MEDIA BUZZmeter

Howie Kurtz on the Supreme Court blocking President Trump's mail-in voting overhaul ahead of the midterms, POTUS branding AI warnings a hoax while lobbying tech CEOs, and model Maye Musk claiming the media is paid to attack her son, Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Kurtz on President Trump guaranteeing his 5-thousand dollar checks to Americans if the GOP wins in the midterms, dire warnings from AI researchers that improving superintelligence could cause human extinction by the end of the decade, and '60 Minutes' under Bari Weiss debuting with pilot rescue story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on ex-Anthropic employee Jacob Coxon warning of AI's existential threat, Vice President JD Vance taking center stage at the Republican midterm convention, and President Trump's proposed $5,000 checks for adult Americans.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump’s non-convention speech and his proposed $5,000 payout to voters, an AI researcher’s apocalyptic warning about superintelligence, and the growing trend of colleges offering direct admission without applications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's defended memories of 9/11 and criticism of news coverage, cash gifts given to White House staffers, and reports alleging Benjamin Netanyahu ignored explicit warnings prior to the October 7 attacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on military polygraph tests over Iran war leaks, the White House publishing border deportation video games, Fox News parting ways with Maria Bartiromo over election coverage, and AI-driven sextortion schemes targeting families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This 'Media Buzz Meter' first aired on September 1st, 2026… Howie Kurtz on the WSJ report that the Justice Department may drop its contempt effort against Anthony Fauci, the shifting political debate over America’s $40 trillion national debt, and CBC instructing staff not to use the word "terrorist" to describe 9/11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on JD Vance filling in at the White House press podium, GOP election expert Charlie Cook’s grim predictions for Republicans in the midterms, and former Fox News host Maria Bartiromo’s sudden departure from the network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on why House Democrats won't pursue a third President Trump impeachment, news creators using AI actors to trick YouTube viewers, and the record-breaking NBA penalties slapped on the Los Angeles Clippers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump announcing powerful strikes on Iranian targets following military tensions, a whistleblower warning that a rushed Postal Service overhaul could disrupt mail-in voting for millions, and why the rapid rise of AI data centers and bot-written articles is triggering widespread public and industry pushback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the WSJ report that the Justice Department may drop its contempt effort against Anthony Fauci, the shifting political debate over America’s $40 trillion national debt, and CBC instructing staff not to use the word "terrorist" to describe 9/11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on progressive influencers quietly accepting money from political campaigns, the Pentagon assigning conservative commentators to government civilian roles, and President Trump threatening to report Meet the Press host Kristen Welker to the FCC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the WSJ report that the Justice Department may drop its contempt effort against Anthony Fauci, the shifting political debate over America’s $40 trillion national debt, and CBC instructing staff not to use the word "terrorist" to describe 9/11.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump sharing a fierce critique of GOP inaction ahead of the midterms, Meta agreeing to a massive $18 billion settlement over youth app addiction claims, and why the country is uniting to remember the legacy of American icon Dolly Parton.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the passing of beloved icon Dolly Parton at age 80, President Trump’s endorsement carrying Lindsey Graham’s sister Darlene to a primary victory in South Carolina, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth facing scrutiny over the recent firings of high-ranking military officials.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries meeting with Jared Kushner to discuss potential common ground, the online backlash from progressives and critics, and why a Substack essayist says President Trump’s psychological draw leaves loyalists like Natalie Harp eager to reorganize their entire lives around him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump suggesting he could use the military to intervene in bond markets, media coverage of Natalie Harp reaching offensive levels, and Prince Harry and Meghan Merkle relocating back to the United Kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Michael Cohen interviewing his former boss President Trump, the U.S. national debt crossing the $40-trillion mark and longtime publisher of 'Stars & Stripes' retiring over differences with the Pentagon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on fake polling firms fabricating local election results, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth facing backlash over his wife's presence in classified DOD meetings, and why conservative host Tucker Carlson is falsely rumored to be launching a 2028 presidential bid.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on ABC suing the FCC over First Amendment rights, a foiled assassination plot targeting Cabinet officials, and democratic socialist Angie Nixon's primary victory over Alexander Vindman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the fallout following the suicide of former Cambridge scholar Jason Arday after media reports exposed his plagiarism, an intercepted report revealing Iran's secret plan to escalate the war with the U.S., President Trump's White House press briefing clash with CNN's Kristen Holmes, and the sudden death of actress Hayden Panettiere at age 36. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump dismissing military mental health concerns on the USS Abraham Lincoln, AOC defending her decision to publicly share her egg-freezing journey, and AG Todd Blanche's interview regarding DOJ independence from the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the board’s controversial plan to shut down the Kennedy Center for a two-year renovation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stepping down to prioritize her family, and Dave Barry’s defense against claims that baby boomers are partying too hard in retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump’s covert departure in a catering truck following Iranian threats, Forbes firing top editor Randall Lane over an undisclosed $6 million payment, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stepping down after maternity leave, and why Chris Matthews is warning Democrats to distance themselves from Democratic Socialists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump riding in a catering truck to board a secret decoy plane following Iranian threats, the White House pressuring US Attorney Jeanine Pirro to re-prosecute a dropped reflecting pool vandalism case, and why conservative host Tomi Lahren says Republicans are driving struggling voters toward socialism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez freezing her eggs while teasing a potential presidential or Senate run, the Secret Service using a decoy Air Force One during a covert president flight following Iranian assassination threats, and why men everywhere are ditching deep pockets for designer purses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez freezing her eggs while teasing a potential presidential or Senate run, a federal appeals court ruling President Trump's White House ballroom project illegal without congressional approval, and President Trump dropping key claims in his $10 billion BBC defamation suit to protect financial records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on a Senate committee voting to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, President Trump's reported Camp David confrontation with Pete Hegseth over munitions shortages, and POTUS privately signaling JD Vance as his preferred 2028 successor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Abdul El-Sayed’s razor-thin Michigan primary victory over Haley Stevens, President Trump's response to Jeanine Pirro dropping the Reflecting Pool charges, and prominent right-wing figures gathering at Tucker Carlson’s compound to weigh a third-party political movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Tom Holland’s gritty new Spider-Man film breaking box office records despite a complex plot, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s tense confrontation with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum over dropped Reflecting Pool charges, and David Ellison defending his media network takeover in a new op-ed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro dropping charges in a high-profile vandalism case despite White House pushback, President Trump dismissing recent polling numbers as the conflict with Iran impacts gas prices, and former 60 Minutes correspondents Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi joining Columbia Journalism School.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro dropping felony vandalism charges against a former Olympian over the Reflecting Pool repair timeline, a WSJ investigation revealing President Trump’s high-pressure fundraising tactics, and RFK Jr.’s tense CNN confrontation over vaccine safety and autism studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the Democrats garnering slightly more interest than Republicans in the Midterms, Stephen and Katie Miller sought out Dr. Fauci for advice early in the pandemic, and President Trump saying Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Todd Blanche’s imperiled nomination for Attorney General amid GOP pushback over a controversial DOJ payout fund, Dr. Anthony Fauci invoking the Fifth Amendment 111 times during a fiery Capitol Hill hearing, and James Comey facing FBI prosecution over a cryptic seashell photo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Dr. Anthony Fauci’s contentious Capitol Hill testimony regarding COVID-19 lockdowns and private journal entries, joint U.S.-Saudi airstrikes against Iranian proxies in Iraq as Trump scolds Benjamin Netanyahu, and major anchor overhauls at 60 Minutes as conservative columnist Ross Douthat joins the broadcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump’s ongoing clash with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins and his call for Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to kill the filibuster to pass the SAVE Act. Plus, a multi-billion dollar merger delay for Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, and a brewing primary challenge to fill the seat of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Caitlyn Clark shining at the WNBA All-star Game, growing questions around Mitch McConnell's absence, and the White House admitting they cancelled federal grants to blue states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the DOJ withdrawing subpoenas issued to New York Times reporters, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said to be 'ruffling feathers' in the administration, and a Secret Service agent on JD Vance's detail being investigated for allegedly leaking operational security information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Trump’s escalating military warnings to Iran following deadly attacks on U.S. troops, the political backlash over New Jersey mistakenly registering thousands of non-citizens to vote, and the growing civil war within the Democratic Party as moderate leaders clash with far-left socialists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Speaker Mike Johnson breaking with President Trump over the war in Iran as congressional scrutiny intensifies, shifts in the administration’s approach toward China’s alleged election interference, and the spreading of rampant conspiracy theories surrounding the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the escalating war with Iran as casualties rise and Republicans face midterm anxieties, the contentious South Carolina Senate race as Lindsey Graham’s sister launches a campaign, a federal judge temporarily blocking the $110B Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the environmental impact of Canadian wildfires, President Trump ordering a review of climate guidance from the National Academy of Sciences, a media report detailing dismissed immigration assault charges, and escalating military conflicts between the U.S. and Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump's prime-time address regarding the 2020 election and the decisions by major television networks to limit or halt their live coverage, FBI Director Kash Patel's investigation into White House leaks concerning aircraft security, and radio host Howard Stern's transition to a reduced broadcasting schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the policy disagreement between President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin over ICE traffic stops, the ethics questions surrounding FCC Chairman Brendan Carr receiving gifts from Paramount during a pending merger, and the confirmation hearing of acting AG Todd Blanche. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the confirmation hearing of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who fought behind the scenes to control a Trump-backed investigator's push for political payback, President Trump's rapidly shifting stance on Strait of Hormuz shipping fees, and Gayle King's viral, deeply personal account of catching her ex-husband cheating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham and the conspiracy theories surrounding his death, a federal judge's rejection of a multi-billion dollar fund for January 6th convicts, and a multi-state lawsuit aiming to block Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump swapping his luxury Qatari-gifted jet for his original Air Force One over safety concerns, CNN clarifying its reporting stance after a hospital photo of Mitch McConnell emerged, and the media whirlwind surrounding the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner announcing he is suspending his campaign & exiting the Maine U.S. Senate race following severe sexual assault allegations, President Trump swapping his new Qatari-gifted jet for his original Air Force One, and CNN issuing an on-air correction after getting fooled by a parody social media account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner officially dropping out of the race following severe sexual assault allegations, President Trump's conflicting updates on the conflict with Iran, and major on-air media blunders from CBS and CNN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howie Kurtz on President Trump’s declaration that the U.S. ceasefire with Iran is officially over, the total unraveling of Graham Plattner’s Senate campaign in Maine amid gripping misconduct allegations, and the legal dismissal of Trump Media's $3.8 billion defamation lawsuit against The Washington Post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices