Verdict with Ted Cruz

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jan 22 2026 Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

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.

Church Protest Precedence

The arrest of an organizer tied to the anti‑ICE church disruption in Minnesota, announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The hosts react to DOJ confirmation that Nekima Levy-Armstrong (identified by Bondi as a key organizer) was arrested for allegedly coordinating an attack on a church service in St. Paul. Clay and Buck emphasize the speed and clarity of the DOJ’s action, praising the Department of Justice for responding quickly with a charge backed by evidence rather than performative outrage. They contrast the arrest with pre‑arrest media appearances in which the organizer claimed the church protest was “peaceful,” arguing that video evidence flatly contradicts that narrative.

Hour 1 of the program breaks down the legal foundation for the arrest, including laws protecting religious services from disruption. Buck explains that statutes originally designed to protect churches—historically justified by Democrats as safeguards against extremist interference—are now being enforced against left‑wing activists. Clay and Buck argue this represents an “open‑and‑shut” case where probable cause is clear, while cautioning that conviction still depends on a Minneapolis jury.

Black Lives Mattered to Trump

Clay points out one of the most underreported accomplishments of Trump’s second term: a historic drop in violent crime nationwide. Citing newly released data, the hosts highlight that the U.S. murder rate has fallen to its lowest level since 1900, with murders down 21% year‑over‑year, the largest single‑year decline ever recorded. They spotlight staggering city‑level declines, including Washington, D.C. and Omaha, both seeing murders drop by roughly 40%, and argue these results reflect a nationwide return to law‑and‑order policies.

Clay and Buck stress that these statistics carry particular significance for Black communities, noting that reductions in violent crime overwhelmingly translate into lives saved among populations most affected by homicide. Clay argues that Trump has, by policy outcomes rather than rhetoric, done more to save Black lives than any modern president—an assertion they say stands in direct contradiction to activist narratives that oppose enforcement‑focused policing.

FOFO

Multiple Minneapolis church protesters have now been arrested, with Attorney General Pam Bondi announcing additional suspects taken into custody. Clay and Buck focus on reports from CBS News and The Daily Wire that a federal judge refused to sign a criminal complaint allowing Don Lemon to be arrested, despite DOJ efforts. The hosts argue this judicial refusal underscores a growing concern about politicization within the courts, especially when contrasted with how aggressively Trump allies were previously prosecuted. They note that, despite early attempts to downplay the incident, Democrats appear to have abandoned public defense of the protesters due to the overwhelmingly negative optics of storming a church service.

A core discussion in Hour 2 of the program centers on sanctuary city policies and obstruction of immigration enforcement. Clay and Buck explain that Minneapolis leadership—including Mayor Jacob Frey—has openly refused to cooperate with ICE, even in cases involving violent offenders already in custody. The hosts argue this refusal forces federal agents into more visible enforcement actions and directly fuels unrest, while also potentially violating the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. They emphasize that refusing to enforce federal law is not passive resistance but deliberate obstruction.

Mayor Jacob Frey claims ICE operations exist solely to “terrorize” communities. Buck sharply disputes those claims, arguing the mayor is misrepresenting facts and ignoring his own refusal to cooperate with federal authorities. They contrast Frey’s statements with DOJ actions targeting protesters who openly challenged and taunted federal officials, including one individual who dared Attorney General Bondi to arrest him—only to be taken into custody hours later.

Davos Drama

Humor and commentary about California Governor Gavin Newsom’s failed Davos appearance, before welcoming Katie Zacharia, a California political and legal analyst, to unpack Newsom’s national ambitions and the state of Democratic politics on the West Coast. Zacharia explains that Newsom traveled to Davos largely to troll President Donald Trump, only to be politically sidelined as Trump advanced what she describes as a historic Greenland and Arctic security agreement. The discussion frames Newsom as the Democrats’ likely 2028 presidential front‑runner, despite what Zacharia characterizes as weak policy substance and declining credibility outside coastal blue states. Clay and Buck examine polling odds showing Newsom far ahead of other Democratic contenders and debate whether his polished media style could translate into national electability against potential Republican nominees such as J.D. Vance or Marco Rubio.

Hour 3 of the program also explores California’s deep internal struggles, including speculation around potential successors to Newsom such as Eric Swalwell, whom Zacharia argues is politically and legally unviable due to residency issues and extreme policy rhetoric toward ICE. The conversation expands into California’s broader political decline, including discussions of wealth taxes, billionaire flight to states like Florida, high energy costs, and voter identification laws. Zacharia emphasizes that voter ID reform is the most realistic path for Republicans to regain statewide competitiveness in California, calling it an overwhelmingly popular issue even among Democratic voters.

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BONUS POD: Trump Was Negotiating While the Media Was Lying Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

1. Claimed Greenland/Arctic Framework Deal

President Trump announced a framework for a future agreement involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region, reached through discussions with NATO leadership and U.S. allies.
This is not a military action or invasion, but a diplomatic and security-oriented arrangement still under development.
The deal is framed as long‑term (“forever”), contrasting it with past time‑limited international agreements.

2. Focus on Arctic Security and Strategic Competition

The core justification presented is national and allied security, particularly limiting Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
China’s has a stated interest in Arctic dominance and the deal is preemptive containment.
Greenland is described as strategically important due to geography, security positioning, and mineral resources.

3. Denial of Military Intent

A central theme is the explicit rejection of military force as a means of acquiring Greenland.
Claims of potential invasion were misinformation spread by media and political opponents.
Trump is quoted as saying military action would not be necessary.

4. Use of Economic Leverage (Tariffs)

Trump used tariff threats against European allies as negotiating leverage.
The subsequent removal of tariff threats is evidence that diplomacy succeeded.
This approach is intentional pressure rather than economic aggression.

5. Rejection of Media and Democratic Narratives

- Predicting war or invasion
- Mischaracterizing Trump’s intentions
- Ignoring diplomatic outcomes

6. Introduction of a “Board of Peace” Concept

Separate from Greenland, the document introduces Trump’s idea to create a “Board of Peace”.
This proposed body is an alternative or supplement to the United Nations, which is ineffective.

7. Critique of the United Nations

The UN has had historical failures in:
- Rwanda
- Syria
- China’s treatment of Uyghurs
- Iran’s protest crackdowns
- Myanmar
- Sudan
Veto power and authoritarian influence render the UN ineffective.
We need a new peace mechanism under U.S. leadership.

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BONUS POD: Civil War Inside the Democratic Party Erupts Over ICE Enforcement Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

1. Portrayal of ICE Operations

ICE arrests in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul) are presented as targeting violent criminal offenders, including:
- Registered sex offenders
- Individuals accused of rape
- Individuals with histories of domestic violence, DUI, and sexual assault
These individuals were previously free due to local non‑cooperation with ICE.
ICE is described as fulfilling its intended mission of removing dangerous criminals from communities.

2. Criticism of Democratic Leadership

Minnesota Democratic officials (mayors, city council members, state leaders)
National Democratic figures (Chuck Schumer, Chris Van Hollen, Tina Smith, Stacey Abrams, Jon Ossoff)

Key accusations include:

Shielding criminal undocumented immigrants
Encouraging or excusing obstruction of ICE operations
Falsely portraying ICE as abusive or authoritarian
Refusing to condemn protests that allegedly crossed legal or ethical lines (e.g., disrupting church services)

3. Depiction of Internal Democratic Conflict

There is a “civil war” within the Democratic Party:
- One faction allegedly wants to abolish ICE outright
- Another faction purportedly wants to soften rhetoric while effectively achieving the same outcome
Democrats are accused of strategically “humanizing criminals” and “dehumanizing ICE agents” to influence public perception.

4. Framing of Protests and Activism

Protesters opposing ICE are described as:
- “Far‑left,” “radical,” or “deranged”
- Protecting criminals rather than communities
Protests at or inside churches are portrayed as violations of social and religious norms.
Democratic officials are criticized for characterizing these protests as mostly peaceful and justified.

5. Media and Narrative Control

- Mainstream and local media underreport crimes committed by arrested undocumented immigrants
- Media figures fail to challenge false or extreme claims made about ICE
ICE agents are framed as unfairly maligned while operating under hostile political conditions.

6. Broader Ideological Framing

The Democratic Party is portrayed as influenced by:
- Marxism, socialism, and communism
- Anti‑police and anti‑law‑enforcement ideology
References to Hitler, Hugo Chávez, and authoritarianism are used to argue that left‑wing populism is dangerous and historically problematic.

7. Pro‑Trump and Law‑and‑Order Message

Donald Trump is:
- A defender of law enforcement
- A counterweight to radical left activism
Voter support for Trump is driven by a desire for public safety, border enforcement, and accountability.

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jan 20 2026 Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

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

Going After Greenland

Reaction to the College Football National Championship, where Indiana defeated Miami in a game Clay Travis and Buck Sexton attended in person alongside President Donald Trump. The hosts describe the atmosphere as overwhelmingly pro‑Indiana despite Miami hosting, highlight Trump’s appearance during the national anthem, and reflect on what they characterize as a renewed sense of public patriotism at major American sporting events.

A deep dive into President Trump’s escalating push to acquire Greenland, which Clay and Buck frame as one of the most consequential and unexpected foreign‑policy stories of the moment. They analyze Trump’s comments asserting that Denmark cannot adequately defend the territory, his insistence that the U.S. “has to have it” for national security reasons, and prediction‑market odds placing roughly a 50‑50 chance on American control of at least part of Greenland in the near future. The hosts connect the potential acquisition to U.S. military strategy, Arctic dominance, rare‑earth minerals, long‑term resource access, and historical precedents like the Louisiana Purchase and the Alaska deal.

Exploring the U.S. military presence at Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) and NATO reactions, including symbolic European military drills. Clay and Buck argue these gestures have not deterred Trump, who has elevated Greenland as a headline issue ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos. They discuss Trump’s negotiating style—starting with seemingly outrageous positions to force concessions—and speculate on territorial status, sovereignty questions, and whether Greenland’s small population could eventually vote to become a U.S. territory under existing American territorial law.

Trump 2.0

An evaluation of President Donald Trump’s first year in his second term, marking the one‑year anniversary of Trump’s return to office and the official start of Trump 2.0 Year Two. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton frame this hour as a turning point—from executing the campaign agenda to actively selling Trump’s record ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, which the hosts describe as the final national referendum on Trump’s presidency.

Clay outlines eight major accomplishments of Trump’s second term so far, led by the most secure southern border in U.S. history, followed by record‑high stock prices, strong GDP growth, declining inflation despite tariffs, historic murder declines, collapsing fentanyl overdose deaths, falling mortgage rates, and four‑year‑low gas prices. Clay and Buck argue these metrics reflect decisive leadership and policy execution, even as they acknowledge lingering economic frustration among voters due to residual inflation from prior administrations. Listener polls and talkbacks show overwhelming support from Trump voters, with most grading the president’s first year an “A.”

Oppression Narratives

A major cultural segment in Hour 2 examines what Clay and Buck describe as modern left‑wing victimhood narratives, sparked by comments made on The View by actress Pam Grier claiming she witnessed lynchings as a child in Ohio. The hosts dissect historical data showing the claim is impossible given Grier’s birth year and Ohio’s documented history. They argue the story reflects a broader media failure to challenge false narratives that reinforce ideological grievance politics, highlighting how such claims go unchallenged on mainstream television. This discussion expands into a deeper breakdown of historical lynching data, including distinctions between frontier justice, mob violence, and formal definitions used by organizations like the NAACP. Buck emphasizes that lynching history is often misrepresented for political impact, while Clay argues objective reality and historical context must matter in public discourse.

Why Greenland Matters

A detailed discussion of Greenland and geopolitics, which Clay and Buck describe as one of the most important foreign‑policy themes emerging ahead of Davos. They respond to statements from European leaders, including the European Commission and Danish officials, rejecting any U.S. claim to Greenland. Clay and Buck outline Trump’s strategic rationale, focusing on Arctic security, resource access, emerging shipping lanes, and historical precedents such as the U.S. purchase of Alaska and the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark. They argue Trump envisions a negotiated, voluntary territorial arrangement rather than military action, potentially involving direct payments and a referendum among Greenland’s population.

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BONUS POD: DHS Arrests 10K Criminal Illegals in Minneapolis ALONE! Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

1. Central Claim of the Narrative

Over 10,000 “criminal illegal aliens” have been arrested in Minneapolis alone, with:
- 3,000 arrests in the past six weeks
- 70% tied to violent crimes
These arrests are attributed to DHS and ICE operations under the Trump administration.

2. Crimes Described

The arrests are said to include individuals accused of:

Murder
Rape
Child sexual offenses
Other violent felonies

This is the “worst of the worst” offenders and the arrests are a major public safety victory.

3. Accusations Against Minnesota Leadership:

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

of the following:

Failing to protect public safety
Undermining federal immigration enforcement
Encouraging hostility toward ICE
Obstructing law enforcement through public statements

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating both officials for allegedly impeding federal law enforcement, though it acknowledges:

The investigation is in early stages
No subpoenas or charges are confirmed

4. Allegations of Massive Financial Fraud

At least $19 billion in fraud tied to Minneapolis alone
Federal investigators are conducting large‑scale financial investigations
Some funds went to terrorist organizations (e.g., Al‑Shabab)

5. This Federal Case also includes:

Ties to the Feeding Our Future organization:

Is a real federal investigation in Minnesota
Involves approximately $250 million in alleged pandemic-era food program fraud
Has resulted in charges against 70 individuals (between 2022–2024)

6. Media Bias Argument

CBS and CNN are deliberately misleading the public
Journalists are accused of:
- Lying about arrest numbers
- Downplaying criminal activity
- Framing DOJ actions as “intimidation”

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Iran Revolution-Why this is Different...Trump is not Obama Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

1. Role of Popular Uprising

Millions of Iranians are described as actively protesting against the ruling clerical regime.
The movement is portrayed as organic, domestic, and secular, not Islamist or anti‑Western.
Economic collapse is identified as the primary catalyst rather than a single political trigger.
Protesters are framed as the legitimate engine of change, with the U.S. positioned as a supporter rather than the instigator.

2. Economic Collapse as a Destabilizer

Hyperinflation and currency collapse (rial exceeding 1,000,000 to the dollar) have crippled daily life.
Bazaar closures, labor strikes (notably in energy), and widespread shortages are presented as systemic stressors.
Low global oil prices weaken Iran’s primary revenue source, limiting the regime’s ability to fund repression and foreign proxies.

3. U.S. Policy Contrast: Trump vs. Obama/Biden

There is a sharp contrast between:
- Obama/Biden: Characterized as conciliatory, passive, and supportive of engagement (e.g., Iran nuclear deal).
- Trump: Portrayed as deterrence‑focused, confrontational, and openly supportive of regime change.
Trump’s public endorsement of a “new government” in Iran is framed as unprecedented and strategically consequential.

4. Deterrence Without Occupation

We reject a large‑scale military invasion.
Instead, we support:
- Targeted military strikes (e.g., nuclear facilities, IRGC leadership)
- Covert operations
- Clear deterrent threats against mass repression
The killing of Qasem Soleimani is highlighted as a key inflection point that shattered regime confidence.

5. Iran’s Strategic Weakness

Iran’s air defenses and regional influence are described as severely degraded.
Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxies have been decapitated or weakened.
The regime is increasingly isolated as allies (Venezuela, Syria, Russia) face their own crises.

6. Internal Regime Fractures

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is portrayed as a potential kingmaker or coup actor.
The text suggests the IRGC:
- Controls vast economic assets
- Is deeply unpopular with the public
- May abandon the clerical leadership to preserve its own power
A coup becomes likely if U.S. pressure and labor strikes converge.

7. Information Control and Fear

Internet shutdowns and communication blackouts are signs of regime panic.
Supreme Leader Khamenei fears internal reform more than outright confrontation, drawing parallels to Soviet collapse.

9. Broader Geopolitical Context

Iran’s situation is linked to potential domino effects in Venezuela and Cuba.
Energy independence and low oil prices are framed as key U.S. national security tools.
The moment is compared to the fall of the Berlin Wall, suggesting a possible systemic collapse of authoritarian regimes without U.S. ground wars.

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Regime Change Isn’t a Dirty Word, a Meeting with Machado & the Soldiers Who Changed a Hemisphere Week In Review Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

1. Support for Regime Change Without “Boots on the Ground”

Regime change can be morally and strategically justified when it leads to the fall of tyrannical or hostile regimes (e.g., Soviet Union, Iran).
Strongly distinguishes between:
- Non-military or indirect regime change (diplomatic pressure, moral support, rhetoric, economic pressure)
- Full-scale military invasions, which the speaker opposes based on lessons from Iraq and Libya.
Frames “regime change” as a concept unfairly discredited due to past U.S. military failures.

2. Historical Analogy: Reagan and the Cold War

Ronald Reagan is a model:
- “Peace through strength,” rebuilding the military without large-scale invasions.
- Moral clarity and public rhetoric (e.g., “evil empire,” “tear down this wall”) are catalysts for systemic collapse.
The power of words and leadership signaling can inspire dissidents inside authoritarian regimes.

3. Iran as an Active Enemy of the United States

Iran is fundamentally different from prior dictatorships:
- Actively funds terrorism targeting Americans
- Governed by a theocratic regime portrayed as irredeemable
Open U.S. rhetorical and moral support for Iranian protesters and dissidents.
Acknowledges uncertainty and risks following a revolution but argues the status quo is worse.

4. Venezuela: Engagement With María Corina Machado

A bipartisan Senate meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado following her meeting with President Trump.
Highlights her strategic emphasis on:
- U.S. unity
- Avoiding partisan attacks on Trump
She is an effective, pragmatic opposition leader acting in Venezuela’s national interest.
Strong ties between U.S. senators and Venezuelan communities, especially in Florida and Texas.

5. Trump’s Role in Global Opposition Movements

Donald Trump’s leadership and rhetoric is a motivating force behind opposition movements in:
- Iran
- Venezuela
- Cuba
These three countries are simultaneously nearing potential regime collapse or elections.
Claims this could represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall, while acknowledging high risks.

6. Military Operation Against Maduro (U.S. Arrest)

A recent military raid targeting Nicolás Maduro:
- Maduro described as being protected by Cuban military forces
- Operation allegedly resulted in:
  - No American fatalities
  - Multiple enemy combatant deaths
The Senator visited three wounded U.S. soldiers recovering in San Antonio.
Emphasizing:
- Their bravery
- Their role in “changing the Western Hemisphere”
- Symbolic gestures (retrieving bullets/shrapnel as mementos)

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Inside the Room with the Heroic Soldiers Wounded in the Maduro Raid & with Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

1. Visit with U.S. Soldiers Wounded in the Maduro Raid

Senator Ted Cruz visits three U.S. soldiers wounded during a raid intended to arrest Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
All soldiers are recovering in stable condition and none suffered life‑threatening injuries.
One soldier helped plan and lead the raid and continued fighting after being shot.
Two soldiers requested keepsakes from their injuries (a bullet and shrapnel), which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved as a morale gesture.
Emphasis on:
- Heroism and discipline of U.S. forces
- No American fatalities despite being outnumbered
- Significant Cuban forces defending Maduro were reportedly killed

2. Symbolism and Morale

Soldiers and their families (wives present) showed strong morale and faith.
Soldiers expressed eagerness to return to duty.
A former commanding officer expressed regret at missing the mission, reinforcing camaraderie and pride.

3. Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado

Cruz met with Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader now living in exile in the United States.
Machado:
- Previously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
- Met with President Donald Trump at the White House
- Symbolically presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize as gratitude for U.S. support

4. Political Situation in Venezuela

Widespread celebration in Venezuela following Maduro’s removal.
Some political prisoners released, though still monitored.
Current acting leadership (Delcy Rodríguez) is described as illegitimate and a continuation of the Maduro regime.
Machado strongly advocates for:
- Free and fair elections
- A swift election timeline (Cruz suggests within six months)

5. Bipartisan Senate Meeting

Machado met with about a dozen U.S. senators, including Republicans and Democrats.
Cruz praises her decision to pursue bipartisan unity instead of partisan attacks.
Unity from the U.S. is portrayed as critical for Venezuela’s democratic transition.

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jan 15 2026 Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

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

You're Fired!

Clay and Buck open with breaking news of another ICE-involved shooting after agents were attacked during an arrest operation. The suspects—identified as Venezuelan illegal immigrants with final deportation orders—reportedly assaulted an officer, prompting him to fire in self-defense. This follows a string of violent confrontations and protests targeting federal agents, with ICE vehicles vandalized and weapons stolen from government vehicles. The hosts warn that Minneapolis has become the epicenter of Resistance 2.0, echoing the chaos of the 2020 BLM riots, and argue that President Trump must act decisively to prevent nationwide unrest.

The conversation intensifies as Clay and Buck analyze Trump’s Truth Social post threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials fail to stop organized attacks on federal law enforcement. They frame this as a defining moment for Trump’s second term, contrasting his current posture with what they call the missed opportunity to crush BLM riots in 2020. Buck emphasizes that Democrats are weaponizing immigration enforcement as a political wedge, portraying ICE as “Gestapo” and encouraging obstruction—language that, they argue, incites violence against officers. Clay underscores the stakes: Trump cannot afford to break faith with voters on border security, making Minneapolis a “crucible decision” for his presidency.

The Left Wants to Abolish ICE

Clay and Buck open with sharp analysis of Rep. Shri Thanedar’s renewed call to abolish ICE, reviving a radical slogan first championed by AOC during Trump’s first term. They argue that Democrats’ strategy is clear: dismantle enforcement while keeping immigration laws on the books to avoid openly admitting their open borders agenda. This, they contend, is part of a long-term plan to reshape America’s demographics and political landscape.

The hosts highlight Trump’s historic success in reversing decades of migration trends, noting that net migration turned negative in 2025 for the first time since the 1920s. Approximately 2.6 million illegal immigrants left the country through deportations and self-removal, a stark contrast to Biden’s border surge that saw monthly inflows soar to 200,000. Clay and Buck frame this as proof that Trump’s enforcement policies are working, even as Democrats and media allies attempt to undermine ICE operations by portraying agents as brutal and lawless. They warn that rhetoric from figures like Hakeem Jeffries—accusing ICE of “brutalizing American families”—is fueling hostility and setting the stage for violence against federal officers, echoing the chaos of 2020’s BLM riots.

Gov't Makes Things Expensive

The conversation then pivots to Trump’s new “Great Healthcare Plan,” unveiled by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, which emphasizes affordability and transparency. The plan aims to permanently lower prescription drug prices, redirect subsidies from insurers to consumers, mandate public price disclosures to eliminate surprise bills, and hold insurance companies accountable with clear rate comparisons. Clay and Buck stress that Trump learned from Republicans’ 2018 midterm losses over healthcare and is now positioning affordability—alongside housing and credit card interest reform—as a cornerstone of his economic message. They argue that Trump’s proactive approach on healthcare and cost-of-living issues could resonate deeply with voters, contrasting his market-driven solutions with Democrats’ push for government control.

Should We Buy Greenland?

Updates on President Trump’s Greenland acquisition push, following high-level meetings between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials at the White House. Clay and Buck explain Trump’s rationale for pursuing Greenland as a long-term national security asset, citing its strategic Arctic location, potential mineral wealth, and historical parallels to Seward’s purchase of Alaska and the Louisiana Purchase. They argue that Greenland could be critical for monitoring nuclear submarine activity and countering Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, framing Trump’s vision as a century-long play for American dominance rather than a short-term real estate flip.

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BONUS POD: Iran Threatens Trump w Assassination plus Doctor can't answer 'Can Men Get Pregnant?' Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

1. Situation in Iran

Mass Killings & Crackdown: Thousands have reportedly been killed or abducted by the Iranian regime during protests.
U.S. Response:
- President Trump and the White House are applying maximum pressure on Iran.
- Actions include canceling meetings with Iranian officials, imposing a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran, and signaling possible military intervention.
- Military options remain on the table; U.S. security teams are reviewing potential responses, including airstrikes.
Global Reaction:
- European nations summoned Iranian ambassadors.
- Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers advocate restoring internet access in Iran to help protesters organize.
Iranian Threats:
- Iranian state TV issued threats against President Trump, referencing past assassination attempts.

2. U.S. Domestic Issues

Supreme Court Debate:
- A major discussion occurred about men in women’s sports and defining what constitutes a woman.
- The ACLU reportedly struggled to define “woman” during arguments.
Senate Hearing on Abortion Pills:
- Focused on safety and regulation of abortion medication (e.g., Mifepristone).
- Republicans pushed for stricter oversight; Democrats emphasized access to care.
Controversial Exchange:
- Senator Josh Hawley questioned Dr. Nisha Verma (OB-GYN) on whether men can get pregnant.
- Dr. Verma avoided a direct yes/no answer, citing complexity and patient identities.
- Hawley insisted on biological clarity, arguing that biological men cannot get pregnant and criticizing refusal to acknowledge this as undermining science and constitutional protections for women.

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