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World Business Chicago defends Johnson videos but leaves key questions unanswered
State Rep. Curtis Tarver isn’t satisfied, plans to file legislation.
White House releases 3rd taxpayer-funded ad for Trump, raising ethics concerns
The administration defends the commercials as public service announcements
Homan defends ICE crackdown amid growing GOP criticism: "Give me an example of where we went too far"
Marco Rubio defends Trump’s ban on media outlets from White House, arguing police or soldiers are not ‘kicking down the doors’
“They’re just not allowed to work from the workspace at the White House,” the secretary of state said in an interview on “TODAY,” referring to CNN, Politico and MS NOW.
Pope hope, that’s entertainment, and getting ahead in the CIA
Happy Friday friends, I want to start by just breathing for all of us a big long collective sigh of relief at the news this week that the pope’s doctors have basically blown the all clear for Leo’s health. Going from knowing nothing to him declaring to the world he needed surgery, to a cancer diagnosis, to bouncing out of the hospital in barely even days, to ringing the bell in less than two weeks is whiplash inducing. But in the best possible way. We are living in a world in which the Roman pontiff, by dint of history, biography and circumstance, is once more at the epicenter of global affairs. Not just conversations about religion, or Christian and post-Christian values, but the bleeding edge of the most pressing issues of human affairs. Think I am exaggerating a touch? Consider the images of the crowds who greeted Leo in Paris just weeks ago, and juxtapose them with the absolute photo negative scenes unfolding there recently. Ask yourself how many world leaders are talking about AI right now and directly citing the pope as they do so. Try to name a country who has had as many top-ranked diplomats in and out of both Russia and Ukraine in the last three years as the Vatican has in the last three months. It has been fascinating to watch Leo XIV emerge as not just a kind of pop culture reference point or totem to be cited (Francis was often name-checked this way) but as a kinetic force in global conversation. Given the state of things, we need global figures of gravitas and values, even better if they have real wisdom behind what they are saying. So news of Leo’s illness was, it seemed to me, a tremor with potentially Richter Scale implications. That not only has the worst not come to pass but instead we’ve had the best of outcomes announced is something to really be grateful for. Humanity, it seems to me, is entering one of its irregular but cyclical phases where the pace of change — technological, social, and geopolitical — outstrips the ability of previously settled norms and received wisdom to cope. Such periods – and I think the first decades of the last century were a similar such time – throw into question the viability of all kinds of institutions. And many of ours have been straining to breaking point for a few years now. The papacy has the power and the potential to be a steadying pole in all of this. That’s my hope, anyway. It’s a lot to freight the office with, though it is arguably its ultimate purpose from its founding, to be a steadying rock on which all that matters can be anchored. It’s also, of course, an intolerable weight of responsibility to place on a single man. But I am encouraged to have hope in – and for – Leo. The apostle whom he succeeds, after all, was famously unequal to some moments, failed some tests of faith, and resiled from taking the road which led ultimately to the circus on Vatican hill. Human frailty and limitations, of health, of character, of temper, can open us to Christ, whose strength is greatest in our weakness, so St. Paul learned. That gives me hope, and I am sure it consoles Leo, too. And so I will continue to pray for him. Because we need apostles of rock right now. Here’s the news. Subscribe The News The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued yesterday a new document “Venite ad me: Considerations on the Transmission of the Faith in an Epochal Change.” It’s not a short document, and it is at pains to stress this isn’t a doctrinal note from the dicastery, either. Rather, it brings together reflections on an important issue from the Church around the world. Some of it I actually found really rather powerful. It is, however, 25,000, which is a lot for a busy reader to get through on a weekday. So, you can read our busy reader’s summary right here. — News broke yesterday of an Oct. 22 meeting of U.S. bishops with President Donald Trump. The meeting was organized by an official at the Heritage Foundation, according to several sources close to the meeting. Video of several U.S. bishops praying in the Oval Office over President Trump was posted on social media Thursday afternoon, first by White House Communications Advisor Margo Martin, and then by the official twitter.com account of the Archdiocese of Denver. The meeting has drawn sharp criticism because of its proximity to the upcoming midterm Congressional elections, in which Democrats are widely expected to win control of the House of Representatives, while control of the Senate remains closely contested. Sources close to the bishops’ conference told The Pillar that some USCCB senior officials were surprised by the existence of the meeting when video of it first emerged online. And a source close to conference president Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City told The Pillar that the archbishop was “deeply frustrated” by the occasion of the meeting. An official conference spokesperson told The Pillar that the meeting was “not organized with or by the USCCB” and was “not affiliated with the conference.” You can read the whole story here. — The next National Eucharistic Congress will be held in Indianapolis in 2029, a return to the city that hosted the last gathering in 2024. You read it here first. By here, I don’t mean this newsletter, I mean at The Pillar. We broke the story this week. It’s a big deal, in as much as the last congress was a roaring success and the next installment has the potential to be a real focal point for evangelizing efforts in the coming years. Read all about it here. — As Pope Leo prepares for the longest trip of his pontificate, Church leaders in Uruguay say the pontiff will encounter a highly secularized culture, in a country with a very different Catholic history than many of its South American neighbors. The nation has not had a papal visit since 1988, and leaders who spoke with The Pillar say it has a dire need for evangelization, even amid the prospect of a small revival in faith. This is real reporting on the Church in the country, and frankly a story you simply are not going to be able to read anywhere else. Read the whole thing. — The Archdiocese of Detroit announced this week a plan that would see the vast majority of its parish priests reassigned next summer, amid a restructuring process expected to dramatically shrink the number of parishes in the archdiocese. Archbishop Edward Weisenburger said this week that the plan “asks much of our priests,” but is a “sacrifice they are making as brothers of one, unified presbyterate.” The thing is, as JD pointed out in an analysis yesterday, pastors of parishes have a legal right to stability in office, so the only way this kind of wholesale reassignment goes ahead is if all of the archdiocesan clergy agree to resign. That creates its own kind of legal issues, though, and re-raises longstanding questions about the effectiveness of canonical due process protections for priests when dealing with coercive exercises in authority. Read the whole thing here. — More than three months after the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued its decree declaring the excommunication of the leadership of the Society of St. Pius X, questions remain about the full effects of the society’s schism. Specifically, the DDF’s July claim that marriages witnessed and confessions heard by SSPX priests are now invalid remains contested — and it emerged this week it appears that the Vatican’s own legal experts don’t agree. You can read my whole analysis of the situation and what it means here. All I would add is that the DDF’s undeveloped, some would say unsubstantiated, claim about the invalidity of some SSPX sacraments came in their July Explanatory Note on the schismatic consecrations by the society that month. It touches directly on both papal acts of governance — indeed it purports to nullify them — and the most intimate pastoral encounters possible in a parish setting. If there is one aspect of the Francis-era style of governance I would like the curia to finally cut out, root and branch, it would be these attempts to try to effect extraordinarily sensitive legislative acts via a note. — At least a dozen French bishops have spoken out following an eruption of violence on the country’s streets Oct. 17. Not surprisingly, they unanimously condemned the violence, but the length and content of their interventions varied significantly. Several sought to distinguish between the actions of rioters and what they suggested were the legitimate concerns of peaceful young protesters. Many also evoked Pope Leo XIV’s Sept. 25-28 visit to France, suggesting it offered a powerful counter-image to the scenes of looting and destruction. A number of bishops also stressed their solidarity with law enforcement officials who struggled to contain the disorder, as well as the owners of the roughly 3,000 damaged or looted businesses. What’s the background to the nationwide unrest that the French media calls “les violences du 17 octobre”? And what exactly are the bishops saying? Read all about it here. — A Polish bishop called for the firm defense of unborn children as well as compassion for their mothers this week, as the lower house of Poland’s parliament passed two bills seeking to liberalize the country’s abortion laws. The bill on decriminalizing assistance in an abortion passed by 217 votes to 213, while the abortion in cases of fetal abnormality bill passed by 233 to 203, thanks to the government’s majority in the lower house. Both bills will now move to the Polish Senate, the upper house of parliament, where the ruling coalition has a larger majority. The fetal abnormality bill is symbolically significant because if it became law, it would effectively overturn a 2020 ruling by Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal that a 1993 law permitting abortion for a severe and irreversible disability or a life-threatening incurable disease was unconstitutional. Read the whole story here. Subscribe **[The St. Paul Center App | Bible Study On-The-Go Read and understand the Bible with St. Paul Center’s new app! With today’s leading Catholic Scripture scholars as your guides, the St. Paul Center app empowers you to read the Bible](https://stpaulcenter.com/app?utm_source=pillar&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=applaunch)** from the heart of the Church. Download the app for free at either the Apple or the Google app stores. https://stpaulcenter.com/app That’s entertainment I have written before about my deep and sincere reservations about the celebrity exorcist subculture which has taken root in American Catholicism. And, because I am very ill at ease with the entire thing, I try to keep a weather eye on the phenomenon without being drawn into the kind of online back-and-forth which these figures sometimes generate. Earlier this week, JD noted that one such celebrity exorcist type, Fr. Chad Ripperger, has undertaken, on the request of his bishop, a year’s fast from interviews and public speaking. I’m sure that will be salutary for him, if for no other reason than that receiving with docility requests from one’s rightful ecclesiastical superiors always comes with graces. Then a second thing happened this week which caught my eye. Apparently, another fixture in the celebrity exorcist world, Fr. Carlos Martins, has initiated a lawsuit against two lay men — apparently associates of Rippenger, though I am unclear in what way, exactly — for allegedly defaming him and his ministry on a podcast. It seems the suit was initiated nearly a year ago and is now pending. At issue, I read, is that the two men described Martins on a podcast as “not who he says he is” with regard to his exorcism ministry and that he “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” These statements Martins considers to be false and defamatory and, his suit claims, “directly affected the sale and reception of [his] The Exorcist Files book that was newly released at the time these episodes aired.” I don’t want to get too into the weeds of the details here, but a couple of things struck me about all this.
Rubio urges Cubans to work with CIA to bring political change to communist-run island
Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans to form a "discrete partnership with the CIA" as Trump floated sending him to Cuba to cut a deal.
EPA’s New Science Chief Defends Integrity After Trump’s Shakeup
The director of a new EPA science office says the agency is still committed to upholding scientific integrity, despite concerns from observers that the Trump administration has taken steps to undermine those efforts.
Trump defends US interventions abroad ahead of 'big decision' on Iran: 'Settling years of unfinished business'
At the UN General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump delivered a speech on America's role in global leadership.
‘DWTS’ pro Val Chmerkovskiy defends his cornrows after taking them out amid backlash
‘DWTS’ pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy admitted he ‘loved’ his cornrows, despite taking them out amid backlash ahead of ‘Mariah Carey Night.’
Enzo Maresca defends Man City’s wild Anfield celebrations
Enzo Maresca and Manchester City players have fiercely defended their wild celebrations at Anfield as they prepare for the first match at the Etihad Stadium since the Premier League cheating scandal.
Korean Directors Rally Behind 'The Assassin(s)' in Political Firestorm
Korea's Directors Guild defends the makers of Hur Jin-ho's 'The Assassin(s),' as a history row turns personal.
Bessent defends Trump economic record in House hearing
Bessent faced tense exchanges with lawmakers
White House expands taxpayer-paid ad campaign boosting Trump
The taxpayer-funded campaign borrows the president's political rhetoric as the White House defends the spots as “public service” announcements.
Ghilardi: “I’m trying to play with more consistency.”
He plays little, but when he does, he’s always among the best. Ghilardi—even today—proved he’s worthy of playing for this Roma side. He defends, attacks, and even creates assists. He even scor...
LG defends smart-TV features amid audio surveillance allegations
Recent accusations against the electronics company have raised new questions about the nonconsensual data it harvests.
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
AEW's Brian Cage Defends PED Use
AEW star Brian Cage has acknowledged using performance-enhancing drugs, but maintains that it's quite possible to use them safely.
Week in politics: Vance defends Ohio political ad and Kansas Senate race remains tight
A political advertisement in the Ohio gubernatorial race is being called one of the ugliest of the midterm election cycle.
Mike Vrabel defends Patriots’ offensive game plan against Seahawks
The Patriots scored only 10 points in their season-opening loss.
Trump defends data centers in Ohio as he rallies to boost Jon Husted in a tight Senate race
President Donald Trump is defending data centers powering AI projects during a campaign rally in Ohio. He insists they benefit local communities and warns against losing them to China. The
Florida football coach Jon Sumrall defends Gators fans booing team
Florida head coach Jon Sumrall didn't mind the boos from fans on Saturday.
Trump in address to world leaders at UN defends his decision to start Iran war
Trump accused Iran of stalling to make a deal to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate an endgame to the war until after the midterms
Intel chief says White House will not meddle in its semiconductor business
Lip-Bu Tan defends Trump stake, assesses chips from China as not far behind US tech
Trump defends bid to put his name on the Kennedy Center
President Donald Trump is defending his push to put his name on the Kennedy Center, saying he deserves recognition for trying to save it. Trump on Friday claimed he could
White House releases 3rd taxpayer-funded ad for Trump, raising ethics concerns
The administration defends the commercials as public service announcements
‘Stop whining’: Vance defends controversial Ramaswamy ad
Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday defended a controversial campaign ad in Ohio’s gubernatorial race that has exploded across the national political landscape, and instead castigated fellow Republicans who have pushed back on the ad.
Dolly Parton's sister Freida defends nephew after firing, restraining order
One of Dolly Parton's sisters is addressing the firing and restraining order against her nephew amid speculation of tension within the family.
New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia defends her legal background
She said the results of the bar exam, which she did not pass, were “somewhat inconsequential”
Trump defends ad, says MAGA Inc. will cover cost instead of taxpayers
Trump defended a federally funded ad as patriotic but said Monday that MAGA Inc. would cover the cost after complaints from critics.
PJ Tucker Defends Nets’ Chemistry During 2021 Playoffs
PJ Tucker was on the other side of the 2021 playoff matchup, and he saw firsthand what the Nets’ star trio was capable of. Years later, his take on Brooklyn’s chemistry adds another layer to one of the NBA’s biggest what-ifs.
Nick Sirianni defends Eagles’ medical staff amid questions about Jalen Hurts’ health
Sirianni defended the Eagles’ medical staff but did not explain why Hurts was cleared to play in London after a blood clot diagnosis.
Reid Defends Kicker Who’s Still Taking Away Points
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker missed two kicks on Sunday, but Andy Reid doesn't sound concerned.
Kate Gosselin defends relationship with her children amid renewed abuse allegations from son Collin Gosselin
Kate Gosselin said that her kids know her character after Collin Gosselin suggested that she was ‘leveraging’ money and his siblings against daughter Hannah Gosselin.
Giants' John Harbaugh defends Kayvon Thibodeaux: Tape tells the story
New York Giants' John Harbaugh pushed back on calls for more from Kayvon Thibodeaux, arguing his film shows strong plays even without box score stats.
Dave Portnoy defends Robert Kraft’s right to ban Macklemore from stadium
Dave Portnoy rejected claims of censorship, arguing that the New England Patriots billionaire has every right to decide who takes the stage at his Massachusetts stadium.
National team boss defends Arsenal player after call-up
Viktor Gyokeres has been named in Sweden’s squad for the upcoming international break, and Graham Potter has insisted he’s not worried about the striker’s club form.Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty ...
Ronald Waterreus Defends Matej Kovar Amid 'Unfair' PSV Criticism
Former PSV player Waterreus tackles the harsh scrutiny surrounding the Czech keeper, highlighting a crucial Harry Kane save while questioning if tactical demands lead to his perceived errors.
Suns Owner Defends Phoenix's Decision To Trade for Miles Bridges
Addressing the moral fallout and roster fit, the Suns governor doubles down on the polarizing trade as Phoenix balances championship aspirations against intense public scrutiny and future contract risks.
Beshear defends stance on transgender athletes, care for minors
Gov. Andy Beshear defended his stance on transgender athletes and care for minors as Kentucky candidates weigh the issue before Nov. 3.
Congressman Adam Gray Defends One of California’s Last Swing Districts After Redistricting
A moderate Democratic Congressman who won his seat by a razor-thin margin has a theory of how his party can win in a swing district.
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Mourinho calls criticism of Mbappe 'ridiculous'
Jose Mourinho defends Kylian Mbappe who has been scrutinised during the international break.
Clean Politics, Clean Water NC defends anti-Lee signs, as campaign weighs legal action
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Advocacy group Clean Politics, Clean Water NC is standing behind the guerilla-style signs, cutouts and flyers placed around New Hanover County against Sen. Michael Lee and his…
“It’s not ideal, but” Arteta defends Arsenal’s training following injuries
Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal’s training methods, insisting that his players must maintain the highest standards despite concerns over injuries sustained by key players during training. The Gunn...
Will Stein defends Kenny Minchey after struggles vs. Alabama
Kenny Minchey struggled to find consistency as Alabama rallied in the second half to defeat Kentucky at Kroger Field.
Matthew Whitaker defends President Trump's frustration over NATO defense spending
Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker addresses President Donald Trump's frustration over NATO allies' defense spending. Whitaker notes that before Trump's election, allies spent less than the agreed 2% of their GDP on defense.
Halle Berry’s daughter defends mom amid ex Olivier Martinez’s child abuse claims
Halle Berry’s 18-year-old daughter is defending her mom against the Oscar winner’s ex-husband Olivier Martinez, who claims Berry physically abused their 13-year-old son.
Vivek Ramaswamy defends ad featuring Amy Acton\'s estranged mother
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is defending his campaign ad featuring the estranged mother of Democratic rival, Dr. Amy Acton, in the Ohio governor's race. Speaking in northeast Ohio on Friday, he
Bunnie Xo defends age gap with beau after Jelly Roll divorce
Bunnie Xo is "living her best life" as she moves on from her divorce from Jelly Roll earlier this year.
‘All about the business’ – Bills COO defends playing Canadian national anthem on American soil
Buffalo Bills chief operating officer sees nothing wrong with playing the Canadian national anthem. The Buffalo Bills registered a resounding 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions during their first-ever regular season game at the new Highmark Stadium.
Trump defends data centers in Ohio as he rallies to boost Jon Husted in a tight Senate race
President Donald Trump is defending data centers powering AI projects during a campaign rally in Ohio.
Bessent defends Trump economic record in House hearing
Bessent faced tense exchanges with lawmakers
John Mulaney defends men's representation in racy Emmys speech
Not only can John Mulaney deliver the jokes, he can speak up about the important issues, too.
Plies Defends Trans People: ‘What Have They Done to Y’all?’
A comment about children and drag shows turned into a tense online exchange.
Mikel Arteta Defends Noni Madueke Over Output Concerns
The Gunners' boss insists the £48million winger will decide matches, dismissing concerns over his final product following a pivotal assist in Arsenal’s latest European triumph.
Carlos Alcaraz: Spaniard wins Japan Open in first final since coming back from injury lay-off for wrist injury
Carlos Alcaraz successfully defends Japan Open title in his first final since suffering wrist injury which forced him to miss French Open and Wimbledon; you can watch the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters live on Sky Sports from Wednesday
JJ Redick Defends Dalton Knecht Amid Rumored Lakers’ Roster Cu
JJ Redick praises Dalton Knecht.
ESPN gambling writer defends network over ‘neutered’ coverage criticism
Former ESPN producer Nicole Noren sent chills through the industry by going public with her resignation after more than two decades at the network, citing its sports betting coverage. Since nationwide sports betting was legalized, gambling companies have taken over the sports world. That has had a stunning impact on American society that we still…
Mikel Arteta Defends Viktor Gyökeres: 'This is just a phase!'
Despite a prolific international break, Arsenal’s £55million man remains goalless for his club this season. Mikel Arteta has defended the Swede’s work rate, insisting small margins will soon transform his fortunes at the Emirates.
Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello: Will the Fairytale Continue?
All Eyes are on the Super Lightweight division this weekend as Britain's Dalton Smith defends his WBC title against the Dominican Republic's Alberto Puello
Katie Zacharia defends calling herself a lawyer in new interview
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia went on the record Thursday, saying she considered the results of her bar exam "inconsequential."
Obama Defends Rep. Ilhan Omar Amid Trump Administration Inquiry
Federal agents searched Ms. Omar’s Washington home last week and issued subpoenas to some family members in search of evidence of fraud in immigration paperwork.
Jared Bleznick Defends Controversial WSOP Commentary
Bleznick thinks his commentary is great for the game.
Chicago Mayor Johnson defends business record amid criticism from challenger
Mayor Brandon Johnson defended his record on economic development and business relations Thursday, rejecting criticism that he is anti-business while speaking before a group of Black business owners.
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Detroit councilwoman defends Kercheval business review requests amid neighborhood backlash
Detroit City Councilmember Renata Miller says she's sticking up for residents scared to speak up.
Kash Patel defends removing bestiality as automatic disqualifier for FBI applicants
(CNN) — FBI Director Kash Patel’s decision to remove bestiality as an automatic disqualifier for FBI job applicants drew bipartisan disbelief Tuesday after he said the change was intended to
Cam Heyward defends Steelers sideline yelling in Browns loss
Cameron Heyward addresses heated arguments during Pittsburgh's loss to Cleveland, explaining why emotional exchanges are vital for accountability.
French Stewart defends Anna Faris against ‘werewolf’ Chuck Lorre: ‘She delivered’
Stewart’s comments come after Lorre detailed his hesitance to cast Faris in the series’ lead role.
Pope Leo defends entering political fray on France end-of-life law
Pope Leo on Monday defended his decision to vocally oppose assisted dying initiatives while in France, acknowledging he may have entered the political fray two months after the country approved such a measure, but wanted to share the Catholic Church's viewpoint.
Attorney General Rob Bonta defends settlement with Paramount as judge delays merger
A federal judge has delayed approval of the settlement in the Paramount-Warner merger case, following concerns raised by critics and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker about its potential impact on competition, jobs, and media independence.
A key Republican defends Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola after reports of abusive behavior
Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan criticized his Democratic opponent Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, over allegations of abusive behavior toward members of her staff, which he described as “very disturbing.”
Pope Leo defends entering political fray on France end-of-life law
ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT, Sept 28 () - Pope Leo on Monday defended his decision to vocally oppose assisted dying initiatives while in France, acknowledging he may have entered the political fray two ...
Kash Patel defends FBI’s new policy on bestiality at Senate hearing
Sen. John Kennedy grilled the FBI director about a recently revised policy that doesn’t automatically disqualify job applicants who have engaged in bestiality.
From Proselytism to Politics: Bishop Barron Addresses Hot-Button Issues on EWTN
The Word on Fire founder clarifies the call to evangelize, defends his nonpartisan advisory role on religious liberty, and warns of resurgent communism.
Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season
President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a “terrible liability” and a “communist.”The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP’s political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections. Piker argues those attacks will backfire, but also says he has played a role in being portrayed as a 'figurehead of the insurgent left.'“The way that I'm portrayed in the media is an America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist who wants to secretly do jihad, and then also, at the same time, very woke and gay, so there's this weird inconsistency in their messaging,” Piker says. “Who I am is very simple. I'm a socialist. I'm an anti-imperialist. I want what's best for Americans, and I want what's best for everyone from all around the world.”In this episode from NPR’s Newsmakers, Piker sits down with host Leila Fadel and argues Republicans are using him to distract from policies that made life less affordable. He also addresses his seven Twitch bans, defends his rhetoric against right-wing reactionaries, and reflects on the crisis of loneliness among young men — and the limits of his influence.“At the end of the day, I'm a Twitch streamer,” Piker says. “I hold no political office. I have no real political power. So getting people to be upset at a Twitch streamer and their affiliation as a, if you want to call it a surrogate, in the primary is going to be very difficult.”Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.
Vivek Ramaswamy defends ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy on Friday defended his campaign’s ad featuring the estranged mother of Democratic rival Dr. Amy Acton in the closely watched race for Ohio governor.
“DWTS”’ Emma Slater defends boyfriend Alan Bersten as Val Chmerkovskiy’s Dedication Night replacement
Chmerkovskiy is benched for week 6 amid an ongoing controversy.
Fetterman defends political identity, weighs potential role as 51st senator
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D) defended his position as a Democrat on Saturday despite straying from the party on key issues — but refused to speculate how he would break ties if his party at…
Trump defends ad, says MAGA Inc. will cover cost instead of taxpayers
Trump defended a federally funded ad as patriotic but said Monday that MAGA Inc. would cover the cost after complaints from critics.
New York Yankees news: Steinbrenner, Cashman face the press
The Yankee owner defends his staff; salary cap Hal’s priority; responding to “all in” talk; Cody the best in left
World Business Chicago defends Johnson videos but leaves key questions unanswered
State Rep. Curtis Tarver isn’t satisfied, plans to file legislation.
Benjamin List, Nobel laureate: ‘Chemists have always been seen as a dark force’
The discoverer of asymmetric organocatalysis defends the discipline’s potential to solve humanity’s greatest problems
White House releases 3rd taxpayer-funded ad for Trump, raising ethics concerns
The administration defends the commercials as public service announcements
Kelly Clarkson Slams Brooklyn Store, Business Defends Itself
Art of Play, a novelty store in Brooklyn. N.Y., is responding to Kelly Clarkson's claims.