DeProgram with John Kiriakou and Ted Rall

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou analyze the deadly sniper attack on a Dallas ICE facility, where two detainees lie dead and a third fights for life, YouTube's reinstatement pathway for creators banned under defunct COVID-19 and 2020 election misinformation policies, visa revocations for foreigners celebrating Charlie Kirk's assassination, Ben Carson spearheading the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, and Trump promises to Arab and Muslim leaders at the UN that he will block West Bank annexationDallas ICE Sniper Attack: A gunman unleashes chaos from a nearby rooftop, firing indiscriminately at the Dallas ICE field office and a van, leaving two detainees dead and another critically injured. FBI Director Kash Patel reveals unused ammunition etched with "ANTI-ICE," signaling ideological fury in an attack probed as targeted violence, the third against Texas ICE sites this year following an August bomb hoax and July's officer shooting. Texas Senator Ted Cruz condemns divisive rhetoric that paints opponents as Nazis, urging an end to demonization.YouTube Reinstatements: Alphabet submits a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, unveiling a pilot program allowing creators banned for COVID-19 and 2020 election misinformation to apply for reinstatement, prioritizing conservative voices. Channels linked to Dan Bongino, now deputy FBI director, Steve Bannon, and RFK Jr.'s group eye return, bolstering monetization for influencers.Visa Denials Over Charlie Kirk: State Department officials scour social media for foreigners praising or joking about Charlie Kirk's assassination, revoking visas and deporting visa holders, with dozens queued including a Brazilian congressman and Mexican commentator.Ben Carson Joins USDA for MAHA: Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson sworn in as USDA's national adviser on nutrition, rural healthcare, and housing, leading efforts to implement Trump's Make America Healthy Again initiative through state SNAP junk food prohibitions and overdue Dietary Guidelines revisions.West Bank Annexation: At a closed UN General Assembly huddle with eight Arab and Muslim nations, Trump vows firmly to prevent Israeli annexation of the West Bank. Turkish President Erdogan labels the talks "fruitful" on Fox News, setting up Thursday's White House follow-up, while echoing 2020 Abraham Accords' anti-annexation roots amid far-right Israeli pressures.

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou update you on the big clash over free speech as ABC battles station giants Nexstar and Sinclair over Jimmy Kimmel's return tonight, Trump’s bizarre hourlong UN General Assembly address, the massive SIM farm threat 35 miles from UN headquarters, the State Department’s clampdown on Iranian UN delegates, Trump’s war on Tylenol, and ICC charges against ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity.Jimmy Kimmel Standoff: ABC reinstates "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" tonight. But Nexstar continues to boycott the show, while Sinclair still demands an apology and donation to right-wing Turning Point. If a TV show airs but no one sees it, who wins the free speech fight?Trump's UN Tirade: Trump lambasts the UN in a near-hour speech, touting U.S. resurgence while attacking Biden, migration policies, and Ukraine war enablers like Europe's Russian oil purchasers, threatening more tariffs. Is he OK?Secret Service SIM Bust: Agents dismantle a sprawling SIM farm network, uncovering 300 servers and 100,000 cards across five abandoned New York sites—poised to create DDoS chaos, tower shutdowns, and 30 million texts per minute targeting UN events. Forensics reveal foreign-state ties to cartels and traffickers, plus cocaine and arms; the Advanced Threat Interdiction Unit neutralizes the plot 35 miles from headquarters, but warns of additional duplicates nationwide.Iranian Shopping Ban: State Department blocks Iranian UN diplomats from Costco.Trump's Tylenol Autism Claim: Trump tells pregnant women not to take Tylenol, booming warnings despite inconclusive studies linking prenatal acetaminophen to autism, as FDA tweaks labels for caution despite a lack of causation proof. Duterte ICC Charges: Prosecutors charge Duterte with crimes against humanity for 76 drug-war murders, alleging his indirect role via Davao Death Squad hits from 2013-2018, rewarding assassins $875-$17,000 per target.

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou explain a cornered Israel’s bizarre threats to get “even” for its increasing isolation following its genocide in Gaza, America’s escalating war against international justice, the Tom Honan bribery scandal, and Trump’s attempt to rein in the H1B visa program.Palestinian Statehood: At the UN General Assembly, Britain, Canada, and Australia formally recognize Palestinian statehood, coordinating with Portugal, San Marino, Luxembourg and other countries to try to pressure Israel into stopping the brutal humanitarian catastrophe it has created in Gaza, now joined by France. Leaders like Keir Starmer invoke the two-state solution, while a manic Netanyahu shouts that no such state will ever be created. Israel Threatens to Annex the West Bank: Netanyahu's far-right allies, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, urge West Bank annexation as “retaliation” for Palestinian recognition. Coalition hardliners demand sovereignty over "Judea and Samaria," eyeing 22% of the territory—90% in Area C—despite UAE warnings of downgraded ties and Arab backlash threatening the Abraham Accords. Israeli officials consider expulsions of diplomats and full absorption.U.S. Sanctions on the ICC: The United States considers blanket sanctions against the International Criminal Court as soon as this week, jeopardizing its operations in retaliation for its investigations into Israeli war crimes. Court officials convene emergency meetings to brace for disruptions, including halted staff payments and frozen bank access, prompting advance salary disbursements for the rest of 2025 and hunts for alternative banking providers.Tom Homan Bribery Scandal: Trump's border czar faces scrutiny after undercover FBI agents recorded him accepting $50,000 in cash in Texas last September, allegedly for promising immigration contract favors post-election. The Biden-era Justice Department launched a bribery investigation, weighing charges like conspiracy and fraud, but the Trump administration abruptly shuts it down, dismissing findings as a "political witch hunt" lacking credible evidence. The sting originated from a separate counterintelligence probe, underscoring tensions over Homan's role in mass deportations amid outsourcing to private firms.Trump's H-1B Visa Fee Hike: The Trump administration shocks employers by slapping a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, targeting skilled workers in tech and beyond to curb "artificially low labor costs" undercutting Americans. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft scramble, advising H-1B holders abroad to rush returns amid confusion, though the White House clarifies exemptions for current holders and no travel bans.

On Friday’s episode of DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou, where political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou discuss MI6’s launch of a dark-web portal to recruit spies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) massive expansion plans, Trump’s polls showing disapproval of his crime and immigration policies, Israeli airstrikes on a media complex that killed 31 journalists, and a judge dismisses Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.MI6: MI6 launches a dedicated dark web portal today to recruit spies globally, targeting Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, as announced by outgoing chief Sir Richard Moore in Istanbul. The secure messaging platform Silent Courier aims to bolster security by facilitating anonymous contact, with instructions available on MI6’s YouTube channel. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasizes the portal’s role in keeping the UK ahead of adversaries. ICE Expansion: ICE is seeking 300 new office spaces nationwide to support hiring over 10,000 immigration officers and lawyers, with the General Services Administration forming special teams to expedite the “ICE Surge.” The expansion targets red states and cities, though no leases are signed yet. Trump’s Not-Good Polls: A Washington Post-Ipsos poll today reveals public disapproval of Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to cities beyond Washington, with a 10-point margin opposing his crime policies. Americans disapprove of his handling of immigration, economy, and foreign wars by double-digit margins. Despite this, Republicans hold a 2-to-1 edge on crime trust over Democrats. What’s going on?Israel Kills Dozens of Journalists: Israeli airstrikes on a Yemeni media complex on September 10 killed 31 journalists, the deadliest attack on media since 2009, per a Committee to Protect Journalists report. The strikes targeted Houthi-connected outlets in Sanaa, also killing a child. The IDF claims the site was a Houthi propaganda hub.Trump’s Lawsuit Tossed: A federal judge in Tampa today dismisses President Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, calling the 85-page complaint “impermissible.” Judge Steven Merryday criticizes the filing’s structure and intent. Russia Violates Estonia’s Airspace: Three Russian military jets breached Estonia’s airspace for 12 minutes today in a “brazen” act, per Estonian officials. This follows Russian drones entering Polish airspace last week, heightening NATO tensions.

Live 5 pm Eastern and Streaming 24-7:On Thursday’s episode of DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou, where political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou dissect the news, the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the No Political Enemies Act, U.S. efforts to reclaim Bagram Air Base from the Taliban, hundreds of thousands strike in France.Jimmy Kimmel: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr states that Kimmel misled the public by linking Charlie Kirk's killer to MAGA, prompting ABC—with a merger pending before the Administration—to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely. Carr warns of ongoing shifts in the media ecosystem post-Trump's election. House Democrats are accusing him of abusing power to coerce ABC and Disney, as Trump calls for more media cancellations.Shield Act for Critics?: Democrats unveil their No Political Enemies Act, creating legal defenses for those targeted for political speech and allowing attorney fee recovery from government harassment. Sponsors like Senators Murphy and Schumer decry the Trump administration's exploitation of Kirk's assassination to silence critics, labeling it a path to autocracy and the worst free speech crisis since McCarthyism. Bagram Air Base Back? Trump announces that the U.S. is working to regain Bagram Air Base from the Taliban, describing it as one of the world's largest bases and strategically located an hour from China's nuclear facilities. Trump pushes national security officials for months to negotiate its return, leveraging Taliban needs amid their push for sanctions relief and recognition. Will we normalize relations?French Strikes and Protests: Hundreds of thousands join strikes against budget cuts, with unions estimating one million participants while officials report 500,000, deploying 80,000 police amid clashes in Paris, Lyon, and Nantes. Disruptions halt metro lines, block roads, and close 98% of pharmacies, as teachers and students protest reduced public services under new Prime Minister Lecornu. Over 140 arrests occur after protesters damage businesses.

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou read the tea leaves behind the Federal Reserve’s quarter-point rate cut, the FBI director’s testimony on the Epstein files, a new age-verification system for ChatGPT raises questions, men who spike drinks with abortion pills, and a widow’s claim that Alexei Navalny was poisoned.Is the Rate Cut a Warning?: The Fed approves a quarter-point rate cut, setting the overnight funds rate at 4.00%-4.25%, with two more cuts signaled for 2025 amid labor market concerns. Governor Stephen Miran dissents, pushing for a half-point reduction, while Fed Chair Jerome Powell notes rising downside risks to employment. Is a midterm-election recession imminent?FBI Director Denies on Epstein Files: Kash Patel testifies he never discussed the Jeffrey Epstein files with Trump. Is he credible?OpenAI’s Age-Prediction System: A new AI-driven age-prediction system will restrict ChatGPT access for users under 18, prioritizing teen safety. The move follows a lawsuit tied to a teen’s suicide after harmful chatbot interactions. Will it work? Is it smart?Abortion Pill Spiking: Men face charges for secretly slipping abortion pills to pregnant partners, exploiting relaxed FDA rules on mifepristone. Cases highlight coerced abortions, prompting states like Texas to tighten regulations. Advocates warn of rising risks to women and unborn children.Navalny Poisoned?: Yulia Navalnaya claims Alexei Navalny was poisoned in an Arctic prison, based on smuggled samples analyzed by two labs. She is accusing Putin of murder.

On “DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou, where political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou bring you behind the scenes of today’s most pressing news with razor-sharp insight, we cover the dismissal of terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, U.S. military officials observing Russia-Belarus war games for the first time in years, the loss of Robert Redford, Trump’s $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, the looming government shutdown threat, and Russia’s alleged program re-educating Ukrainian children.Luigi Gets a Win: A New York judge throws out terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, rejecting claims the act aimed to “evoke terror.” The second-degree murder charge remains, carrying 15 years to life, while Mangione faces a federal death penalty case. To Russia with Half-Hearted Love: U.S. military officials observe joint Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” drills, the first such visit since the Ukraine invasion. Belarus, a key Russian ally, hosted the exercises. The Pentagon confirms the observation, signaling heightened U.S. attention to regional dynamics. What’s going on?Robert Redford: The Hollywood legend dies at 89, leaving a legacy of iconic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting. His Sundance Festival revolutionized independent cinema, launching directors like Quentin Tarantino. Redford’s minimalist acting and activism reshaped the industry.Trump’s Lawsuit Against NYT: The President sues The New York Times and four reporters for $15 billion, claiming defamatory articles and a book timed to damage his 2024 campaign. The lawsuit alleges “actual malice” in reports questioning his business success and military remarks. Will Democrats Finally Resist?: House Republicans unveil a stopgap bill to fund the government through November 21. Democrats demand bipartisan talks, citing expiring healthcare subsidies, as a shutdown looms by September 30. Schumer warns of a “Trump shutdown.” Is the Democratic “resistance” about to make its first appearance?Is Russia Indoctrinating Ukrainian Kids?: Yale investigators accuse Russia of a re-education program for Ukrainian children is twice as large as estimated, with 210 sites training them for Russian military service. The program, likened to Nazi-era kidnappings, would violate Geneva Conventions. But evidence is thin.

Start your week with DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou, where political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, where we catch you up on the news of the weekend and prepare you for the week ahead and what it all means.Bullet Points for Each TopicIsrael Lied to Qatar: Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, approved by Netanyahu, kills five Hamas members and one Qatari officer. New reports claim Trump was in fact informed beforehand—exposing his statements that he learned after the bomb blasts in Doha began and immediately notified his ally, as lies. Israel is covering up for The Donald. But who will ever believe him again?If a Tree Burns in the Woods, Will the EPA Report It?: Trump already gutted the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now he seems to be trying to stop everyone from getting access to reliable information about the environment. His EPA will stop thousands of coal plants, oil refineries, and steel mills from reporting greenhouse gas emissions, a practice in place since 2010. This undermines climate policy by hiding emission sources, while the EPA claims it saves $2.4 billion in compliance costs. The move follows Trump’s efforts to erase climate change references and cut related funding.If a Company’s Q3 Blows, Will Stock Analysts Ever Know?: Trump suggests public companies reduce financial reports from four to two annually, aiming to save costs and shift focus to business operations. Critics warn this reduces transparency for investors and regulators, potentially hiding financial crimes. The SEC must approve the change.Right-Wing Cancel Culture: The assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University leads to firings of employees, including a sports reporter and a Secret Service agent, for public comments. Private employers cite reputational harm, with legal experts noting limited First Amendment protections. Should your boss be allowed to can you for what you say away from work?Poland Want Ukraine No-Fly Zone: Poland’s foreign minister, after Russian drones entered Polish airspace last week, proposes a NATO no-fly zone over Ukraine to protect against debris and drones. The idea, floated to German media, would need NATO approval and revisits no-fly zones of the past. Will it escalate tensions with Russia.

On the “DeProgram” show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, we dissect the news with unflinching insight and a unique pair of journalistic backgrounds. Today we confront escalating tensions between ICE and city residents, the capture of a suspect and calls for retribution in the Charlie Kirk killing, and California's defiant stand against the federal government.ICE Kills Immigrant in Chicago: Federal ICE agents encounter Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez during a routine stop near Grand Avenue and Elder Lane in suburban Chicago, part of ICE's Operation Midway Blitz targeting undocumented individuals with criminal histories like reckless driving. Villegas-Gonzalez refuses commands, accelerates his vehicle, striking an officer and dragging him, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense, killing the driver while sustaining injuries himself. Community leaders decry the incident as a stark example of militarized enforcement endangering neighborhoods.Capture of Charlie Kirk's Alleged Shooter: Authorities apprehend 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Washington City, Utah, accusing him of fatally shooting conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Robinson, a high-achieving former student at Utah State University with no prior criminal record, emerges from a tight-knit Mormon family, his capture facilitated by relatives and a friend after he confesses or implies involvement. Discord messages, surveillance video, and family interviews reveal his recent anti-Kirk sentiments expressed at dinner. Investigators recover a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle in .30-06 caliber from a wooded area, along with casings inscribed with taunting memes, antifascist references like "Bella Ciao," and gaming allusions such as Helldivers 2 airstrike codes, underscoring a politically motivated act prepared with practice.Trump Invades Memphis: The President plans to deploy federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, inspired by concerns raised by a FedEx board member about the city's crime rates. Despite Memphis Police reporting overall crime at a 25-year low, with murders and assaults declining, Trump extends similar rhetoric to New Orleans, vowing military involvement if needed, while the city's sanctuary status limits ICE cooperation. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee welcomes the support.California's Mask Ban for ICE Agents: Lawmakers advance legislation banning federal immigration agents from wearing masks like balaclavas during raids across California, alongside requirements for visible badges or name tags to safeguard public trust and democratic norms. Assemblymember Juan Carrillo frames the bill as essential to prevent "secret police" tactics in an authoritarian vein.

The DeProgram show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou gives you the dope on what’s happening across the nation and around the world—deprogramming you from political and corporate media spin.FBI Manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s Killer: The FBI shares images of a college-aged “person of interest,” seen in a stairwell wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, linked to Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. A $100,000 reward is in effect, while Trump World frames Kirk as a fallen martyr for their political movement. Authorities recover a towel-wrapped Mauser rifle, its cartridges bearing “transgender and anti-fascist” inscriptions, now under forensic scrutiny. Was Luigi Mangione an inspiration?Bolsonaro Convicted: Brazil’s Supreme Court panel votes to convict Jair Bolsonaro on five counts, including plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election. Prosecutors say his scheme involved plans to assassinate President Lula da Silva, Vice President Alckmin, and a Supreme Court justice. Evidence shows Bolsonaro’s “full knowledge” of efforts to pressure the military and create a parallel crisis office.U.S. Mass Slaughter on “Venezuela” Boat Was Baseless: Senate Armed Services Committee’s Sen. Jack Reed reports Tuesday’s Defense Department briefing lacked evidence proving a Caribbean boat’s crew were Tren de Aragua members or that the boat was from Venezuela. Briefers note it turned around after spotting a military aircraft. No intelligence confirms the targets were armed or posed an imminent threat. Ted and John discuss this shocking violation of international and U.S. law.• Iran-Contra Coda: Oliver North, a decorated former Marine and onetime national security aide in the Reagan administration, and Fawn Hall, his former secretary, were married in Virginia last month, four decades after they became central figures in the arms-for-cash scandal known as the Iran-Contra affair. Mr. North, 81, and Ms. Hall, 65, were married on Aug. 27 in a civil ceremony in Arlington County. Ms. North, Mr. North’s wife of 56 years and the mother of their four children, died in November at age 80. Ms. Hall had previously been married to Danny Sugerman, a manager of the rock band the Doors, who died of lung cancer in 2005 at age 50.