DeProgram with John Kiriakou and Ted Rall

On the “DeProgram show” with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, we interview Francisco Rodríguez, a distinguished economist and senior research fellow at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR). Rodríguez, a Venezuelan opposition economist and Rice Family Professor at the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School, brings unparalleled expertise from his roles as head of the Venezuelan National Assembly’s economic advisory (2000–2004), chief Andean economist at Bank of America (2011–2016), and research team leader for UN Human Development Reports (2008–2011). His frequent contributions to outlets like the Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, and The New York Times cement his authority on global economic policy. We dive into Rodríguez’s groundbreaking Financial Times op-ed, coauthored with CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot, based on their Lancet Global Health study estimating that U.S.-led sanctions cause 564,000 excess deaths annually, particularly among children under five, with an 8% mortality spike in affected nations. Rodríguez calls these sanctions an “economic weapon of mass destruction,” a view echoed by Rep. Ilhan Omar’s fiery denouncement at the Pan American Congress in Mexico City last week, where she condemned their humanitarian toll. Weisbrot’s Los Angeles Times op-ed underscores the “invisible” devastation, arguing sanctions’ political unsustainability once exposed. Also: • No U.S. Troops to Ukraine: Trump assures Fox News that U.S. troops won’t join an Ukraine peacekeeping force, saying Europeans will take point. Trump wants Zelensky to meet Putin summit, and is offering to mediate. Zelensky seeks U.S. weapons and intelligence. • Will Israel Step Up?: Israel faces a Friday deadline for a Hamas-accepted ceasefire, which would release all 20 remaining hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners in a 60-day truce. Starvation is getting even worse under Israel’s aid blockade, as protests and international pressure mount. Qatar and Egypt broker demilitarization talks. • Eric Lendrum’s “Hate Speech”: Trump DHS aide Eric Lendrum’s 2023 X posts and podcast endorse the “great replacement” theory and anti-LGBTQ+ slurs, comparing conservatives to enslaved people and Holocaust victims. His call for violence against Gaza protesters draws condemnation. • Andrew Cuomo Asks Trump For Help: At a Hamptons fundraiser, a shameless Cuomo courts Trump’s support to defeat democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, asking the prez to sideline the GOP’s Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani’s campaign accuses Cuomo of election-rigging. Eric Adams slams Cuomo’s tactics, citing his primary loss. • New Zealand Soldier Convicted of Espionage: A New Zealand soldier, convicted for offering military secrets and possessing Christchurch mosque shooting material, faces sentencing. Linked to extremist groups, he was caught by an undercover officer. The case marks New Zealand’s first spying conviction.

Same gold chair, different tone—Zelensky is better dressed and gets a friendly reception at the White House and JD Vance remains silent. Zelensky and Trump express hope that today’s talks with Ukrainian and European leaders at the White House could lead to trilateral talks with Vladimir Putin to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. On the “DeProgram show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou,” we bring you up to date on the latest developments and what they really mean. • Russo-Ukrainian War: Trump tells Ukraine to give up on Crimea, but says Putin has agreed to NATO-like security guarantees from the US and Europe for Ukraine and the rest of Europe. Is Russia saving face? Trump says no to ceasefire—he wants a full deal. What would one look like? Meanwhile, Russian strikes Sumy, injuring 74. • Democrats Return to Texas: Rep. Yassamin Ansari and young Democrats push for a 2026 Texas flip. Republicans and Democrats are now fighting to redraw the maps mid-decade, either to help or block Trump's agenda. California, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Maryland are among the Democrat-led states prepared to launch countermeasures to the Texas plan. • Trump Targets Voting Systems: Trump threatens to ban voting machines and mail-in ballots, citing fraud, alarms election officials. Critics warn of suppressed turnout, especially among minorities. His push for paper ballots faces logistical and legal hurdles as 2026 nears. • Newsmax’s $67M Settlement: Newsmax settles a $67M defamation suit over 2020 election falsehoods, signaling media accountability. The payout follows Dominion’s legal wins, but Newsmax’s financial stability remains under scrutiny. • MSNBC’s Name Change: MSNBC rebrands to MS Now to counter declining viewership and compete with streaming platforms. Insiders suggest a shift toward centrism to appeal to younger audiences. The potential name change sparks debate over its progressive legacy. • Paris Braces for Extreme Heat: Paris prepares for 122-degree heatwaves, prompting water rationing and cooling centers. Climate models warn of worsening urban heat islands throughout Europe. Infrastructure upgrades lag, raising fears of widespread disruption. • Iran’s Mass Arrests: Iran detains over 20,000 for alleged espionage for Israel. Human rights groups slam the arrests as a pretext for political purges. • Israel Isolated: Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City draws global condemnation, with Netanyahu vowing to “finish Hamas” even after Hamas agrees to a 60-day ceasefire and hostage release. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has denied intervening to ensure the release of Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, a senior Israeli cyber security official who was arrested earlier this month in Nevada as part of an undercover law enforcement operation targeting “child sex predators”.

It’s a key moment on “DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou” as the presidents of Russian and the U.S. meet in Alaska to try to normalize relations and end the Russo-Ukrainian War. Trump-Putin Summit: Now underway at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, where Trump is pushing for a ceasefire as Zelenskyy’s exclusion echoes 20th century imperialism and warnings of possible failure. Land swaps are on the table. Is there hope for an end to the bloodshed? 59% of Americans don’t trust Trump on Russia—should the president care?Kristi Noem’s Rent Grift: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem is living rent-free in Quarters 1, a spacious waterfront home at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling typically reserved for the Coast Guard commandant, raising concerns within the agency and among Democrats as a waste of military resources. Noem’s tenancy, prompted by safety concerns after the Daily Mail published photos of her Navy Yard residence, is “temporary,” though no duration is specified, and contrasts with other Cabinet secretaries who pay for their housing. Noem’s spending as South Dakota governor—$68,000 on mansion upgrades and $150,000 on campaign travel—indicates she’s not new to the Kato Kaelin lifestyle.Democrats Move Against D.C. Police Takeover: House and Senate Democrats introduced resolutions to end Trump’s control of the D.C. police, targeting the state of emergency declared Monday federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department. Lawsuits argue it breaks the 1973 Home Rule Act. Representative Jamie Raskin and Senator Chris Van Hollen lead the effort, citing low violent crime rates and Trump’s absence during the January 6 Capitol riot, though Republican control impedes progress.ICE Running Wild: Monrovia CA’s city manager reports a man hit and killed on the 210 Freeway while fleeing an ICE raid at Home Depot, though DHS denies chasing him. And a Louisiana lawsuit, JLV v Acuna, says ICE illegally deported two moms, Rosario and Julia, and their four U.S. citizen children—including five-year-old Romeo with stage 4 kidney cancer—to Honduras in April, denying due process and medical care. ICE ignored the moms’ wishes to leave children in the U.S., with one forced to consent under threat of foster care.Israel Running Wild: The U.S. responds to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s plan for 3,401 housing units in Ma’aleh Adumim,, which the UN and UK deem illegal, threatening a two-state solution by splitting the West Bank. The UN says Smotrich’s plan is a war crime.CIA ‘Kryptos’ Sculpture Solution for Sale: Sculptor Jim Sanborn will auction the solution to Kryptos’s unsolved K4 panel on November 20, estimated at $300,000-$500,000, including original text and a proof-of-concept copper plate, with the money going to support disability programs.Illegal Bitcoin Mining in Central Asia: Tajikistan reports $3.52 million in damages from illegal mining using stolen electricity in Q1 2025, with 190 cases involving 3,988 individuals, while Kazakhstan uncovers a $16.5 million scheme using 50 MWh, linked to Russian and Chinese miners exploiting weak oversight.Russia and Central Asia Embrace the Taliban: Russia became the first country to give diplomatic recognition to the Taliban in July, followed by Kazakhstan recognizing a Talib as Chargé of Affairs in August, while Tajikistan seeks improved ties. Russia maintained its embassy post-2021, signed an economic deal for wheat, oil, and gas, and delisted the Taliban from its terrorist list, while Kazakhstan wants to boost trade to $3 billion and also delisted them, driven by stability and drug trafficking concerns.

Is the Russo-Ukrainian War about to come to an end? The “DeProgram” show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou handicaps the odds of tomorrow’s Alaska summit between Trump and Putin and the other major issues of the day. Join Ted and John as they explore: • Putin-Trump Summit: As the leaders of the US and Russia prepare to meet in person, Vladimir Putin is reportedly offering financial incentives and 2 million tons of aluminum/mineral rights from the occupied Donbas region of Ukraine to Donald Trump. This move aims to counter a previous U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal. Who will win the mineral bidding war for Trump? • Ethnic Cleansing Plan: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right politician, has been a vocal advocate for the E1 settlement project in the West Bank. Smotrich announced plans for 3,401 housing units, stating, “Approval of construction plans in E1 buries the idea of a Palestinian state.” About Gaza: Israel is negotiating with Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, UAE, and Qatar to relocate Gazans for ethnic cleansing and genocide. Meanwhile, airdrop-related deaths mount. • CIA and Sue Mi Terry: Former CIA analyst Sue Mi Terry faces charges for acting as a South Korean agent, raising alarms about intelligence oversight and CIA transparency. What really happened and what are the security implications? • More Troops to DC?: Speculation grows about Trump deploying more troops to Washington, DC, supposedly to fight crime. Is this really an attempt to control crime and, if so, can it work? Or is it a way to get us accustomed to the militarization of civilian life?• Q&A with Ted Rall: John had a train to catch! So Ted answered your questions about the Los Angeles Times, Ayn Rand, the effect of the media overseas, and how to break into politics when you’re 16.

Is fascism coming to the streets of D.C.? That’s the big question on the “DeProgram” show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou today. • Trump Nationalizes D.C. Police, Sends Troops to City Streets: What hath “Big Balls” wrought? President Trump activates Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, federalizing D.C.’s civilian police and deploying 500 National Guard troops to stop crime and expel the homeless. Trump says the city is out of control but there has been a 26% drop in violent crime this year. Will Congress rubber-stamp this terrifying move? • Epstein-Maxwell Records: A federal judge rejects unsealing grand jury documents in the Epstein and Maxwell cases. Public frustration increases. Will we ever learn the truth? • Israel Assassinates 5 Al Jazeera Journalists: Israel bombs reporter Anas al-Sharif and 4 Al Jazeera journalist colleagues in Gaza, accusing him of leading a Hamas cell. There is no evidence. Press freedom groups say Israel is trying to stop the truth from coming out of Gaza. • Australia Recognizes Palestine: Australia joins the ranks of the civilized world, formally recognizing Palestine as a state. This move, joining the UK, France and Canada, redraws Middle East alliances. Fence-sitters like Germany watch as Canberra weighs backlash and support. • MTG Cashes In: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s net worth soars to $22 million, up from $700,000 pre-Congress, tied to her many stock trades before Trump’s tariff pause. Her spicy defense prompts ethics investigations. • Trump-Putin Summit: Trump will meet Putin in Alaska to reset U.S.-Russia relations, amid Trump’s public frustration with Putin over Ukraine and speculation about carving up Ukraine. Zelensky may or may not be invited.

It’s the end of the week but there’s no end to the drama on “DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou,” where political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou deprogram you from the noise and deflection used by the establishment to keep you in the dark. Ted and John answer your questions in the Rumble and YouTube feeds, but here’s the docket: • Israel Goes for the Whole Schmear: Israel’s war cabinet votes for the IDF to invade and hold ALL of Gaza, including Gaza City, ignoring military generals who say it will be a disaster. The escalation threatens even more civilian deaths and will kill most if the remaining hostages. Global condemnation grows as famine worsens with no end in sight. • Germany Starts to Ditch Israel: An incredibly reliable ally, Germany is cutting off weapons to Israel. Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticizes Israel’s Gaza genocide, hinting at recognizing Palestine. Germany’s concern over civilian suffering potentially alters regional alliances. What next in Europe? • A $50M Bounty on a President: Trump offers $50 million for information leading to the arrest of Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, twice as much as for Osama bin Laden. It’s regime change by another name. Is it also a risky diplomatic gamble? • Trump Meets Putin: Trump has a high-stakes meeting with Putin soon. He’ll ask the CIA for insights about Russia’s leader. Can U.S.-Russia relations get a reset? Any chance for a peace deal in Ukraine? What will the CIA tell him? John may have ideas. • The Migrants Who Aren’t Here: Trump wants to omit illegal immigrants from the U.S. census, potentially slashing representation and funding in the blue states and depriving agencies of information about the population. Critics say it is unconstitutional. • JD Vance Has the Lake His Way: Reminding us of Chris Christie during N.J. beach closures, Vice President JD Vance, on vacay with the fam, arranges with local authorities to adjust SW Ohio lake levels more to his liking. It’s good to be king apparent! But remember what happened to Christie. • Apple’s iOS Update Swipes Left on Democracy: Apple’s latest iOS update raises alarms that pollsters and electioneers will no longer be able to access voters. Tech’s role in civic integrity faces scrutiny.

On the “DeProgram” show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, we dissect the most urgent global and domestic issues with incisive clarity and de-program you from propaganda. • Trump Takes DC: Rumors of a Trump-driven federal takeover of Washington, DC could end “home rule.” Congress may impose sweeping control, citing crime, governance—and “Big Balls.” • Lone Star Chaos: Texas faces intensifying political clashes, as Democratic state leaders resist federal overreach on voting rights. Recent gerrymandering efforts by both parties threaten electoral fairness. • Trump Robs the Banks: First the colleges. Then the law firms. In his latest shakedown, Trump accuses banks of discriminatory practices against him personally (of course) and conservatives in general. • Japan Wants to Re-Arm: At this 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki’s bombings, the Japanese increasingly believe the post-World War II constitution, which guarantees a peaceful Japan, is obsolete. • Trump Takes Over Gaza Aid: Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, says the US wants to take over control of Gaza humanitarian aid, raising fears of sidelining Palestinian autonomy, exposing Israeli genocide and putting US troops in harm’s way. • Israel-Palestinian Statehood (some exceptions apply): Recent recognitions by France, the UK and Canada give hope to Palestine, but two of those carry some big conditions. • Bennett’s Warning: Former PM Naftali Bennett calls Israel a “leper state” in the US, citing growing isolation. • Israel Censors Bomb Damage: Iran’s 12-day strikes on Israel face heavy censorship, obscuring the conflict’s real toll. Reports suggest

The “DeProgram show” with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou brings you up-to-date at the start of a busy summer week in the news and deprograms you from corporate news propaganda! • Texas Democrats Dip Out Over Gerrymandering: Over 50 Texas House Democrats flee to Illinois and New York to deny a quorum for a Trump-backed redistricting plan that could add five national House GOP seats for give them a dose of their own medicine. Governor Greg Abbott threatens to annul their elections and to throw them into prison. • Politicizing Unemployment Stats: President Trump’s firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer after a weak July jobs report threatens the credibility of economic statistics. Senators like Rand Paul warn against undermining objective data. Are securities markets and capitalism at risk? • Gaza’s “All or Nothing” Deal: Humanitarian groups say Gazans are still starving due to insufficient aid. Hamas’s hostage video terrifies Israeli families. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff assesses the crisis amid stalled negotiations, calling for a return of all hostages—but what comes if/after the fighting? • MTG Says GOP Hates Women: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene accuses GOP leadership of betraying conservative values and women, citing a “neocon” movement. Will party divisions tear apart the Trump coalition? She stops short of criticizing Trump—is that next? • California Post: Murdoch’s new California Post challenges “print is dead” with a new print product. Clearly NewsCorp smells blood in the water as Dr. Pat prepares to scuttle the Los Angeles Times in a doomed IPO. Does the CP stand a chance? • $15,000 Visa Bond: A proposed $15,000 bond for visa applicants from high-overstay countries slams legal tourists and workers with prohibitively high fees. Will anyone come to the US under Trump? • Everyone Can See Your “Private” ChatGPT Chats: Private ChatGPT conversations are indexed by Google, raising privacy alarms. Users, especially lawyers and their clients, demand stronger data protections from OpenAI. Ted, unreasoned, is still safe! • CIA Director Accuses Hillary: Hillary Clinton’s alleged plan to frame Trump as Russian stooge—is it true? If so, is it a major political scandal? If so, will Democrats ever hear about it?

On “DeProgram” with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, the world’s focus is on the ongoing crisis in Gaza: • Ground Offensive: Israel’s relentless military campaign escalates against Gaza, where 111 Palestinians have been killed in 24 hours, including 91 trying to get food. Civilian deaths are fueling international condemnation. • Famine: Famine ravages Gaza, with 147 starvation deaths and 60,000 total fatalities. Israel’s aid blockade from March to May worsened the crisis, reflecting Israel’s deliberate weaponization of starvation. Rall and Kiriakou explore the humanitarian disaster. • Witkoff’s Visit: US envoy Steve Witkoff’s Gaza trip to inspect sites of the GHF’s troubled food sites sparks Palestinian outrage. They call it a cheap “media stunt” and an attempt to dodge US complicity in the crisis. We look at the diplomatic implications. • Will Germany Step Up?: Germany resists recognizing Palestine, with Foreign Minister Wadephul advocating a two-state solution. Allies like France and Canada ratchet up the pressure as Israel and its shrinking number of allies are increasingly isolated. • IDF Barred at Birkenau: An IDF delegation was denied entry to the Birkenau death camp for carrying Israeli flags, per The Times of Israel. Is Israel losing the war over historical memory? • Microplastics: You breathe 68,000 lung-penetrating microplastics daily in your home, posing severe health risks, linked to respiratory and systemic diseases. This environmental crisis demands urgent action. • Democratic Senators: 27 Democratic senators voted to suspend US weapons to Israel, citing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. What’s up with the growing schism? • Sanctions and Tariffs: Trump threatens sanctions and tariffs on allies like Canada for recognizing Palestineo. His shifting Gaza stance complicates diplomacy. Join the “DeProgram” show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou for “de-programming.”

Get insider CIA dish on a pair of stories on today’s “DeProgram show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou,” streaming live at M-W-F 5 pm ET and available 24-7. Chime in with your questions and comments for John and Ted! • UK to Recognize Palestine: Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK will formally recognize Palestine at the UN this September—unless Israel halts its Gaza genocide and manmade famine. Which countries are next? Can Israel stop this move and should they care? • Iran’s GPS Switcher: Iran plans to abandon U.S.-run GPS, possibly in favor of China, after U.S.-Israeli nuclear site strikes. Tech sovereignty is spreading. What are the global tech fallout risks as distrust of the U.S. spreads? • Is Israel Losing the Right? U.S. evangelical and conservative support for Israel, previously reliable, is on the wane. GOP stalwarts like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene are criticizing its Gaza war as genocide. US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, visits a West Bank town attacked by settlers. Joe Rogan is boycotting Bibi. Can Israel get its right-wing groove back? • Tom Sylvester’s CIA Exit: CIA’s Deputy Director of Operations retires after losing a prestigious London post due to controversial book quotes. His exit sparks leadership concerns. What’s next at the CIA? • Sandy Grimes’ Legacy: The CIA mole hunter at 80, famous for exposing Aldrich Ames. Her counterintelligence work reshaped the agency. What’s her legacy?