On Balance with Leland Vittert

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert examines how the conflict involving Iran has evolved into what some analysts describe as a low-intensity conflict. Skirmishes continue, with both sides launching attacks and relatively few casualties reported. A ceasefire appears increasingly fragile as the two countries seem determined to outlast one another. NewsNation's Libby Dean, retired Rear Adm. Andy "Bucket" Loiselle and conservative commentator Liz Wheeler break it all down.

Meanwhile, some Republicans argue that President Trump remains the dominant force within the Republican Party. Trump's endorsed candidates have enjoyed success in recent elections, underscoring the influence he continues to wield. Marc Short, former White House legislative affairs director during Trump's first administration and chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, weighs in.

Later, Republicans saw notable success in California, as Spencer Pratt advanced to the general election for mayor of Los Angeles and Steve Hilton finished first in the gubernatorial primary. Some voters have expressed frustration with Democratic leadership and policies, including those of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Former Democratic strategist Evan Barker and NOTUS White House correspondent Jasmine Wright discuss.

Also, Democratic candidates are facing scrutiny over past statements and associations. In Maine, Graham Platner has drawn attention over a Nazi tattoo. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed has faced criticism from opponents over his views on the Israel-Hamas conflict. In New Jersey, Adam Hamawy has come under scrutiny for comments regarding Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as the Blind Sheikh. Jon Levine, a reporter for The Washington Free Beacon, joins the show to analyze.

Plus, protests across the U.K. are expressing outrage over the killing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak and allegations that responding police officers mishandled the incident. Critics say officers believed the alleged assailant and told Nowak he had not been stabbed. Raheem Kassam, editor of The National Pulse and former adviser to U.K. Parliament member Nigel Farage, joins the show to discuss.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

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On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert takes a look at primary elections across Iowa, New Jersey, South Dakota, Montana and New Mexico.All eyes are on California, where Spencer Pratt may have a real chance to unseat incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Across America, parties may succeed — or fail — in unlikely places. 2WAY Editor-in-Chief Mark Halperin and his co-hosts of "The Morning Meeting," Kevin Walling and Larry O'Connor, join the show.Meanwhile, former first lady Jill Biden has hit the talk show circuit to promote her new book and, according to critics, has made a series of public missteps. This comes as she attempts to address questions surrounding her claim that she believed the former president was having a stroke during his debate with Trump. Former senior adviser to Kamala Harris' campaign and author of the "Endless Urgency" Substack, Mike Nellis, weighs in.Later, who is influencing whom: Netanyahu or Trump? The ceasefire is barely holding, and both leaders are at odds over how to end the war. Trump says he is in control and that Israel will do what he wants. Marc Caputo breaks it down.Also, one of the missing scientists, Melissa Casias, has been found in New Mexico under unusual circumstances. A handgun was found near the body, phones had been reset, and her identification and purse were left behind. Former FBI Assistant Director for Criminal Investigative Division Chris Swecker takes a closer look.Plus, the whirlwind race for Los Angeles mayor. Spencer Pratt's campaign is captivating national attention. A Republican could become mayor for the first time since 2001. Nikki Laurenzo, host of Nexstar's "Inside California Politics," and Christina Pascucci, former California Senate candidate and political strategist, weigh in.This episode was originally recorded on June 2, 2026."On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert looks at the ongoing protests at a New Jersey ICE facility. Unruly bands of protesters coming from across the country to assault law enforcement is nothing new for the Left, but it's a welcome distraction for President Trump, taking Iran, rising costs and the midterms out of the spotlight. NewsNation national correspondent Jessica Kartalija and Bill O'Reilly, anchor of "No Spin News," author of "Confronting Evil" and host of the "We'll Do It Live" podcast, report on the latest and discuss the rising tensions.

Meanwhile, previewing tomorrow's upcoming California primary election. Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt’s odds continue to improve, and Democrats should be worried. Liberal leadership has failed Los Angeles, and many voters could be looking for a change. Host of “Inside California Politics” and moderator of Nexstar’s California governor debate Nikki Laurenzo and former Democratic strategist Evan Barker break down the election.

Later, Graham Platner could be in trouble. Plagued by one controversy after another, it’s now been revealed the married Nazi-tattoo Democrat sent sexually explicit texts to other women. Lucky for him, his party is full of hypocrites and is sticking by him. Former Democratic advisor Dan Turrentine, host of “Batya!” on NewsNation Batya Ungar-Sargon and editor of The Midcoast Villager in Maine Alex Seitz-Wald analyze the race.

Also, Batya’s new book, “The Jews and the Left,” comes out tomorrow and could not be arriving at a better time, with Democrats’ recent behavior betraying some of their most loyal voters. Nothing has been the same since Oct. 7, 2023. Ungar-Sargon joins us again.

Plus, there is a curfew tonight in New Jersey, as many are wondering where all these protesters are coming from. Who is coordinating all this chaos? Politics editor for The Free Press Mene Ukueberuwa explains.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" airs weeknights at 9p/8C.

#ice #spencerpratt #newjersey

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

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On this episode of “On Balance,” Leland Vittert examines ICE protests in New Jersey, describing them as the start of a summer of unrest, with both sides believing the conflict benefits them. The White House welcomes the distraction from Iran and rising gas prices, while Democrats are highlighting ICE as the aggressor. FNTV founder and journalist Oliya Scootercaster, “The Morning Meeting” co-host Larry O’Connor and Democratic strategist Madeline Summerville join the panel.Meanwhile, former Attorney General Pam Bondi testified again on her handling of the Epstein files. Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) tied their political standing to the issue, but revelations fell flat as voters focus on key concerns like groceries and health care. Turning Point USA contributor Jack Posobiec joins the show.Later, President Trump continues weighing a potential deal with Iran, appearing to delay a final decision on ending a war many Americans are tired of and that he previously said would end sooner. With the midterms approaching and negotiations involving an unstable regime, Trump faces pressure to act. Brig. Gen. John Teichert and 2024 Trump campaign deputy communications director Caroline Sunshine discuss next steps.Also, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) makes an early move in the 2028 Democratic primary conversation. What will the party’s platform look like post-Trump, and who else could enter the race? Former Biden economic adviser and Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research chief of staff Ryan Cummings weighs in.Plus, the Los Angeles mayoral race is heating up, with Spencer Pratt gaining traction. While Mayor Karen Bass appears unconcerned, some analysts say the race could tighten. Democratic strategist Julian Epstein and Crooked Media senior vice president of political strategy Shaniqua McClendon break down the contest.“On Balance with Leland Vittert” airs weeknights at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.####"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert wonders if President Trump will finally seal the deal with Iran now that an agreement has been reached. Americans are desperate for the war to end and the midterms are approaching. NewsNation's Libbey Dean joins us live from the White House. Republican strategist Kristin Davison, White House Semafor correspondent Shelby Talcott, and former acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jennifer Gavito weigh in. Meanwhile, Ebola continues to spread, and it’s more dangerous and deadly than we may think. As the Congo struggles to contain the disease without a vaccine, the U.S. is watching closely to ensure screening remains enhanced. Chaos is mounting and options are limited. Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden explains it all. Later, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had a strange message during the White House press briefing Thursday: Don’t believe what you're seeing. With the exception of the stock market, the economy is in a bad place for many Americans, with groceries and gas reaching record highs. Former Trump Senior Adviser Steve Cortes breaks down the issues. Also, Democrats seem to prioritize hating Trump more than winning themselves. Making your whole identity about hating a person who will be out of office in less than three years doesn’t seem effective with Americans. Jonathan Alpert, author of “Therapy Nation: How America Got Hooked on Therapy and Why It's Left Us More Anxious and Divided,” analyzes the situation. Plus, in what sounds like the plot of a movie, the FBI arrested a former CIA official, finding $40 million in gold bars, luxury watches and $2 million in cash in his Virginia home. Former FBI Special Agent and NewsNation contributor Tracy Walder details the case. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" airs weeknights at 9p/8C.#trump #iran #caesfire #newsnationlive "On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert explores the breaking news of new U.S. strikes against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran negotiations remain a mystery, and it's uncertain who the point of contact in Iran even is. President Trump continues to claim the deal is near completion. NewsNation’s Libbey Dean joins us live from the White House with the latest. Veteran Navy Intelligence Officer and TPUSA contributor Jack Posobiec, retired U.S. Fifth Fleet Commander Vice Admiral John W. “Fozzie” Miller and retired Brig. Gen. John Teichertand, the former assistant deputy undersecretary of the Air Force, analyze the war. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles mayoral election is days away. The campaign continues to intensify as incumbent Mayor Karen Bass faces off against former reality star Spencer Pratt, with Pratt accusing Bass of violating California election laws. Jillian Michaels, host of the “Keeping It Real” podcast, predicts the outcome. Later, we take a look at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting. Trump touted accomplishments ranging from Iran to the border, drug costs and taxes. However, what if economic unfairness becomes the immigration issue of 2026 and 2028? Also, a shocking new interview with former first lady Jill Biden, who said she thought President Biden was having a stroke during his debate with Trump while praising him immediately afterward on stage. Mark McKinnon, creator and executive producer of “The Circus” on Showtime; Mike Nellis, former senior adviser to the Kamala Harris campaign and author of "Endless Urgency" on Substack; and Endeavor PAC Founder and Republican strategist Tiffany Smiley make up our panel. Plus, asymmetric immigration warfare and air travel Armageddon. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin stated that international flights could cease operations in sanctuary cities. NewsNation’s Chris Cillizza and Berit Berger, former Assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, discuss. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" airs weeknights at 9p/8C.#iran #ceasefire #lelandvittert #immigration"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert examines the Senate runoff election in Texas. Trump-backed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and will now face Democratic Texas Rep. James Talarico. Republicans are hoping Talarico’s ideology will prove unpopular in Texas. However, liberal candidates in Maine and Michigan are favored to win. NewsNation’s Brooke Shafer joins us live from Texas, and Director of Data Science at Decision Desk HQ Scott Tranter breaks down the numbers. 2WAY editor-in-chief Mark Halperin and his co-hosts of “The Morning Meeting,” Kevin Walling and Larry O’Connor, make up our panel.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are furious with President Trump. After primarying Senators Tillis and Cassidy, in addition to Cornyn, Trump may face an uphill battle securing votes in the Senate with an already slim majority. Focusing on issues such as the UFC White House event, the ballroom and the Anti-Weaponization Fund frustrates Americans and lawmakers alike. Halperin, Wailing and O'Connor join us again to discuss what this means for the Senate overall.

Later, Trump needs a win with Iran, but what will that take? Fully eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz are seen as essential for victory. Trump wants to move on, and each day he says a deal is getting closer. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, analyzes where the war stands at this hour.

Also, military action could resume and intensify significantly if a deal is not reached with Iran. Without reopening the strait or nuclear disarmament, Trump may feel the only option left is to bomb, bomb and bomb. Former U.S. Fifth Fleet Commander Vice Adm. John W. “Fozzie” Miller and retired Brig. Gen John Teichert, former assistant deputy undersecretary of the Air Force, explain how this approach could work.

Plus, teen takeovers are invading the United States. Disorder and destruction in Democratic-run cities have Americans exhausted. Former Biden White House Press Office chief of staff Yemisi Egbewole explains the recent chaos.

This show was recorded on May 26, 2026.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

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On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert questions how President Trump can win the Memorial Day conversation. With approval continuing to drop, Trump needs a comeback. To do that, among other things, he will need to tackle a divided administration, a crumbling Cabinet, get through the midterms and secure the Supreme Court. Steve Cortes, a former senior adviser for Trump's presidential campaign, and Lauren Wright, a Princeton University political scientist and NewsNation political contributor, give their take on how Trump can rebound.

Meanwhile, NATO and the U.S. are at odds. Secretary of State Rubio is in Sweden to try to salvage the relationship, attempting to find common ground and restore the values once shared. Retired Gen. Philip Breedlove, a former NATO supreme allied commander, explains the condition of the strained partnership.

Later, the affordability crisis plaguing Americans. President Trump’s policies are failing to lessen the burden of the war, with gas prices continuing to rise. Groceries are unaffordable even as the stock market soars. Former Biden Council of Economic Advisers and Stanford Institute for Economic Policymaking Chief of Staff Ryan Cummings and economist and Committee to Unleash Prosperity co-founder Stephen Moore discuss the economic outlook.

Also, Spencer Pratt is becoming a bigger threat to incumbent L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. The Los Angeles mayoral race is tightening, as Pratt promises to address many of the problems ignored by Bass. Jennifer Horn, host of “The Morning Answer” on Salem Radio in L.A. joins former Democratic California U.S. Senate candidate and political strategist Christina Pascucci to dissect California’s challenges.

Plus, is Cuba going to be any different from Iran? Trump may be starting another conflict with one already underway. Host of “The Manny Munoz Show” Manny Munoz analyzes.

This show was originally recorded May 22, 2026.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.

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On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert asks if the source of the problems in the White House is President Trump himself or everyone around him. Trump is getting bad advice from someone, focusing on things Americans don’t care about and ignoring everything they do. Whether it’s the ballroom or the Anti-Weaponization Fund, the administration needs to learn how to read the room, and fast. The economy is suffering, and so are Trump’s approval ratings. Mark McKinnon, the creator and executive producer of “The Circus” on Showtime, and Semafor's White House correspondent Shelby Talcott discuss the issues at stake.

Meanwhile, could Cuba be the 51st state? It seems like déjà vu from Venezuela in January, with an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, military assets moved near the island, and similar sentiment from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. John Bolton, former Trump administration national security adviser and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, tells us whether Cuba’s fate will be the same as Venezuela's.

Later, the release of the DNC’s 2024 election autopsy reveals a party in disarray, with no plans to address the issues that matter. Democrats need to face the music and admit why they lost. Mike Nellis, former senior adviser to the Kamala Harris campaign and author of "Endless Urgency" on Substack, analyzes the report.

Also, Harvard University is capping the number of "A" grades given to students. Harvard faculty overwhelmingly voted for the new practice, but reactions from students and the public range from supportive to deeply concerned. Liberty Vittert Capito, host of the “Amended!” podcast, feature editor of The Harvard Data Science Review and Washington University professor, explains it all.

Plus, a new Ebola scare has reached North America, with a Detroit-bound plane diverted to Canada carrying a passenger with possible exposure. Nerves are at an all-time high, with fears of COVID still fresh and the recent hantavirus outbreak, especially on the eve of the World Cup coming to the continent. Dr. Ashish K. Jha, senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, discusses the disease.

#Trump #Harvard #DNC

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C.

#OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert analyzes the meeting between Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin, days after China hosted President Trump and gave him a grand welcome. This comes as all three countries struggle with their own issues, including their economies and the wars in Ukraine and Iran. Silverado Policy Accelerator Co-Founder & Executive Chairman and author of “World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century,” Dmitri Alperovitch, and U.S.-China relations analyst and author of “Plan Red: China’s Project to Destroy America,” Gordon Chang, compare the two visits.

Meanwhile, is Cuba the next Venezuela? Federal prosecutors have indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro and others from the Cuban regime for the 1996 shootdown of the two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft. Amid rising tensions, Trump may feel Cuba could be his next success story after Venezuela, but he is claiming there will be no escalation. Former federal prosecutor Shan Wu and American University Professor of Government William M. LeoGrande discuss the indictment and what could happen next.

Later, Trump has proven his hold on the Republican Party is stronger than ever, primarying dissenters in Louisiana, Texas, and Kentucky. All eyes now head to the Lone Star State, as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) faces a surprisingly tough general election against Texas State Representative James Talarico (D).

Also, is a red wave hitting California? Democrats may be in trouble in the gubernatorial race. This comes as Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt (R) gains traction by the day. Former Democratic California U.S. Senate candidate and political strategist Christina Pascucci, Senior Advisor for Our Republican Legacy and former Pennsylvania Representative Charlie Dent, and Endeavor PAC Founder and Republican strategist Tiffany Smiley discuss the fate of California.

Plus, the future of the Supreme Court could be at stake. Calls are growing for Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito to step aside while President Trump can still replace them, this time fighting both Democrats and Republicans. Former law clerk for Justice Antonin Scalia, Ian Samuel, and NewsNation’s Chris Cillizza weigh the options.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" airs weeknights at 9p/8C.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.

More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/

Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYpp

Find us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyG

How to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij