Melania Was MIA for a Month. Now That She's Back Does Anyone Care? | Pivot
- Aug 25, 2026
- 1:02:29
- Full Episode
Scott-Free August rolls on, and Kara welcomes comedian and “Have I Got News for You” host Roy Wood Jr. to the guest host chair. They unpack Trump’s escalating trade war with Canada, his stock-trading spree, and his reunion with Michael Cohen. Then, the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger saga takes another twist as California AG Rob Bonta calls off settlement talks. Plus, the Pentagon targets Stars and Stripes, and Melania returns from... wherever she's been.
00:00 Intro 2:24 Bad Behavior at WNBA Games 5:45 Satirizing the News 11:39 Trump Escalates Trade War With Canada 15:48 Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Fight 29:04 Griftwatch: Trump’s Stock Trades 33:13 Pentagon Targets Stars and Stripes 37:58 Melania, Michael Cohen & Natalie Harp 50:48 Wins & Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Todd Wiseman
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email [email protected]
Brief Summary
Roy Wood Jr. joins Cara Swisher to discuss Melania Trump's absence, Trump-Cohen dynamics, and controversies in the WNBA.
Key points
- Roy Wood Jr. Joins the Show. Cara Swisser welcomes comedian Roy Wood Jr. to discuss current events and comedy.
- Trump's Trade War with Canada. Trump lashes out at Canada, threatening tariffs amid trade talks collapse.
- Paramount Merger Saga Continues. California AG calls off settlement talks with Paramount over merger accusations.
- The Uncertainty of Entertainment Deals. Roy Wood Jr. shares insights on the unpredictability of show renewals and mergers.
- The Uncertainty of Staff. The uncertainty surrounding show cancellations deeply affects staff, unlike talent who have more leeway.
- Trump's Stock Trading Grift. Trump made over a thousand stock trades in June, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Episode highlights
- Roy Wood Jr. Joins the ShowCara Swisser welcomes comedian Roy Wood Jr. to discuss current events and comedy.“Welcome, Roy.”0:50Aug 25, 2026
- Trump's Trade War with CanadaTrump lashes out at Canada, threatening tariffs amid trade talks collapse.“Is Canada really a country we want to be going to war with right now?”12:45Aug 25, 2026
- Paramount Merger Saga ContinuesCalifornia AG calls off settlement talks with Paramount over merger accusations.“California AG Rob Bont just called off settlement talks with Paramount.”15:51Aug 25, 2026
- The Uncertainty of Entertainment DealsRoy Wood Jr. shares insights on the unpredictability of show renewals and mergers.“I don't know how much all of that really counts anymore.”18:48Aug 25, 2026
- The Uncertainty of StaffThe uncertainty surrounding show cancellations deeply affects staff, unlike talent who have more leeway.“As talent, I'm afforded a lot more leeway.”19:15Aug 25, 2026
- Trump's Stock Trading GriftTrump made over a thousand stock trades in June, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.“He made billions in cryptocurrency already.”29:44Aug 25, 2026
- Stars and Stripes FiringsThe Pentagon fired three staffers at Stars and Stripes for insubordination, raising concerns about editorial independence.“Good for those journalists for having a little bit of backbone.”34:05Aug 25, 2026
- Melania Trump's Public ReturnMelania Trump makes her first public appearance in over a month, sparking reactions.“Good afternoon. I heard you missed me. Here I am.”38:13Aug 25, 2026
