Sep 24, 2026 · 29 min
Republicans confront rising risks around Trump and Iran
Is Trump Losing His Grip on the GOP?
The episode connects war skepticism, economic pressure, and candidate distancing to a potentially consequential test of Republican loyalty before the midterms.
- 1Republican candidates are beginning to distance themselves from Trump as Iran-war skepticism and economic concerns intensify.
- 2Joseph Cox examines ShinyHunters’ claims of an FBI data breach and the possible risks to agents, applicants, and families.
- 3Lawsuits over alleged roller-coaster injuries and unexplained Manhattan manhole appearances widen the episode beyond Washington politics.
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Joseph Cox details the alleged ShinyHunters breach of FBI-related data and the potential risks to agents, applicants, and their families.
The brief
Brad Mielke opens on Republican midterm anxiety, as polling, skepticism toward the Iran conflict, economic pressures, and criticism of Trump begin converging.
Capitol Hill correspondent Jay O’Brien outlines how Republican candidates are navigating growing pressure to distance themselves from the president before voters head to the polls.
Joseph Cox examines ShinyHunters’ claim that it accessed FBI employee and applicant data, raising questions about sensitive information, possible threats, motives, and the bureau’s response.
ABC News reports on lawsuits alleging Six Flags Magic Mountain rides caused severe brain injuries, including claims involving the X2 coaster and a wrongful-death settlement.
The closing mystery follows unidentified people emerging from New York City manholes, with possibilities ranging from maintenance and urban exploration to underground scavenging.