Stephen Colbert trashes CBS, FCC after Talarico interview pulled from broadcast; JB Pritzker's cousin resigns from Hyatt board over Epstein ties; DHS demands tech companies share data on accounts that track, criticize ICE: Report; and more | 2.17.26 - Rising Recap
Podcast: Rising
Published: 2026-02-17
Duration: 50 min
Summary
Stephen Colbert criticizes CBS for not airing his interview with James Tallarico due to network policy interpretations of FCC rules. The episode also covers topics like Tom Pritzker's resignation from Hyatt over Epstein ties and DHS subpoenas to tech companies for data on ICE critics.
What Happened
The episode delves into Stephen Colbert's frustration with CBS after the network decided not to air his interview with Texas State Representative James Tallarico. The decision was based on network lawyers' interpretation of the FCC's equal time rule, which Colbert argues is being unilaterally enforced without clarity from the FCC.
The discussion also covers the resignation of Tom Pritzker from the Hyatt Hotels board due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Although Pritzker has not been accused of any wrongdoing, emails from the DOJ files show his continued contact with Epstein even after Epstein's convictions.
Another significant topic is the Department of Homeland Security's subpoenas to tech companies like Google, Meta, and Reddit. The DHS is seeking identifying data on accounts that criticize ICE or track its movements, raising concerns about surveillance and First Amendment rights.
The hosts also critique House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for his refusal to say 'abolish ICE' during an interview, despite being pressed on the agency's controversial practices. This segment highlights the political tightrope Democrats must walk on immigration enforcement issues.
In a lighter segment, the episode reports that Anderson Cooper will not renew his contract with CBS's 60 Minutes, choosing instead to focus on his children and his role at CNN. This decision comes amidst broader tensions at CBS and changes in its leadership.
The episode wraps up with speculation about the 2028 presidential race, highlighting Nancy Pelosi's support for Gavin Newsom. Pelosi's endorsement is seen as significant, potentially influencing the Democratic field that may include Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Key Insights
- CBS's decision not to air Stephen Colbert's interview with Texas State Representative James Tallarico was influenced by the network's interpretation of the FCC's equal time rule, which lacks clear guidance from the FCC itself.
- Tom Pritzker resigned from the Hyatt Hotels board due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, as emails from DOJ files revealed ongoing contact with Epstein even after his convictions, despite no accusations of wrongdoing against Pritzker.
- The Department of Homeland Security has issued subpoenas to tech companies like Google, Meta, and Reddit, seeking identifying data on accounts that criticize or track the movements of ICE, raising concerns about surveillance and First Amendment rights.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries avoided endorsing the 'abolish ICE' movement during an interview, reflecting the political challenges Democrats face regarding immigration enforcement policies.