Bloomberg This Weekend US Rescues Missing Airman, Trump Threatens Iran Power Plant Strike
Apr 5, 2026
Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ and media personality, outlines TMZ’s new push to cover members of Congress during recess. He discusses why TMZ is targeting lawmakers on vacation and how audience tips and insider sources drive their DC reporting. Conversation highlights the mix of sensational pop-culture angles with substantive political coverage and reactions from congressional staff.
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Rhetoric Links Military Action With Religious Appeal
- Trump's apocalyptic social posts threaten strikes on Iranian power plants and bridges, mixing religious language to rally his base.
- Jeff Mason noted the rhetoric may shore up evangelical support but risks alienating moderates amid midterm election concerns.
Conflict Poses Midterm Liability For Republicans
- The war's political cost is a liability for Republicans ahead of midterms because most Americans oppose it.
- Jeff Mason said the administration uses emotional and religious framing to retain core MAGA and evangelical voters despite broader public skepticism.
TMZ Crowdsourced Photos To Hold Congress Accountable
- Harvey Levin described TMZ's spontaneous campaign to crowdsourced photos of members of Congress on recess after anger at lawmakers leaving during DHS disruptions.
- TMZ received many public submissions and plans a permanent DC presence to combine pop culture and accountability reporting.