The Takeout with Major Garrett

A racist video was posted on President Trump’s social media account, depicting Fmr. First Lady Michelle Obama and Fmr. President Obama as “apes.” President Trump faced backlash from members within its own party, leading to the video being taken down. Weijia Jiang reports from the White House with more. Republican Strategist Melik Abdul and NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson provide analysis. After ending a partial government shutdown, Congress still faces an important divide on funding for immigration enforcement. Major interviews California Democratic Representative Jimmy Gomez for his perspective. Plus, the Winter Olympics are underway! Former Gold Medal Olympian John Naber and Major delve into the stories of past winners. Listen to the full episode here!  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major has a wide-ranging interview with longtime Nevada journalist Jon Ralston about his new book, "The Game Changer," which profiles the life and political influence of former Sen. Harry Reid. Jon discusses his rocky relationship with the former Senate Majority Leader, and what led to Reid choosing Ralston as his biographer.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major starts at the White House with Weijia Jiang to break down President Trump’s interview with NBC News, where he says that “even though he is not happy” with the shootings in Minnesota, he has to “back” ICE officers. Meanwhile, in Arizona, authorities are still working to locate Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy. Andres Gutierrez is in Tucson detailing the latest. Plus, we’re days away from the Super Bowl: one of the biggest opportunities for sports gambling. Major interviews Fmr. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on his reaction to the recent popularity behind it and his worries about prediction markets. All that and more on The Takeout! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major speaks with Ben Terris, DC Correspondent for New York Magazine, about his recent reporting on President Trump's recent health bouts. Major and Ben discuss the bruising on the President's hands, his choice to take elevated levels of aspirin to achieve "thin blood", and his dozing during press conferences. Ben also details the unconventional ways that members of his administration comment on the President's health throughout his article. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump's Border Czar, Tom Homan, announces a drawdown of 700 officers from Minnesota. Nicole Sganga discusses what this means for the federal government's involvement in the state. Jordan Merson, an attorney for Epstein survivors, joins "The Takeout" to discuss with Major about how his clients have been affected by the release of the files, and the differing ways in which America and Europe are handling them. Plus, tucked into the appropriations legislation that the President signed into law, was the "Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act," a bill that would expand funding for pediatric research. Jessica and Daniel Evans have a 10-year-old daughter Charlotte who is dealing with osteosarcoma, and would benefit from the passage of the bill. Major interviews them on how Charlotte is doing, the next step of her treatment, and their reaction to the passage. Listen to the full episode here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House votes to end the partial government shutdown, and the legislation makes its way to President Trump's desk. Caitlin Huey-Burns is on Capitol Hill with more. Survivors are continuing to push for the Epstein files to be taken down from the Department of Justice website due to a lack of redactions that expose victims, while Fmr. Secy of State Hillary Clinton and Fmr. Pres. Bill Clinton agree to testify in front of the House Oversight committee, as part of their investigation. Scott MacFarlane explains all the moving threads. Plus, Texas Republican Congressman Troy Nehls is set to leave office, but his twin brother, Trever, has plans to replace him in the House. Major interviews both twins on a range of topics, from the government shutdown, immigration enforcement and even their favorite movies. All that and more on The Takeout! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major has a wide-ranging interview with Amb. Moctezuma about his reaction to Peter Schweizer's book, "The Invisible Coup". Moctzeuma also discusses his perspective on whether the US, Mexico and Canada will come together for an updated USMCA trade deal, and the country's humanitarian assistance to Cuba.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Survivors are calling on the Department of Justice to take down the published Epstein files, citing that the agency has failed in their redactions. Scott MacFarlane is at the desk with more, and Major interviews Spencer Kuvin, an attorney for Epstein survivors. Congress is in the midst of a partial government shutdown, since both houses have yet to pass their appropriations bills. Caitlin Huey-Burns breaks it down at Capitol Hill. After flipping a Texas State Senate district that has historically been Republican for more than 30 years, Taylor Rehmet's victory worries members of the GOP. Rehmet joins "The Takeout" on the strategy that led to his win. Plus, South Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace provides her reaction to the release of the Epstein files, and a new profile from New York Magazine, quoting former staffers saying she mistreats her employees and has become erratic in her behavior. Join us right here for the full episode. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major has a wide-ranging interview with Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State, who is also running for Governor. Secy. Benson discusses her reaction to the FBI raid at Fulton County Election Office, the threats that have been lobbied against her following the 2020 election, and Don Lemon's arrest for reporting at a Minneapolis church. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Justice Department released three million documents related to the Epstein files. Ed O’Keefe is at the table with the first iteration of what we know. Investigative Reporter and Author Barry Levine provides additional analysis. With the rise of attacks against lawmakers in the past week, Major interviews lawmakers on both sides to discuss what threats they’re facing: Tennessee Republican Congressman Tim Burchett and Michigan Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Plus, Margaret Brennan previews her interview with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, that will air this Sunday on Face the Nation. All that and more on The Takeout! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minneapolis continues to lead the headlines this week, and Major devotes the start of the show to the city. First, Ian Lee reports there to give the latest on what's happening, with Tom Homan's remarks taking center stage. The border czar reiterates his commitment to staying there until the problem is gone. Major interviews MN State Sen. Omar Fateh to gauge the reaction from local officials on the ground. On Capitol Hill, Democratic lawmakers are debating on whether to pass DHS funding, given the recent shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dick Durbin joins “The Takeout” and breaks news on the negotiations.Plus, Fulton County officials hold a presser after the FBI conducted a raid of their elections office. CBS News Election Law Contributor David Becker breaks it down. Join us for the full episode here! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall she held Tuesday night. Scott MacFarlane explains the charges against the man who threw a substance on her, and the increasing trend of assaults on lawmakers. Major interviews Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman for his reaction, as well as his recent calls for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies on Capitol Hill to brief lawmakers on the administration's action to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Florida Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar comes on "The Takeout," for her perspective on Trump's immigration  & foreign policy. Join us for the full episode here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Homan, Trump’s Border Czar, in Minneapolis to take the temperature of the state following the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Ian Lee joins us with more. Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State, joins Major on-set to discuss his response to the shooting aftermath as well as AG Pam Bondi’s letter requesting the state’s voter rolls. Plus, a new report from the Washington Post reveals that there have been 16 DHS shootings since July 2025. David Nakamura, one of the journalists behind it, discusses his findings. All that and more right here on The Takeout. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Department of Homeland Security faces criticism after ICU Nurse Alex Pretti was shot by federal officers over the weekend. Major tackles multiple angles of the shooting: Lilia Luciano who is on the ground in Minneapolis, CBS News Law Enforcement Contributor Rodney Harrison provides analysis, Ed O'Keefe at the White House with the administration's reaction, Scott MacFarlane updates the viewers on the pending legal cases, while Democratic MN State Rep. Zack Stephenson joins with his perspective. Plus, millions of residents across the country are still reeling from the winter storm. Meteorologist Rob Marciano lets us know what to expect next. Plus, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy discusses the Minnesota shooting and why he's not voting for DHS funding, which may lead into another government shutdown. Join us for the full episode here! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the impending winter storm set to impact 200 million people, Major begins the show with the weather. Nicole Valdes joins from Nashville, while Ken Graham, Director of the National Weather Service provides some analysis of how families should prepare for the snow. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan reacts to the ICE memo where officers are able to enter people's homes without a judicial warrant. He also explains his perspective on his committee's questioning on former Special Counsel Jack Smith. After longtime Michigan Congressman Gary Peters announced his retirement, multiple candidates are determined to replace his seat. Major interviews one of them: progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who's calling for ICE to be abolished. All that and more right here on The Takeout! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump looks to conclude his trip from the World Economic Forum, but not without announcing his new Board of Peace. Nancy Cordes joins Major at the desk to break down which countries have signed on, and which are staying out. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testifies in front of Capitol Hill about his involvement with Trump's previous cases: the January 6 insurrection and his mishandling of classified documents. Scott MacFarlane is here with more. Plus, Major interviews Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal about ICE's new internal memo, where they claim officers will be able to search people's homes without a judicial warrant and the legal ramifications. Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna joins "The Takeout" to discuss her bipartisan legislation with AOC on lowering credit card interest rates. Listen to the full episode here! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major is back in the anchor chair. Ed O’Keefe continues covering the President at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He interviews North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis and 2028 presidential hopeful, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear about the President’s speech and his “framework” for a potential deal over Greenland. Jan Crawford joins Major on-set about the Supreme Court’s arguments on whether President Trump can fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Plus, Nicole Sganga joins from St. Paul, Minnesota to discuss her interview with the state’s commissioner, who disputes claims from the Department of Homeland Security that local government is not cooperating with them. Listen to the full episode here! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Weijia Jiang sits in the anchor chair for today. Ed O'Keefe joins from Davos, Switzerland at the World Economic Forum, at a time where members of the Trump Administration are defending the President's threat to acquire Greenland. Ed speaks with Cabinet secretaries as well as Democratic leaders for reaction. Weijia interviews Tommy Pigott, Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, about the administration's foreign policy, one year after inauguration day. Plus, WCCO Reporter Jonah Kaplan shares his exclusive interview with Aimee Bock, the "mastermind" behind the biggest fraud scheme in Minnesota. All that and more on The Takeout!  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite the cold wind chill in Minneapolis, people are still standing outside of the ICE facility. Ian Lee is on the scene with more. CBS News Legal Contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the Insurrection Act: the statute that President Trump is considering invoking that would send federal troops to the city. On this MLK Day, Major speaks with Martin Luther King the 3rd and his wife Arndrea Waters-King about his father’s civil rights legacy. Plus, with the College Football Championship game later tonight, Major interviews two students from the opposing teams: Indiana University and University of Miami. Join us right here on The Takeout! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After his week-long trip to Arizona for his San Diego Padres fantasy baseball camp, Major is back at the desk! He tackles the ongoing protests happening in Minnesota, with Matt Gutman on the scene and Councilwoman Aurin Chowdhury with her reaction to ICE presence in the state. Iranian activist and journalist Masih Alinejad discusses the latest on the protests in the country. Plus, congressional lawmakers from both sides travel to Denmark in an effort to ease tensions brought on by the Trump Administration over Greenland. Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford provides his own analysis on the President’s claim that he needs to take control of Greenland. All that and more on The Takeout! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices