On DeProgram, hosts John Kiriakou and Ted Rall dissect a series of urgent issues dominating today’s headlines. They begin with the arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University, where NYPD buses hauled off demonstrators amid a Trump administration crackdown targeting student activism. The hosts explore how these arrests, including that of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student detained during a citizenship interview, reflect a broader assault on free speech.
Next, they tackle Senator John Fetterman’s bizarre behavior, questioning the motives behind his increasingly erratic public statements and private actions. The discussion shifts to the case of Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish Ph.D. candidate detained for co-authoring a pro-Palestinian op-ed. A federal appeals court recently ordered her transfer to Vermont by May 14th, marking a setback for Trump’s aggressive deportation policies.
Finally, they expose disturbing reports that Trump’s team is exploring deporting Asian immigrants to Libya, a move lawyers argue violates international law. With their incisive commentary, the hosts connect these stories to reveal a chilling pattern of authoritarianism, eroded civil liberties, and systemic overreach. This episode is essential listening for those seeking unfiltered insights into the forces shaping our world. Join Kiriakou and Rall as they challenge the establishment narrative and call for resistance—stream now on your favorite podcast platform.
