Podcasts about defense spending

Find us at www.crisisinvesting.com In this episode, we return from a week off to discuss the latest political and economic happenings. They delve into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that has been passed by the House, although not yet by the Senate. Highlights of the bill include permanent tax cuts, adjustments in the child tax credit, and increased defense spending. The conversation also covers Elon Musk's struggles with government cuts, the convoluted student loan system, and the rise of AI regulations. With in-depth analysis, they discuss the geopolitical tensions involving Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Iran. Additionally, they explore the intricacies of the Golden Dome defense project, rising cyber attacks, and the concerning state of mining companies in the market. The episode concludes with discussions on nonprofit oversight, the controversial portrait of Donald Trump on a government building, and notable figures like Rahm Emanuel considering a presidential run. 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap 00:05 Overview of the OBA Bill 00:20 Permanent Tax Cuts and Deficit Concerns 01:14 Doge Provisions and Musk's Resignation 03:55 Child Tax Credit and SALT Deduction Cap 05:11 Tax Exemptions and Trump's Savings Accounts 07:08 Debt Ceiling Increase and Financial Concerns 08:22 Healthcare and Social Services Reforms 12:16 Student Loan Policy and Education Costs 14:27 Defense Spending and Border Security 17:37 AI Regulation Moratorium and Green Energy Rollbacks 18:36 IRS Direct File Program Termination 20:28 University Endowment Tax and Nonprofit Oversight 24:28 National Debt Increase and Senate Opposition 25:59 Trump's Megalomania and Public Image 29:12 Rahm Emanuel's Presidential Ambitions 30:29 Kanye West's Cancellation and Comeback 31:26 Dual Citizenship in High Government Positions 32:19 Trump's Control and Indictments 33:35 Epstein's Death and FBI's Response 35:54 Washington Post's Book Recommendations 38:49 Golden Dome and Modern Warfare 41:12 Cyber Attacks and Global Tensions 49:03 Israel-Iran Conflict 56:04 Mining Stocks and Market Trends 01:00:26 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Today we had a fantastic conversation with Daan Struyven, Co-Head of Global Commodities Research and Managing Director, Head of Oil Research, alongside his colleague Lina Thomas, Commodities Strategist, with Goldman Sachs. Daan joined Goldman in 2015 and previously co-led the Goldman Global Economics team as well as the firm's Canada Economics research effort. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from MIT. Lina joined Goldman after earning her Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard, where she focused on safe-haven assets. We were thrilled to welcome these Ph.D. powerhouses for a deep dive into a topic we haven't yet explored on COBT – the gold markets and how they intersect with oil, gas, copper, interest rates, tariffs, geopolitics, central banks, structural market changes, and more. In our discussion, Lina provides a detailed overview of the historical inverse relationship between gold and interest rates, and highlights the unusual strength of the gold rally that began in 2022. She describes that the rally was triggered by the freezing of Russian central bank assets in February 2022, which prompted central banks, particularly those geopolitically aligned or close to Russia, to increase gold purchases to reduce reliance on politically vulnerable reserve assets. Lina explains that in addition to modest investor inflows, ongoing central bank demand has played a critical role in sustaining gold's price rise and discusses how geopolitical proximity is a key predictor of central bank gold buying. We explore Goldman's approach to estimating actual central bank purchases, which are underreported in official data, Russia's gathering of gold reserves ahead of its invasion of Ukraine, the effects of the war and subsequent sanctions, and how Russia rerouted its gold exports similar to its post-sanction oil trade. Daan outlines Goldman's copper market outlook, including their view on proposed copper tariffs, the anticipated supply deficit by 2026 due to limited investment in new projects, their copper price forecast, and the key short-term drivers influencing copper prices. We cover gold's unique role as a stock rather than a flow asset, with only about one percent of tradable gold coming from annual mine supply, why central banks favor gold over silver, Goldman's four structural investment themes (Dollar Diversification, Defense Spending, Disinvestment in Supply, and De-risking Energy Systems), the firm's crude oil outlook over the next year, and much more. We greatly appreciate Daan and Lina for sharing their time and perspectives. Mike Bradley opened the discussion by noting that “Trumpatility” has faded considerably, with the S&P 500 Volatility Index now trading near year-to-date lows. Ironically, this introduces some degree of risk as broader markets are now technically overbought. Moody's downgraded U.S. debt by one notch this past week but U.S. bonds and equities shrugged it off, mostly because U.S. bonds don't typically move on ratings changes, but more so on inflation and employment growth, while broader equities are driven mostly by forward earnings estimates. The U.S. dollar weakened slightly on the U.S. debt downgrade while Bitcoin and gold prices are trading near all-time highs, likely a reflection of growing U.S. debt levels. He wrapped up with a roundup of notable Energy & Electricity headlines, including: Blackstone Infrastructure's $11.5 billion acquisition of TXNM Energy; Strathcona Resource's $6 billion takeover offer for MEG Energy; Phillips 66's Proxy vote battle with Elliott (involving four board nominations); Trump's unexpected reversal of his recent shutdown of Equinor's Empire Wind 1 project off Long Island; and the recent decline in Permian oil rig count and the potential associated gas growth implications. Jeff Tillery also joined and peppered in his thoughts to the discussion. We hope you find today's discussion as insightful and interesting as we did. Our best to you all!

In this episode of Good Morning Liberty, Nate and Charles dive deep into the controversial 'One Big Beautiful Bill.' They critique the bill's components, including the potential effects of making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, Medicaid cuts, and increased spending on Border Patrol and Defense. They also address Moody's downgrade of the US credit rating and discuss the long-term impact of the bill relative to current and future government spending and taxation. Beyond these specifics, the hosts emphasize the need for fiscal responsibility and the challenges politicians face in implementing spending cuts. (00:00) Introduction (01:50) Discussion on the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' (02:43) Moody's Credit Rating Downgrade (04:35) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Debate (07:03) Projections and Realities of the Bill (18:37) Work Requirements and Social Programs (20:04) Immigration and Border Security Funding (21:24) Defense Spending and Military Quality of Life (22:12) Student Loans and University Endowments (24:18) Fiscal Responsibility and Tax Cuts (25:21) The True Cost of Government Spending (26:08) Interest on Debt and Deficit Projections (29:29) Historical Spending and Taxation Trends (33:13) Political Promises and Fiscal Reality (34:13) Debunking Misconceptions About Tax Increases (35:08) The Need for Spending Cuts and Fiscal Reform (44:12) Proposals for Limiting Government Spending (46:43) The Role of Public Awareness and Action (48:41) Conclusion and Call to Action   Links:   https://gml.bio.link/   YOUTUBE:   https://bit.ly/3UwsRiv   RUMBLE:   https://rumble.com/c/GML   Check out Martens Minute!   https://martensminute.podbean.com/   Follow Josh Martens on X:   https://twitter.com/joshmartens13   Join the private discord & chat during the show!   joingml.com   Bank on Yourself bankonyourself.com/gml   Get FACTOR Today! FACTORMEALS.com/factorpodcast     Good Morning Liberty is sponsored by BetterHelp! Rediscover your curiosity today by visiting Betterhelp.com/GML (Get 10% off your first month)     Protect your privacy and unlock the full potential of your streaming services with ExpressVPN. Get 3 more months absolutely FREE by using our link EXPRESSVPN.com/GML  

For review:1. IDF strikes Hamas command center in Northern Gaza.2. From interview with Time Magazine: US President Trump said he would not be dragged by Prime Minister Netanyahu into war with Iran, but vowed Washington could instead “be leading the pack” if diplomacy were to fail.3.  President Trump: Russia & Ukraine Close to a Deal.4. Estonia to Achieve Over 5% GDP on Defense Spending.5. Spain to Meet NATO Goal of 2% GDP Defense Spending in 2025.6. Netherlands increases defense budget to 22 billion euros in 2025.7. Armor Not Dead: UK Army's Challenger 3 Tank effort moving forward. UK Minister for Defence Procurement (Maria Eagle) revealed that “The [Armour Main Battle Tank] programme has now delivered four prototypes, with four more currently in build,” out of the 148 tanks expected. The Challenger 3 MBTs are expected to achieve initial operational capability in 2027, with full operational capability expected by 2030 until 2040.8. US Reconciliation Bill includes $150 Billion for Defense.

Sir Niall Ferguson, renowned historian and Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins Azeem Azhar to discuss the evolving relationship between the U.S. and China, Trump's foreign policy doctrine, and what the new global economic and security order might look like. (00:00)  What most analysts are missing about Trump (05:43)  The win-win outcome in Europe–U.S relations (11:17)  How the U.S. is reestablishing deterrence (15:50)  Can the U.S. economy weather the impact of tariffs? (23:33) Niall's read on China (29:29)  How is China performing in tech? (33:35)  What might happen with Taiwan (42:43) Predictions for the coming world order Sir Niall Ferguson's links:Substack: Time MachineBooks: War of the World, Doom: The Politics of CatastropheTwitter/X: https://x.com/nfergusAzeem's links:Substack: https://www.exponentialview.co/ Website: https://www.azeemazhar.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azhar Twitter/X: https://x.com/azeem Our new show This was originally recorded for "Friday with Azeem Azhar" on 28 March. Produced by supermix.io and EPIIPLUS1 Ltd

Cut through the hype on the topic with Federico Barriga-Salazar of Fitch Ratings

In this episode, Matt and Doug discuss the broader implications of Trump's economic plan, including his focus on tariffs and national security. They dive into whether national security threats are real or a governmental construct and analyze the underlying motivations behind Trump's economic strategies and defense spending. Doug calls into question the efficacy and real purpose of the tariffs and the trillion-dollar defense budget, suggesting that these moves might be aimed at countering China's growing economic power. They also explore the potential global consequences of these policies, including a possible lead-up to World War III, and highlight the current state of the stock and bond markets, gold prices, and the potential for a mining boom. Throughout, they put forth a call to action for listeners to review their personal financial positions, particularly in terms of gold and silver investments, amidst the evolving global economic landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:08 The Trump Economic Plan and Tariffs 00:50 National Security Debate 03:23 Defense Spending and Priorities 04:32 China's Economic Power 05:27 US Manufacturing Challenges 07:48 Tariffs and Trade Deficits 08:52 Global Trade Dynamics 10:45 US Foreign Policy and Military Actions 17:16 Ukraine Conflict and US Involvement 22:32 Impact of Drone Strikes on Russia 25:06 The Trump Regime and Anti-Woke Sentiments 27:13 Impact of Tariffs on Manufacturing 29:01 Liberation Day and Economic Consequences 34:27 Stock Market and Investment Strategies 36:00 Gold and Financial Chaos 41:40 National Security and Global Order 44:29 Final Thoughts and Viewer Engagement

Euro defense spend benefits US contractors near-term European plans to spend more on defense as a percentage of GDP were hatched in the immediate aftermath of the Ukraine invasion. More recently, the German Parliament agreed to reforms that allow for even more spending on defense. But for a number of reasons, Europe would like to keep more of this spending within the Euro Area. Ron Epstein and Ben Heelan discuss what Europe may be able to procure internally and what they'll be buying from US contractors. And if the US is spending less on defending Europe, Ron addresses where spending priorities may shift, especially as the US may be less focused on preparing for a land war. Ron also tackles the question of whether Europe may be encouraged to buy more defense gear in exchange for lower tariffs.   You may also enjoy listening to the Merrill Perspectives podcast, featuring conversations on the big stories, news and trends affecting your everyday financial life.   "Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.  

For review:1. US Army identifies the four Dogface Soldiers (3d Infantry Division) who perished during training exercise in Lithuania. All assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, they were identified as: Staff Sgt. Jose Duenez; Staff Sgt. Edvin F. Franco; Pfc. Dante D. Taitano; and Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins.2.  US Sends More F-35s to CENTCOM. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dispatched the extra air wing of F-35 fighters to Jordan.3. IDF Creates New Security Corridor in S. Gaza. The route, which separates Rafah from Khan Younis to its north, will likely cut off Rafah from the rest of the Strip.4. Hamas is prepared to release all of the remaining hostages at once in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the ongoing truce talks told The Times of Israel on Wednesday.5. A top Russian official (Kirill Dmitriev) is in Washington this week for meetings with the Trump administration, as negotiations continue on a deal to end the war in Ukraine.6. US SECDEF Pete Hegseth skips the latest Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels. 7.  Finland to Increase Defense Spending to 3% GDP by '29.8. Greece will spend 25 billion euros ($27 billion) over the next decade to adapt its military to evolving high-tech warfare technologies. The plan also includes new programs such as next-generation soldier gear equipped with sensors and communication systems, and the development of dedicated satellite capabilities to ensure secure communications. 9.  US Army Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Test in Dec '25. The Army is forecasting that the first unit to get the hypersonic capability will begin receiving the rounds at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in the May time frame.10.  The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of 20 F-16 fighters to the Philippines, with an estimated price tag of $5.58 billion.The approved package, which covers 16 F-16C Block 70/72 jets and four F-16B Block 70/72 fighters, comes just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Manilla. 

Jane Edmondson, Head of Index Product Strategy at TMXVettaFi, joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the rapidly evolving global defense landscape and its investment implications. With geopolitical tensions on the rise and shifting defense priorities, investors must navigate new opportunities and risks in the sector. Edmondson highlighted Europe's unprecedented surge in defense spending, a direct response to the U.S. decision to scale back military aid to Ukraine. Central to this shift is the European Union's €800 billion "Rearm Europe Readiness 2030" initiative, aimed at bolstering military preparedness. This includes substantial investments across key defense technologies and a dedicated €150 billion credit facility to enhance military capabilities. “There's going to be a lot of spending to come,” Edmondson noted, emphasizing major growth areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber defense, drone technology, and advanced artillery systems. She pointed out that leading European defense firms—including Rheinmetall, BAE Systems, Thales, Dassault, and Leonardo SPA—stand to benefit significantly from this expansion. Additionally, South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace is emerging as a key player in global defense contracts. In contrast, U.S. defense companies are experiencing headwinds due to budget cuts and canceled procurement deals, leading to a relative downturn in the sector. Another critical shift in global defense procurement is unfolding as traditional U.S. allies reconsider their defense purchases. Canada and Portugal, for instance, are re-evaluating orders for U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in favor of alternative options, such as aircraft from Dassault Aviation. Edmondson stressed that these geopolitical realignments are creating strong economic tailwinds, particularly for Germany, which is set to invest an estimated €500 billion in defense over the next several years. She cited a recent Goldman Sachs report, which projects that half of this spending will directly fuel GDP growth—an impact already reflected in financial markets. While European equities, particularly the Euro Stoxx 50 index, are gaining momentum, major U.S. stock indexes have struggled to keep pace. “This is a powerful reminder for investors to stay diversified, maintain exposure beyond U.S. markets, and allocate capital to emerging global defense themes,” Edmondson advised. As global military strategies continue to evolve, investors who position themselves early in key international defense sectors could stand to benefit from this historic shift. #proactiveinvestors #vettafi #hanetf #DefenseSpending #Cybersecurity #NATO #DefenseETF #JaneEdmondson #VettaFi #DefenseTech #GlobalSecurity #Investing #MilitaryTech #trump#FutureOfDefense #ETFinvesting #Rheinmetall #HanwhaAerospace #MilitarySpending #ThematicInvesting #ProactiveInvestors #GeopoliticalTrends #StockMarketInsights #DefenseStocks

From the BBC World Service: Finland is planning to boost defense spending by $3.2 billion because of security worries. The Nordic country has seen a boom in its defense tech industry since the start of the war in Ukraine. Plus, we’ve been visiting marketplaces as part of our special “Tricks of the Trade” series. This time, we’re at London’s Borough Market, which attracts 20 million visitors a year.

From the BBC World Service: Finland is planning to boost defense spending by $3.2 billion because of security worries. The Nordic country has seen a boom in its defense tech industry since the start of the war in Ukraine. Plus, we’ve been visiting marketplaces as part of our special “Tricks of the Trade” series. This time, we’re at London’s Borough Market, which attracts 20 million visitors a year.

Ben Cohen, legendary co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, has long fought for progressive causes ranging from ending war to saving the environment. In this conversation with Jimmy Dore Cohen talks about seizing the opportunity of a second Donald Trump administration to cut the defense budget and redirect those precious funds to address the pressing needs of struggling Americans. Plus segments on rapper Li'l Yachty calling out Black Lives Matter as a grifting organization and the giant highway being carved into the Brazilian rainforest to make travel easier to an upcoming climate conference. Also featuring Mike MacRae, Kurt Metzger and Stef Zamorano. And a phone call from Chuck Schumer and Elon Musk!

In this episode, Alex starts by ranting about airports, travel, and his need to get back to Europe soon. Then he reacts to a well-written article by Elliot Cohen in the Atlantic that talks about why invading Canada is a bad idea and has failed in the past. For the rest of the episode, Alex talks about how Spain's economy has been the envy of Europe but that may change as it is being pressured to bolster its military spending towards NATO security. Spain has put the lowest percentage of GDP towards NATO defense spending and there may be growing pains if it plans to bolster its spending. 

A Chinese military spokesperson says the country's defense spending has maintained reasonable and steady growth over the past years.

Jann Arden welcomes Canadian politician Chrystia Freeland to the show. The discussion covers Freeland's motivations for entering politics and running for Prime Minister, her experiences negotiating with Donald Trump, the challenges of public service, and the importance of pushing issues such as housing and food insecurity to the forefront. Prompted by Caitlin, Freeland gives us a 'pep talk,' emphasizing the need for Canadians to recognize their strengths and the importance of collaboration in leadership. They also touch on defense spending, the role of women in politics and the importance of self-care amidst the pressures of public life. More About Chrystia Freeland: Chrystia was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre in 2013. She was elected as Member of Parliament for University—Rosedale in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021. ​From 2015 to 2017, Chrystia served as Minister of International Trade, overseeing the successful negotiation of free trade with the European Union. From January, 2017, to November, 2019, she served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, leading the successful renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). ​ In November, 2019, Chrystia was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, where she helped lead Canada's united response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was appointed Minister of Finance in August, 2020 becoming the first woman in Canadian history to hold the position. ​ An esteemed journalist and author, Chrystia was born in Peace River, Alberta. She was educated at Harvard University before continuing her studies on a Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford. https://www.chrystiafreeland.ca/ Leave us a voicenote! https://jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/JannArdenPod Order ONLYJANNS Merch: https://cutloosemerch.ca/collections/jann-arden Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod (00:00) Introduction to Chrystia Freeland (01:34) Inspiration for Entering Politics (04:32) The Impact of Donald Trump on Canada (07:34) Understanding Trump's Intentions (10:58) Coping with Political Vitriol (15:17) A Pep Talk for Canadians (20:35) Addressing Housing and Food Insecurity (25:48) Concerns of Aging and Retirement (28:02) Defense Spending and Canadian Security (29:00) Defending Canada: A New Approach to Defense Spending (31:57) Facing External Threats: The Canadian Perspective (34:14) Leadership in Challenging Times: Unifying Canada (36:59) The Role of Women in Politics: A Personal Perspective ( 44:57) Self-Care and Resilience: Balancing Personal and Public Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's show features stories from Radio Deutsche-Welle, France 24, NHK Japan, and Radio Havana Cuba. http://youthspeaksout.net/swr250307.mp3 (29:00) From GERMANY- President Trump reinstated his belief that Greenland will be annexed by the US- there is an election over independence from Denmark next week, and Greenlanders do not want to be connected to the US. At an Egyptian summit Arab leaders endorsed a post-war redevelopment plan for Gaza. Israel has been blocking all aid from reaching Gaza since Sunday, leading to a return to starvation and more death. From FRANCE- First a press review on the Trump administration bypassing Congress to send $4 billion in weapons to Israel, including 35,000 2000 pound bombs- Israel is gearing up for a return to war in Syria. Then some American press on Trumps speech to Congress. Press reviews on the UK summit on Ukraine. From JAPAN- In Japan the price of rice has doubled in the past year leading to a government auction of stockpiles. European leaders are drafting a peace plan for Ukraine. NATO countries skipped an important UN Conference on the Treaty banning nuclear weapons. China is holding its annual Peoples Congress and they are hoping for another 5% increase in GDP despite the US doubling its tariff. From CUBA- Arab leaders endorsed the Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, and this story has more details than the DW report I played earlier. In London activists have criticized the BBC for removing the Palestinian documentary that was just awarded an Academy Award. Available in 3 forms- (new) HIGHEST QUALITY (160kb)(33MB), broadcast quality (13MB), and quickdownload or streaming form (6MB) (28:59) Links at outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml PODCAST!!!- https://feed.podbean.com/outFarpress/feed.xml (160kb Highest Quality) Website Page- < http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml ¡FurthuR! Dan Roberts "We have two American flags always: one for the rich and one for the poor. When the rich fly it means that things are under control; when the poor fly it means danger, revolution, anarchy." -- Henry Miller Dan Roberts Shortwave Report- www.outfarpress.com YouthSpeaksOut!- www.youthspeaksout.net

  In this episode of Doug Casey's Take, Doug and I discuss Trump's latest speech and the broader geopolitical shifts unfolding before our eyes. As always, Doug doesn't hold back. “Trump is mightily entertaining, but let's be honest—his rhetoric is often nonsense. That doesn't mean he's wrong about everything.” “The U.S. government is a dangerous predator sitting on top of America. People conflate the government with the people—they're not the same.” “If you want to solve the drug problem, legalize drugs. That's the only answer. Everything else is theater.” We cover Trump's plan to “unshackle” the economy, the deep state's resistance, the looming financial collapse, and why he believes America's overreach—from the Panama Canal to Greenland—is a mistake. Doug also gives his take on the latest Ukraine minerals deal and what's going on with Europe ramping up military spending. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions of Trump's Speech 00:15 Entertainment Value and Comparisons to Zelensky's Visit 01:28 Analyzing Trump's Speech and Economic Claims 03:07 Fact-Checking and Media Reactions 05:49 Trump's Economic Policies and Their Implications 19:06 Discussion on Social Security and Tax Policies 21:56 Trump's Proposals for the Auto Industry and Tariffs 27:23 Declaring War on Drug Cartels 29:58 The Cycle of Violence and Drug Addiction 32:08 The Death Penalty Debate 34:49 Transgender Issues and Child Transition Surgery 37:00 National Security and the Golden Dome 39:28 Reshoring Shipbuilding and the Panama Canal 44:51 Trump's Radical Policies and Greenland 54:48 European Relations and Defense Spending 58:59 The Mineral Deal in Ukraine 01:01:48 Concluding Thoughts and Future Speculations

This week's show features stories from France 24, Radio Deutsche-Welle, Radio Havana Cuba, and NHK Japan. http://youthspeaksout.net/swr250228.mp3 (29:00) From FRANCE- A series of press reviews. Jeff Bezos has announced a major editorial change at the Washington Post. UK Prime Minister Starmer said he will cut foreign aid so he can raise military spending which many accuse of bowing to demands from Trump. In Germany a critical election was won by the CDU, a center right party, with Friedrich Merz expected to become the new Chancellor. The far right AFD party, promoted by Elon Musk, came in second, doubling its number of seats in the Bundestag, the German Parliament. From GERMANY- In a TV debate after the election results came in, the Chancellor in waiting accused the US of abandoning NATO and Europe, creating a need for a European military force. Then an analysis of the AfD party, why it is shocking in Europe, and how will this affect German policies. From CUBA- Elon Musk reaffirmed his support for the German AfD party, praising their stance on dropping the Euro currency and halting climate action. Israeli forces have continued destroying Palestinian homes in the West Bank and helping settlers destroy homes and businesses. A US based organization has formally asked the International Criminal Court to investigate Blinken, Austen, and Biden for complying with war crimes. From JAPAN - At the devastated Fukushima nuclear power plant, the press saw the first gram of a retrieved radioactive sample- 880 tons of the material are yet to be removed 11 years after the accident. An update on Nippon Steels attempt to buy US Steel. The Israeli military has deployed tanks in the West Bank for the first time in 20 years. A group of atomic bomb survivors lodged a protest for the government skipping a key international meeting on banning nuclear arms. Available in 3 forms- (new) HIGHEST QUALITY (160kb)(33MB), broadcast quality (13MB), and quickdownload or streaming form (6MB) (28:59) Links at outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml PODCAST!!!- https://feed.podbean.com/outFarpress/feed.xml (160kb Highest Quality) Website Page- < http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml ¡FurthuR! Dan Roberts "We have to re-invent socialism. It can't be the kind of socialism that we saw in the Soviet Union, but it will emerge as we develop new systems that are built on cooperation, not competition." -- Hugo Chavez Dan Roberts Shortwave Report- www.outfarpress.com YouthSpeaksOut!- www.youthspeaksout.net

Power demands for artificial intelligence will soar and the big tech giants are exploring hydrogen and nuclear energy solutions. Today's Stocks & Topics: GILD - Gilead Sciences Inc., Market Wrap, SBIT - ProShares UltraShort Bitcoin ETF, Big Tech Embraces Hydrogen and Nuclear Power for AI Data Centers, SII - Sprott Inc., Quantitative Analysis, NVR - NVR Inc., Economic News, Defense Spending, Investing a Million Dollars, BKIE - BNY Mellon International Equity ETF., Best Performing Sectors.Our Sponsors:* Check out Fabric: https://fabric.com/INVESTTALK* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com* Check out Trust & Will: https://trustandwill.com/INVESTAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is flying to Washington aiming at persuading President Donald Trump to maintain military support for Ukraine.

Jeffrey Kleintop says that this is the year “we get some separation” between international equities and the SPX. He notes that European defense stocks are benefitting from the U.S.'s recent policy actions. He thinks Europe may outperform the U.S. this year and looks at the longer-term comparison as well.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

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In This Must-See Episode, We Cover:Growing Up in the 80's – The Truth Comes Fast:Krysty recounts the wild tales her mom told her back in the 80's—stories that turned out to be nothing more than tall tales. Mark laments how, back then, you could live a lie for decades before the truth caught up with you. With cell phones and the digital age, truth now arrives at lightning speed. Their humorous take on growing up in the 80's will have you reminiscing!Trump Administration's Cost Cutting & Media Backfire:The fight over cutting waste, fraud, and abuse under the Trump administration continues to rage on. Mark explains why opposing Trump's approach might only spell more trouble for Democrats. Meanwhile, the legacy media's latest pair to beclown themselves are—Gayle King and Margaret Brennan—you won;t believe what they said. DOGE: The Debate Continues:Hear from Kevin O'Leary of Shark Tank fame, who argues that DOGE isn't cutting enough, and from Scott Jennings of CNN, who admits DOGE may make a few mistakes—but it's worth it! We react to these bold opinions and share our thoughts on how DOGE is shaking things up.A Historic Shift in Political Power:For the first time in decades, there are more Republicans than Democrats in the country. We break down why this seismic shift is happening and what it means for the future of American politics.Thursday Night Viewing Suggestion:Mark ends the show with a special recommendation for your Thursday night viewing pleasure—a thrilling hockey game between the US and the 51st state, Canada! Get ready for an epic sports showdown where politics and athleticism collide.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Opening00:26 Childhood Myths and Misconceptions02:03 Animal Encounters and Family Stories04:39 Growing Up in the 80s vs. Now05:10 Show Topics Overview05:19 Political and Legal Battles10:24 Air Travel Incidents and Reactions14:05 Government Cuts and Public Reactions26:14 Government Accountability and Job Loss26:33 Severance Packages and Economic Realities28:08 Government Expansion and Worker Shortages30:26 Defense Spending and Budget Cuts32:32 Border Control and Executive Orders36:23 AI and Government Transparency42:54 Media Accountability and Free Speech51:14 Crime Legislation and Personal Impact53:52 Patriotic Hockey Showdown55:03 Conclusion and Sign-Off#news #breakingnews #politicalpodcast #doge #musk #trump #albuquerque #newmexico Website: https://www.nodoubtaboutitpodcast.com/Twitter: @nodoubtpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoDoubtAboutItPod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markronchettinm/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

Stock market update for February 20, 2025.

President Trump has long insisted that our European allies need to pay more for their own defense, most recently by allocating fully five percent of Gross Domestic Product. Therefore, the Europeans have spent with impunity on “butter” while letting us largely pay for the “guns.” Most balked at honoring even their NATO commitment to spend two percent. Mr. Trump's unilateral negotiations with Russia on ending the Ukraine war, however, are concentrating the Europeans' minds. They fear Vladimir Putin's territorial ambitions will not be satisfied by a deal legitimating his seizure of much of Ukraine and that America's announced re-focus on the growing Chinese threat risks a security vacuum on the continent. TBD is whether the allies will opt for appeasing Russia or take more responsibility for their own security – sensibly inside NATO or via a duplicative and inevitably inadequate European military structure. This is Frank Gaffney.

Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski says the European Union needs to show more solidarity on defense spending in the face of “mixed signals” from the US. He is joined by Bloomberg's Oliver Crook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're talking about the layoff of almost 10,000 federal workers, talks to cut defense spending, peace talks to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, and other top news for Monday, February 17th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Please support our TPO sponsors! The Voice of the Martyrs: vom.org/TPO Parenting with Ginger Hubbard: https://links.thepourover.org/ParentingwithGingerHubbard The Bulletin: MoreCT.com/BulletinPodcast Upside: https://links.thepourover.org/Upside Cru: give.cru.org/pour LMNT: https://links.thepourover.org/LMNT_Podcast HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/tpo10fm One Year Bible: https://links.thepourover.org/OneYearBible_Pod The Chronological Life Application Study Bible: https://links.thepourover.org/LASB_0215 World Relief: https://links.thepourover.org/WorldRelief_Pod

The major averages are set to end the week higher despite a whirlwind week of tariffs, inflation, and Musk-driven drama. But President Trump's rhetoric around defense spending is spooking that sector. And Intel is on pace for its best week since 2000 on rumors of a tie-up with Taiwan Semi. We'll cut through the noise with Bernstein's Stacy Rasgon.

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on President Trump saying he wants nuclear arms control talks with China and Russia.

A provision in this year's National Defense Authorization Act, seems to have directed the Defense Department to analyze military air shows, and the role they play in recruitment, among other things. That got us thinking about that question as well, and we seemed to have found the perfect person to discuss it. I had the pleasure of speaking with John Cudahy, who is the president of the International Council of Air Shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A provision in this year's National Defense Authorization Act, seems to have directed the Defense Department to analyze military air shows, and the role they play in recruitment, among other things. That got us thinking about that question as well, and we seemed to have found the perfect person to discuss it. I had the pleasure of speaking with John Cudahy, who is the president of the International Council of Air Shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For review:1. US President Trump suggests that Israel end the ceasefire agreement with Hamas if all remaining Hostages are not freed by Saturday.2.  Israel PM Warns Resumption of "Intense Fighting" in Gaza if Hostages Not Released on Saturday. In preparation, the IDF announced that it is “extensively” bolstering its forces in the Southern Command, and approving battle plans for the Gaza Strip in the event that the ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas collapses.3. Egypt to Present Plan for Gaza Reconstruction. Egypt plans to “present a comprehensive vision for the reconstruction” of the Gaza Strip that ensures Palestinians remain on their land, the Egyptian foreign ministry says in a statement.4. Houthi Rebels in Yemen vow to launch attacks on Israel if fighting resumes in Gaza.5. Belgium Promises to Increase Defense Spending. The government of Prime Minister Bart De Wever plans to set the Belgian defense budget on track to reach current NATO spending targets by 2029 (2% GDP).6. Germany Selects PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) Rocket Artillery System. For Germany, a key PULS feature is that it can fire rockets of various calibers, ranging from 122mm to 370mm, produced by different manufacturers. 7. Latest US Army update on the IVAS program. IVAS = Integrated Visual Augmentation System. Microsoft is seeking to transfer its entire IVAS contract over to Anduril (10-year - $22 billion contract).  

For review:1.  IDF Withdraws from Netzarim Corridor After 5th Hostage Release Cycle. According to the ceasefire deal, Israeli forces had to withdraw after the fifth swap was carried out.2. US President Donald Trump comments on the poor state of appearance of the three Israeli Hostages released on Saturday. President Trump: “They are in really bad shape, they have been treated brutally, horribly. Even the ones that came out earlier, they were in a little bit better shape, but mentally they were treated so badly. Who could take that? “You know, at some point, we're gonna lose our patience.”3. IDF continues strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Israeli fighter jets carried out several airstrikes in Lebanon on Sunday evening, including against a tunnel between Lebanon and Syria used by Hezbollah to smuggle arms. Additionally, the Israeli Air Force targeted several Hezbollah sites in other areas of Lebanon, which included weapons and rocket launchers that “posed an immediate threat” to Israel.4. President Trump Reveals Conversations With Russian President Putin About Ending War in Ukraine. “I'd better not say,” said Trump when asked how many times the two leaders have spoken.5. European Union Defense Spending in 2024 Expected be 326 Billion Euros.6. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth pledges to prioritize cutting waster in the Department of Defense. Secretary Hegseth said that in addition to rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, the Pentagon needs to slash hierarchies and layers of bureaucracy that aren't serving the military. That could also involve a reduction in the number of four-star generals and flag officers, he said. “We won World War II with seven four-star generals. Today we have 44. Do all of those directly contribute to warfighting success? Maybe they do. I don't know, but it's worth reviewing to make sure they do.”

Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with distinguished business leader Bill Yeargin, president and CEO of Correct Craft. The leading boat manufacturer's key brands include Nautique, Centurion Boats, Parker Offshore, Supreme Boats, Sea Ark Boats, Bass Cat, Yar Craft, Ingenity, Watershed, Aktion Parks and other notable products. The conversation on America's Roundtable is focused on Mr. Yeargin's Open Letter to President Donald Trump published on January 20, 2025. The Open Letter highlights key policy areas including immigration reform, trade, taxes, fiscal responsibility, regulations, US leadership on the world stage and social security. The conversation also delves into the Administration's top priorities and its potential impact on businesses, the American economy and trade policy. Bill Yeargin also serves as chairman of the National Marine Manufacturers Association with 1,300 member companies producing an estimated 85 percent of the boats, engines, trailers and accessories used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. "I am a CEO, not an economist, and I confess to having a strong affinity for capitalism. I believe if you want to help people, you should start a philanthropic organization. If you want to help a LOT of people, start a business. Capitalism is the undeniable wealth creator, but right now it is on life support." — Bill Yeargin, Losing Capitalism, CEO World Magazine Bill Yeargin is the author of six best-selling books including “Making Life Better,” “Education of a CEO” and the most recent “Faith Leap.” During this conversation Bill Yeargin highlights his personal faith journey which he describes in the book "Faith Leap," including how his faith has helped him lead a company of over 2000 employees with distributors in 70 countries. Correct Craft had a 99-year history as a premier boat manufacturer but was teetering on the edge of survival when he took the reins in the early 2000s. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://summitleadersusa.com/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program - a strategic initiative of International Leaders Summit, focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 65 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on a Lithuanian President's views on Putin, NATO and Trump.

Despite the big weekly volatility, the Nasdaq is closing out with gains. Can next week's tech earnings keep the rally going? Plus, Palantir CEO Alex Karp shares his views on the new administration, AI developments, the future of the company and much more in an extended interview. And, the DOJ sues to block HPE's acquisition of Juniper. The CEO joins us in a first on CNBC interview to defend the deal. 

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther engages with Guy Taylor, the national security editor at the Washington Times, to discuss the current state of global security amidst a significant transition of power in the U.S. They explore the implications of Trump's second term, the unpredictable nature of his administration, and the intersection of technology and national security. The conversation also delves into the pressing issue of balancing defense spending with entitlement programs, the potential for privatization in weapons development, and the hopes for a more peaceful global landscape in the coming years.Chapters00:00 Introduction to National Security Dynamics01:53 Transition of Power and Global Security Challenges07:33 The Role of Technology in National Security19:29 Guns vs. Butter Debate: Balancing Defense and Entitlements20:08 The Future of U.S. Defense Spending and Efficiency28:12 Wishes for Global Peace and DiplomacySocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode of the MTI podcast, Rob discusses various pressing topics, including recent disruptions in the Baltic Sea, cybersecurity threats from China, advancements in drone warfare, and the ongoing debate surrounding diversity and inclusion in the military. He also highlights Japan's increasing defense budget, the decline of traditional news sources, and shares insights on outdoor adventures and mental health. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming podcast projects. Mountain Tactical Institute Home This Week's Arete Takeaways Disruption in the Baltic Sea raises geopolitical concerns. Cybersecurity is a critical area where the U.S. must improve. Drone warfare is evolving rapidly, especially in Ukraine. Diversity and inclusion efforts in the military are contentious. Japan's defense spending is on the rise due to regional threats. Traditional news sources are struggling to maintain relevance. Layering techniques are essential for outdoor activities. New Year's resolutions can focus on realistic outdoor challenges. Exercise and diet significantly impact mental health. Upcoming podcast projects will explore strength coaching and personal experiences. Sources Finland Seizes Ship Carrying Russian Oil After Undersea Cable Cut US Treasury says Chinese hackers stole documents in major breach 2024: Year of the Drone Trump Rethinks Firing Joint Chiefs Chairman DEI Is Like a Woke IED for the Left's War Against Our Military Japan Approves 9.4 Percent Increase in Defense Spending for FY2025 Best Men's Shells of 2023 Kuiu Peloton 97 Fleece Hoodie Chapters 00:00 Introduction and New Year's Reflections 02:50 Geopolitical Tensions and Undersea Cable Disruptions 07:39 Cybersecurity and Chinese Hacking Concerns 10:27 The Rise of Drone Warfare 15:09 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Military 19:15 Japan's Defense Budget Increase and Regional Arms Race 22:29 The Decline of Traditional News Sources 26:11 Mountain Gear Recommendations 37:28 New Year's Resolutions and Outdoor Adventures 46:34 Mental Health and Exercise Insights 48:26 Future Podcast Projects and Closing Thoughts  

Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with host Gerard Gibert, an extraordinary entrepreneur and business leader. Mr. Gibert is also the host of Middays with Gerard on SuperTalk Mississippi . The timely and relevant conversation on America's Roundtable with Gerard Gibert focuses on the issues impacting Americans including the urgency to rein in government spending and the concerns that Congress has failed to put forward a balanced budget. Gerard Gibert also highlights the importance of addressing tax reform and healthcare reform. The conversation on America's Roundtable tackles the ways in which Congress, the incoming Trump administration joined by engaged citizens and taxpayers can address fraud, waste and abuse impacting the Department of Defense (DOD). "In fiscal year 2024, DOD underwent its seventh financial statement audit, and again received a disclaimer of opinion. For the seventh time consecutively, auditors were unable to “obtain sufficient, appropriate audit evidence to support an opinion.” GAO continues to designate DOD's financial management and business systems modernization efforts as high risk because of pervasive deficiencies in the department's business processes, internal controls, financial reporting, and financial management systems." — House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, December 11, 2024 In 1986, Gerard Gibert founded Venture Technologies, a technology and cloud services provider. As CEO of Venture, Gibert engineered numerous mergers and acquisitions of strategic targets, catapulting Venture to national prominence as a technology solutions provider. Initially funded at $189,000, Venture was sold for $92 million in 2019. Mr. Gibert serves on a variety of boards dedicated to growing Mississippi's economy. That list includes the Madison County Economic Development Authority, Madison County Business League and Foundation, Innovate Mississippi, Empower Mississippi, and the Mississippi Lottery Corporation. Gerard Gibert also serves on the executive advisory board of International Leaders Summit and is co-chair of the U.S.-based think tank's American Leadership Task Force advancing principled reforms. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @grgibert @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program - a strategic initiative of International Leaders Summit, focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 65 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

The U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 Wednesday. The bill includes a pay raise for military members and allocates additional funds for projects at Offutt Air Force Base. The legislation also bans using defense funds on gender-affirming care for children of service members. Nebraska Senators Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer voted in favor of the bill, which now goes to President Joe Biden's desk.

US Deports 119 Chinese Illegal ImmigrantsWhy Xi Likely Will Not Attend Trump's InaugurationTrump Comments on Certain Inauguration InvitesRenewed Science Pact With China Faces CriticismDOJ Asks Appeals Court to Reject TikTok Emergency MotionNATO Chief: ‘Turbocharge' Defense Spending on RussiaVictims of Communism Memorial Inaugurated in CanadaAlleged China Spy Linked to Prince Andrew Banned from UKChina Signals More Fiscal Stimulus, Rate CutsLawmakers Warn of China's Ties to UN Food ProgramNobel Laureate Group Urges Action on Nuclear WeaponsLawmakers Submit 2nd Presidential Impeachment MotionExpert on Trump Inviting CCP Leader Xi to Inauguration

It seems a favorite pastime of leaders in Washington is telling us — Americans — what we believe and what we want. Such assertions by politicians are sometimes true, but they inevitably reflect the policy the politician is attempting to promulgate.   So what do Americans actually believe when it comes to key defense and foreign policy issues? We don't have to guess, thanks to the Reagan National Defense Survey. The Washington Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Roger Zakheim, joins guest host Bradley Bowman to share the latest survey's findings.

Eric and Eliot discuss the rapidly unfolding events in Syria and examine the causes and consequences of the collapse of Bashar al Assad's regime in Syria. They discuss the big winners (Turkey, Israel, the Syrian people and to a lesser extent the U.S) and the big losers (notably Russia and especially Iran). They discuss the timing of the Hayat Tahrir al Sham offensive, how to interpret the claims of HTS leader abu Mohammed al Jolani that the group has moderated, the prospects for Russia maintaining its Khmeimim Air Base and its naval base at Tartus, as well as the future of Iranian national security policy. In particular, they discuss whether the Iranians will have incentives to sprint to a nuclear weapon or whether they will temporize and seek to embroil the incoming Trump administration in an endless negotiation over the nuclear program. They discuss the Biden Administration's efforts to polish its reputation in the aftermath of recent events and the waxing and waning of leadership reputations including former President Barack Obama and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They consider what effect events in Syria might have on Trump's approach to the war in Ukraine. They also touch on listener criticisms that calling for greater defense spending seems out of touch with today's American political scene. They consider the results of the recent Reagan National Defense Forum survey and the light those results shed on the question of public support for stronger national defense. Eliot's latest pieces in the Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/12/khamenei-iran-syria/680920/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/12/european-troops-ukraine-war/680928/ Eric & David Kramer's latest in Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/12/06/trump-ukraine-better-foreign-policy-00192415 Reagan Foundation Study on Public Perception of Defense Spending: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/media/363274/rndf-survey-nov-2024-memo.pdf Financial Times Retrospectives on Angela Merkel: https://www.ft.com/content/0a538c85-27fb-400e-ae8b-f13fb6ce4e72 https://www.ft.com/content/e82af5d9-32ea-444e-93e2-9e457d6a6796 Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on Russian defense spending goals for 2025.