Trump vs Media, Renouncing U.S. Citizenship Gets Cheaper, Tennessee Fungus Outbreak | TMI Ep340

Описание: On today’s episode of TMI with Ted Rall and Manila Chan, we dive into a wide range of stories spanning geopolitics, government policy, public health, and a strange viral cultural trend.

First, tensions between the White House and the press escalate as President Donald Trump accuses media outlets of spreading Iranian AI propaganda related to the ongoing U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran. The president claims fabricated videos circulating online were generated using artificial intelligence and distributed by media organizations that repeated the footage. Trump says outlets that knowingly publish false information could face treason charges, raising major questions about press freedom, wartime information, and the growing role of AI in modern propaganda.

Next, a major policy change from the U.S. State Department. The government is drastically reducing the cost for Americans who want to renounce their U.S. citizenship, cutting the fee from $2,350 down to $450. The change ends a long legal fight over the high cost of relinquishing citizenship and returns the price to what it was when the fee was first introduced in 2010. The renunciation process itself remains lengthy and complex, requiring interviews with consular officials, formal documentation, and a sworn oath.

Meanwhile, health officials are investigating a fungal outbreak in Middle Tennessee that has sickened dozens of people and left at least one person dead. The illness, called histoplasmosis, is caused by spores found in soil contaminated by bird or bat droppings. The infection is not contagious between people, but it can occur when spores become airborne during construction, excavation, or other soil disturbance. Officials say roughly three dozen cases have appeared in counties south of Nashville, prompting increased monitoring and testing.

And finally, a bizarre trend gaining attention on social media in Argentina. Teenagers identifying as “therians” say they feel psychologically or spiritually connected to animals. Videos showing participants wearing masks, running on all fours, and gathering in public parks have gone viral online. Psychologists say symbolic identification with animals is not necessarily harmful, but warn it could become concerning if individuals begin fully believing they are non-human.
From geopolitics and citizenship laws to health alerts and unusual internet trends — it’s all part of today’s conversation on TMI.
Watch the full episode and join the discussion. LIVE Monday–Friday at 10am ET.