Economic Policy & Affordability

• "Roaring" Economy: Trump insisted the U.S. is experiencing an "economic boom," citing a rising stock market and job growth despite public polls showing continued voter anxiety over the cost of living.
• Retirement Savings Proposal: Announced a major new plan to provide workers who lack employer-sponsored 401(k)s with access to a plan similar to the federal Thrift Savings Plan, including a government match of up to $1,000 annually.
• Tariff Defiance: Following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his primary tariff authority, Trump called the decision "totally wrong" and pledged to implement "even stronger" alternative import duties.
• Tech Industry Power: Proposed a "Rate Payer Protection Pledge" requiring major tech companies and AI data centers to build their own power plants to avoid driving up local electricity costs. 

Immigration & National Security

• Enforcement Triumphs: Highlighted a massive drop in illegal border crossings, claiming arrests had hit their lowest levels since the 1960s due to his administration's strict policies.
• DHS Funding Clashes: Blamed Democrats for a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, demanding they restore funding to the agency.
• Proposed "Delilah Law": Urged Congress to pass legislation that would ban commercial licenses for immigrants without legal status.
• Iran Warning: Stated that while diplomacy continues, he would not hesitate to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. 

Governance & Election Integrity

• Anti-Corruption Measures: Called for the passage of the "Stop Insider Trading Act" to ban members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks.
• SAVE America Act: Pushed for new federal requirements for proof of citizenship to vote, framing it as essential for election integrity ahead of the midterms.
• "America 250": Invoked the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence this July 4th as a symbol of national "triumph and freedom". 

Democratic Response Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the official Democratic response, accusing the President of lying about the economy's health and blasting his immigration tactics as "unaccountable" and "violent".

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1. Recent Meetings & Political Context

• Ben has been in Washington, D.C., meeting with the Treasury Secretary, appearing on Fox News Sunday, and meeting Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of the upcoming State of the Union address.
• These meetings emphasized what they consider President Trump’s accomplishments, such as tariffs, economic gains, and prioritizing American jobs.

2. Importance of Trump’s Upcoming State of the Union

• Trump aims to sell voters on his first year back in office, highlighting economic and immigration actions.
• The speech is viewed as crucial for setting the stage for his next four years and midterm election momentum.

3. Challenges Facing Trump

• Recent polls showing low approval ratings.
• The Supreme Court striking down his tariff policy, though Trump reportedly has a workaround.
• Concerns that if Democrats win back either chamber, his second-term agenda could be paralyzed.

4. Tensions Within the Democratic Party

• Significant internal division over:
  • Who should respond to Trump’s speech.
  • The direction of their policy messaging.
• Some Democrats plan to boycott the speech; others push for a coordinated walkout.
• Multiple separate Democratic responses highlight fractured internal unity.

5. Expected Themes in Trump’s Speech

• Economy: Claiming reduced inflation, economic revival, and new policies like no tax on tips or overtime.
• Immigration & Crime: Border security, crackdowns on criminal activity, lowering crime in major cities.
• Foreign Policy: Rising tensions with Iran, U.S. military buildup, Middle East issues, Ukraine/Russia, and wars he says he has ended.
• Angel Families: Honoring families of Americans killed by undocumented immigrants.

6. Media & Public Perception

• The White House event with Angel Families received little coverage from mainstream networks, which is criticized in the text.
• Trump dismisses negative media polls as “fake.”

7. High Stakes of the Midterms

• The speech will stress that a Democratic-controlled Congress could:
  • End Trump’s legislative agenda.
  • Lead to new investigations.
  • Potentially result in a third impeachment.

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1. Major Mexican Cartel Leader Killed CHECK OUT the STORY

• Mexican forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”), leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
• His death triggered violent retaliation across multiple Mexican states, including burning vehicles, airport panic, suspended public transportation, and regional shutdowns.
• The U.S. issued shelter‑in‑place warnings for American travelers in affected areas.
• Violence may increasingly target American tourists, especially during spring break.
• Commentary emphasizes Mexico’s struggle with cartel control and the U.S. pushing Mexico to take stronger action.

2. U.S.–Mexico Relations and Trump Administration Pressure CHECK OUT the STORY

• Mexico’s action was a response to pressure from President Trump, who warned of U.S. strikes on cartel targets.
• Broader theme: Trump administration aims to deter cartels, reduce drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crime.
• Noted drops in national murder rates (~20%) and drug overdose deaths (~20%), attributed to tougher border and anti‑cartel policies.
• Commentary mocks media for ignoring or downplaying these improvements.

3. Advice for Americans in Mexico

• For those currently in Mexico, the guidance is:
  • Check State Department travel advisories.
  • Follow regional safety updates closely.
  • Contact U.S. government resources if in danger.
• Hosts recommend being extremely cautious about spring break travel during escalating cartel unrest.

4. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariff Approach

• Supreme Court decision ruled that one specific statute (IEEPA) does not authorize the tariff method Trump used.
• Majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts; the prediction on the podcast had expected the opposite outcome.
• However, the ruling does not prevent Trump from imposing tariffs — it simply means he must rely on other statutes.
• The conversation outlines multiple other laws Trump can still use:
  • Trade Act of 1974 (Sections 122, 301)
  • Smoot-Hawley (Section 338)
  • Trade Expansion Act (Section 232)
  • Trade Act Safeguards (Section 201)
• Expectation: tariffs will continue, though implemented via different legal pathways.

4. Political Reaction to the Tariff Ruling

• China and U.S. Democrats were reportedly celebrating the ruling.
• Democrats oppose tariffs mainly to politically hurt Trump, not on principle.
• Expect ongoing litigation from companies seeking refunds from past tariffs—potentially costing billions.

6. Upcoming State of the Union

• Suggestion that Trump should focus the State of the Union on:
  • Lower crime rates
  • Lower drug overdose deaths
  • “America First” accomplishments
• Acknowledged cartel takedowns but also keeping the focus on domestic well-being.

7. Olympic Highlights — USA Beats Canada in Men’s Hockey

      "We got GREAT Dentists" WATCH Hughes video HERE

• Big national pride moment: USA wins gold in men’s hockey against Canada in overtime.
• Follows U.S. women also beating Canada in the finals.
• Jack Hughes (NHL player, Team USA) celebrated passionately about playing for the country.

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1. Criticism of Democratic Leaders on Law Enforcement

• Barack Obama, Gavin Newsom, and other Democratic figures are hostile toward law enforcement agencies, particularly ICE and National Guard deployments.
• Obama is quoted as describing some federal agents’ actions as “rogue,” which the speakers interpret as an attack on ICE.
• Gavin Newsom is criticized for comments comparing masked federal agents to authoritarian “secret police,” specifically referencing imagery associated with Germany’s past.
• Newsom’s claim that National Guard federalization was unprecedented.
• President Eisenhower’s 1957 use of federal authority to enforce desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas.
• Newsom is “historically illiterate,” which later triggers a public Twitter exchange.

2. Newsom’s Response and the Dyslexia Angle

• Newsom accuses Ted Cruz of mocking his dyslexia.
• Cruz responds that “historically illiterate” referred to misunderstanding history, not reading ability.
• A social‑media back‑and‑forth unfolds, including jokes, memes, and comparisons of engagement statistics.
• Obama is:
  • Highly partisan,
  • Influential on younger progressive Democrats,
  • Associated with cultural or “Marxist” ideological trends (as described by the speakers),
  • Possibly influential behind the scenes during the Biden administration.
• Obama’s presidency contributed to increased political division.

3. Discussion of Tucker Carlson’s Recent Behavior

• Carlson has changed significantly since leaving Fox News.
  
  • Anti‑Israel sentiment
  • Hosting extremist guests
  • Favoring authoritarians such as Putin or Iranian leadership
  • Attacking Christian Zionists
• He may have ulterior financial or ideological motivations (while acknowledging no direct evidence).
• Carlson claimed Israeli airport officials detained him and questioned his team.
  
  • Video footage showed him freely interacting with people at the airport,
  • Israeli officials denied detaining him,
  • A U.S. embassy statement also contradicted Carlson’s story.
• Carlson traveled to Israel to interview the ambassador but insisted on conducting the interview at the airport.
• Carlson claiming safety concerns while contrasting it with his willingness to travel in Russia or Qatar.

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1. Claims about left‑wing funding and jury nullification

• Certain left‑wing or activist groups are promoting jury nullification—encouraging jurors to acquit defendants even if they believe the defendants are guilty.
• They cite examples from Minneapolis, focusing on activist networks promoting “jury nullification training.”
• The hosts frame this as part of a broader political effort they associate with progressive donors and organizations.
• Historical examples of jury nullification—both positive and negative—are mentioned (e.g., Fugitive Slave Act resistance, Emmett Till case).
• They argue that encouraging political jurors to “lie during voir dire” would undermine the justice system.

2. Discussion about prosecutors and criminal justice

• The speakers criticize certain district attorneys they associate with George Soros' funding efforts.
• They claim these DAs reduce prosecutions or lessen criminal enforcement, framing it as a method of "abolishing the police."
• Examples of high‑profile progressive prosecutors are mentioned across various US cities.

3. Tucker Carlson segment

• The hosts discuss Tucker Carlson’s recent travel to Israel, claiming he falsely stated he was detained by Israeli airport security.
• They reference video footage and statements attributed to Israeli authorities and the U.S. embassy that contradict Carlson's claim.
• The hosts criticize Carlson’s political positions, alleging:
  • He has become hostile toward Israel.
  • He features guests they describe as extremists.
  • His views have shifted since leaving Fox News.

4. Aliens / UFO portion

• The hosts mention comments by Barack Obama and Donald Trump about unidentified aerial phenomena.
• Trump is quoted as saying he will direct agencies to release information about UFOs/UAPs.
• Senator Cruz comments on classified briefings he has seen, calling them “underwhelming,” without disclosing details.
• The segment ends with light‑hearted speculation and jokes about aliens.

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Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Are We Going to Strike Iran?

In‑depth foreign policy analysis featuring Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former White House national security official, who breaks down the intensifying risk of U.S. military strikes against Iran. Yates outlines how the administration is negotiating over Iran’s nuclear program even as it positions F‑35s, F‑22s, and other assets for what he describes as a “high likelihood” of targeted military action within the next two weeks. He explains that any strike would be aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities—not launching a full‑scale war—while regional powers aligned under the Abraham Accords weigh their own interests in the potential collapse of the Iranian regime.

The conversation then turns to the complex geopolitical landscape involving Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba, where Yates argues that the U.S. is using “smart power”—economic, political, and strategic pressure—to create conditions for gradual regime transformation without repeating the mistakes of Iraq. Clay and Buck press Yates on possible successors inside Iran, the role of the Iranian diaspora, and whether Gulf nations secretly prefer the current Ayatollah in power as a known, contained adversary. This leads into a moment of levity as they mock Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez’s widely panned appearance at the Munich Security Conference, where she struggled to answer a basic question about China–Taiwan tensions. Yates jokes that even a quick AI search would have prepared her better.

Dirty Dem Playbook

The James Talarico–Stephen Colbert controversy, which Clay and Buck argue has massively backfired on Democrats. They trace how CBS refused to air the Talarico interview over potential FCC equal‑time violations involving Texas Senate candidate Jasmine Crockett, but the decision instead triggered a “Streisand Effect”, catapulting Talarico to viral fame. CNN’s election data analyst Harry Enten confirms that Google searches for Talarico skyrocketed nationally and especially in Texas—over 1,100%—dramatically shifting prediction markets toward him in the upcoming Democratic primary. Clay argues that the real political victim is Jasmine Crockett, likening the situation to the Democratic Party “rigging” the 2016 primary against Bernie Sanders.

The Trans Trend

Karol Markowicz, co‑host in the Clay & Buck Podcast Network, who joins to analyze two high‑profile transgender‑related family mass murders—one in British Columbia and one in Rhode Island. The hosts argue that political activism and online rhetoric have normalized delusional thinking while discouraging honest discussions about mental health.  Markowicz highlights the sudden spike in youth identifying as transgender as a “social contagion,” noting huge differences in rates between states like New York and Florida. The segment also covers a groundbreaking legal development: NYU Langone halting gender-transition procedures for minors amid growing malpractice lawsuits, including a recent multimillion‑dollar jury award to a detransitioner.

The show then pivots to cultural commentary, including Markowicz's evaluation of Taylor Swift’s cultural power, where she agrees that Swift is comparable in scale to global icons like the Beatles and Madonna. Clay and Buck debate Swift’s influence across generations and joke about Clay’s much‑discussed mustache. The hosts also highlight uplifting Olympic news as Team USA men’s hockey star Quinn Hughes goes viral for calling America “the greatest country in the world” after scoring a sudden‑death goal over Sweden—one of the few unapologetically patriotic moments they say mainstream media rarely promotes anymore.

Pro-Trump Granny

Clay and Buck spotlight a powerful moment from President Trump’s Black History Month event at the White House, where an impassioned grandmother, Floresia Cook, went viral for defending Trump’s record on crime and public safety. They note Trump’s warm statements about Jesse Jackson following his passing. The hosts wrap with an economic update: 30‑year mortgage rates have hit a four‑year low, edging just above 6%,

1. White House Event & Grandmother’s Testimony

• A Washington, D.C. grandmother who lost her grandson in 2017 praised Donald Trump during a Black History Month event.
• She credited his administration for focusing on crime reduction and supporting her advocacy after her grandson’s murder.
• She expressed frustration with previous local responses and argued for harsher sentencing.
• The mainstream media is intentionally avoided showing this White House moment because it is portraying Trump positively.

2. Kash Patel's Earlier Statements (From White House Remarks)

• Kash Patel emphasized the FBI was “following the money” to combat violent groups, including Antifa.
• He described Antifa as part of organized criminal activity and domestic terrorism.
• Patel credited Trump and DOJ leadership for enabling aggressive investigations.
• He claimed the FBI was mapping financial networks tied to criminal conduct.
• Patel states investigators have now uncovered major Antifa funding streams.
• He discussed ongoing financial investigations into demonstrations linked to Antifa.
• He suggested details about donors and organizations might be released later.

3. Arrests and Prosecutions Mentioned

• Patel cites:
  • Over two dozen federal arrests related to “Portland”-type events.
  • Nineteen convictions for violent acts linked to Antifa.
  • A Texas federal trial involving nine defendants accused of attacking ICE personnel.
  • A 2023 Georgia case tied to the “Cop City” protests.

4. Funding Investigations

• The FBI is examining whether Antifa-related funding:
  • Flows through U.S.-based nonprofit groups.
  • Potentially involves foreign sources.
  • May include tax‑exempt organizations.
• Patel stresses the focus is strictly on violence-related support, not peaceful protest.

5. Organizational Discussions

• Although Antifa is widely described as decentralized, Patel says the FBI sees signs of structure such as:
  • Conferences
  • Local chapters
  • National networking
• He contrasts this with past officials who described Antifa as merely an “idea.”

6. Internal FBI Actions

• Patel says the FBI created a dedicated program to track financial backing of violent activity tied to Antifa.
• He describes using counterterrorism-style financial tracing techniques.

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1. Tribute to Robert Duvall

• Robert Duvall passed away at 95 years old.
• Hosts discuss his most iconic roles, including:
  • To Kill a Mockingbird (as Boo Radley)
  • The Godfather (as Tom Hagen)
  • Lonesome Dove
  • Apocalypse Now
  • Gone in 60 Seconds
  • Secondhand Lions
• Emphasis on Duvall’s legacy as one of the greatest American actors.
• Noted that Duvall chose not to have a funeral, instead asking people to enjoy a good movie.

2. Gavin Newsom Controversy

• A previous podcast episode involving Gavin Newsom.
• Newsom responded on social media, accusing Ted Cruz of attacking his dyslexia.
• Ted Cruz replied stating he called Newsom “historically illiterate,” not unable to read.
• Cruz references President Eisenhower federalizing the National Guard in 1957 as historical evidence contradicting Newsom's claim.
• We poke fun at Newsom’s reaction and discuss how social media posts performed online.
• Referenced AOC, Gretchen Whitmer, and Gavin Newsom attending a meeting in Munich 

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Buck's Book Launch!

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton give a reflective and emotional acknowledgment of the five‑year anniversary of Rush Limbaugh’s passing, honoring the legacy of the man whose influence built the foundation of the show’s audience. Clay and Buck describe the day as meaningful for longtime listeners and express gratitude for the community that followed Rush and now follows them. Producers Ali and Greg created a podcast honoring Rush in the Clay and Buck feed that features clips going back to the 90s and highlights many callers to the program. 

From there, the hour transitions into a major milestone: the release of Buck Sexton’s first book, Manufacturing Delusion. Buck explains the book’s themes—how the political left uses indoctrination, psychological manipulation, and propaganda to reshape public thinking—and shares insight into his CIA‑related experiences that informed several chapters. Clay encourages listeners to buy the book, noting its relevance to current political and cultural battles, especially surrounding issues of mental health, identity, and media manipulation.

The conversation pivots sharply into breaking national news: yet another mass shooting carried out by a transgender‑identifying individual. Clay details the disturbing pattern of recent trans‑identified shooters—in Nashville, Minneapolis, British Columbia, and now Rhode Island—and highlights what he calls alarming media dishonesty, such as outlets refusing to identify perpetrators by biological sex. The hosts describe the Rhode Island shooter, a biological male who transitioned late in life, abandoned his family, and ultimately murdered relatives at a public hockey event before killing others. Clay and Buck argue that cultural messaging about “affirmation” has normalized delusion rather than treating mental illness, and they question whether hormone‑related medications, untreated psychological disorders, or ideological extremism contribute to the rising violence. They emphasize that society would never affirm the hallucinations of someone with schizophrenia, so affirming gender‑identity delusions is not compassionate—it’s dangerous.

The Crazy Left

Congressman Jim Jordan, who joins to discuss the latest on Capitol Hill. Jordan outlines ongoing border‑security battles, sanctuary‑city policies, and potential legislation that would allow local law‑enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities even when state governments attempt to block them. He highlights the staggering number of criminal migrants released by sanctuary jurisdictions and the urgent need for federal preemption in immigration enforcement. Jordan also offers a broad strategic look at the upcoming midterms, arguing that Republicans must contrast their record of border security, economic growth, and school‑choice initiatives with what he calls the Democratic Party’s “normal versus crazy” policy agenda.

Before closing the interview, Clay and Buck ask Jordan about other trending issues, including the Winter Olympics and the viral curling controversy, which he humorously weighs in on. The hosts then return to a high‑profile national mystery: the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. They discuss the latest update—that a glove found near her home did not match DNA inside the house—and reflect on the outsized media attention the case continues to attract despite minimal new information. Clay suggests that America’s fascination with true‑crime storytelling, especially among female viewers, is driving the intense coverage even as actionable developments remain scarce.

It's Hard to Hate the Guy

Clay and Buck preview their upcoming trip to Texas for the first major primary of the 2026 cycle. They examine the high‑stakes Texas Senate race, noting the competitive three‑way Republican contest among John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and Wesley Hu