March 8, 2025
Columbia U Funds Yanked, Iran Nukes, Biden's Cognitive Inquiry, CDC Autism Study, Newsom's Surprising Trans Position
Columbia U Funds Yanked, Iran Nukes, Bidens Cognitive Inquiry, CDC Autism Study, Newsom's Surprising Trans Position
• Columbia University loses approximately $400 million in federal funding over antisemitism concerns
• Trump sends personal letter to Iran's Supreme Leader seeking nuclear negotiations while keeping military options open
• Missouri Attorney General demands DOJ investigation into Biden's cognitive state during presidency
• CDC preparing comprehensive study examining potential vaccine-autism links
• California Governor Newsom breaks from Democratic positions, calling transgender athletes in women's sports "deeply unfair"
Political fault lines are shifting in unexpected ways, and today's headlines demonstrate just how complex our national conversation has become.
At Columbia University, a financial earthquake has struck as the Trump administration pulls approximately $400 million in federal funding over the school's handling of antisemitism. This dramatic move follows months of campus unrest, including student occupations and even an endorsement from Hamas for the demonstrations. With 8% of the university's taxpayer funding now gone and potentially more cuts coming, this represents a major escalation in how the federal government is addressing campus controversies.
Meanwhile, President Trump has made a bold diplomatic gambit by directly reaching out to Iran's Supreme Leader through a personal letter. Walking a delicate line between peaceful negotiation and military deterrence, Trump warns we're in the "final moments" before Iran acquires nuclear weapons. This high-stakes diplomacy comes as federal investigators reveal Iranian efforts to target Trump himself in retaliation for the 2020 killing of General Soleimani.
Perhaps most surprising is California Governor Gavin Newsom breaking ranks with fellow Democrats on transgender athletes in women's sports, calling the situation "deeply unfair" during a conversation with conservative Charlie Kirk. Despite California's own laws allowing transgender athletes to participate according to their gender identity, Newsom's position aligns more with conservative viewpoints—showcasing how traditional political alliances are being tested by complex social issues.
These stories, along with the CDC launching a groundbreaking study on potential vaccine-autism links and Missouri's Attorney General questioning Biden's cognitive state during his presidency, illustrate a political landscape where partisan predictability is giving way to nuanced, sometimes contradictory positions.
Source Credits:
https://nypost.com/2025/03/07/us-news/trump-admin-yanks-400m-from-columbia-university-over-antisemitism/ https://nypost.com/2025/03/07/us-news/trump-says-hes-pushing-to-negotiate-nuclear-deal-with-iran/ https://www.newsweek.com/doj-asked-investigate-joe-bidens-cognitive-decline-while-president-2040641 https://www.foxnews.com/health/cdc-launch-study-vaccines-autism-possible-links-report https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/california-gov-gavin-newsom-breaks-party-transgender-athl
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ranting-politics/id1677427078
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2rFqmUhX6ReG2s2DX824Rk?si=b450dbea7a5a4dce
X/Twitter: @rantingRP
YouTube: @RantingPolitics
Website: www.RantingPolitics.com
This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. All information should be verified and treated as an opinion.
FAIR USE NOTICE:
This show may use copyrighted material that is made available for commentary and educational purposes only. This constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. Section 106A-117 of the US copyright law.
Chapters
00:00 - Show Introduction
00:55 - Columbia University Funding Cut
03:14 - Trump's Direct Letter to Iran
05:08 - Sponsor Break: Garden Grow Design
06:15 - Investigation Into Biden's Cognitive State
08:07 - CDC's New Vaccine-Autism Study
10:01 - Newsom's Stance on Transgender Athletes
12:18 - Episode Closing and Second Sponsor
Transcript
WEBVTT
00:00:02.125 --> 00:00:03.027
Hello America.
00:00:03.027 --> 00:00:13.791
Joc here with your Ranting Politics headline updates, where we are diving into today's most explosive political stories that you need to know about Coming up.
00:00:13.791 --> 00:00:27.628
We have got a packed show for you today, from Columbia University losing hundreds of millions in federal funding to Trump's latest moves on Iran, plus some major developments in vaccine research and surprising comments from Governor Newsom.
00:00:27.628 --> 00:00:31.221
We're cutting through the noise to bring you the stories that matter.
00:00:31.221 --> 00:00:33.767
Look, I'm not here to tell you what to think.
00:00:33.767 --> 00:00:42.362
We're just diving straight into the facts, serving up the latest headlines with a side of common sense and maybe just a dash of well-deserved snark.
00:00:42.362 --> 00:00:47.265
No partisan games, just straight talk about what's happening in our country right now.
00:00:47.265 --> 00:00:52.406
Stick around for all this and more in your daily dose of unfiltered news and common sense commentary.
00:00:52.406 --> 00:00:55.241
This is Ranting Politics Headline Updates.
00:00:55.241 --> 00:01:22.109
In a major move that's sending shockwaves through higher education, the Trump administration has just pulled approximately $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University.
00:01:22.109 --> 00:01:28.290
The decision comes after months of controversy over the school's handling of anti-Semitism on campus.
00:01:28.290 --> 00:01:40.468
The Federal Anti-Semitism Task Force, which includes the Departments of Justice, health and Human Services and Education, cited the university's failure to comply with anti-discrimination laws.
00:01:40.468 --> 00:01:52.325
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon didn't mince words stating that Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation and harassment on campus, while being ignored by those meant to protect them.
00:01:52.325 --> 00:01:54.593
This isn't just a slap on the wrist.
00:01:54.593 --> 00:02:01.072
We're talking about roughly 8% of Colombia's taxpayer funding getting yanked, with potentially more cuts to come.
00:02:01.072 --> 00:02:03.084
The timing couldn't be more significant.
00:02:03.323 --> 00:02:16.461
Following a series of incidents since Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel, colombia's campus has been a hotbed of tension, with protests escalating to the point where students actually set up a tent city and occupied Hamilton Hall last spring.
00:02:16.461 --> 00:02:17.644
And get this.
00:02:17.644 --> 00:02:21.270
Despite all the chaos, only four students were suspended.
00:02:21.270 --> 00:02:27.331
Even Hamas publicly endorsed the demonstrations, which should tell you something about how far things have gone.
00:02:27.331 --> 00:02:39.592
Jewish students have been fighting back through legal channels, with one student even settling for $395,000 after being disciplined for using and I kid you not novelty fart spray against anti-Israel protesters.
00:02:39.592 --> 00:02:49.093
The university's former president, manoush Shafik, resigned last August after downplaying pro-jihadist slogans as merely hurtful rather than anti-Semitic.
00:02:49.093 --> 00:02:54.631
Columbia says they're reviewing the announcement and pledges to work with the federal government to restore funding.
00:02:54.631 --> 00:03:03.991
But here's the kicker They've reportedly been stonewalling the government's requests for information needed for their civil rights investigation needed for their civil rights investigation.
00:03:03.991 --> 00:03:06.974
With over $5 billion in total federal grant commitments under review.
00:03:06.974 --> 00:03:13.917
This could be just the beginning of a much larger financial reckoning for the Ivy League institution.
00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:23.751
Breaking news from the Oval Office, president Trump has just warned we're down to what he calls the final moments in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
00:03:23.751 --> 00:03:36.450
In a dramatic development, trump revealed he's taken the extraordinary step of reaching out directly to Iran's Supreme Leader, ayatollah Khamenei, through a personal letter pushing for new nuclear negotiations.
00:03:36.450 --> 00:03:40.770
During his remarks to reporters, trump made it clear he's pursuing a two-track approach.
00:03:40.770 --> 00:03:48.169
While emphasizing his strong preference for a peaceful resolution, he didn't shy away from keeping military options on the table.
00:03:48.169 --> 00:03:53.846
As he put it, there are two ways Iran can be handled militarily or you make a deal.
00:03:53.846 --> 00:03:59.087
The president stressed he's hoping for the latter, noting I'm not looking to hurt Iran.
00:03:59.087 --> 00:04:00.132
They're great people.
00:04:00.753 --> 00:04:11.574
This marks a significant shift in strategy from Trump's 2018 decision to withdraw from the Obama-era nuclear agreement, which he had criticized for lacking adequate safeguards.
00:04:11.574 --> 00:04:23.375
Despite recent speculation about potential military coordination with Israel, trump took to social media to shut down rumors that the US was planning to blow Iran into smithereens.
00:04:23.375 --> 00:04:35.812
However, the president did issue a stark warning regarding any potential assassination attempts against him, stating he's left clear instructions that such actions would result in devastating consequences for Iran.
00:04:35.812 --> 00:04:48.249
This comes as federal investigators have revealed Iranian efforts to target Trump and former administration officials in retaliation for the 2020 killing of General Qasem Soleimani.
00:04:48.249 --> 00:04:58.908
While Iran's UN mission claims they haven't received Trump's letter, the president's latest diplomatic overture represents a crucial moment in this high-stakes nuclear standoff.
00:04:58.908 --> 00:05:08.718
Make sure to follow us on X for updates on this story, as we're watching a delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and military deterrence play out on the world stage.
00:05:08.718 --> 00:05:14.819
Stay with us as we take a quick break to hear from our lead sponsor, whose support helps make this show possible.
00:05:15.221 --> 00:05:20.261
Is your home's landscaping, exterior style or outdoor space ready for a transformation?
00:05:20.261 --> 00:05:28.677
Whether you're lakeside or curbside, make the most of your property with Garden Grow Design, your premier digital landscape designers.
00:05:28.677 --> 00:05:37.387
At Garden Grow Design, we specialize in increasing the value and beauty of your home by crafting elegant outdoor living spaces.
00:05:37.387 --> 00:05:47.505
Our experienced and creative designers use cutting-edge 3D technology to blend seasonal colors, perennial blooms and stylish hardscapes into your ideal garden.
00:05:47.505 --> 00:05:51.244
And the best part, it's all designed for minimal maintenance.
00:05:51.244 --> 00:05:53.612
Don't just imagine your perfect yard.
00:05:53.612 --> 00:05:56.478
See it first with our innovative digital designs.
00:05:56.478 --> 00:06:04.276
Whether it's a serene waterfront retreat or a chic patio for entertaining, we bring your outdoor dreams to life, ready to grow.
00:06:04.276 --> 00:06:09.887
Visit wwwgardenandgrowdesigncom to start your journey toward a breathtaking landscape today.
00:06:09.887 --> 00:06:13.144
Garden and Grow Design Cultivate beauty, cultivate life.
00:06:15.576 --> 00:06:27.999
In a dramatic escalation of political scrutiny, missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is demanding the Department of Justice launch an investigation into former President Joe Biden's cognitive state during his presidency.
00:06:27.999 --> 00:06:39.120
Bailey's explosive request centers on whether Biden's alleged mental decline allowed unelected staffers to push through radical policies without his full awareness or understanding.
00:06:39.120 --> 00:06:48.740
Bailey argues that if Biden wasn't fully cognizant when signing executive orders and other presidential directives, these actions could be legally void under constitutional law.
00:06:48.740 --> 00:07:05.586
The Missouri AG specifically pointed to concerning patterns of behavior, including reports that high-ranking Democrats, including former Vice President Harris and former Senate Majority Leader Schumer, allegedly attempted to limit direct access to Biden during his presidency.
00:07:05.586 --> 00:07:19.925
According to Bailey's letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the barriers around Biden were unusually restrictive, with staff reportedly controlling his information sources and limiting his ability to communicate freely with others.
00:07:19.925 --> 00:07:30.047
Bailey suggests this level of control went beyond typical presidential gatekeeping, raising serious questions about who was actually making crucial decisions during Biden's term.
00:07:30.047 --> 00:07:39.418
This request comes amid ongoing Republican efforts to scrutinize the Biden administration's actions, despite their party now controlling both Congress and the White House.
00:07:39.418 --> 00:07:49.471
Bailey, who has served as Missouri's AG since 2023, has positioned himself as a leading voice in questioning the legitimacy of Biden-era executive actions.
00:07:49.471 --> 00:08:05.043
The Department of Justice has yet to respond to Bailey's request, but this move represents another chapter in the continuing debate over presidential fitness and the constitutional implications of potential cognitive decline in our nation's highest office.
00:08:07.298 --> 00:08:20.024
In a significant shift that's sure to reignite one of medicine's most contentious debates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reportedly preparing to launch a comprehensive study examining potential links between vaccines and autism.
00:08:20.024 --> 00:08:26.807
According to sources familiar with the matter, this marks a notable departure from the CDC's longstanding position on the issue.
00:08:26.807 --> 00:08:35.807
The Department of Health and Human Services has emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Trump's recent comments about skyrocketing autism rates in American children.
00:08:35.807 --> 00:08:48.163
An HHS spokesperson stated that the CDC is committed to leaving no stone unturned in its mission to understand what's happening, promising both high-quality research and unprecedented transparency.
00:08:48.163 --> 00:08:55.619
While specific details about the study's methodology remain under wraps, medical experts are already weighing in on its implications.
00:08:55.619 --> 00:09:03.839
Dr Nicole Safier notes this represents a remarkable shift in approach, likely driven by persistent public pressure for greater transparency.
00:09:03.839 --> 00:09:11.458
She emphasizes that the study's success will ultimately depend on implementing rigorous, unbiased and transparent research methods.
00:09:11.458 --> 00:09:15.667
Unbiased and transparent research methods.
00:09:15.667 --> 00:09:23.755
Hhs Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has addressed the matter in recent statements, emphasizing the shared responsibility to protect public health while ensuring accurate information about vaccine safety reaches the public.
00:09:23.755 --> 00:09:32.129
Kennedy stressed the importance of engaging with communities to understand their concerns and provide culturally competent education about vaccines.
00:09:32.129 --> 00:09:39.980
The CDC's current website maintains that existing studies show no association between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders.
00:09:39.980 --> 00:09:44.216
However, they acknowledge ongoing parental concerns about this issue.
00:09:44.216 --> 00:09:51.558
This new research initiative suggests a willingness to re-examine this complex topic with fresh eyes and modern research methods.
00:09:51.558 --> 00:09:59.597
According to reports, this study will be one of the largest of its kind, though the exact scope and timeline remain to be announced.
00:10:01.846 --> 00:10:13.274
In a surprising break from traditional Democratic Party positions, california Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a firm stance on transgender athletes in women's sports, calling the situation deeply unfair.
00:10:13.274 --> 00:10:20.788
The governor made these remarks during the inaugural episode of his new podcast in a conversation with conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
00:10:20.788 --> 00:10:33.125
Despite his longstanding reputation as an LGBTQ ally and his pioneering role in same-sex marriage rights, newsom's position on this particular issue aligns more closely with conservative viewpoints.
00:10:33.125 --> 00:10:42.590
The governor, who has been speculated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, was notably direct in his assessment of the fairness concerns in women's sports.
00:10:42.590 --> 00:10:52.375
This stance becomes even more significant given California's current laws, which allow transgender athletes to participate in school sports matching their gender identity.
00:10:52.375 --> 00:10:58.158
Newsom acknowledged this existing legislation, while still maintaining his position on the fairness issue.
00:10:58.158 --> 00:11:09.682
During the discussion, newsom balanced his views by emphasizing the importance of showing compassion toward transgender individuals, highlighting their increased risks of suicide, anxiety and depression.
00:11:09.682 --> 00:11:20.974
He called for maintaining dignity and respect in these conversations, while addressing competitive fairness concerns.
00:11:20.974 --> 00:11:28.557
The governor's comments have sparked immediate reaction from LGBTQ advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, which criticized the timing of his remarks amid national discussions about restricting transgender rights.
00:11:28.557 --> 00:11:39.320
State legislators from the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus expressed their disappointment, stating they were profoundly sickened and frustrated by the governor's position.
00:11:39.320 --> 00:11:53.360
This development comes just weeks after President Trump's executive order aimed at banning transgender athletes from women's sports, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious national debate about transgender rights in athletics.
00:11:55.606 --> 00:11:58.095
And that wraps up today's headlines on Ranting Politics.
00:11:58.095 --> 00:12:18.493
We've covered some major developments, from Columbia University's substantial funding cut over anti-Semitism concerns to Trump's diplomatic push with Iran, the call for investigation into Biden's cognitive state, the CDC's groundbreaking new vaccine study and Governor Newsom's controversial stance on transgender athletes in sports.
00:12:18.493 --> 00:12:26.453
These stories showcase the complex challenges facing our nation and the ongoing evolution of political discourse across party lines.
00:12:26.453 --> 00:12:32.551
We'll continue monitoring these developing situations and bringing you the latest updates without the partisan noise.
00:12:32.551 --> 00:12:48.057
For more in-depth coverage and daily updates, follow us on X at Ranting RP.
00:12:48.057 --> 00:12:53.881
Thank you, this is JOC signing off, and thank you, our loyal listeners, for choosing Ranting Politics Headline Updates.
00:12:53.881 --> 00:12:57.514
We'll be back soon with the updates you need to navigate these interesting times.
00:12:57.514 --> 00:13:02.076
Until then, stay tuned, stay informed and, as always, stay free.
00:13:02.625 --> 00:13:05.434
Hey you brilliant inventors and creators.
00:13:05.434 --> 00:13:10.836
Have you crafted a product that's ready to break out from the digital world and hit the physical shelves?
00:13:10.836 --> 00:13:14.886
Digital world and hit the physical shelves.
00:13:14.886 --> 00:13:18.875
Imagine your creation sitting proudly in stores like Walmart, target and Home Depot, where 90% of purchases still happen.
00:13:18.875 --> 00:13:23.590
Well, it's time to turn that vision into reality with Product Fury.
00:13:23.590 --> 00:13:30.013
At Product Fury, we specialize in bridging the gap between online innovation and retail giants.
00:13:30.013 --> 00:13:37.375
In fact, we have secured millions of dollars of royalty deals for dozens of products at big box retail stores.
00:13:37.375 --> 00:13:44.133
Whether you're selling gadgets, home goods or anything innovative, we're here to amplify your reach.
00:13:44.133 --> 00:13:46.572
Don't keep your product confined to the web.
00:13:46.572 --> 00:13:54.436
Visit wwwproductfuryai today to submit your information for a free product evaluation.
00:13:54.436 --> 00:13:58.535
Let's get your products out of the internet cloud and into customer carts.
00:13:58.535 --> 00:14:01.711
Remember that's productfuryai.
00:14:01.711 --> 00:14:08.418
Make the leap from clicks to bricks and see your product thrive in the bustling aisles of major retailers.
00:14:08.418 --> 00:14:10.770
It's your time to shine on the big stage.
00:14:10.770 --> 00:14:12.096
Visit us now.
00:00:02.125 --> 00:00:03.027
00:00:03.027 --> 00:00:13.791
00:00:13.791 --> 00:00:27.628
00:00:27.628 --> 00:00:31.221
00:00:31.221 --> 00:00:33.767
00:00:33.767 --> 00:00:42.362
00:00:42.362 --> 00:00:47.265
00:00:47.265 --> 00:00:52.406
00:00:52.406 --> 00:00:55.241
00:00:55.241 --> 00:01:22.109
00:01:22.109 --> 00:01:28.290
00:01:28.290 --> 00:01:40.468
00:01:40.468 --> 00:01:52.325
00:01:52.325 --> 00:01:54.593
00:01:54.593 --> 00:02:01.072
00:02:01.072 --> 00:02:03.084
00:02:03.323 --> 00:02:16.461
00:02:16.461 --> 00:02:17.644
00:02:17.644 --> 00:02:21.270
00:02:21.270 --> 00:02:27.331
00:02:27.331 --> 00:02:39.592
00:02:39.592 --> 00:02:49.093
00:02:49.093 --> 00:02:54.631
00:02:54.631 --> 00:03:03.991
00:03:03.991 --> 00:03:06.974
00:03:06.974 --> 00:03:13.917
00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:23.751
00:03:23.751 --> 00:03:36.450
00:03:36.450 --> 00:03:40.770
00:03:40.770 --> 00:03:48.169
00:03:48.169 --> 00:03:53.846
00:03:53.846 --> 00:03:59.087
00:03:59.087 --> 00:04:00.132
00:04:00.753 --> 00:04:11.574
00:04:11.574 --> 00:04:23.375
00:04:23.375 --> 00:04:35.812
00:04:35.812 --> 00:04:48.249
00:04:48.249 --> 00:04:58.908
00:04:58.908 --> 00:05:08.718
00:05:08.718 --> 00:05:14.819
00:05:15.221 --> 00:05:20.261
00:05:20.261 --> 00:05:28.677
00:05:28.677 --> 00:05:37.387
00:05:37.387 --> 00:05:47.505
00:05:47.505 --> 00:05:51.244
00:05:51.244 --> 00:05:53.612
00:05:53.612 --> 00:05:56.478
00:05:56.478 --> 00:06:04.276
00:06:04.276 --> 00:06:09.887
00:06:09.887 --> 00:06:13.144
00:06:15.576 --> 00:06:27.999
00:06:27.999 --> 00:06:39.120
00:06:39.120 --> 00:06:48.740
00:06:48.740 --> 00:07:05.586
00:07:05.586 --> 00:07:19.925
00:07:19.925 --> 00:07:30.047
00:07:30.047 --> 00:07:39.418
00:07:39.418 --> 00:07:49.471
00:07:49.471 --> 00:08:05.043
00:08:07.298 --> 00:08:20.024
00:08:20.024 --> 00:08:26.807
00:08:26.807 --> 00:08:35.807
00:08:35.807 --> 00:08:48.163
00:08:48.163 --> 00:08:55.619
00:08:55.619 --> 00:09:03.839
00:09:03.839 --> 00:09:11.458
00:09:11.458 --> 00:09:15.667
00:09:15.667 --> 00:09:23.755
00:09:23.755 --> 00:09:32.129
00:09:32.129 --> 00:09:39.980
00:09:39.980 --> 00:09:44.216
00:09:44.216 --> 00:09:51.558
00:09:51.558 --> 00:09:59.597
00:10:01.846 --> 00:10:13.274
00:10:13.274 --> 00:10:20.788
00:10:20.788 --> 00:10:33.125
00:10:33.125 --> 00:10:42.590
00:10:42.590 --> 00:10:52.375
00:10:52.375 --> 00:10:58.158
00:10:58.158 --> 00:11:09.682
00:11:09.682 --> 00:11:20.974
00:11:20.974 --> 00:11:28.557
00:11:28.557 --> 00:11:39.320
00:11:39.320 --> 00:11:53.360
00:11:55.606 --> 00:11:58.095
00:11:58.095 --> 00:12:18.493
00:12:18.493 --> 00:12:26.453
00:12:26.453 --> 00:12:32.551
00:12:32.551 --> 00:12:48.057
00:12:48.057 --> 00:12:53.881
00:12:53.881 --> 00:12:57.514
00:12:57.514 --> 00:13:02.076
00:13:02.625 --> 00:13:05.434
00:13:05.434 --> 00:13:10.836
00:13:10.836 --> 00:13:14.886
00:13:14.886 --> 00:13:18.875
00:13:18.875 --> 00:13:23.590
00:13:23.590 --> 00:13:30.013
00:13:30.013 --> 00:13:37.375
00:13:37.375 --> 00:13:44.133
00:13:44.133 --> 00:13:46.572
00:13:46.572 --> 00:13:54.436
00:13:54.436 --> 00:13:58.535
00:13:58.535 --> 00:14:01.711
00:14:01.711 --> 00:14:08.418
00:14:08.418 --> 00:14:10.770
00:14:10.770 --> 00:14:12.096