Podcasts about war powers

Trump might strike Iran tomorrow or never, and that uncertainty is the point. Nate and Chuck break down why the real scandal is how quickly "limited government" voices become fine with unilateral war when it is their guy in charge. They react to Tucker Carlson's interview with Mike Huckabee, including the moment Huckabee doesn't push back at all on the assumption that war with Iran is coming. Then they dig into a University of Maryland poll showing only 21% support for initiating an attack, and the even bigger problem: most people cannot explain whose interests this war serves. Finally, they walk through the War Powers framework, why Congress is supposed to own this decision, and why the public's apathy keeps empowering forever-war politics. Follow for daily episodes and leave a 5-star rating and review. Support the show at joingml.com and gml.bio.link.

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Shownotes President Donald Trump's invasion of Venezuela is just the latest American war initiated with no Congressional authorization.  According to the Constitution, only Congress can decide to go to war. In practice, however, since 9/11 presidents have enjoyed complete freedom to go to war, or even wage secret and undeclared wars, without authorization from Congress, and with no accountability or oversight.   On this episode of Order from Ashes, legal expert Brian Finucane explains how Congress could reassert its Constitutional power to decide when America goes to war.  Finucane charts America's descent into a norm of illegality in international conflict, how much that abuse of power has cost Americans at home, and how to restore Constitutional checks and balances.  Participants Brian Finucane is a senior adviser at International Crisis Group. He previously worked for a decade in the Office of the Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State. Thanassis Cambanis is director of Century International.  Related reading * Brian Finucane, “Dissecting the Trump Administration's Effort to Circumvent the War Powers Resolution for Boat Strikes,” Just Security  * Brian Finucane, “America Unbound in the Caribbean,” Foreign Affairs * Report, “Bending the Guardrails: U.S. War Powers after 7 October,” International Crisis Group Date: Monday, February 2, 2026 Episode: Order from Ashes 100

Congress is making progress on government funding bills ahead of an end of the month deadline. The ICE/Homeland Security funding bill will be voted on separately, so it doesn't impede other funding measures. A House vote is expected on the War Powers resolution also.

January 19, 2026; 6pm; In a newly released text message, President Trump cites being snubbed for the Nobel Peace Prize as part of his unprecedented push to take Greenland. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports. Plus, former Washington Post editor Marty Baron joins for a closer look at Trump's escalating attacks on free speech. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week, a war powers resolution that would require congressional approval for military action in Venezuela died on the Senate floor after Vice President Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in cases regarding trans athletes participating in women's sports. And, ICE continues controversial immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and Mike sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and journalist Anne Applebaum as she shares an analysis on Russia's war in Ukraine. REFERENCED IN THE SHOW:  -Listen to the first episode of the new season of Autocracy in America, hosted by Anne Applebaum. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN:  -Join the conversation at our Substack.  -Find us on YouTube.  -Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice.  ABOUT THE GUESTS:  Anne Applebaum is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Gulag: A History. She is staff writer at The Atlantic and a senior fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Her most recent books include the New York Times best sellers Twilight of Democracy and Autocracy, Inc: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World. She was a Washington Post columnist for 15 years and a member of the editorial board.  ABOUT THE BULLETIN:  The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.    The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.    “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today  Producer: Clarissa Moll  Associate Producer: Alexa Burke  Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps  Executive Producer: Erik Petrik  Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

War powers, huh, good God, y'all, what are they good for? Well, according to most U.S. presidents, quite a lot, actually. We dive into the origin of the war powers, why presidents think they can use them without Congress, and what the limitations on them say about our recent foray into Venezuela.Check out our new True Crime Substack the True Crime Times Get Prosecutors Podcast Merch Join the Gallery on Facebook Follow us on TwitterFollow us on Instagram Check out our website for case resources: Hang out with us on TikTokSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this explosive breakdown, Tara unpacks what may be the boldest foreign-policy and energy strategy in modern U.S. history. From rare earth minerals and Chinese leverage to Venezuela's oil ports and the unraveling of OPEC, this episode lays out how sanctions, indictments, and energy dominance intersect. At the center of it all: a blunt declaration—the United States will control Venezuelan oil—and a global power shift that could kneecap China, collapse hostile regimes, and end America's dependence on the Middle East once and for all.

TOPICS: Trump Venezuelan Oil War Powers Vote Renee Good  Coffee Talk with David Eon (LIVE WEEKDAY DAILY NEWS TALK) for Thursday, January 15th, 2026

011526 War Powers Fail, Delcy Rodriguez Oil Deal, Iran Attack Imminent, Insurrection Act by The News with Paul DeRienzo

This time John discusses Trump's oversees Hitler mania. First, the War Powers resolution which we all celebrated last week as it passed the House, placing a check and hard stop on Donald Trump's escalations in Venezuela? Well, yep it died in the Senate. He also talks about Danish officials hitting the West Wing to formally register their WTFs over the Trump Administration's growing lust for Greenland. And even as Trump tells reporters the killing in Iran has stopped, video has emerged of Iranian security forces firing live ammo into crowds of protesters in at least 6 different cities. Then, John jokes with actor and podcast star Bob Cesca on the situation in Minneapolis and the ICE protests. Next, It's the God Squad. Desimber Rose and Dillon Nabor Cruz are back to debate the blasphemy of white Christian Nationalists and the ever growing bigotry on the Right. And then lastly, John chats with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson and they take calls from listeners on how the courts can stop some of the evil doings of Trump and Comapny.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

   An ICE agent is attacked while trying to detain an illegal alien criminal in Minnesota and it was three on one.  He's in the hospital and fired a shot a wounded the original suspect.  That suspect is in custody as are the other two that came at the agent with a snow shovel or long tool handle.  It's getting worse for politicians asking people to resist Trump.    A KC media outlet posts the locations of all ICE agents in the city, presumably so agitators could go hassle them while another outlet cries foul that the feds are looking into a reporter that's working with a person committing serious crimes to get her information.    That detention center for criminal aliens coming to KC is getting people riled up, but the dirty business dealing behind it is really nuts.    Josh Hawley has changed his mind on the War Powers act vote as Trump now has a clear path to do what he wants.     In Sports, it appears John Harbaugh will be the next coach of the Giants.  Mizzou heats up after a slow start to take down Auburn and Jerome Tang is the worst coach in the Big 12.  The NCAA has made good changes to the transfer portal and an ESPN announcer makes the strangest race claim I've ever heard.  So sad.  

With Donald Trump already doubling down on the trauma and terror he is inflicting on the Minneapolis community with his federal ICE police force, he took a step further away from American values and the First Amendment with a F.B.I. raid on the home of a journalist, ostensibly to search for evidence in the prosecution of a suspected leaker of federal secrets. Jen Psaki reacts.Senator Elissa Slotkin organized a video of elected officials with military backgrounds reminding serving members of the U.S. military that they are obligated to disobey illegal orders. Donald Trump took the message personally and has been using the federal government to exact a vendetta against the people in the video ever since. Most recently that has meant Trump's weaponized Justice Department conducting "investigations." Senator Slotkin discusses with Jen Psaki.  MS NOW reporter Jillian Frankel reports live from the scene of a chaotic clash between federal agents and protesters in Minneapolis following reports by the city's social media account of "a shooting involving federal law enforcement." To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A young woman lies dead on a Minneapolis street, an ICE officer pulled the trigger, and the official story leans on power instead of necessity. We open with what the footage actually shows, why the shot trajectory matters, and how a federal investigation shifts accountability away from local control. The human loss is personal and visceral—and the reaction is telling. When partisan voices celebrate lethal force as a message, we all lose a piece of our democratic soul. From there we follow the thread to Venezuela, where a brazen kidnapping of a foreign leader and airstrikes get sold as something short of war. Megyn Kelly's caution and Kat Timpf's pushback puncture the cheerleading and force the real questions: What's the plan after the “win”? Who pays when “rebuilding” turns into contracts for friends and photo ops in Caracas? And if drug flows are the excuse, why ignore the obvious—demand starts at home, and public health beats cruise missiles every time. We break down the Senate's War Powers maneuver, applaud rare moments of GOP restraint, and explain why a veto threat still matters for shaping the debate. Finally, we take apart the latest NATO spin. If Europe adds little to American defense relative to what we provide, committing more while inflating 5 percent spending fantasies won't fix deterrence. It's mission creep masquerading as solidarity. Across policing, foreign policy, and alliances, our case is simple: draw firm lines, resist the spectacle, and demand strategy over swagger. If you value clear-eyed analysis without the corporate gloss, hit subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review telling us where you stand on Minneapolis, Venezuela, and NATO. Your voice shapes what we dig into next.

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Former Senator Jim Talent joined the show to discuss the situation in Iran, analyzing the economic collapse of the regime and the opposition's unifying nationalistic message. He weighed the potential for U.S. military action, including targeted strikes and cyber operations, and assessed the role of intelligence from both the U.S. and Israel. Talent also shared his perspective on the recent War Powers Resolution vote regarding Venezuela, explaining why he opposed it and emphasizing the importance of keeping adversaries uncertain while maintaining constitutional prudence. The segment concluded with upcoming giveaways of Jimmy Phelah tickets and a tease for Kim on a Whim. #JimTalent #IranCrisis #USForeignPolicy #WarPowers #TrumpAdministration #MiddleEastSecurity #PoliticalAnalysis #JimmyPhelahGiveaway

011426 Greenland Shakedown,War Powers, Minneapolis Erupts, Impeaching Kristi Noem, Hot Year by The News with Paul DeRienzo

In today's episode of Good Morning Liberty, we break down the latest Iran narrative and the familiar propaganda playbook that always shows up right before "targeted strikes" magically become a full-blown conflict. We cover: Does the President have the authority to bomb Iran without Congress? Why the "emotional hook" is always the first step in selling war The shaky casualty claims and where the numbers are coming from The Iraq déjà vu: "moral obligation" turns into decades of blowback Why "America First" keeps turning into "America Funds Everything" Support the show + join the community: Fed Haters Club + merch: GodHatesFeds.com Join the conversation: JoinGML.com Rate/review on Apple + Spotify (it helps a ton)   00:00 Intro   00:52 Discussion on War and Authority   02:43 Constitutional Interpretation and War Powers   06:08 Trump's Statements and Iranian Protests   09:35 Media and Emotional Manipulation   15:34 Historical Context and Regime Change   18:50 Current Developments and Speculations   26:30 Public Opinion and Presidential Responsibility   27:33 Debating US Military Intervention in Iran   28:29 Reflecting on the Iraq War and Moral Obligations   32:02 Questioning the National Endowment for Democracy   36:36 Humorous Take on Government Strategies   42:43 Discussing the Gaza Conflict and US Foreign Policy  

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Jon Herold and Chris Paul are joined by Ghost for a focused discussion on Venezuela, regime change narratives, and the growing tension between public perception and operational reality. The episode centers on reactions to Nicolás Maduro's removal, how the media and political class are framing the event, and why certain details remain deliberately unclear. Ghost walks through strategic considerations involving continuity of government, preexisting authorities, and why silence or ambiguity can be more powerful than formal declarations. The conversation also examines the War Powers Act, congressional pressure, and whether recent actions meet the legal definition of armed conflict. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize patience, narrative discipline, and the dangers of forcing premature conclusions, while engaging with live chat and addressing internal debates within the audience. The show closes with reflections on information warfare, timing, and why understanding what is not being said is just as important as what is openly stated.

The Republicans' slim majority in the House of Representatives took a significant blow with the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa and the retirement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, shrinking it to 118-113 with the midterms less than a year away. The developments come as the party is showing signs of division over health care policy and President Trump's use of force in Venezuela. FOX News Chief Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joins The Rundown to break down the new partisan math on Capitol Hill, this week's debate over the Venezuela War Powers Resolution, and the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Later, Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) shares his thoughts on the shooting of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent and previews his legislative priorities for the year ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Republicans' slim majority in the House of Representatives took a significant blow with the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa and the retirement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, shrinking it to 118-113 with the midterms less than a year away. The developments come as the party is showing signs of division over health care policy and President Trump's use of force in Venezuela. FOX News Chief Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joins The Rundown to break down the new partisan math on Capitol Hill, this week's debate over the Venezuela War Powers Resolution, and the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Later, Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) shares his thoughts on the shooting of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent and previews his legislative priorities for the year ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Republicans' slim majority in the House of Representatives took a significant blow with the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa and the retirement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, shrinking it to 118-113 with the midterms less than a year away. The developments come as the party is showing signs of division over health care policy and President Trump's use of force in Venezuela. FOX News Chief Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joins The Rundown to break down the new partisan math on Capitol Hill, this week's debate over the Venezuela War Powers Resolution, and the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Later, Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) shares his thoughts on the shooting of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent and previews his legislative priorities for the year ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three living in Minneapolis, is gunned down in her car by an ICE agent as cameras roll. Jon and Dan react to the tragedy and discuss the administration's response, especially JD Vance's despicable remarks in the White House briefing room. Dan talks to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey about how the city plans to investigate and push back. Then, Jon and Dan discuss Trump's quest for hemispheric domination, and how Congressional Republicans are are starting to cross him on foreign policy and health care. Then, Mayor Zohran Mamdani talks with Tommy about a new deal with Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand free childcare in New York.New York Times video analysis: Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in MinneapolisFor a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The BP team takes a look at newly released video of a separate angle on the shooting of Renee Good and two more people shot in Portland, 5 Republicans defect and vote yes on a War Powers resolution for Venezuela, then we speak to New York Assemblywoman Claire Valdez who announced a run for Congress with the endorsement of Zohran Mamdani and UAW's Shawn Fain. After we look at the rocky start of CBS's new evening news anchor Tony Dokoupil and finally we speak to another congressional candidate Melat Kiros who is running in Colorado after being fired from her job for speaking out about Palestine. Claire Valdez: https://clairevaldezforcongress.com/https://www.instagram.com/claireforny/ Melat Kiros: https://www.kirosforco.com/https://www.instagram.com/melatkirosco/?hl=en To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.comMerch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Headlines: In Portland, Customs and Border Patrol agents shot two people during a vehicle stop — both were hospitalized, the FBI is now on scene, and DHS says it was “targeted.”  In Minneapolis, the Trump administration continues to fully defend the ICE officer who killed Renee Good. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the FBI is taking over the investigation, cutting Minnesota out of access to its own evidence, while insisting the officer followed his training. Governor Tim Walz pushed back hard, accusing ICE of raiding a nearby school and using chemical agents on school grounds, forcing closures and prompting him to warn protesters to stay peaceful as the administration appears eager to escalate. Vice President JD Vance then took the podium to claim the ICE officer has absolute immunity, shame the media for portraying Good as innocent, and argue the officer's past injury explains his behavior. Public pressure is starting to land: Avelo Airlines is cutting ties with ICE and shutting down its Arizona base, while Hilton dropped a Minneapolis-area franchise after it refused to host ICE agents. The Epstein saga keeps unraveling, with House Oversight approving subpoenas for Les Wexner and Epstein's estate executors, and lawmakers pushing for a special master to force DOJ compliance on the files. On Venezuela, Trump has sidelined intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, Senate Republicans advanced a War Powers resolution to curb further military action, and Trump responded by calling for those senators to be voted out. Elsewhere in chaos, Trump floated buying $200 billion in mortgage bonds, Warner Bros. rejected Paramount again in favor of Netflix, the White House may add an entire story to the West Wing for “symmetry,” and the UK is openly considering banning X over Grok-generated deepfake porn. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: ABC News: Man, woman shot by federal agent in Portland during 'targeted' vehicle stop: Officials WSJ: FBI Blocks State Law Enforcement From ICE Shooting Investigation KARE 11: Walz speaks with press after ICE agent shoots, kills woman PBS: WATCH: Vance blames victim of fatal ICE shooting at White House briefing Axios: Key airline used by Trump for deportations cuts ties with ICE Reuters: Hilton drops Minneapolis hotel over cancelled ICE bookings NBC News: House committee votes to issue more subpoenas related to Jeffrey Epstein WSJ: Tulsi Gabbard Sidelined From Venezuela Planning Axios: These Republicans broke from Trump in rare split over Venezuela war powers Axios: House passes ACA subsidies extension CNN: Trump orders ‘my representatives' to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds in effort to lower housing costs Reuters: Paramount again tells Warner Bros its offer trumps Netflix's WSJ: White House Ballroom Architect Says a West Wing Addition Is Under Consideration Telegraph: Elon Musk's X could be banned in Britain over AI chatbot row The Atlantic: Fast Times at Immigration and Customs Enforcement - The Atlantic Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The presidents of Germany and France both criticised Donald Trump's foreign policy in the wake of the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's dictator, and his repeated threats to take over Greenland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Congressman Eric Burleson joins to dissect the House vote extending Obamacare subsidies, criticizing the 17 Republicans who flipped as fiscally irresponsible and politically myopic. He also weighs in on Josh Hawley's War Powers vote on Venezuela, labeling it unnecessary and damaging to presidential authority. The discussion expands to nationwide protests against law enforcement, Minnesota's controversial policies, and recent ATF struggles after the National Firearms Act tax repeal, with Burleson calling for the agency's abolition. The segment blends policy analysis with sharp critiques of political and bureaucratic missteps. #Obamacare #EricBurleson #WarPowers #JoshHawley #LawEnforcement #ATF #SecondAmendment #CongressionalPolitics

Today on America in the MorningNew Minneapolis ICE Shooting Developments There are multiple developments in the tragedy of a woman shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis Wednesday, including dueling accusations of who's telling the truth.  The latest from correspondent Rich Johnson.   House Passes ACA Subsidies House Democrats were joined by Republicans in swing districts to pass a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits that were at the center of the longest government shutdown in US history last year.  John Stolnis has more from Washington.  Senate Passes Venezuela War Powers The Senate on Thursday passed legislation that would force President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval before taking any new military action in Venezuela, a stunning rebuke for the White House and a vote that highlighted divisions within the GOP since the U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports.   Judge Rules Prosecutor Is Illegal A federal judge on Thursday ruled that the Trump administration's pick to be the US Attorney for the Northern District of New York must stop his work on two ongoing criminal investigations into New York state attorney general Letitia James, saying the current choice of the Trump administration as prosecutor is not lawfully serving as a valid acting US Attorney.    Philadelphia House Of Horrors What police found in the car was shocking, but then they went to the man's home.    Mamdani's First Move Saying he's following through with his promises, New York's mayor is announcing one of his first initiatives.  Ed Donahue reports.   Latest On ICE Shooting In Minneapolis Schools in Minneapolis will remain closed again today as protests continue following the death of a woman, shot and killed by an ICE agent after she did not heed officer's calls to stop.    US Envoys To Meet With Denmark Envoys from Denmark and Greenland have gathered to discuss the latest talk from the White House regarding the United States either buying, annexing, paying Greenlanders to join the US, or taking the world's largest island by force.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports this comes as Secretary of State Rubio is scheduled to meet with Danish officials in the coming days.   Protests Grow In Iran The situation in Iran seems to be spiraling out of control as the Iranian government cut off the country from the internet and international telephone calls Thursday as protests grew larger in nearly every Iranian city, including Tehran.  Correspondent Jon Gambrell reports people continue to be angry over business closures as the nation's currency has collapsed.   Demand For Mistrial In Uvalde Case There was more bombshell testimony that played out in a Texas court, and the judge presiding over the Uvalde school shooting trial denied the defense's motion for a mistrial.  Trump Offers Columbia WH Visit President Donald Trump abruptly changed his tone about his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, following a friendly phone call and offered to invite the leader of the South American country to the White House. Correspondent Ben Thomas reports.   Utah Shooting An investigation is ongoing after a shooting outside a Mormon church in Utah.  The latest from correspondent Marcela Sanchez.   Home Buying Helping Hand In hopes of boosting home buying, President Trump is instructing the government to buy $200 billion dollars-worth of mortgage bonds.  The details from correspondent Lisa Dwyer.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minnesota's governor has authorized the state's National Guard to help support local law enforcement amid protests. President Donald Trump lashed out on social media over a vote to curb his war powers in Venezuela. We have the latest blowback on criminal investigations into one of Trump's political foes. We'll tell you the next steps in a push to restore enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Plus, Trump's latest actions in America's affordability crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump is once again rattling health care talks. Anna and Jake break down how. Plus, Republicans' are scrambling to avoid a rare defeat on a War Powers vote tied to Venezuela — and where things stand on government funding ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline. Punchbowl News is on YouTube Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our channel today to see all the new ways ⁠we're investing in video.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this January 8 episode of The Daily Herold, Jon Herold covers a wide range of developments beginning with reactions to the Minneapolis ICE shooting and the competing narratives surrounding use of force, media framing, and political response. Jon walks through the incident, public reaction, and why interference with law enforcement has become a flashpoint, while addressing calls for the National Guard or Insurrection Act depending on how unrest unfolds. The episode then turns to the U.S. Senate vote attempting to restrict President Trump's authority in Venezuela, including debate over the War Powers Act, constitutional authority, and whether the removal of Nicolás Maduro constitutes regime change. Jon analyzes Trump's responses, the senators involved, and the broader implications for executive power. Additional discussion includes Trump's Truth Social posts on defense spending, withdrawals from international organizations, trade deficit improvements, updated federal nutrition guidelines, fraud investigations, and upcoming Badlands Media programming, with live chat interaction throughout.

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on the Senate advancing a resolution that would limit future military action in Venezuela.

This Day in Maine for Thursday, January 8th, 2026.

Venezuela's government and several international voices have denounced the U.S. strike as an unlawful act of aggression and a dangerous precedent for unilateral regime changing operations.

Pardons, Pipe Bombs and the Campaign to Make You Forget. Stephen Miller: “Greenland Should be Part of the US” What About the War Crimes? Maduro Arraigned. Trump's Runaway Train Effect. Congrats, Montana St.  On the fifth anniversary of January 6th, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff broadcasts from a dark, gloomy New York City morning that looks and feels like the day the Capitol was attacked—and he refuses to let America forget what really happened. He opens with a raw reflection on how Trump's insurrection shattered his own family's memories of the date, then tears into Trump's runaway war footing across the Western Hemisphere, from Venezuela to Cuba, Colombia and even Greenland, and a cowardly Congress that won't assert its War Powers responsibilities or even demand answers on alleged war crimes and wounded U.S. troops.​ On this somber anniversary, Paul is joined by the “great and powerful” Scott MacFarlane, CBS News justice correspondent and arguably the most trusted reporter on January 6th in America. Reporting from inside the Cannon House Office Building, Scott reveals that Republican leadership is doing nothing official to mark the day—no memorials, no floor speeches, no shared remembrance for officers who were beaten, gassed, traumatized or killed—creating what he calls a real‑time whitewashing of history, as he details the emotional toll on Capitol Police and congressional staff who hid under desks, called their families, and then came back to work in the same halls that were under siege. He breaks down the state of accountability now: mass clemency for more than 1,500 rioters, pardons that wiped away cases even for people not yet arrested, halted and refunded restitution payments, the new pipe‑bomb arrest outside the RNC and DNC, the slow grind of the Maduro case, and how denialism has shifted from rejecting the 2020 result to denying the insurrection itself.​ Paul zooms out to connect Trump's unchecked global strikes, the risk of another government shutdown, the dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting after 58 years of funding PBS, NPR and local stations, and new efforts in New York to require teaching January 6th alongside 9/11 to kids growing up in a time when that history is being rewritten. He spotlights independent veteran Senate hopeful Ty Pinkins of Mississippi and reminds listeners why Independent Veterans of America was created to back patriots like him, then rounds out the episode with culture and sports—from the X‑Men's big‑screen return to Montana State's first FCS title in 41 years and the power of football as one of America's last shared rituals—before he and Scott close by saluting the officers and staffers who “stood the line” on January 6th. For everyone tired of partisan gaslighting who knows January 6th was real and still matters, this is a home for country over party, people over politics, and light over heat—and a call to subscribe, share, support independent media, and stay vigilant, especially on January 6th. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories--and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Support Ty Pinkins run for Senate in Mississippi. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Ways to listen: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts  Ways to WATCH: YouTube • Instagram  Social channels: X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SEASON 4 EPISODE 46: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (2:30) SPECIAL COMMENT: Well, that's it in sum, isn't it? He's "El Presidente" now, isn't he? Military Dictator. Succeeding Maduro. Until he finds somebody else to “run” it. Not the elected Vice President. Not the actual winner of the last election. Not the U-N. Maybe somebody he, in his dysfunctional haze, somebody he can trust. Maybe an oil executive. Or Elon Musk. Or Catturd. The invasion was illegal there, and illegal here. The kidnapping was illegal. Declaring we would run it is illegal. Naming a proxy dictator is illegal. As was his threat yesterday to the acting president that quote “if she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro” and calling for her belief that her country shouldn’t be invaded by another country breaking its own laws is quote “defiant rejection.” THAT’S illegal. It’s all illegal. That’s a lot of illegal – even for Trump. And I say this, hating Maduro completely. So he needs to be impeached, if not now then a year from now. Rubio can be impeached now for deceiving Congress about its approval. And both of them turned over to the World Court. And the ramifications are almost uncountable, including emboldening them to consider this in Cuba, Greenland, Iran. The poll numbers are terrible, and the risk to Americans of terrorism and violence are just as terrible. And maybe worst of all the evidence of linkage between Putin's strange silence about his ally Maduro, and Trump's dithering about Ukraine, is terrible too. But at least it produced a pretty good Olivia Nuzzi joke. ALSO: WHY DID THEY CHANGE THE TRUMP HEALTH COVER-UP STORY AGAIN? Five significant changes, about his MRI/CT, his cardiovascular health, and now the total of Cognitive tests he's gotten in just the last nine months. Three? Not two? He's really needed three tests in nine months? To repeat the insightful question from his niece Mary Trump: Why do they have to keep giving him cognitive tests? B-Block (40:00) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: There's begging the new boss to let you keep your current job, then there's what CBS Legal Analyst Jan Crawford is doing for Bari Weiss to try to keep hers. Chuck Schumer comes out firing on Venezuela: with one-millionth of one barrel blazing. And just when you think Cheryl Hines can't get any dumber, Tucker Carlson tries to talk to her about vaccines. C-Block (50:00) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: Will Ferrell did a great comedy bit at the L.A. Kings hockey game on New Year's Day and he did it for the pure joy of it. Which reminded me of the difference between amateurs and pros, and of the days when "Anchorman" was new and Will and I ad libbed a pretty good comedy bit that he said he really loved doing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presidents and Congress and use of military. A look at history. Presidents and Congresses, and a specific legislation that applies that is used, ignored, lightly used, skirted, enforced, unenforced and criticized throughout its 53 year history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My conversation with Allison begins at about 10 mins Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE : On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. This show is Ad free and fully supported by listeners like you! Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous soul allisonjaslowforcongress.com Allison Jaslow grew up in a working class, union household and much of her early days were defined by her father's alcoholism that ultimately claimed his life when she was a teenager. Around the time of his death she also felt a call to service, and while visiting a military base on a recruiting trip she was inspired to first serve her country in uniform in the United States Army. Alllison ended up earning an ROTC scholarship to college and joined active duty during the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars in 2004. She served two combat tours in Iraq, including a deployment during the surge, and achieved the rank of Captain. She served honorably and earned a Bronze Star Medal for service, and also earned an Army Commendation Medal with a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster before leaving active duty. She then continued her service on Capitol Hill, in the White House and in leadership roles in the nation's leading post-9/11 veterans advocacy organization. In her role as CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, she drove conversations about the issues that the nation's newest generation of war veterans care about, including the need to modernize the VA, put an end to the veteran suicide crisis, and for Congress to reclaim it's War Powers' authority. Now, Allison is running for Congress so that everyday North Carolinians have a voice they can count on in Congress to represent them in Washington. She knows what it's like to live on the edge and is ready to fight to help make life a little bit easier for families like hers that continue to be squeezed by the cost of basic needs like healthcare and housing. On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Listen rate and review on Apple Podcasts Listen rate and review on Spotify Pete On Instagram Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on Twitter Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page

On this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by John Vick, Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America, for a year-end conversation focused on restoring Congress's constitutional role in decisions of war and peace. John explains why repealing outdated Authorizations for Use of Military Force—passed in the wake of 9/11 with no sunset clauses—is essential to reestablishing accountability and preventing endless, open-ended conflicts. With most of the lawmakers who approved those authorizations no longer in office, the episode highlights growing bipartisan agreement that Congress must reclaim its responsibility when Americans are sent into harm's way. The discussion also covers CVA's major work this year, including advancing the Veterans Access Act to improve timely health care for veterans, and how grassroots advocacy helped drive real policy change. John shares what's ahead for CVA in 2026 as the organization continues empowering veterans and citizens nationwide to engage in the democratic process.  

In this episode, we look at the story of a young boy who found purpose working for the DC Metro and later became a transportation engineer, and we examine a proposal for the U.S. to screen tourists' social media accounts before entry, highlighting the logistical and constitutional problems such a system would create. We cover the week's “foolishness,” including In-N-Out removing order number 67 from its queues and a Montreal lottery winner who chose a disastrous payout option, and discuss what these cases reveal about human judgment and bad incentives. We also explore the Mandela Effect and why memory often fails us. Later, we're joined by Todd Huntley to talk about U.S. drug interdiction on the high seas, the legal gray zone between warfare and law enforcement, the risks of escalating conflicts with countries like Venezuela, and the constitutional limits on presidential war powers. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:30 The DC Metro Kid Who Became an Engineer 02:44 U.S. Plans to Screen Tourists' Social Media 05:43 Foolishness of the Week: In-N-Out Removes Order #67 08:10 Foolishness Part Two: The Montreal Lottery Payout Disaster 11:16 The Psychology of Bad Financial Decisions 12:34 The Mandela Effect and Faulty Memory 14:36 Reunions and Remembering the Past 18:24 Guest Introduction: Todd Huntley on Drug Boat Strikes 20:16 How U.S. Drug Interdiction Changed with Drone Warfare 23:08 Is This War or Law Enforcement? The Legal Debate 26:44 International Waters, Venezuela, and Escalation Risks 30:13 Regime Change in Venezuela 32:45 The Positive Case for Blowing Up Boats 36:42 The Negative Case for Blowing Up Boats 41:11 Who Is Conducting the Strikes? 43:40 Congress, War Powers, and Constitutional Limits 48:57 Closing Thoughts with Guest 52:10 Outro Banter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ralph welcomes Judith Enck (founder and president of Beyond Plastics, whose goal is to eliminate plastic pollution everywhere) to discuss her new book “The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late.” Then, Ralph reflects on the 60th anniversary of “Unsafe at Any Speed.”Judith Enck is the founder and president of Beyond Plastics, whose goal is to eliminate plastic pollution everywhere. In 2009, she was appointed by President Obama to serve as regional administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and served as deputy secretary for the environment in the New York Governor's Office. She is currently a professor at Bennington College, where she teaches classes on plastic pollution. She is co-author (with Adam Mahoney) of The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late.I support recycling…But the sad reality is that plastic recycling has been an abysmal failure. Always has, always will be…You cannot really accomplish high levels of recycling with plastics because you would literally have to do hundreds, if not thousands of different sorting. The people who know this the most are the plastic manufacturers. Yet they have spent hundreds of millions of dollars confusing and deceiving the public into thinking: “Don't worry about all your plastic, just toss it in your recycling bin,” knowing that most plastic never gets recycled.Judith EnckA lot of people feel overwhelmed and that it's hopeless and what can one person do? And that fails to acknowledge that the reason we're not making more progress on climate change is because of the political power of fossil fuel companies. On the plastics issue, we're taking on fossil fuel, chemical, and consumer brand companies and plastics companies. So it's a lot. It's amazing we get anything done. But people around the country are coming together and they're getting victories.Judith EnckI do think if you start paying attention to plastic in your own life, you see that there are alternatives. And then you climb the civic ladder. So you try to reduce plastic in your own home. Then you look at your kid's school. Then you look at your faith community. Then before you know it, you're at your city council asking what can the city do to reduce plastics. You're going to get a couple victories there. And then you find the statewide environmental groups that are working on this. This is for the long haul.Judith EnckThe important thing about [Unsafe at Any Speed] now is: sure, it saved millions of lives and the laws are still on the books, and even Donald Trump can't tear seatbelts and airbags out of our cars. But if we tried to do this again today, it wouldn't happen. And that's because the concentration of corporate power over Congress and the media is so much more intense now. And it's also because the decline of civic institutions and democratic institutions has been very pronounced over the last few decades. And that is sobering us up.Ralph NaderNews 12/5/251. Our top stories this week are on Venezuela. First, the BBCis out with a report on the American military build-up around the Latin American nation, which includes “air and naval forces…a nuclear-powered submarine and spy planes...a range of aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, and amphibious assault ships capable of landing thousands of troops.” So far, the Trump administration has sent mixed messages on whether they plan to launch a full-scale invasion of the Bolivarian Republic, but Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro shows no signs of stepping down without a fight, having declared a “massive mobilisation” of 200,000 military personnel throughout the country. Most ominously, on November 29th, President Trump declared Venezuela's sovereign airspace closed, per the Wall Street Journal.2. However, American bellicosity towards Venezuela is unpopular at home. A CBS poll found that only 30% of Americans would favor the U.S. taking military action in Venezuela, compared to a whopping 70% opposed. Another question in this same poll found that only 13% of Americans consider Venezuela a “major threat” with 48% considering the country a “minor threat” and 39% report they don't think Venezuela is a threat at all. Unfortunately, the lack of popular support for war is unlikely to constrain the Trump administration much, but it is a notable difference from the lead-up to the Iraq War, when 70% of Americans favored an invasion. The American people want peace, even if the government does not. 3. Another key detail from the CBS poll is that “Three in four Americans…say Trump would need congressional approvalbefore taking military action in Venezuela, including just over half of Republicans.” In light of this fact, it is significant that a bipartisan group in Congress is pushing a War Powers resolution to “block strikes on Venezuela,” per the Intercept. This new push in the House is sponsored by stalwart progressive Congressman Jim McGovern and co-sponsored by dissident Republican Thomas Massie along with other progressives like Reps. Ro Khanna, Lloyd Doggett, and Joaquin Castro, among others. As the Intercept piece notes, this resolution must be acted on in the House within 15 days, but by then the administration may have already acted, pre-empting the resolution. A similar resolution has also been introduced in the Senate, primarily backed by Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, with backing from other Senate Democrats, per the Hill.4. Of course, American aggression towards Venezuela is reverberating out into the international community in myriad ways. Generally speaking, while United Nations officials decry the actions, America's European allies have kept quiet – with many speculating that these countries would prefer Maduro's ouster in order to get ready access to Venezuelan oil and decrease their dependence on Russia. China however, has issued a stiff condemnation of American actions. The Iranian Students News Agencyquotes Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's statement at a Beijing press conference, which where in he stated, “China opposes any action that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter or infringes upon the sovereignty and security of other countries…[and] opposes foreign forces interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext.” He added, “We urge all parties to keep the Latin American and Caribbean region a peaceful zone and not allow the situation to escalate further.” However, beyond these condemnations, it remains unclear what, if anything, China will do to check American aggression.5. Despite all of this however, House Democratic leadership is typically feckless. In a corollary to the increasing likelihood of strikes against Venezuela directly, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has stepped up the campaign of striking boats off the country's coast. Recently, the Washington Post revealed that after a strike in September which left survivors clinging to life, Hegseth ordered a second strike, directing Admiral Frank Bradley to “kill everybody.” This revelation led to calls for House Democrats to pursue impeachment against Hegseth on charges that he violated the laws of war. However, Axiosreports House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will not pursue a Hegseth impeachment. While true that such a push would likely be DOA, it sends a dark signal that the administration can do something like this and face virtually zero official condemnation. 6. Nevertheless, Republicans have taken such unpopular actions that it seems Democrats will retake the House, perhaps by a wide margin, in the 2026 midterms – or perhaps before. So far, 31 House Republicans have announced they will not seek re-election, with some retiring and others running for other offices. Still others however are signaling that they will resign their offices before the midterms, shaving the slim House GOP majority ever slimmer. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced she will retire in January 2026. Now, Congresswoman Nancy Mace is reportedly considering resigning early as well, though she has denied such rumors, per KOMO News. Either way, Democrats should be taking this moment to prepare an agenda for if and when they retake control of the chamber. 7. Turning to consumer protection news, Jalopnik reports Senate Republicans are seeking to rollback decades of automobile safety regulations. In a recent hearing held by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation ostensibly to put the CEOs of the Big Three American car manufacturers, as well as Tesla, on the record as to why cars have become so expensive, Republicans on the committee used the opportunity to blame safety regulations. Jalopnik notes that Republican Senators specifically targeted “automated emergency braking, the requirements for which will not come into effect until 2029 and have no bearing on current car prices…[and] back-seat alarms to remind you if you've left a child or pet back there. According to Kids and Car Safety, since 1990 at least 1,165 children have sweltered to death in hot cars, and another 7,500 survived with varying degrees of injury.” The cost of these sensors will amount to about $50 per vehicle. In short, while there are many reasons cars have become considerably more expensive in recent years – including everything from tariffs to data centers buying up all electronic parts – blaming safety regulations is a tired canard. 8. Meanwhile, RFK Jr. is moving to kill a proposed Food and Drug Administration rule to test for asbestos in talc-based cosmetics, the Guardian reports. As this report notes, cosmetics companies have known about potential asbestos contamination of talc since the 1950s, but that fact, like so many other corporate secrets, was suppressed, only coming to light in the 1970s. Asbestos is a highly carcinogenic substance. It has been banned in over 50 countries and “No…level of exposure is considered safe.” However, attempts to ban the substance in the U.S. have been stymied by industry, beginning with the overturning of the EPA's 1989 ban.9. In more legal news, Reuters reports the British government has announced plans to “remove the historic right to trial by jury,” for defendants in criminal cases carrying potential sentences of under three years in jail. The government argues that this will help alleviate the tremendous backlog of cases before the British courts, despite the fact that the right to a jury trial in Britain dates back to the Magna Carta itself. Barbara Mills, chair of the Bar Council, which represents trial lawyers in the U.K., decried this move, stating ”there is no evidence that [the] removal [of jury trials] would reduce the backlog, nor has it been set out how an alternative system would be resourced…We urge the government to reconsider pursuing radical changes under the mistaken belief that radical equals effective.” 10. Finally, in local news, Washington D.C. Councilmember and Democratic Socialist Janeese Lewis George has officially launched her campaign to be the next mayor of the District of Columbia. Lewis George is the first serious candidate to announce a campaign to succeed unpopular three-term Mayor Muriel Bowser, who is retiring this cycle. Like Zohran Mamdani, Lewis George is prioritizing affordability in the increasingly expensive District as well as an emphasis on fixing city services like traffic safety improvement. According to the Washington Post, “Within hours of launching her campaign Monday morning, Lewis George's campaign said it had received enough money from enough D.C. residents to qualify [for the District's matching fund program], which provides public financing for campaigns that agree not to accept large-dollar donations and corporate contributions.” Within hours, “they had netted more than $110,000 in individual donations from 1,500 D.C. residents,” which after being combined with the matching funds, will total over $750,000.” However, many expect her main challenger to be Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, an ally of corporate interests and developers in the District, who will likely be bankrolled by those same interests. Whatever the future holds, this will surely be the most competitive citywide race the District has seen in decades. This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Independent U.S. Senate candidate from Idaho, Army veteran and telecom leader Todd Achilles returns to Independent Americans for a hard-charging Football Friday that cuts through the chaos. Todd and host Paul Rieckhoff break down Trump's unauthorized boat strikes and the unfolding Signalgate scandal, why Secretary Hegseth is “fundamentally unfit,” and how Congress has surrendered its War Powers as America edges toward a conflict with Venezuela.​ From ICE raids zip-tying kids at a rural Idaho horse track to a broken visa system that powers the state's only truly strategic industry—agriculture—Todd explains what this looks like on the ground for red hats, trucker hats, hard hats and cowboy hats across all 44 Idaho counties. He lays out a simple two-by-two matrix for understanding the Venezuela mission, why this should be a DEA and Coast Guard problem, and how misusing the military puts Idaho Guard troops and all Americans at risk.​ Paul and Todd go deep on why independents are the real solution to Trump, RFK Jr., Mamdani and the extremes of both parties—and how one independent veteran in the Senate could become the decisive fulcrum on confirmations, war powers and corruption. Todd details his David-vs-Goliath run against Senator Jim Risch—the fourth-oldest and one of the wealthiest members of the Senate who hasn't held an in-person town hall since 2009—and why national Republicans are suddenly “scared” of Idaho's independent wave.​ It's also Football Friday: Paul and Todd pick Boise State on the Smurf Turf, Texas Tech, Georgia and undefeated Indiana, and talk about why college football in Idaho is as local—and as political—as it gets. They close with “something good,” honoring D-Day medic and Native American hero Charles Shay, the powerful service tradition of Idaho's tribes, and the growing, hopeful movement of Americans breaking out of partisan trenches and declaring their independence. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories--and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Todd's campaign for Idaho's Senate seat. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the holidays.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts  Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram  X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Ways to listen:Social channels: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Independent U.S. Senate candidate from Idaho, Army veteran and telecom leader Todd Achilles returns to Independent Americans for a hard-charging Football Friday that cuts through the chaos. Todd and host Paul Rieckhoff break down Trump's unauthorized boat strikes and the unfolding Signalgate scandal, why Secretary Hegseth is “fundamentally unfit,” and how Congress has surrendered its War Powers as America edges toward a conflict with Venezuela.​ From ICE raids zip-tying kids at a rural Idaho horse track to a broken visa system that powers the state's only truly strategic industry—agriculture—Todd explains what this looks like on the ground for red hats, trucker hats, hard hats and cowboy hats across all 44 Idaho counties. He lays out a simple two-by-two matrix for understanding the Venezuela mission, why this should be a DEA and Coast Guard problem, and how misusing the military puts Idaho Guard troops and all Americans at risk.​ Paul and Todd go deep on why independents are the real solution to Trump, RFK Jr., Mamdani and the extremes of both parties—and how one independent veteran in the Senate could become the decisive fulcrum on confirmations, war powers and corruption. Todd details his David-vs-Goliath run against Senator Jim Risch—the fourth-oldest and one of the wealthiest members of the Senate who hasn't held an in-person town hall since 2009—and why national Republicans are suddenly “scared” of Idaho's independent wave.​ It's also Football Friday: Paul and Todd pick Boise State on the Smurf Turf, Texas Tech, Georgia and undefeated Indiana, and talk about why college football in Idaho is as local—and as political—as it gets. They close with “something good,” honoring D-Day medic and Native American hero Charles Shay, the powerful service tradition of Idaho's tribes, and the growing, hopeful movement of Americans breaking out of partisan trenches and declaring their independence. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories--and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Todd's campaign for Idaho's Senate seat. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the holidays.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts  Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram  X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retired Brigadier General Shawn A. Harris is back on the front lines—this time in politics. From his grass-fed cattle farm in Rockmart, Georgia to the halls of the Pentagon, Harris joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) to break down SignalGate, the deadly US boat strikes, the War Powers fight and the growing danger of sloppy, politicized military leadership.​ Running as a Democrat in Georgia's 14th Congressional District—the open seat Marjorie Taylor Greene is abandoning—Harris explains why leadership, integrity and service still matter in a district that's been defined by chaos, extremism and cable hits. He talks candidly about why he chose not to “change t‑shirts,” what it's like to have two sons still in uniform, and why independent and Reagan Republicans are lining up behind his campaign.​ Rieckhoff and Harris also explore whether Congress is quietly edging America toward another war in the Caribbean, whether the boat strike could rise to a war crime, and what real accountability for the current Secretary of Defense should look like. They dig into the Pentagon press rules fight, the New York Times lawsuit, the arrest of the January 6 pipe bomb suspect, and what “dead men don't talk” really means for intelligence and national security.​ Then, in a powerful “something good,” Harris salutes his hometown Early County Bobcats and the high school football coach who helped turn hopes and dreams into a life of service—sparking a heartfelt conversation about how sports, mentors and community can literally save young lives. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories--and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Shawn's campaign for Georgia's 14th Congressional District. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the holidays.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts  Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram  X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration's attacks on Venezuelan boats defy even the broadest interpretation of the president's war powers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.