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Here’s what we’re talking about today.
This is a quick rundown of the topics we’ll be covering on today’s show. You can hit play to listen, or read the transcript below if that’s more your style.
Transcript:
Today is Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and this is your news and preview of today's show.
Questions grow over whether the trade deals Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have touted with Japan, the U.K., Vietnam, and South Korea actually exist. Lutnick said markets shouldn’t expect long formal agreements, and with little documentation or confirmation from partner countries, doubts remain about how many of the seven announced deals are real.
At the same time, Donald Trump sparked health speculation after remarks on Fox News about his concern over getting into heaven. He stated, “I want to try to get to heaven if possible, I’m hearing that I’m not doing well.” This follows previous visible health concerns, including bruising on his hands and reports of a chronic vein condition.
Trump’s communications team is also on the defensive after Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clashed with reporters. Asked about Trump’s refusal to take a call from Vladimir Putin in front of other leaders, Leavitt turned to personal attacks rather than directly answering. In another exchange, a Fox reporter noted Trump’s claim that the war in Ukraine would not have started if he were president. Leavitt insisted that was true, citing Putin himself. When pressed on why Russia would favor Trump, Leavitt said other countries respected the U.S. again under him.
Meanwhile, Trump drew attention for an unusual claim while discussing voting procedures. He told supporters that when he went to vote in person, officials asked him for his license plate. In Florida, where Trump votes, a photo ID and signature are required, not a license plate.
Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is receiving poor reviews from the public. According to CNN’s Harry Enten, the legislation is the most unpopular major bill passed in decades, with net approval ratings as low as negative 22 in some polls. Among independents, opposition is nearly 70 percent. Republican strategists are reportedly considering rebranding the bill to improve public perception, while Vice President JD Vance continues a tour to promote it.
Trump also attacked U.S. museums in a post on Truth Social, calling them “the last remaining segment of woke.” He criticized the Smithsonian for focusing on slavery and other injustices in American history and said he instructed his attorneys to take action similar to efforts targeting universities.
On the Bonus Show today:
MSNBC is changing its name to MS NOW.
Elon Musk pauses making a new political party.
And Mormon women can now wear new sacred undergarments.
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