1. Government Shutdown and Federal Worker Pay

• The episode opens with a discussion of a government shutdown, referred to as the “Schumer shutdown.”
• Senator Cruz criticizes Democrats for voting against legislation that would have paid essential federal workers during the shutdown.
• He highlights specific Democratic senators who voted in favor (Warnock, Ossoff, Fetterman) and criticizes the rest for voting against it.
• Cruz emphasizes the impact on TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and military personnel, warning of potential travel disruptions and national security risks.
• He also notes that members of Congress continue to receive pay during the shutdown, though he claims to have requested his own pay be withheld.

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2. Rise of Antisemitism on the Right

• Cruz expresses concern about increasing antisemitism within conservative circles, particularly among younger people.
• He recounts his speech at a Christians United for Israel event, where he warned about the dangers of ignoring antisemitism on the right.
• He criticizes both the left and right for harboring antisemitic sentiments, but emphasizes a recent rise on the right.
• Cruz calls on church leaders and conservatives to actively oppose antisemitism and support Israel, citing national security interests and moral obligations.

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3. Opposition to Ambassador Nominee Amer Ghalib

• Cruz discusses his opposition to Amer Ghalib, a nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait.
• He criticizes Ghalib’s past statements, including praise for the Muslim Brotherhood and controversial social media activity.
• Cruz argues that Ghalib’s views are incompatible with U.S. foreign policy and President Trump’s positions, particularly regarding Israel and the Abraham Accords.
• He predicts that the nomination will likely be withdrawn due to bipartisan concerns.

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4. Religious Persecution in China

• The podcast concludes with a segment on the persecution of Christians in China, particularly the arrest of Pastor Jin Mingri and members of the Zion Church.
• Cruz condemns the Chinese Communist Party’s actions and calls for the U.S. to use diplomatic and economic pressure to advocate for religious freedom.
• He emphasizes the importance of the U.S. standing up for persecuted religious minorities globally.
• Cruz expresses hope that President Trump will raise the issue during an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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NBA Betting Scandal

 

One of the most explosive sports scandals in recent memory: a massive NBA betting and poker rigging investigation led by the FBI. Clay and Buck break down the details of a multi-year probe that resulted in over 30 arrests across 11 states, involving current and former NBA players and coaches, including Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups, former player and coach Damon Jones, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. The scandal spans illegal gambling operations, insider betting schemes, and mafia-run poker games using high-tech cheating devices like x-ray tables, contact lenses, and altered shuffling machines.

 

Clay explains how the FBI uncovered two interconnected cases: one involving the mob rigging high-stakes poker games with tens of millions of dollars at stake, and another exposing NBA players manipulating game performance for prop bets, such as Rozier allegedly leaving a game early after signaling insiders. The hosts discuss the staggering stupidity of risking a $26 million NBA salary for $200,000 in illicit winnings, and why legalized sports betting may actually help catch these schemes by flagging irregular wagering patterns.

 

Oppression Olympics

 

An in-depth look at the Virginia Governor’s race, dissecting conflicting polls on Abigail Spanberger and why Democrats are sounding alarms despite media narratives of a comfortable lead. The hosts mock MSNBC’s claim that Spanberger’s struggles stem from sexism, pointing out that she’s running against another woman and citing examples of women winning major races nationwide. They argue Democrats are leaning on identity politics rather than addressing policy failures.

 

The conversation pivots to Spanberger’s refusal to call for the resignation of Jay Jones, the Democratic Attorney General candidate embroiled in a text scandal advocating political violence. Clay warns Virginians that Spanberger is a far-left candidate masquerading as moderate, predicting radical policies on gender identity and sports if she wins. This leads to a fiery discussion on transgender athletes, spotlighting a shocking Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that unanimously allowed a male powerlifter to compete in women’s competitions, citing “human rights.” Clay and Buck slam this as emblematic of the left’s strategy to impose gender ideology through state power, comparing it to COVID-era mandates and warning of broader cultural consequences.

 

Rep. Jim Jordan 

 

The ongoing government shutdown, now in its 23rd day, with Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan joining the show to explain why Democrats are holding the line—fear of primaries from the far-left and leveraging issues like Obamacare subsidies. Jordan predicts the shutdown could last until November and blasts Democrats’ Trump Derangement Syndrome as a driving force.

 

Jordan also drops bombshell news: a criminal referral against former CIA Director John Brennan for allegedly lying under oath about the Steele dossier during the Russia investigation. He details evidence showing Brennan pushed for the dossier’s inclusion despite knowing it was unreliable, framing it as part of a broader pattern of anti-Trump bias. The discussion then shifts to Trump’s record in his second term, with Jordan calling it “the most impactful year of any presidency,” citing achievements on tax cuts, border security, Iran policy, and ending men in women’s sports.

 

The hour closes with a quick revisit of the NBA betting scandal, contrasting today’s corruption with Pete Rose’s infamous wagers, and a nuanced debate on whether athletes betting on themselves should be treated differently. Clay explains why leagues ban all player gambling to prevent debt-driven corruption, noting referees as historically vulnerable due to lower salaries.

 

Gov't Shutdown Realities

 

The latest on the government shutdown, now stretching into weeks, as Clay and Buck dissect explosive remarks from Democratic House Whip Katherine Clark, who admitted the shutdown is being used as “leverage.” Speaker of the House Mike Johnson fires back, accusing Democrats of holding American families hostage to push for $200 billion in Obamacare subsidies and benefits for illegal

1. Purpose of the Sanctions

• The sanctions aim to cripple Russia’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine by targeting its oil revenue, which is a major source of economic and military support.
• The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control stated the move is intended to degrade Russia’s war machine and economy.

2. Political Context

• The sanctions follow a canceled meeting between Trump and Putin, signaling rising tensions and frustration.
• Trump’s administration is positioning this as a shift toward “peace through strength”, emphasizing economic pressure over diplomacy.

3. Economic Implications

• Russia may be forced to lower oil prices or reduce production, both of which would hurt its economy.
• The sanctions could lead to global oil price spikes and affect energy markets.
• The effectiveness depends on international coordination, especially with major buyers like India and China.

4. Domestic Political Support

• There is bipartisan support in Congress for the sanctions.
• Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Mullin both expressed strong backing, framing the move as overdue and necessary.
• Trump described the sanctions as “very big and tremendous,” indicating a serious escalation.

5. Strategic Considerations

• The podcast suggests this is just the first step in a broader strategy, potentially including:
  • Secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil.
  • Tariffs on Russian oil imports.
  • Military aid to Ukraine via European purchases.

6. Diplomatic Messaging

• The sanctions are also framed as a lever for diplomacy, with calls for a ceasefire.
• Trump’s rhetoric and canceled meeting with Putin reflect a hardening stance after failed diplomatic efforts.

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1. DOJ Subpoenas and Alleged Political Surveillance

• Senator Cruz reveals that Jack Smith, Special Counsel under the Biden DOJ, subpoenaed his phone records as part of an investigation into events surrounding January 6th.
• Cruz was not initially listed among the nine Republican senators whose records were obtained because his phone provider, AT&T, refused to comply with the subpoena, citing constitutional protections under the Speech and Debate Clause.
• The DOJ reportedly obtained records from Verizon for other senators, including Marsha Blackburn, Ron Johnson, Josh Hawley, and Lindsey Graham.
• Cruz and Ferguson characterize the subpoenas as a politically motivated fishing expedition, lacking criminal justification.

2. Concerns Over Abuse of Power

• Cruz argues this represents a dangerous precedent of the executive branch spying on legislative members.
• He calls for hearings and investigations to uncover who authorized the subpoenas and to prevent future abuses.
• The operation is referred to as “Arctic Frost”, which Cruz likens to a modern-day Watergate.

3. Meeting with Donald Trump at the White House

• Cruz recounts a lunch with Trump and other Republican senators, where Trump showcased renovations to the Rose Garden and plans for a new ballroom.
• The upgrades are privately funded, not taxpayer-funded, yet have drawn criticism from Democrats.
• Trump also distributed personalized gifts (e.g., challenge coins, golf towels, M&Ms) and joked about naming a room the “Monica Lewinsky Room.”

4. Government Shutdown

• Cruz discusses the ongoing government shutdown, blaming Democrats for refusing to vote to reopen.
• He notes that only three Democrats have supported reopening efforts, despite impacts on TSA agents and air traffic controllers.
• He predicts that retiring Democrats may eventually break ranks to end the shutdown.

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It's All Gonna Be Okay

 

Reflections on the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 21st day, framing it as a result of Democratic obstructionism. Clay and Buck also discuss President Donald Trump's $250 million White House ballroom renovation, joking about Clay’s dancing skills and the broader implications of the renovation.

 

A major segment focuses on the broken ceasefire in Gaza, with Buck emphasizing that Hamas remains unchanged and peace is impossible while its leadership remains intact. The hosts also highlight Judge Jeanine Pirro’s defense of Edward “Big Balls,” a man who intervened in a carjacking incident, portraying him as a patriotic hero.

The show then shifts to political media, mocking Karine Jean-Pierre’s book and criticizing the broader trend of Biden administration officials publishing memoirs. Clay and Buck argue that these books reveal a lack of awareness or integrity regarding President Biden’s cognitive decline.

 

A significant portion of Hour 1 centers on the heated New York City mayoral race. Curtis Sliwa refuses to drop out despite pressure, which Clay argues will ensure the election of progressive candidate “Mamdani.” The hosts debate whether Andrew Cuomo would be a better alternative and explore the strategic implications for the Republican Party. They suggest that a Momani victory could benefit national GOP efforts by making far-left politics more visible and unpopular in battleground states. The discussion includes commentary on Bill Ackman, down-ballot Republican candidates, and the broader impact on upstate New York.

 

NYC Mayor's Race

 

New York City mayoral race, where Curtis Sliwa faces mounting pressure to drop out to prevent a victory by far-left candidate Zohran Mamdani. The New York Post’s front-page plea for Sliwa to “just walk away” underscores the urgency felt by conservatives. Buck and Clay debate whether Andrew Cuomo would be a better alternative, despite his controversial record on bail reform and COVID-19 policies. They also discuss the broader political ramifications, suggesting that a Mamdani win could energize Republican campaigns in New Jersey, Virginia, and beyond.

 

Stripper Teachers

 

The fallout from a Chicago elementary school teacher who made a gesture mimicking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a “No Kings” protest. Clay argues that public school teachers should be held to a moral standard and that such behavior warrants termination. This sparks a lively debate with listeners calling in to defend or challenge the idea, including humorous and serious takes on whether teachers should be allowed to moonlight as strippers or work at Hooters.

 

The hosts also revisit the Jimmy Kimmel controversy and the broader issue of free speech versus professional accountability. They emphasize that First Amendment protections do not guarantee immunity from consequences in the workplace, especially when public trust is at stake. This leads into a discussion of COVID-era hypocrisy, including the absurd restrictions placed on athletes like Kyrie Irving and the shifting public narrative around vaccine mandates. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is praised for acknowledging that Kyrie was right to resist the COVID shot, a stance that was once widely condemned.

 

Dishonest Democrats

 

Trump’s East Wing renovation, including a ballroom project and a humorous historical anecdote about JFK’s infamous White House pool parties. The hosts use this to critique the media’s long-standing romanticization of Democratic figures like JFK and FDR, highlighting how past administrations manipulated public perception with the help of a compliant press.

 

The conversation shifts to Trump’s speech on the shutdown, where he praises OMB Director Russ Vought—nicknamed “Darth Vader”—for cutting Democrat priorities and wasteful spending. Clay and Buck argue that the shutdown has allowed the administration to eliminate unnecessary programs, particularly in blue states, and that Democrats are struggling to justify their resistance. They mock Chuck Schumer’s attempt to frame the shutdown as a Republican failure, labeling it the “Schumer Shutdown” and pointin

1. Immigration Enforcement

• 480,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested in the first nine months of Trump’s administration.
• 70% of those arrested had criminal convictions or pending charges.
• Specific cases of individuals with serious criminal histories (e.g., murder, sexual assault, DUI) who were deported or incarcerated.

2. Sanctuary Cities & Political Opposition

• Sanctuary cities and the “radical left” are protecting illegal immigrants.
• Frames Democrats as obstructing law enforcement and enabling crime.

3. Law and Order Narrative

• Trump’s efforts to make cities safer, including Memphis, Portland, Washington D.C., and Chicago.
• The deployment of the National Guard and a favorable ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, allow Trump to send troops to Portland.

4. Violence Against Law Enforcement

• “1000% increase” in violence against police due to anti-cop rhetoric.
• Incidents such as a shooting at an ICE facility and threats against law enforcement officers, including bounties placed on officials.

5. Public Opinion & Polling

• 54% of Americans support deporting illegal immigrants.
• 78% want criminal illegal aliens brought to justice.

6. Media Criticism

• MSNBC and other liberal outlet's reaction to Trump’s policies and court victories.
• The mainstream media is biased and resistant to Trump’s agenda.

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1. Allegations of George Soros Funding Anti-Trump “No Kings” Rallies

• Ben and Sen Cruz explain that recent anti-Trump rallies, branded as “No Kings,” were not grassroots movements but were funded by George Soros through his Open Society Foundations.
• They cite financial connections between Soros and progressive organizations like Indivisible, which allegedly helped organize the rallies.
• The podcast criticizes the rallies as being “AstroTurf” (fake grassroots), lacking diversity, and driven by radical left-wing ideology.
• Cruz introduces the “Stop Funders Act”, a proposed bill that would add rioting as a predicate act under the RICO Act, allowing prosecutors to target those who fund violent protests.

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2. Mass Killing of Christians in Nigeria

• Cruz highlights the mass murder of over 50,000 Christians in Nigeria since 2009, allegedly by extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS in West Africa.
• He accuses the Nigerian government of either ignoring or enabling the violence, citing reports from the U.S. State Department and other sources.
• Cruz has introduced legislation to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials complicit in the violence.
• The podcast criticizes mainstream media for ignoring the crisis, and includes supportive comment

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1. Middle East Peace Agreement & U.S. Foreign Policy

• The discussion opens with praise for Donald Trump’s foreign policy—his “peace through strength” approach ended a two-year war, freed hostages, and prevented global instability.

• Trump is decisive and feared by America’s enemies (Iran, Hamas, China, Russia), contrasting with Biden, whom they describe as “weak and appeasing.”

• Historical examples (ISIS defeat, strikes on Iranian targets, anti-Houthi and anti-Venezuelan actions) are cited as evidence of Trump’s assertive leadership.

2. Government Shutdown

• The conversation blames Democrats—specifically Senator Chuck Schumer—for the “Schumer Shutdown.”

• The speakers argue Republicans are trying to reopen the government, while Democrats obstruct funding.

• They highlight political theater surrounding an upcoming rally (“No King’s Rally”) and accuse Democrats of prioritizing political optics over public service.

• There’s commentary on Congressional pay during shutdowns, with a contrast drawn between Cruz “refusing his paycheck” and Democrats “continuing to collect theirs.”

3. Charlie Kirk’s Death & Legacy

• This section memorializes Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, fictionalized here as assassinated and posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump.

• We explore Christian forgiveness, with Kirk’s widow, Erica, forgiving Kirk's killer during the televised service.

• The narrative blends religious devotion, martyrdom, and political faith, presenting Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom,” comparable to figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Lincoln, and Saint Peter.

• Trump’s and Erica’s differing views on “loving one’s enemies” are discussed as a theological and moral moment.

4. Interview with Eric Trump

• The final part is a conversation with Eric Trump, discussing:

  • Legal battles faced by the Trump family (naming prosecutors like Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, Fani Willis, and Jack Smith).

  • Financial strain (“$400 million defending ourselves against nonsense”).

  • Perceived bias and corruption in the justice system.

• We then shift to personal reflections on Donald Trump as a father:

  • Emphasis on discipline, hard work, no substance use, and humility despite wealth

• The Book and Its Premise (Order Eric's new Book HERE!)
  

  • Under Siege is presented as Eric Trump’s account of what is “the greatest governmental corruption this nation has ever seen.”

  • Trump and is family were victims of political persecution, media bias, and systemic weaponization of institutions.

• Claims of Government “Weaponization”

  • Eric Trump accuses the DOJ, FBI, and state-level prosecutors (Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, Jack Smith, etc.) of targeting his family for political reasons.

  • He recounts the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago as an overreach and describes it as “staged” and politically motivated.

  • Mentions being “the most subpoenaed man in history,” claiming to have received over 100 subpoenas.

• Debanking and Corporate Retaliation

  • Eric Trump says that hundreds of bank accounts belonging to Trump businesses and affiliates were closed due to political pressure.

  • Specific banks named: Capital One, JP Morgan, Bank of America, First Republic.

  • He frames this as an example of private-sector “weaponization” against conservatives.

• Financial and Legal Struggles

  • The family spent around $400 million defending themselves from investigations and lawsuits.

  • Describes how banks, courts, and insurance companies were allegedly pressured to avoid doing business with the Trump Organization.

• Personal Reflections and Family Dynamics

  • Speaks warmly of his father as a calm, strong leader under pressure and a strict but loving parent.

  • Emphasizes a childhood of discipline, work ethic, and learning through labor rather than wealth.

  • Contrasts the Trump family’s “moral integrity” with Hunter Biden’s alleged misconduct.

• Political and Cultural Commentary

  • Denounces DEI initiatives, “wokeness,” and progressive policies as threats to American values.

  • Frames the Trump family’s experience as symbolic of a broader national struggle between conservatives and “corrupt elites.”

  • Presents cryptocurrency as a form of financial freedom against institutional control.

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