In a world increasingly marked by political polarization and civil unrest, the recently aired episode of “Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway” tackles critical concerns head-on. This week, the duo delves into the fallout from President Trump’s controversial military parade, ultimately examining its unexpected ramifications as the ‘No Kings’ protesters took to the streets. Furthermore, the episode sheds light on a startling rise in political violence exemplified by the disturbing shootings of Minnesota lawmakers. With these pressing issues at the forefront, Kara and Scott not only engage in a rigorous discussion of current events but also dissect the broader implications for our society. Join us as we fact check key points from this insightful dialogue, aiming to clarify and inform amidst the swirling narratives surrounding these pivotal topics.

Find the according transcript on TRNSCRBR

All information as of 06/17/2025

Fact Check Analysis

Claim

Violent threats against members of Congress have been reported to have increased substantially this year.

Veracity Rating: 4 out of 4

Facts

## Evaluation of the Claim: Violent Threats Against Members of Congress Have Increased Substantially This Year

The claim that violent threats against members of Congress have increased substantially this year can be evaluated through recent reports and data from law enforcement and congressional sources.

### Evidence Supporting the Claim

1. **Capitol Police Reports**: The U.S. Capitol Police have documented a significant rise in threats against lawmakers. In 2024, they investigated a record 9,474 concerning statements made against members of Congress, their families, and staff. This represents an increase from the previous year, which saw 8,008 such incidents[5]. The trend of rising threats is consistent with previous years, as the number of threats has been increasing since 2017[5].

2. **Recent Threat Trends**: The beginning of 2025 saw abnormally high threat numbers, particularly in January and February, following a pattern where threats often surge during election years[3]. This indicates that the trend of increased threats has continued into 2025.

3. **Political Violence Incidents**: There has been a notable increase in incidents of political violence in the U.S., with at least 51 incidents reported from January to October 2024. This surge is part of the largest and most sustained increase in U.S. political violence since the 1970s[5].

### Conclusion

Based on the evidence from law enforcement reports and trends in political violence, the claim that violent threats against members of Congress have increased substantially this year is substantiated. The data shows a consistent rise in threats over recent years, with specific spikes in 2024 and early 2025[3][5]. This increase is part of a broader context of rising political violence in the U.S.[5].

### Recommendations for Further Analysis

– **Detailed Analysis of Threat Sources**: Further research could focus on identifying the sources and motivations behind these threats to better understand the dynamics driving this increase.
– **Comparative Analysis with Previous Years**: A comparative study of threat levels over several years could provide deeper insights into how election cycles and political events influence threat levels.
– **Policy and Legislative Responses**: Evaluating the effectiveness of current policies and legislative measures aimed at mitigating these threats could inform future strategies to protect lawmakers and reduce political violence.

Citations

Claim

1.8 percent of Americans turned out to protests.

Veracity Rating: 1 out of 4

Facts

## Evaluating the Claim: 1.8 Percent of Americans Turned Out to Protests

The claim that 1.8 percent of Americans turned out to protests can be evaluated by examining recent protest participation data in the United States.

### Recent Protest Participation Data

– **Scale of Protests**: Recent protests, such as the "No Kings" protests, have seen significant turnout. Estimates suggest that between 5 and 11 million people participated in protests across over 2,000 cities nationwide[5]. Another estimate indicates that around 5 million people attended about 2,100 individual protests[1].

– **Population Context**: The United States has a population of approximately 333 million people. If we consider the higher estimate of 11 million participants, this would represent about 3.3% of the population. However, if we use the lower estimate of 5 million participants, this would be roughly 1.5% of the population.

### The 3.5% Theory

Research by Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan suggests that for nonviolent campaigns to be successful, they typically need to engage at least 3.5% of the population[2]. This theory is based on historical data from hundreds of protest movements between 1900 and 2006.

### Conclusion

Given the available data, the claim that 1.8 percent of Americans turned out to protests seems to be an underestimation. The actual participation rates, based on recent protests, could be higher, potentially ranging from 1.5% to 3.3% depending on the specific estimates used. Therefore, the claim appears to be inaccurate or outdated compared to recent protest participation figures.

### Recommendations for Further Analysis

1. **Use Latest Data**: Ensure that the data used for analysis is current and reflects the most recent protest events.

2. **Consider Multiple Sources**: Use a variety of reliable sources to estimate protest participation to account for potential discrepancies in reporting.

3. **Contextualize Participation Rates**: Compare participation rates with historical data and theoretical frameworks like the 3.5% theory to assess the potential impact of protests on policy change.

Citations

Claim

There is evidence that Iran was engaged in deception regarding its nuclear capabilities.

Veracity Rating: 4 out of 4

Facts

## Evaluating the Claim: Evidence of Iran's Deception Regarding Its Nuclear Capabilities

The claim that Iran was engaged in deception regarding its nuclear capabilities is supported by multiple sources, including intelligence reports and expert analyses. Here's a detailed evaluation of the evidence:

### 1. **IAEA Reports and Inspections**
– The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been involved in monitoring Iran's nuclear activities. Reports from the IAEA have highlighted Iran's attempts to deceive the international community about its past secret nuclear weapons efforts[2].
– In 2003, Iran announced a policy of full transparency but continued to deceive the IAEA about its nuclear activities, including the intent and ownership of key nuclear facilities like the Gchine uranium mine[4].

### 2. **Iran's Nuclear Archive**
– The Iranian nuclear archive, obtained by Israel in 2018, contains documents that unequivocally demonstrate Iran's deception attempts. These documents show how Iran submitted false reports, forged documents, and conducted deception exercises to hide its nuclear activities from the IAEA[5].
– The archive revealed specific sites and projects, such as a research and development center near Varamin, involved in producing materials for nuclear weapons[5].

### 3. **Expert Analyses**
– Experts like David Albright have noted that Iran's deception is a significant concern, as it undermines trust in Iran's compliance with international nuclear agreements[2].
– The European Parliament has also highlighted Iran's deceptive practices in its nuclear dossier, emphasizing the need for vigilance in monitoring Iran's nuclear activities[3].

### Conclusion
The evidence from IAEA reports, the Iranian nuclear archive, and expert analyses supports the claim that Iran has engaged in deception regarding its nuclear capabilities. This deception has been a consistent strategy to maintain secrecy around its nuclear program while advancing its nuclear ambitions.

### Recommendations for Further Evaluation
– **Continued Monitoring**: The IAEA should continue to rigorously monitor Iran's nuclear activities to prevent further deception.
– **International Cooperation**: Global cooperation is essential to ensure that Iran complies with international nuclear agreements and does not engage in deceptive practices.
– **Transparency**: Iran must demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency in its nuclear program to rebuild trust with the international community.

Citations

Claim

Israel conducted a military operation that killed top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.

Veracity Rating: 4 out of 4

Facts

## Evaluation of the Claim: Israel Conducted a Military Operation That Killed Top Iranian Military Officials and Nuclear Scientists

The claim that Israel conducted a military operation targeting top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists can be verified through recent news reports and military analyses.

### Evidence Supporting the Claim

1. **Israeli Strikes on Iranian Officials**: Recent reports indicate that Israel has indeed conducted strikes against Iran, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials. This includes Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, among others[1].

2. **Targeting of Military Command and Control**: The operation involved a comprehensive attack on Iran's military command-and-control structures, targeting more than two dozen Iranian commanders. This included the heads of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' air force, drone, and air defense forces[3].

3. **Involvement of Mossad and Israeli Air Force**: The operation was a coordinated effort between Israel's Mossad spy agency and the Israeli Air Force (IAF). Mossad conducted covert sabotage operations using drones to disable Iranian air defenses and ballistic missile launchers, while the IAF carried out large-scale airstrikes on Iran's surface-to-surface missile infrastructure[4].

4. **Strategic Impact**: The operation significantly degraded Iran's ability to retaliate, reducing the number of missile launches from an anticipated 1,000 to approximately 200. This was achieved through the innovative use of micro-drones and covert networks[4].

### Conclusion

Based on the evidence from reliable sources, the claim that Israel conducted a military operation targeting top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists is **verified**. The operation involved a combination of intelligence gathering, special operations, and airstrikes, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

### References

– [1] Euronews: "Who was among Iran's top military officials killed in Israeli strikes?" (2025-06-16)
– [2] Atlantic Council: "By fusing intelligence and special operations, Israel’s strikes on Iran are a lesson in strategic surprise" (2025-06-15)
– [3] Axios: "How Israeli spies and pilots crippled an Iranian counterstrike" (2025-06-14)
– [4] Wikipedia: "June 2025 Mossad operations in Iran" (Accessed 2025-06-17)

Citations

Claim

A Minnesota man has been charged after the murder of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses.

Veracity Rating: 3 out of 4

Facts

## Evaluation of the Claim

The claim states that a Minnesota man has been charged after the murder of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses. This can be verified through recent news reports and official statements from law enforcement.

### Evidence and Verification

1. **Incident Details**: The suspect, Vance Boelter, was arrested and charged in connection with the murders of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Additionally, Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were injured in a separate attack in Champlin[4][5].

2. **Charges Against Boelter**: Boelter faces six federal charges, including murder, and four state charges, including second-degree murder. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is pursuing first-degree murder charges, which could result in a life sentence without parole if convicted[2][4].

3. **Political Context**: The incident has sparked discussions about political violence and polarization. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized the need for accountability and noted the prevalence of political violence in current times[2].

4. **Law Enforcement Response**: The case is being handled by senior prosecutors, and authorities are investigating whether others were involved in aiding Boelter[2][4].

### Conclusion

The claim that a Minnesota man has been charged after the murder of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses is **verified**. Vance Boelter is the suspect in these crimes, and he is facing both federal and state charges related to the murders and attempted murders of Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses[1][2][4].

### Additional Context

The incident highlights broader societal issues, including political polarization and violence against politicians, which are being discussed in various media outlets and podcasts, such as the Pivot podcast mentioned in the summary[3]. However, the specific details about the Pivot podcast's discussion on this topic are not directly relevant to verifying the claim about the Minnesota incident.

Citations

Claim

Violent threats against members of Congress hit a record high last year.

Veracity Rating: 2 out of 4

Facts

To evaluate the claim that "violent threats against members of Congress hit a record high last year," we need to examine the available data and reports from reliable sources such as the U.S. Capitol Police and other government statistics.

## Evidence from the U.S. Capitol Police

1. **Threat Assessment Cases in 2024**: The U.S. Capitol Police's Threat Assessment Section investigated 9,474 concerning statements and direct threats against members of Congress in 2024[1][2]. This number is the second-highest on record, following the 9,625 cases in 2021, which was the year after the January 6 attack on the Capitol[2][5].

2. **Comparison with Previous Years**: The number of threats increased significantly from 8,008 in 2023 and 7,500 in 2022[2][5]. This rise indicates a sharp escalation in threats against members of Congress.

3. **Historical Context**: The number of threats has risen drastically since the start of Trump's first term in 2017, with 2024's figure being nearly three times higher than in 2017[5].

## Additional Insights

– **Polls and Surveys**: A poll of former members of Congress showed that 84% were concerned about the possibility of violence related to the 2024 Presidential Election, highlighting a broader concern about political violence[3].

– **Demographic Variations**: Female and racial minority members of Congress reported receiving threats more frequently, with 69% indicating they receive threats at least somewhat frequently[3].

## Conclusion

While the claim that violent threats against members of Congress hit a record high in 2024 is not entirely accurate, as the number was slightly lower than in 2021, it is true that threats reached the second-highest level on record. The data supports a significant increase in threats against members of Congress in 2024 compared to previous years, except for 2021. Therefore, the claim is partially true but requires clarification regarding the historical context.

Citations

Claim

The parade included over 6,000 soldiers and 100 tanks reportedly far less than the expected 200,000 attendees.

Veracity Rating: 2 out of 4

Facts

## Evaluation of the Claim

The claim states that the military parade included over 6,000 soldiers and 100 tanks but had far fewer attendees than the expected 200,000. To evaluate this claim, we need to examine the available evidence regarding the parade's attendance, military participation, and equipment.

### Military Participation and Equipment

– **Soldiers and Equipment**: Reports indicate that the parade involved nearly 7,000 army soldiers and included military vehicles such as tanks and helicopters[3][5]. The specific number of tanks is not consistently reported across sources, but it is mentioned that there were 150 army vehicles, including tanks[5]. This aligns with the claim of over 6,000 soldiers but does not specify the exact number of tanks.

### Attendance

– **Expected vs. Actual Attendance**: The claim suggests that the parade had fewer attendees than expected. However, there is no clear consensus on what the expected attendance was. Steven Cheung, a Trump communications director, claimed over 250,000 attendees, which was widely disputed[1]. Other reports do not provide a specific expected number but note that the event drew a mixed reaction and was overshadowed by protests[5].

### Conclusion

Based on the available information:

1. **Military Participation**: The claim that the parade included over 6,000 soldiers is supported by reports indicating nearly 7,000 soldiers participated[3][5].

2. **Equipment**: While there were tanks and other military vehicles, the exact number of tanks is not consistently reported.

3. **Attendance**: The claim of fewer attendees than expected is difficult to assess without a clear expected number. However, the event was criticized for low attendance compared to some claims[1].

In summary, while the claim about military participation is largely accurate, the specifics regarding attendance and the number of tanks are less clear due to inconsistent reporting and disputed claims.

### Additional Context

– **Protests and Political Context**: The event was controversial, with protests and criticism surrounding its cost and timing coinciding with President Trump's birthday[4][5]. The "No Kings" protests attracted significant attention nationwide, contrasting with the parade's reception[2].

Overall, the claim about the military parade's participation and equipment is partially supported, but the attendance figures remain disputed and unclear.

Citations

Claim

More than 5 million people attended over 2,000 No King's protests around the country.

Veracity Rating: 3 out of 4

Facts

## Evaluation of the Claim: More Than 5 Million People Attended Over 2,000 No King's Protests

The claim that more than 5 million people attended over 2,000 No King's protests across the United States can be evaluated based on recent news reports and protest coverage.

### Evidence Supporting the Claim

1. **Attendance Figures**: Reports from various news outlets indicate that the No King's protests drew significant crowds. For instance, it is reported that over 5 million people participated in these protests, which were held in over 2,100 cities and towns across the U.S.[1][4]. This widespread participation aligns with the claim of a large turnout.

2. **Protest Locations**: The protests were indeed held in numerous locations, including major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Seattle, as well as smaller towns and cities across states like Colorado and Arizona[1][2][3]. This geographic spread supports the assertion of over 2,000 protests.

3. **Inspiration and Purpose**: The protests were inspired by the idea that 3.5% of a population must rise up to successfully reject authoritarianism, which further underscores the scale and coordination of the events[4].

### Analysis of the Claim

– **Attendance Numbers**: The figure of over 5 million participants is consistent across multiple reports, suggesting a high level of participation and engagement in the protests[1][4].

– **Geographic Spread**: The protests were held in over 2,100 cities and towns, which aligns with the claim of widespread participation across the country[1].

– **Peaceful Nature**: While most protests were peaceful, there were instances of confrontations with law enforcement, such as in Denver, which does not detract from the overall scale of the protests but highlights the complexity of managing large-scale demonstrations[2].

### Conclusion

Based on the available evidence from reputable news sources, the claim that more than 5 million people attended over 2,000 No King's protests across the U.S. appears to be **substantially supported**. The widespread geographic distribution and the large attendance figures reported by multiple sources validate the claim's core assertions[1][2][4]. However, it is essential to note that exact figures and locations might vary slightly depending on the source, but the overall scale and impact of the protests are well-documented.

Citations

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