycott movements. Glenn highlights unique political dynamics, including the shift of neocon donors from DeSantis to Trump. Free speech advocates raise alarms over the impact on campus discourse and the implications of signing laws abroad. As DeSantis faces public scrutiny, the episode sheds light on Israel's profound influence on American politics.

The episode dives deep into the controversy sparked by Bowen Yang's remarks about Jasmine Crockett, analyzing the backlash in Democratic identity politics. It explores how new terms like 'misogynoir' are shaping political discourse, while Glenn argues that identity politics has left the Democratic Party hollow. He reflects on past elections, noting how tension grew in 2008 and intensified by 2016. The conversation also critiques performative apologies from public figures and warns about the consequences of rigid speech codes on political discourse.