System Update with Glenn Greenwald

A deep dive into how mainstream media covered a high-profile politician’s overseas misstep. Highlights include the viral on-stage stumble about Taiwan, a contentious reporter call, and how an article was framed to soften criticism. Also covers factual slipups on Venezuela and a broader critique of media deference to powerful figures.

A sharp breakdown of a high-profile politician's awkward foreign policy debut. Quick scenes cover media hype, tutoring claims, and cautious NATO-friendly remarks. The thread climaxes with a faltering answer on Taiwan and what that reveals about political credibility.

Howard Lutnick, billionaire businessman and U.S. Commerce Secretary, is the principal figure whose documented interactions with Jeffrey Epstein are scrutinized. The show examines his claimed break with Epstein and contrasts it with emails and admissions that suggest ongoing contact. It also looks at political defenses, media revelations, and how responses abroad differ from the U.S.

Major shifts in how independent journalism is produced and distributed are announced. He explains leaving a nightly live format to reclaim time for longform writing. The move centers on making Substack the primary platform while continuing video partnerships. Deep concerns about audience capture, media economics, and preserving editorial independence are explored.

A rapid Q&A dives into claims linking a right-wing figure to Minneapolis killings and the ethics of state violence. Discussion touches on media labeling and why political tags often fail. Immigration debates explore mass deportation logistics and the politics behind "abolish ICE" posturing. A segment examines vetting, alleged antisemitism complaints, and ties between politicians and Israel.

A deep dive into the forced sale of TikTok and how it could reshape online speech. Discussion connects the sale to pro-Israel influence and post-October 7 shifts in U.S. policy. Examination of media framing, ADL involvement, and moderation changes tied to Israeli interests. Raises alarms about large-scale censorship and foreign-aligned control over social platforms.

Investigates video evidence of an ICE killing and contrasts it with official statements. Walks through multiple camera angles showing what happened and how narratives shifted. Examines political figures amplifying false claims and the broader pattern of officials misrepresenting federal agent actions. Contextualizes the incident within history and partisan hypocrisy.

A surprising speech by Canadian PM Mark Carney at Davos challenges the notion of a benevolent 'rules-based' international order. Glenn Greenwald highlights Carney's admission that this framework is often a convenient illusion upheld by powerful nations. He critiques Western media's portrayal of foreign policy, emphasizing hypocrisy in actions versus rhetoric. The discussion includes Carney's call for honesty among middle powers and the impact of dollar hegemony. Despite skepticism about real change, Carney's candid revelations are deemed significant for future discourse.

Laura Poitras, an Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker known for her fearless investigative work, discusses her new film, Cover Up, focused on journalist Seymour Hersh. She delves into the importance of adversarial journalism and the emotional toll of reporting atrocities. Poitras highlights how the press often rehashes state narratives, the need for skepticism towards power, and Hersh's steadfast commitment to uncovering the truth. Their conversation also touches on the complexities of verifying sources and the effects of government cover-ups on public trust.

The ADL's call for increased censorship raises questions about free speech, targeting figures like Tucker Carlson and Hasan Piker. Glenn critiques the organization's shift from civil rights advocacy to pro-Israel lobbying. He discusses the consequences of their campaigns against critics, including calls for deplatforming and legislative pressures. Additionally, a heated debate on U.S. intervention in Iran highlights hypocrisy and historical lessons from past conflicts. The push for accountability in media power and democratic influence in foreign policy is also examined.