The Takeout with Major Garrett, 4/24/26

The April 24, 2026 episode of *The Takeout with Major Garrett* opens with a major development in the Federal Reserve nomination process: the Justice Department has dropped its criminal investigation into former Fed Chair Jerome Powell over renovation cost overruns, potentially clearing the path for President Trump’s nominee, Kevin Warsh, to be confirmed. Congressional correspondent Nicole Killian breaks down the political dynamics, particularly Senator Tom Tillis’s initial opposition due to concerns about the probe’s political motivations, and the growing consensus that a more transparent, faster ethics process is needed on Capitol Hill. The episode then shifts to a compelling discussion on the evolving role of social media influencers, particularly through the lens of the Betches platform, which helped amplify credible accusations against former Congressman Eric Swalwell. Co-founder Sammy Sage explains how parasocial relationships with online creators foster trust and enable marginalized voices—especially women in D.C.—to come forward with serious allegations, supported by mainstream journalists who validate and amplify their stories. This emerging paradigm, the show suggests, could expand the reach and integrity of the fourth estate. Later, the panel examines tech billionaires’ growing support for universal basic income, met with skepticism from progressive lawmakers wary of tax implications. The episode closes with a reflective conversation with Anita McBride, former chief of staff to Laura Bush, on the evolving power of first ladies and their 'soft power' in shaping public discourse and national identity through historical precedent and personal influence.