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H.W. Brands describes how, in early 1941, Lindbergh took his arguments to Congress, testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate. He presented himself as a political "babe in the woods," taking pride in his "innocence" compared to the "culture of politics" embodied by Roosevelt. While interventionists argued that air power had made the world smaller and America more vulnerable, Lindbergh used his technical expertise to argue the opposite: air power made the United States more defensible. He reasoned that any invader would require an armada of ships that could now be attacked by aircraft 300 miles off the American shore, long before they reached land. Lindbergh rejected the label of "isolationist," proposing instead a robust "hemispheric defense." He argued that America's frontier was not on the Rhine River but 200 miles off its own coasts, encompassing the entire Western Hemisphere including Canada and Latin America. His message resonated with the public; massive rallies at the Manhattan Center and Madison Square Garden saw crowds so large that many were left waiting outside. Lindbergh's diary noted his own popularity with some vanity, viewing the cheering crowds as a sign that the people agreed with his "America first" message. However, the debate in the summer of 1941 was increasingly characterized by mockery from London, where leaders were desperate for America to stop simply selling weapons and start fighting. (6)1936
Dr. Beatriz Canamary stopped by the Energy News Beat podcast, and we had a great discussion about energy, exports, and our maritime industry, including shipbuilding and the Jones Act. I am going to just be brutally honest for a moment, and say that I have been for totally repealing the Jones Act for years. After my discussion with Dr. Canamery, my opinion has shifted toward more of a "let's get the problem solved and leave the Jones Act in place long-term" stance. But we need a plan to get to a balance. Dr. Canamary has a new book coming out, and we will be getting an interview lined up. Connect with Beatriz on her LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrizcanamary/1. U.S. Maritime Industry RevitalizationThe core focus is rebuilding America's shipbuilding capacity. The U.S. currently represents only 0.4% of global ship production (down from over 50% post-WWII), while China dominates with 60% and South Korea adds another 20%. The discussion emphasizes the need for strategic investment in shipyards, workforce development, and creating predictable cargo demand to justify shipbuilding expansion.2. Energy Security & Dominance Through MaritimeEnergy exports (oil and LNG) are central to U.S. dominance, but they're currently transported on international vessels rather than U.S.-flagged ships. The podcast explores how securing cargo on American vessels strengthens both energy security and the maritime industry. The Strait of Hormuz crisis is cited as a wake-up call about supply chain vulnerabilities.3. Global Choke Points & Geopolitical RisksEight major maritime choke points (Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea/Houthis, Strait of Malacca, etc.) are contested and sometimes weaponized. Insurance companies can effectively shut down shipping by canceling coverage, as Lloyd's of London did during the Iran strike. The discussion highlights the need for U.S. insurance alternatives and control over critical passages.4. Nuclear Technology in MaritimeNuclear propulsion for ships and floating nuclear power plants are presented as innovation differentiators for the U.S. The ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) has frameworks for approving nuclear projects, and companies like Nano Nuclear are developing micro-reactors designed for maritime use. Nuclear is positioned as cleaner than traditional fuel oil and a competitive advantage.5. Autonomous & Advanced Maritime TechnologyA new IMO (International Maritime Organization) framework for autonomous commercial ships was recently approved, with a mandatory code coming in 2032. The U.S. is positioned to compete through innovation in automation, AI, and autonomous vessels rather than on cost—since labor-intensive competition with China/Korea is unwinnable.6. Maritime Prosperity ZonesThe U.S. should develop regional maritime clusters (similar to Europe's model) with specialized capabilities—some regions for tankers, others for icebreakers, etc. The American Maritime Industrial Coalition is mapping supply chains and regional expertise to accelerate production.7. Trade Agreements & Bilateral PartnershipsStrategic trade agreements with U.S. allies can secure cargo flows through American ports on U.S.-flagged vessels, creating demand signals for shipbuilding without direct government subsidies. This creates a win-win for allies seeking energy independence.8. The Ships for America ActA bipartisan bill with 126+ seats of support, expected to pass by year-end. It includes tax incentives and supports the broader maritime revitalization strategy outlined in the National Security Strategy and Maritime Action Plan.9. Geopolitical Shifts & New Trading BlocsThe podcast discusses emerging energy-based trading blocs, China's port dominance (129 ports globally), and concerns about China's influence in South America (Peru, Brazil). It also touches on the Monroe Doctrine and regional security in the Western Hemisphere.10. Ports as Strategic InfrastructureDr. Canamari's forthcoming book explores ports as intelligence hubs, infrastructure assets, and strategic military/trade assets. The discussion covers climate resilience, digital twins, automation, and how ports are increasingly weaponized in global trade wars.This is a comprehensive discussion of how maritime infrastructure, energy, innovation, and geopolitics intersect to shape U.S. competitiveness and national security.Check out the Energy News Beat SubStack https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/A shout-out to Steve Reese and the Reese Energy Consulting group for sponsoring the Podcast https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/.Data2 if you have any business systems, can you trust A? Well, they have the patent on validation. . https://data2.zoholandingpage.com/energyAnd we have WellDatabase rolling in as a new sponsor. https://welldatabase.com/
The Trump administration is supercharging its aggression toward Latin America. What does the 'Donroe Doctrine' mean for the Western Hemisphere, and could it backfire for the U.S.? For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org. This episode was produced by Henry Larson and Michael Levitt. It was edited by Sarah Robbins. Our executive producer is Courtney Dorning. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
Unleashed! The Political News Hour with Bruce Robertson –As the primary season heats up in American election districts across the nation and as the nation prepares for its 250-year anniversary and the US economy chugs along with new stock market highs, the Trump Administration has been preparing some major announcements that will likely change the game both domestically...
“ Iran will have permanent control over the Strait of Hormuz. As though that necessarily, in and of itself, is bullish for oil prices. I would argue that, in fact, it isn't. “Doomberg, Substack Author, Energy AnalystThis was another great discussion with Doomberg, and we had over 100k listens and views, plus even more impact from social media during his last visit. This discussion included several key quotes, and I have about 10 of them listed below the video.Make no mistake, the global energy, oil, and gas markets have changed permanently.“Energy security starts at home. Energy dominance is displayed through your exports. “Stu Turley, Energy News Beat Podcast HostWe recommend https://newsletter.doomberg.com/1. Geopolitical Control of the Strait of HormuzThe hosts explore Iran's potential permanent control over the Strait of Hormuz and what this means for global energy markets. The key insight is that while many assume this would drive oil prices higher, the real issue is about sanctions and U.S. dollar hegemony—Iran would need sanctions lifted to collect tolls, which threatens the dollar's position in the global financial system. Long-term, alternative pipelines and infrastructure will mitigate any supply disruptions.2. North American Energy DominanceA major focus is on how the Western Hemisphere (particularly the U.S. and Canada) is becoming an energy powerhouse through:Natural gas production and LNG exports (growing from near-zero to ~30 BCF/day by decade's end)Oil development in Argentina (Vaca Marta), Guyana, Venezuela, and BrazilPipeline infrastructure like Mountain Valley PipelineThe concept of “energy security starts at home” and exporting energy as a display of dominance3. Qatar's LNG Disruptions and Helium CrisisWhile Qatar supplies 20% of global LNG, the real story is helium—Qatar controls about a third of the global helium market. Helium is critical for semiconductors and MRIs, and there's no easy replacement. Recent attacks have disrupted Qatar's production.4. The AI Bubble and Market DynamicsThe hosts discuss:The SpaceX IPO as a potential “top of the Ponzi cycle” with a $1.75 trillion valuationHow AI is simultaneously a transformative technology AND a massive bubble (like railroads and the internet before it)The importance of AI validation and verification—AI without accountability wastes moneyHow companies must be built with AI at their core to survive; large legacy companies may struggle to adapt5. AI Implementation and Business TransformationPractical discussion on:How AI can eliminate inefficiencies (e.g., reducing invoice processing from 2 months to 2 minutes)The need for human oversight and “AI-aware” workers vs. “AI-ignorant” onesAuthentic human content creation remaining valuable in an AI-saturated worldHow small, lean businesses with owner mentality adapt faster than bloated corporations6. Future Economic Blocs and Global RealignmentThe hosts predict a shift toward new trading blocks: the U.S., India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, and Japan forming alternative economic structures, with the EU and UK potentially falling behind.Global Oil and Gas Markets Update - Doomberg's insights and opinionsCheck out the Energy News Beat SubStack https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/A shout-out to Steve Reese and the Reese Energy Consulting group for sponsoring the Podcast https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/.Data2 if you have any business systems, can you trust A? Well, they have the patent on validation. . https://data2.zoholandingpage.com/energyAnd we have WellDatabase rolling in as a new sponsor. https://welldatabase.com/
Best Esim For Travelers: $27 a month, unlimited data, 100+ countries = pangia pass Use my link for 10% off: https://pangiapass.com/a/bold Find Me Here: https://linktr.ee/bold.perceptions Travel / Lifestyle Consultation, DM Me On Instagram: bold_perceptions #travel #travelblogger #podcast #europe #latinamerica #florida #solotravel #podcasting Al slop summary for keywords : Western Europe is one of the easiest places in the world to romanticize. You step off a train in cities like Paris, Florence, Vienna, or Amsterdam and it feels like centuries of wealth, art, empire, and philosophy are layered directly into the streets. The architecture alone can overwhelm you. Cathedrals built before entire countries existed in the Americas. Cafés where writers, revolutionaries, and painters spent decades shaping culture. The infrastructure is polished, the museums endless, and even ordinary neighborhoods can feel cinematic. But what surprises many travelers is how deeply routine it all is for locals. The beauty becomes normalized. People casually drink wine beside buildings older than most civilizations in the Western Hemisphere. Western Europe feels refined, stable, and historically “finished” in a way few regions on Earth do. Eastern Europe hits differently. It feels heavier, rawer, and in many ways more honest. The scars of war, communism, occupation, and survival are still visible in the architecture and mentality. Cities like Budapest, Belgrade, Kraków, Bucharest, or Sarajevo carry a tension between old-world beauty and recent hardship. You can walk through grand Austro-Hungarian boulevards, then see Soviet apartment blocks only minutes away. The people are often less performative for tourists and more direct in conversation. Prices are lower, nightlife can be wilder, and the atmosphere feels less commercialized than Western Europe. There's also a stronger feeling that history here was not just written in books but lived recently by grandparents still alive today. Eastern Europe often leaves travelers with deeper memories because it feels less filtered and more emotionally textured. One of the biggest differences between traveling Europe and traveling Latin America is the relationship between order and spontaneity. Europe, especially Western Europe, operates with systems that have been refined for generations. Trains run on schedules. Streets were designed for walking centuries ago. Public life functions with a certain predictability. Latin America feels more alive in a chaotic sense. Plans change. Conversations last longer. Bureaucracy can feel irrational one moment and strangely human the next. In Europe, efficiency often dominates culture. In Latin America, relationships dominate culture. Neither is automatically better. One gives structure and reliability. The other gives warmth, adaptability, and energy. Travelers who understand this distinction usually enjoy both regions far more because they stop expecting them to operate the same way.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone following the ongoing Iran war and its implications on global politics. Michael dives into the recent hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where he presented a prepared statement that's more about Venezuela than Iran, and the strategy behind it. The discussion also touches on the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the impact of the war on oil prices, and the role of the US in the Middle East. Michael breaks down the process of how Rubio's prepared statement was crafted, involving multiple iterations and approvals from various government offices. He also analyze the content of the statement, which focuses on the Western Hemisphere and avoids mentioning the ongoing military operations in the Middle East. The discussion highlights the administration's approach to the war and the potential consequences of their strategy. The episode also explores the tension within the Republican party, with some members expressing hesitation about the war. Michael shares their own thoughts on the matter, emphasizing the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the need for the US to take a stronger stance. They also discuss the role of the US in the Middle East and the impact of the war on oil prices. If you're interested in staying up-to-date on the latest developments in the Iran war and its implications on global politics, this episode is a must-listen. Michael provides a unique perspective on the situation and offers insights into the complexities of the conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Allen covers how private equity firm Energy Capital Partners ended up owning wind blade factories, TPI Composites’ bankruptcy, and the decades-long GE Vernova relationship behind the rescue. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly newsletter on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard’s StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on YouTube, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary’s “Engineering with Rosie” YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! Speaker: Happy Monday, everyone. Well, there is a company most people have never heard of quietly positioning itself at the very center of America’s energy future. Its name is Energy Capital Partners. It’s a private equity firm headquartered up in Summit, New Jersey. But to understand how ECP ended up owning wind blade factories, you have to start with gas turbines and a power company called Calpine. See, back in 2001, Calpine placed one of the most audacious turbine orders ever recorded, 203 GE gas turbines. enough to power 50,000 megawatts of base load generation. GE did [00:01:00] not just sell Calpine turbines. The two companies co-developed power plants together. GE co-owned facilities. Calpine held options to buy them back. It was a less a vendor relationship and more of a marriage. In 2018, Energy Capital Partners bought Calpine, All 77 power plants, 26,000 megawatts of generation capacity, and every long-term GE service agreement that came with it. And for the next seven years, ECP was GE’s single most consequential private sector gas turbine customer in the Western Hemisphere. That relationship, built on decades of iron and service contracts, would soon reach far beyond gas. Because on the other side of the energy world, a very different kind of company was falling apart, and that was TPI Composites. For years, the world’s largest independent maker of wind turbine blades. [00:02:00] facilities in Iowa, in Mexico, in India, and in Turkey. More than 9,600 employees worldwide. But the cracks were forming long before anyone said bankruptcy. First came the debt. TPI had borrowed heavily from Oaktree Capital Management and by the time the end arrived, the company owed Oaktree $476 million, secured against substantially all of its assets. Then came the customers. Nordex walked away from its Matamoros facility, shutting it down at the end of the second quarter of 2024. Then came customs. US Customs and Border Protection launched a review of TPI’s Mexico facilities under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. TPI maintained its supply chain had no connection to forced labor, but the law did not care about confidence. Cared about proof, and while TPI worked to prove its innocence, a substantial portion of its Mexico-made blades could not cross the border into [00:03:00] the United States. The backlog told the story in numbers. At the end of 2024, there were $237 million in orders. One year later, $114 million in orders, cut nearly in half. On August 11th of last year, TPI filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, delisted from NASDAQ about eight days later. Now, when a company heads into bankruptcy, the first thing it has to solve is a very human problem. How do you keep the people who know how to run the place from walking out the door? Well, TPI’s board had an answer. Two months before the bankruptcy filing, the compensation committee approved retention bonuses for key executives, paid in cash within 30 days. The CEO, $1,225,000. The CFO, $518,000. The COO, [00:04:00] $487,000. And of course, the general counsel, $435,000. But there was one condition, you had to stay through restructuring. If you left early, you had to give it all back. Well, they stayed, at least most of them have. In the months that followed, TPI sold off its Turkish operations. Vestas moved quickly, claiming the India and Matamoros plants for roughly $24 million. And then the phone rang in Summit, New Jersey. GE Vernova needed its blade supply secured. It had a decades-long relationship with the firm on the other end of that call, a relationship forged not in composite factories, but in gas turbine halls. Through a newly formed entity called ECP Blade Holdings, Energy Capital Partners is acquiring TPI’s remaining North American assets , plants up in Newton, Iowa, down in Juarez, Mexico, for about $20 [00:05:00] million. The management team that had guided TPI through its darkest chapter came with it. And embedded in the transaction was a five-year supply agreement requiring GE Vernova to direct a defined share of its blade procurement exclusively to ECP-operated facilities. Well, if this deal had fallen apart, GE Vernova itself was contractually bound as a backup buyer, obligated to step in and at least purchase the Iowa plant for $21 million. GE Vernova was simultaneously ECP’s partner, its customer , and in this case, its buyer of last resort. Two companies, one relationship stretching back about 25 years through gas turbine orders, power plant co-ownership, long-term service contracts, and now wind blade factories rescued from bankruptcy court. A company laid low by debt, customs blockades, and lost contracts, its people paid to [00:06:00] stay, its factory sold for pennies on the dollar, and now rising again under new ownership to supply the very turbines powering America’s AI-driven energy future And that’s the state of the wind industry for the 1st of June 2026. Have a great week
In this explosive episode of STRAT, retired Marine intelligence officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer examines how aggressive U.S. operations across Latin America are transforming the region's political, economic, and security landscape. From renewed American military activity around the Panama Canal to intensified cartel targeting in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Venezuela, and a burgeoning strategic shift with Cuba, Washington appears to be executing a sweeping hemispheric strategy aimed at countering narco-terrorism, expanding economic influence, and rolling back Chinese encroachment. The discussion explores covert raids, intelligence cooperation, joint military operations, anti-cartel campaigns, and major mineral and energy agreements reshaping regional alliances. The episode also examines the implications for global trade, maritime security, corruption, foreign investment, and business expansion opportunities throughout the Western Hemisphere. As Operation Southern Spear expands, the future of Latin America may be entering a dramatic new era of geopolitical realignment.Takeaways:U.S. military involvement in Latin America has expanded dramatically.The Panama Canal region is becoming strategically aligned with U.S. interests again.Venezuela's political shift is opening massive U.S. energy and mining opportunities.Cuba faces growing economic collapse and increased American pressure.Ecuador has entered a new phase of joint anti-cartel operations with the United States.Intelligence and special operations activity inside Mexico has intensified significantly.Major cartel leadership losses are reshaping organized crime networks in the region.Operation Southern Spear reflects a broader U.S. effort to counter Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere.#STRATPodcast #HalKempfer #MutualBroadcastingSystem #StrategicRiskAnalysis #LatinAmerica #CartelWar #PanamaCanal #OperationSouthernSpear #Geopolitics #NationalSecurity #USMilitary #CounterNarcotics #ChinaInfluence #MexicoCartels #Venezuela #Cuba #Ecuador #DrugTrafficking #ForeignPolicy #WesternHemisphere
You can send a text, include contact info to get a response. More focus on Mexico and California than is ideal, but there is a general overview of Spanish America.Spanish America, more than anywhere else, shows us the global ramifications of the Napoleonic Wars. “The crisis and collapse of Spain's empire was the direct result of political turmoil in Europe. During the Napoleonic wars this vast empire got fragmented, was henceforth relegated to the sidelines of world politics.” It's a big deal. Spanish America was important to the world and world politics. The disparate countries of Latin America stopped mattering after independence when they are separate things rather than a huge mass. This is sort of a harsh, brutal truth, This was partly because of the Monroe doctrine, Thou Shalt Not Interfere in the Western Hemisphere lest thou tempt the wrath of God, and British policy also was to keep other Europeans out, more practically by means of controlling the seas, and giving a firm no to plans from the Spanish and Russians for interference from non Spanish forces.
Live from the final day of the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference, host Scotty brings you an all-star lineup from the epicenter of the American energy boom. This episode dives deep into the jaw-dropping evolution of the oil and gas industry, exploring how North Dakota is positioning itself as a global powerhouse by pairing its massive energy reserves with the soaring, insatiable demands of artificial intelligence data centers. Hear the legendary, inspiring American success story of billionaire Harold Hamm, founder of Continental Resources, who rose from poverty as the son of sharecroppers to reshape global energy. Continental's current board chair, Shelly Lambert, also stops by to discuss the future of the company, the lifting of the export ban, and building long-term community roots. Then, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum joins the show for an exclusive, wide-ranging conversation. He reveals a first look at the library project's stunning "AI Teddy Roosevelt" model, exposes the foreign propaganda driving the public hysteria against local data centers, and explains why the next great manufacturing revolution isn't about physical goods—it's about manufacturing intelligence. Plus, Chord Energy CEO Danny Brown breaks down the technical magic of four- and five-mile horizontal drilling laterals and the regulatory hurdles of unlocking another 10 billion barrels of oil. Finally, Landmark Gold's David Fisher sounds a factual, urgent alarm on the latest CPI and PPI reports, warning listeners how devastating 1970s-style stagflation could threaten their retirement portfolios if they aren't properly diversified. Standout Moments & Timestamps [00:01:25] The Sharecropper's Son Who Cracked the Code: Scotty shares the incredible backstory of Harold Hamm, from wearing hand-me-downs to finding his true passion at a high school pottery wheel demo and building an empire. [00:04:00] Strictly Horizontal: Oil champion Harold Hamm reminisces about pioneering the world's very first strictly horizontal oil field at Cedar Hills and outlines the next frontier of enhanced oil recovery. [00:06:55] Choosing the Freedom of Going Private: Harold Hamm explains why he bucked the Wall Street trend and took Continental Resources private after the market stopped appreciating public energy sectors post-COVID. [00:09:50] Tearing Up the Permits: Shelly Lambert shares what it's like working alongside her father and discusses how a pragmatically aligned administration is cutting red tape to secure the Western Hemisphere's energy future. [00:11:00] Having a Conversation with Teddy Roosevelt: Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum gives an exclusive inside look at "AI Teddy"—a closed, highly sophisticated large language…
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso sit down after three days at the National Restaurant Association Show — the biggest foodservice event in the Western Hemisphere, featuring more than 55,000 foodservice professionals from 112 countries and roughly 2,300 exhibitors — to discuss some of the biggest trends they saw from the show floor. This includes innovations in beverage (dirty soda, anyone?), sauces, artificial intelligence, equipment, and much more. Sam and Alicia recap all of the highlights from the show, and share anecdotes they picked up from operators at their exclusive news desk on the show floor.For more from the Restaurant Show: Here's what we liked about this year's National Restaurant Association Show, and what we didn'tRestaurant industry navigates ‘complex' consumer landscape as sentiment hits all-time low29th annual MenuMasters Awards ceremony honors chefs and innovators from across the industry
The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on Cuba’s regime. Just this month, it indicted former President Raúl Castro, announced the deployment of additional military assets to the region and released a video message — featuring Secretary of State Marco Rubio — blaming Cuba’s economic troubles on its government. The push comes less than five months after the US captured one of Havana’s staunchest allies, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, which choked Cuba’s oil supplies and plunged the island into darkness. On today’s Big Take podcast, host David Gura and Bloomberg State Department reporter Eric Martin discuss what’s next for Cuba’s regime, how President Trump’s Venezuela playbook is — and isn’t — playing out in Havana and the challenges both nations face as they adapt to Trump’s vision for the Western Hemisphere. Read more: Can Cuba’s Regime Survive Rising US Pressure? We have a special Bloomberg subscription offer for podcast listeners at Bloomberg.com/podcastoffer. Hosted by David Gura; Produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky; Reported by Eric Martin; Edited by Jeffrey Grocott. Fact-checking by Laura Newcombe; Engineering by Alex Sugiura. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let's talk about the latest news update on Trump's recent withdrawal from a US-Canada joint defense board, insulting Canada's military in the process. How does it relate to his 2025 US National Security Strategy (AKA ‘The Donroe Doctrine")? And how is Trump's plan for economic domination over the Western Hemisphere linked to the vision of Alberta separatists, and the attempted take over of Canada's supply chains? Share this episode with Canadians that want to, need to stay in touch and stay informed!Tune into Episode 455 of The Bill Kelly Podcast for daily Canadian news updates.This news update was recorded on May 22, 2026.Join Bill's LIVESTREAM every Thursday at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT! Watch last week's Livecast here: https://youtube.com/live/T3QJ_3pl9dI?feature=shareWATCH THIS EPISODE and subscribe to our channel: https://youtu.be/lSGzsrHyUQ4?si=UtX7F3nrmtxJLz7zWATCH A RELATED EPISODE: Trump Majorly INSULTS Canada's Military for the Most INSANE Reasons?
History echoes as the US increases pressure on Cuba once again. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss Cuba's unique place in American geopolitics, the cause and potential outcome of the current crisis, and how Cuba fits into the US's new Western Hemisphere strategy. Also: Cuban parallels to other island nations. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
Andrew Harding of the Heritage Foundation breaks down the national security stakes behind potential U.S. policy shifts toward Cuba, focusing on its strategic proximity to Florida, historical use as a staging ground for adversarial influence, and its continued ties to Russia and China. He explains how Cuba remains a geopolitical foothold for intelligence activity and how changes in leadership or policy could significantly alter the balance of power in the Western Hemisphere. The conversation expands into broader regional strategy, including coordinated pressure on Venezuela and the effort to limit Chinese influence through infrastructure and port control across the Americas. Harding also addresses Iran policy, emphasizing the shared U.S. and regional objective of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, while noting that Gulf allies such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE now align more closely with Washington due to Tehran's use of proxy forces and regional destabilization. He frames the current moment as a strategic “chessboard” where U.S. actions are increasingly interconnected across multiple theaters rather than isolated conflicts. Hashtags: #NationalSecurity #Cuba #Iran #Geopolitics #China #Russia #MiddleEast #HeritageFoundation #ForeignPolicy #Defense
This week we had the exciting opportunity to travel to Anchorage, Alaska, to participate in the Fifth Annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference. The conference convenes researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to discuss the future of energy development, infrastructure, technology, and resource leadership across Alaska and the broader global energy landscape. We had the honor of moderating a discussion featuring Governor Mike Dunleavy and Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. Given Alaska's strategic importance across energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, and geopolitics, it was a fascinating and timely discussion. In our conversation, Governor Dunleavy emphasizes the dramatically improved partnership between the federal government and the State of Alaska under the current Administration, contrasting it with prior years when Alaska faced significant federal restrictions on development. Drawing on their experiences leading major energy-producing states, Governor Dunleavy and Secretary Burgum reflect on the operational, economic, and political realities of energy development and infrastructure investment. They walk us through renewed lease sale activity, rising investor interest in Alaska, and the broader role Alaska could play in supporting U.S. energy dominance and Western Hemisphere energy security. We explore the increasing importance of affordable, reliable, and secure energy in attracting manufacturing, AI infrastructure, and industrial investment, as well as the rapidly growing electricity demand tied to data centers and advanced technologies. Secretary Burgum provides an overview of the Administration's efforts to accelerate permitting reform and reduce regulatory bottlenecks, including examples of projects receiving approvals in weeks rather than years. We touch on domestic mining and critical mineral development, LNG exports, the role of nuclear, hydro, geothermal, and natural gas in future energy systems, and the Administration's broader push to accelerate infrastructure and resource development across the United States. We cover the transformational potential of the Alaska LNG project, the growing energy needs of U.S. allies across Asia, the importance of codifying regulatory and permitting reforms for long-term investment certainty, and why Governor Dunleavy and Secretary Burgum both believe Alaska is entering a new “golden age” of development and opportunity. Thank you to Governor Dunleavy for inviting us and to Secretary Burgum for joining us for a thoughtful discussion on the future of Alaska, energy, and American economic development and energy security. About Governor Mike DunleavyGovernor Mike Dunleavy arrived in Alaska in 1983 as a young man looking for opportunity, and he found it. His first job was working in a logging camp in Southeast Alaska. Later on, Governor Dunleavy earned his teacher's certificate, and then a Master of Education degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He spent nearly two decades in northwest Arctic communities working as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Governor Dunleavy and his family moved to Wasilla in 2004, where he owned an educational consulting firm and worked on several statewide education projects. Dunleavy served on the Mat-Su Borough School Board, with two years as Board President, and then as a state senator for five years. Dunleavy was first elected Governor in 2018 and then again in 2022. Governor Dunleavy has kept the health of the economy and jobs at the forefront of his Administration's policy setting initiatives and has been a true champion for the Alaskan business community. Governor Dunleavy's wife Rose is from the Kobuk River Valley community of Noorvik. Together, they have three children who were raised in both rural and urban Alaska. Governor Dunleavy is focused on moving Alaska forward and believes that our greatest years are yet to come if we work together to maximize our potential. About Secretary Doug BurgumDoug Burgum is the 55th Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Raised in Arthur, North Dakota, Burgum worked as a chimney sweep to help pay his way through North Dakota State University before earning an MBA from Stanford University. In 1983, Doug literally “bet the farm” to provide seed capital for a software startup called Great Plains. Doug led Great Plains through a successful IPO and grew the company to over 2,000 employees before its acquisition by Microsoft. Burgum remained with Microsoft for six years as the Senior Vice President of Business Solutions. Doug later co-founded Arthur Ventures and served as chairman for international software companies including Atlassian, SuccessFactors, and as a board member for Avalara. In 2016, Burgum was elected to serve as North Dakota's 33rd Governor. In 2020, he was re-elected in a landslide. Under his leadership, North Dakota passed the largest tax cut in state history and dramatically reduced red tape. As a testament to Burgum's leadership, Forbes named him “America's Best Entrepreneurial Governor.” During his tenure, North Dakota experienced the highest growth in real GDP and had the lowest unemployment rate in the country. Burgum has three adult children. He is married to Kathryn Burgum, a nationally recognized advocate for addiction recovery. We hope you enjoy today's discussion as much as we did. This certainly won't be our last trip to Alaska. Our best to you all!
Testifying before Congress, Lindbergh challenges the administration's claim that technological advances make the United States more vulnerable to attack. He argues that air power actually enhances hemispheric defense by allowing the U.S. to intercept invading forces far offshore. Rejecting the "isolationist" label, he proposes a robust defense of the Western Hemisphere rather than the Rhine River. Lindbergh continues to hold massive rallies, where he adopts sharper rhetoric against "interventionists" and "defeatists." However, he begins to realize he is outmatched by Roosevelt'ssuperior political maneuvering and control over the national conversation. (6/8)1936
The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience'. Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer – Coach – Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today's guests are two of the Army's most seasoned noncommissioned officers: CSM Raymond Harris, Command Sergeant Major of Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) and CSM(Retired) Todd Sims, the 23rd Command Sergeant Major of Forces Command (FORSCOM). The Army is undergoing one of its most significant organizational transformations in decades with the transition away from the legacy structures of United States Army Forces Command and United States Army Training and Doctrine Command toward the newly established Transformation and Training Command and Western Hemisphere Command constructs. This shift is designed to better align Army force generation, experimentation, modernization, and readiness with the demands of large scale combat operations and regionally aligned combatant command requirements. Under the new framework, T2COM integrates force design, training, experimentation, doctrine, and leader development into a single organization capable of rapidly testing and refining future warfighting concepts, while WHC focuses on force readiness and operational alignment across the Western Hemisphere. Together, the changes are intended to increase speed, scale, and adaptability across the Army as it prepares for increasingly contested, multi-domain conflict environments. This episode discusses Army transformation, modernization, and the importance of maintaining the fundamentals while adapting to the realities of the modern battlefield. The conversation explores how the Army is leveraging the Combat Training Centers (CTCs) as large-scale experimentation platforms to test new formations, equipment, and concepts before integrating them across the force. Topics include Transformation in Contact (TiC), experimentation with new technologies, and how the Army is trying to close the gap between emerging capabilities and operational readiness by getting equipment into soldiers' hands earlier for home-station training. A major theme throughout the episode is that no amount of technology can replace disciplined fieldcraft, security, camouflage, and leadership. The discussion repeatedly reinforces that soldiers must still master the basics—digging fighting positions, reducing electromagnetic signatures, rehearsing battle drills, and maintaining security—even while integrating drones, autonomous systems, and other modern capabilities into operations. The episode also dives into leadership development, sustainment in contested environments, and the evolving role of Noncommissioned Officers in preparing formations for Large Scale Combat Operations. Leaders discuss how modern warfare has eliminated the idea of “safe areas,” forcing every formation—including sustainment units—to think about survivability, protection, and electromagnetic concealment. Additional topics include lessons from Ukraine, the integration of drone threat response into Army training, changes to NCO Professional Military Education, and the importance of honest feedback loops between soldiers, units, and senior leaders to improve equipment and doctrine. Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasize that effective leadership remains the decisive factor in combat power: leaders must be present, committed, and relentlessly focused on preparing their soldiers for the harsh realities of ground combat. Ultimately, the episode frames modernization not as replacing the human element of warfare, but as enhancing disciplined, cohesive teams capable of adapting and surviving in increasingly complex multi-domain environments. Part of S01 “The Leader's Laboratory” series. For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast. Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center. Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format. Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future. “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.
The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere is a reclaimed history of the deep past of Indigenous people in North and South America during the Paleolithic. Paulette F. C. Steeves mines evidence from archaeology sites and Paleolithic environments, landscapes, and mammalian and human migrations to make the case that people have been in the Western Hemisphere not only just prior to Clovis sites (10,200 years ago) but for more than 60,000 years, and likely more than 100,000 years.Steeves discusses the political history of American anthropology to focus on why pre-Clovis sites have been dismissed by the field for nearly a century. She explores supporting evidence from genetics and linguistic anthropology regarding First Peoples and time frames of early migrations. Additionally, she highlights the work and struggles faced by a small yet vibrant group of American and European archaeologists who have excavated and reported on numerous pre-Clovis archaeology sites.In this first book on Paleolithic archaeology of the Americas written from an Indigenous perspective, The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere includes Indigenous oral traditions, archaeological evidence, and a critical and decolonizing discussion of the development of archaeology in the Americas.Paulette Steeves (Cree-Métis) is a professor of sociology and Canada Research Chair Tier II Indigenous History, Healing, and Reconciliation at Algoma University. She is also an adjunct faculty at Mount Allison University. She is the author of The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere (Nebraska, 2021).https://paulettesteeves22.wixsite.com/drpaulettesteeveshttps://www.tipdba.ca/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.
On this episode of STRAT, retired Marine intelligence officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer examines the growing pressure campaign against Cuba and what it could mean for the future of the Western Hemisphere. With reports that the United States is preparing a potential indictment against Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, tensions between Washington and Havana are escalating rapidly. The discussion explores how recent geopolitical shifts — including changes in Bolivia, increased counter-cartel cooperation with Mexico, new regional military coalitions, and Nicaragua distancing itself from Cuban migration routes — point toward a broader realignment away from Russian and Chinese influence in Latin America. Kempfer breaks down the strategic implications of renewed U.S. dominance in the region, the role of covert and overt pressure campaigns, and why Cuba may be approaching a historic turning point that could reshape hemispheric security for decades to come.Takeaways:The U.S. may pursue criminal charges against Raúl Castro over the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown.Cuba faces increasing economic and political pressure from Washington.Regional governments are shifting away from alliances with Russia and China.Bolivia's new leadership signals a return toward closer U.S. relations.Mexico is quietly expanding cooperation with U.S. counter-cartel operations.Nicaragua's policy changes suggest regional leaders are recalculating their stance toward the U.S.Operation Southern Spear and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition demonstrate growing military coordination in the hemisphere.A collapse or transformation of Cuba's communist system would dramatically reshape Western Hemisphere geopolitics.#STRATPodcast #HalKempfer #MutualBroadcastingSystem #StrategicRiskAnalysis #Cuba #RaulCastro #BrothersToTheRescue #WesternHemisphere #Geopolitics #LatinAmerica #USForeignPolicy #Communism #CIA #CounterCartel #NationalSecurity #CubaCrisis #Russia #China #Narcoterrorism #GlobalThreats
The Trump administration has elevated the strategic importance of the Western Hemisphere to the United States at a time when countries in the region are turning away from leftist populism. Can dollarization play a key role in achieving stability and growth in Latin America? John Cochrane, David Malpass, and Emilio Ocampo will discuss the benefits of dollarization to Latin American countries with a history of bad monetary policy, why dollarization in the Americas would be good for the United States, and how adopting the dollar as the legal currency has worked out in Panama, Ecuador, and El Salvador. The speakers will discuss ways of dollarizing and why that reform is especially relevant to Argentina and Venezuela today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan Doyle, oil entrepreneur and author of Of Roughnecks and Riches, brings a ground-level view of what's actually happening in the American energy industry — a rig count in freefall as of February that flipped to a boom overnight when Iran closed the Strait, well costs up 65-70% driven by steel prices, and a shale sector that can't survive at $50 oil. Doyle and David Knight walk through the strategic logic of Venezuela — three million barrels a day under Nixon, now barely a million after socialist confiscation, with Exxon and the major service companies now quietly circling back in. The bigger picture is a potential Western Hemisphere energy bloc: U.S., Canadian, Alaskan, and South American production that could get America off Middle Eastern oil entirely — if the political class doesn't kill it first, the same way Biden cancelled mandatory BLM lease sales on day one and the same way New York bans Marcellus shale extraction while 26% of its children live in poverty. Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code “KNIGHT” For high quality made in America products go to HomeSteadProducts.shop and use promo code “Knight” for 10% off your purchases Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.
Dan Doyle, oil entrepreneur and author of Of Roughnecks and Riches, brings a ground-level view of what's actually happening in the American energy industry — a rig count in freefall as of February that flipped to a boom overnight when Iran closed the Strait, well costs up 65-70% driven by steel prices, and a shale sector that can't survive at $50 oil. Doyle and David Knight walk through the strategic logic of Venezuela — three million barrels a day under Nixon, now barely a million after socialist confiscation, with Exxon and the major service companies now quietly circling back in. The bigger picture is a potential Western Hemisphere energy bloc: U.S., Canadian, Alaskan, and South American production that could get America off Middle Eastern oil entirely — if the political class doesn't kill it first, the same way Biden cancelled mandatory BLM lease sales on day one and the same way New York bans Marcellus shale extraction while 26% of its children live in poverty. Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code “KNIGHT” For high quality made in America products go to HomeSteadProducts.shop and use promo code “Knight” for 10% off your purchases Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Doomberg to the show. Doomberg is Head Writer For The Doomberg Team and Creator of the Doomberg Substack. The podcast explores the current geopolitical and energy landscape, focusing on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and potential global power dynamics. Discussing the current energy market disruptions, Doomberg suggests that while the Strait of Hormuz closure is significant, the market has been surprisingly stable. He estimates the potential oil supply disruption at around 8 million barrels per day, significantly lower than some analysts’ predictions. The sophisticated oil markets have absorbed these challenges, with China potentially playing a crucial role by releasing strategic reserves and managing supply. The conversation delves into a potential grand geopolitical bargain that might be discussed in the upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi in Beijing. Doomberg speculates about a potential realignment of global interests, including a settlement of the Ukraine conflict on terms favorable to Russia, ceding Taiwan to China’s sphere of influence, and dividing Middle Eastern and Arctic territories among major powers. Regarding the US dollar and global economic shifts, Doomberg argues that we’re moving towards a multipolar or potentially Chinese-dominated unipolar world. He sees the sanctions against Russia after Crimea as the beginning of a new world order, with China and Russia challenging US global dominance. The discussion highlights the United States’ significant natural gas advantage, with the country producing 110 billion cubic feet per day and poised to become a major LNG exporter. Doomberg emphasizes the potential for North American energy dominance, particularly through clean and abundant natural gas. Looking forward, Doomberg suggests a potential multipolar world with the US focusing on its Western Hemisphere, China gaining prominence, and Russia finding its place. He remains cautiously optimistic about a potential diplomatic resolution to current global tensions, while acknowledging the complexity of geopolitical negotiations. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:38 – Oil Supply Disruption Assessment 00:03:54 – China’s Oil Stockpiling Role 00:05:02 – Oil Price Mechanics Explained 00:10:24 – Supply Shortage Estimates 00:12:52 – Strait Reopening Impact 00:15:20 – Trump-Xi Meeting Significance 00:17:54 – Grand Bargain Outlines 00:22:45 – US Western Hemisphere Focus 00:26:30 – Fading Oil Spike Strategy 00:31:03 – Fertilizers and Commodity Impacts 00:34:53 – Helium Just-In-Time 00:36:16 – OPEC & the Petrodollar 00:39:20 – Geopolitical Shifts and Gold 00:46:46 – Unipolarity Outcomes 00:53:46 – Euro Hydrocarbon Resources 00:56:37 – Concluding Thoughts Guest Links: Substack: https://doomberg.substack.com X: https://x.com/DoombergT Website: https://doomberg.com Doomberg is the anonymous publishing arm of a bespoke consulting firm providing advisory services to family offices and c-suite executives. Its principals apply their decades of experience across heavy industry, private equity, and finance to deliver innovative thinking and clarity to complex problems.
Guest host Mary Walter fills in for Brian Kilmeade to break down President Trump's high-stakes commercial diplomacy trip to China alongside CEOs like Elon Musk and Tim Cook. We also dive into the collapsing Iran ceasefire, which Trump describes as being on "life support" after a rejected proposal. Plus, Lt. Col. Allen West joins to discuss the 21st-century "Axis of Evil" and the geopolitical reshaping of the Western Hemisphere. [00:18:26] Allen West [00:36:51] Ed Lawrence [01:32:02] Lt. Col. Scott Mann (Ret.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gen. Frank Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, sat down with Ryan to discuss the vision behind the command's new Autonomous Warfare Command and what it signals for the future of military operations in the Western Hemisphere. Donovan explains how SOUTHCOM aims to move drones and autonomous systems beyond tactical experimentation and connect them to strategic effect: disrupting cartel networks designated as terrorist organizations, strengthening cooperation with allies and partners, and giving the command new ways to see, decide, and act across a complex region. This episode was brought to you by NODA. Find out more about our friends at NODA at warontherocks.com/noda
he world's largest producer of cane sugar is planning its largest-ever capital expenditure to overhaul a historic — and timeworn — refinery near New Orleans.American Sugar Refining this week broke ground on the first phase of what the company said would be a $785 million project to modernize the — the largest sugar processing plant in the Western Hemisphere.Initial construction, which is already underway, will build a new $200 million process building by 2028; state and company officials said that modernizing the overall campus' refining capabilities would allow it to meet future demand, improve reliability, and reduce both water and energy use. Additional phases, officials said, would build on those process improvements, but the announcement did not outline the next steps of the overall project — or a timetable for starting them.ASR said that it anticipates adding 15 jobs to its current workforce of 500. NOLA.com reports that the state's incentive package for the project included a 80% property tax abatement over 10 years.The Chalmette Refinery began operations at the campus along the Mississippi River in 1909, and it wears the scars of a 117-year history that has included hurricanes, fires and dramatic changes in the sugar market. Its 32 production lines can reportedly produce some 6 million pounds of sugar per day across dozens of product platforms. #manufacturing, #foodsupply, #sugarindustry, #refinery, #infrastructure, #capitalinvestment, #industrialupgrade, #madeinusa, #supplychain, #foodmanufacturing, #energyefficiency, #sustainability, #industrialnews, #businessnews, #louisiana, #economicdevelopment, #manufacturingjobs, #plantmodernization, #operations, #industryupdates
1. "Fueling America: 250 Years of Energy Innovation"Tom Hall introduces the Institute for Energy Research's special project celebrating America's 250th anniversary by highlighting the nation's leadership in energy innovation. Key points include:The U.S. has historically led in energy innovation (Drake well, Henry Ford, Wright brothers, first LNG terminal)Energy innovation has been a driver of progress, democracy, freedom, and prosperityThe project focuses on prominent figures and innovators in the energy sector throughout American history2. Property Rights and American Energy ExceptionalismA critical distinction is made about why the U.S. is uniquely positioned as an energy producer:American property owners own subsurface mineral rights, unlike most countries where governments own themThis uniquely American system of property rights, combined with the rule of law and common law system, has been fundamental to energy progressThis explains why the U.S. leads in shale production while other countries (Bulgaria, England, Germany) don't3. Iran Crisis and Geopolitical StrategyExtensive discussion of the current conflict with Iran, including:A 47-year struggle with a radical regime that finances terrorism through oil revenuesThe blockade strategy as a way to starve the government of revenue without ground warThe importance of preventing Iran from controlling the Strait of HormuzThe need for regime change (civilian government replacing the mullahs) for lasting successHow U.S. energy strength (shale revolution, LNG exports) enables this policy4. Global Energy Market RealignmentThe conversation explores how the geopolitical situation is reshaping global energy:OPEC is effectively dead as a controlling forceThe U.S. is now the "swing producer"Expected shifts in oil trade flows and relationshipsUAE's withdrawal from OPEC signals the organization's declinePotential strategic alliance between Saudi Arabia and Israel5. Trump Administration's Energy Policy ImpactDiscussion of how Trump's policies are reshaping energy regulation:Repeal of Chevron deference and the EPA's 2009 endangerment findingThese repeals dismantle the legal foundations of Obama and Biden energy restrictionsTrump is described as "American energy unleashed"Broader policy shifts including border control and NATO burden-sharing6. Venezuela's Energy RecoveryAnalysis of Venezuela's potential return as an oil producer:Venezuela previously produced 3+ million barrels per day before Maduro/ChavezExxonMobil is now exploring re-entry into the marketRecovery would supply Gulf refineries with heavy crudeThis would increase U.S. exports and reshape oil marketsBenefits would extend to Venezuelan people through economic improvement7. California's Energy CrisisDiscussion of California's self-inflicted energy problems:The state has transitioned from a major oil producer to being dependent on Middle East importsOne-party rule has created policies that drove out oil companies (Chevron, Valero)Climate policies have merely exported emissions rather than reducing them globallyTrump suspended the Jones Act to help alleviate the crisisThe state serves as a cautionary tale of poor energy policy8. Broader Geopolitical RealignmentThemes about shifting international relationships:The U.S. is becoming more naturally aligned with countries like India than FranceEuropean countries are moving toward authoritarian socialism and proving unreliable alliesThe Trump administration is reshuffling long-standing international arrangements (NATO, embassy moves, etc.)Focus on Western Hemisphere security (the "Don Roe doctrine")This podcast presents a comprehensive view of how energy policy, geopolitics, and innovation intersect to shape global affairs.Follow David on his Substack https://blackmon.substack.com/
Jim Talent joins Marc Cox to weigh in on escalating political and national security debates, starting with heated congressional exchanges over the potential economic impact of conflict with Iran. Talent argues that while short-term energy prices could rise, increased U.S. oil production and shifting global supply routes may stabilize and ultimately benefit American energy security. The discussion then turns to accusations from Democrats over military actions targeting narco-terror networks, which Talent defends as necessary responses to transnational criminal organizations operating in the Western Hemisphere. He criticizes attempts to frame such operations as war crimes as politically driven rather than legally grounded. The conversation shifts to the Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act ruling, with Talent supporting the decision as a return to a “colorblind” constitutional standard and emphasizing that law should not categorize citizens by race. He adds that while liberal justices often vote in alignment, they still occasionally cross ideological lines depending on legal interpretation. Hashtags: #JimTalent #Iran #EnergyPolicy #NarcoTerrorism #SCOTUS #VotingRightsAct #Constitution #SupremeCourt #MarcCox #PoliticalDebate
Welcome to a special series of the PGOACA where we take a trip down memory lane with the newest members of the podcast. In this episode, we are talking with the founding member of The Fizz's Appreciation Society. The curator of the finest Kylie vinyl collection in the Western Hemisphere and the owner of a stunning haunted doll oil portrait. It must be so hard for him... Having to decide whether to wear the little black leather Gucci vest, the little black leather Gucci vest, or the little black leather Gucci vest..... It's Martin.
Send a Message to the TeamIn this episode, team returns the Nicaragua Canal arc..to Nicaragua, or at least the Western Hemisphere. Panel:Evan and Chris.Previous Episode in this Arc-Ep 282- WW- Friends of the PodYou can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on….Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintimeTwitter: @AFITPodcastOur YouTube ChannelIf you enjoy the podcast and want to support it financially, you can help by:Supporting us monthly via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aforkintime....or, make a one-time donation via Podfan to A Fork In TimeE-Mail: aforkintimepodcast@gmail.comSupport the show
In this episode of Diplomatic Immunity, host Kelly McFarland sits down with presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, to explore one of the most consequential partnerships in American foreign policy history: James Monroe and his Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams. They dig into the origins of the Monroe Doctrine, why Adams famously turned down a British alliance offer, and what it actually meant to declare the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European imperial expansion in 1823. From the Adams-Onís Treaty to the Greek War of Independence, this conversation reveals just how much of early American foreign policy was shaped by Adams' extraordinary global experience — and why his vision remains remarkably relevant today. Topics covered: The Monroe-Adams partnership and the post-War of 1812 landscape The Adams-Onís Treaty and the acquisition of Florida The origins and three components of the Monroe Doctrine Why did Adams reject the British alliance offer Adams' famous July 4th address: "America does not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy" John Quincy Adams' presidency and his forward-thinking approach to Latin American alliances Why the Monroe Doctrine keeps coming back — and why context matters Produced by Freddie Mallinson and Mislav Majcan. Recorded on 20 April, 2026. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @gudiplomacy
H.W. Brands examines Lindbergh's 1941 congressional testimony challenging the administration's narrative, arguing that air power actually strengthens hemispheric defense, allowing America to intercept invading armadas 300 miles offshore. Rejecting the "isolationist" label, Lindbergh proposes a robust defense of the Western Hemisphere rather than the Rhine, drawing thousands to rallies while adopting sharper rhetoric branding interventionists as "defeatists." (6)
Larry Kudlow has on former Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette to explore how the United States has achieved a position of super dominance in the global energy market due to its transition into a leading exporter of oil and natural gas. The speakers argue that while Middle Eastern energy is currently plagued by geopolitical instability and blackmail, the American system offers unmatched reliability and property rights that allow buyers to trade resources freely. This shift toward a Western Hemisphere energy alliance provides the U.S. with immense diplomatic leverage, enabling it to influence global trade and counter the needs of adversaries like China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The political and energy landscape in Venezuela was upended in early January, sparking a sudden and rapid opening of the country's massive oil and natural gas reserves. As the Iran war shifts the global spotlight, Venezuela's potential to become a cornerstone of the Western Hemisphere's energy system has returned to the forefront of the industry's mind. In this episode of Hub & Flow, NGI sits down with Francisco Monaldi, director of the Latin American Energy Program at Rice University's Baker Institute, to discuss whether Venezuela is truly “investable” again. From the massive flaring of associated gas to the strategic push to link offshore fields to Trinidad and Tobago's LNG infrastructure, this episode explores the legal hurdles and geopolitical risks that could determine whether this historic opening leads to a genuine energy renaissance.
Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too. Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Carrots and Sticks Clay Travis and Buck Sexton analyze Vance’s public comments emphasizing U.S. military leverage, sanctions relief as a bargaining tool, and the central American demand that Iran permanently abandon any path toward a nuclear weapon. A recurring theme throughout this hour is “trust but verify,” with Clay repeatedly stressing that the real test of Iranian sincerity is tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Ship movement, oil prices, and stock market reactions are presented as concrete indicators of whether the ceasefire is holding, rather than press statements or leaked talking points. The hosts also explore parallel regional developments, including reports of possible Israeli–Lebanese negotiations and efforts to de-escalate conflict involving Hezbollah, which they argue is contributing to a strong stock market surge and falling oil prices. Clay characterizes the Trump–Vance relationship as a strategic “good cop, bad cop” dynamic in negotiations, with Trump maintaining maximum pressure while Vance plays a more diplomatic role. Both hosts agree that the most likely outcome is extended negotiations rather than a rapid, definitive deal, predicting a cycle of short-term extensions as talks continue into the summer. Black Lives Mattered to Trump Clay notes the sustained optimism in the stock market, which remains within a few percentage points of all-time highs, framing this as evidence that investors believe the ceasefire is holding for now. From there, the focus shifts decisively to crime, law enforcement policy, and what the hosts argue is definitive proof that aggressive pro-police strategies save lives. Clay highlights a staggering statistic: murders in Washington, D.C. are down roughly 68% year-over-year, with just 12 murders recorded so far, putting the city on pace for the lowest homicide rate in modern history. He pairs this with similar dramatic declines in cities like Memphis and argues that 2025 was the safest year for violent crime in the United States since record-keeping began. The positive crime data is contrasted with a horrifying case in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a Ukrainian refugee was murdered on public transit by a repeat offender who had been arrested more than a dozen times. Clay and Buck argue this tragedy exposes the moral and policy failures of progressive prosecutors and city leaders who refuse to incarcerate violent offenders, even as evidence shows that targeted federal-state cooperation works. Buck explains that federal law enforcement is coordinating with local police, using federal sentencing standards with no parole, and focusing narrowly on violent repeat offenders—producing rapid, measurable results. Both hosts stress that these policies disproportionately save Black lives in high-crime neighborhoods, directly challenging claims from progressive activists and media outlets that law-and-order policies are racist. Proof of Life in Iran An extensive interview with Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former White House national security official, joining live from Seoul, South Korea. Yates provides a sober assessment of the Iran ceasefire negotiations, warning that U.S. policy must move beyond “trust but verify” to strictly “verify,” especially when it comes to freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He argues that the United States must clearly demonstrate control of key waterways, maintain the credible threat of renewed targeted strikes, and enlist reliable allies such as the UAE, Japan, and South Korea to share enforcement and security burdens. Yates frames the negotiations as surrender terms, not talks between equals, while emphasizing the urgent need to eventually pivot the national focus back to domestic priorities ahead of the midterms. The discussion expands to Israel’s role, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the lack of clarity around who is actually making decisions inside Iran following the decapitation of much of the regime’s command structure. Yates casts doubt on whether Iran’s nominal leadership even has centralized control, describing competing factions between clergy, military, and internal security forces. He also provides an Asia-Pacific perspective, explaining how China, Japan, South Korea, and other energy-dependent economies are closely watching Middle East developments because of oil supply risks, while simultaneously testing U.S. resolve in the Indo-Pacific. He notes that North Korea fired short-range missiles during his visit, underscoring how adversaries probe American focus during moments of global tension. Yates highlights improving conditions in Venezuela, sees cautious promise for peaceful evolution in Cuba, and argues these Western Hemisphere shifts strengthen U.S. leverage against China by improving supply chain resilience. The Dignidad Act Congressman Brandon Gill of Texas, who strongly opposes the bipartisan “Dignity Act," joins the show to argue that the bill is amnesty in disguise, would grant legal status to roughly 12 million illegal immigrants, undermine mass deportation efforts, and directly betray the platform voters supported in the last election. He warns that the legislation would suppress wages, reward lawbreaking, and fracture the Republican Party internally, emphasizing that border enforcement and deportations—not legalization—were core promises of the Trump coalition. Gill also criticizes House scheduling dysfunction, saying lawmakers should be in session funding DHS and advancing conservative priorities instead of advancing immigration compromises. The segment closes with political analysis of upcoming Texas races, where Gill dismisses progressive challengers as out of touch with voters. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I discuss a new article from Terry Godier titled Body Language, and our physical evolution of communication, to now a lack of thinking; I discuss the data center expansion in the Western Hemisphere; AI and sexual abuse in school; and a the Pfizer and Moderna “COVID” shot trials have been stopped. Substack: https://theamericanclassroom.substack.com/p/the-artemis-lie Book Websites: HERE and HERE. https://www.moneytreepublishing.com/shop PROMO CODE: “AEFM” for 10% OFF, or https://armreg.co.uk PROMO CODE: "americaneducationfm" for 15% off all books and products. (I receive no kickbacks). https://www.thriftbooks.com/ Q posts book: https://drive.proton.me/urls/JJ78RV1QP8#yCO0wENuJQPH
All Bones Considered: Laurel Hill Stories #085, Part 3 for April 4 Like sculptor Alexander Milne Calder, Architect John McArthur, Jr., was a Scottish immigrant. He specialized in huge buildings that were meant to last a long time, which explains his selection as architect for Philadelphia's city hall, which when finished was the largest building in the Western Hemisphere. Calder honored him by having him model for the visage of "science" in the eastern portico. He is naked.
Long neglected by the United States, Latin America is now on the frontlines of the global contest with China. Washington's new National Security Strategy made it clear that the U.S. must remain the unrivaled hegemonic power in the Western Hemisphere, something it can't do so long as China is the largest trading partner for most Latin American countries. The U.S. is particularly unnerved by the scale of Chinese infrastructure development across the region and the fact that it's becoming a major investor, particularly in larger countries like Brazil. Former Chilean ambassador to China Jorge Heine, now a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute, joins Eric to discuss why this competition is accelerating and whether "active non-alignment" remains a viable strategy in this new era of geopolitical competition.
Newt talks with Dr. William LeoGrande, a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute and Associate Vice-Provost for Academic Affairs, Professor of Government, and Dean Emeritus of the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, D.C. They discuss the foreign policy strategies of President Trump, including actions in Venezuela, Ukraine, and Iran, and the challenges faced by the United States in maintaining dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Dr. LeoGrande provides insights into Cuba's historical and current socio-political landscape, emphasizing the impact of the Cuban Revolution and subsequent U.S. – Cuba relations. They also discuss the geopolitical influence of Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, and his impact on Latin American policy, particularly regarding Cuba and Venezuela. The episode concludes with a new segment addressing listener’s questions on topics such as the Strait of Hormuz and the SAVE Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Tuesday, March 17th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Timothy Reed Cuba is on verge of collapse Cuba, a communist country in the Western Hemisphere, is on the verge of collapse. Oil shipments to the island nation stopped three months ago and the nation's electric grid gave out over the weekend. Plus, the country's Gross Domestic Product, the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders, slipped another 5% last year. According to the United Nation's Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, communist Cuba has the worst GDP/capita in Latin America — barely reaching $1,000 per year. The worst economies in Latin America are communist Venezuela, communist Nicaragua, communist Cuba, and Haiti. Cuba is ripest nation for spiritual revival Despite the economic doom and gloom, Cuba appears to be the ripest for spiritual revival of any nation in the world today. The Baptists have reported a 40-fold increase in the number of churches since 1990. One estimate puts the total number of Cuban believers at two million. That's about 20% of the population -- higher than membership in the communist party for the country. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus promised that “He would build His church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” 47% of Americans oppose the U.S.-Iranian war Americans continue to have mixed opinions about the Iran conflict. New polling averages, from Real Clear Politics, found that 44% of Americans support the war, while 47% oppose the fight. Similarly, a Quinnipiac poll found that only 40% of Americans favor the war, with 53% in opposition. A whopping 74% of Americans are opposed to sending ground troops into the war, something the Trump administration has not ruled out. Court allows naked men in women's spa The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has let stand a lower court ruling requiring a private spa, intended for women, to allow naked men to frequent the premises. The Washington State spa owners insisted this policy would be contrary to their Christian beliefs. Thus far, at least five judges have filed dissents on the decision. 19% of employees at U.S. companies are foreign workers American corporations are hiring foreign workers like never before, recent numbers indicate 19.2% of their employees are foreign workers, up from 12% twenty years ago. Another 10% of the U.S. workforce is also provided for by digital offshoring by organizations like Upwork. That makes almost a third of the U.S. workforce now provided for by foreigners. Pastor: If you're a Christian, don't live in sin with someone Megachurch pastor Josh Howerton of LakePointe Church in Dallas, Texas, challenged Christian couples to stop living in sin. HOWERTON: “The Bible is going to say things about marriage, sexuality and divorce that are very controversial to the world. My response to that is: ‘To who?' Because what the world says about marriage is controversial to Heaven. I would rather Heaven be pleased and the world say we're controversial than be applauded by the world and controversial before Heaven.” Pastor Howerton concluded his sermon with this challenge. HOWERTON: “You're living with somebody that's not your spouse. You're sleeping with somebody that's not your spouse. Or you've actually already started a family and had kids with somebody that's not your spouse. “And you, right now, are coming under the loving conviction of the Holy Spirit that you need to honor God, bend your knee to Jesus, put a ring on it, and enter into a covenant with a person that you're already acting like you're in a covenant with. “What I want you to know is we want to help you do that, because we got a little thing at Lakepoint. We say, ‘The only time we look down on people is to give them a hand up.' “So, here's what we want to do. We got a whole team of pastors. We are ready to have a mass wedding ceremony. I'm 100% serious. We got people. We're gonna walk with you, counsel you, help you, and then we're gonna get you married. We're gonna throw a big party. “And guess what? Your church family is not going to be doing. These people aren't going to be judging you. They're going to be cheering you on as you step forward into obedience to Jesus Christ.” Remarkably, following the sermon, 52 couples came forward and were married at the church a couple of weeks later. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'” Tennessee bill to abolish abortion died in committee A bill before the Tennessee State legislature that would have fully banned abortion was killed in the legislature's Health Subcommittee last week, reports the Nashville Banner. The bill would have criminalized abortion and given equal protection to the unborn under the law. However, the measure was actively opposed by both pro-abortion and pro-life groups, who argued the law was too strict. Bradley Pierce, president of the Foundation to Abolish Abortion, stated, “I don't think it's merciful to tell women that they're allowed to murder their children. To those who say that having a blanket exemption for women is merciful, do you apply that to any other area of law?” Similar bills have been introduced, both in Democratic and Republican states, and thus far, none have passed. Proverbs 24:11 admonishes us to “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” Christian apologist shares Christ on popular podcast Apologist Wes Huff clearly explained the Gospel of Jesus Christ to entrepreneur Steven Bartlett on Bartlett's “Diary of a CEO” podcast — among the top podcasts in the world. In fact, 3 million people listen per episode. BARTLETT: “If I sin in my life, do I go to hell?” HUFF: “Here's the thing: everybody is going to hell. Everybody. The Bible is very clear. All good people go to Heaven, but Jesus said, ‘No one is good but God alone.' So, if all good people go to Heaven, and no one is good but God alone, only God is in Heaven.” BARTLETT: “Mmm.” HUFF: “So, Christianity says you're not going to be able to do, feel or think good enough. Compared to God, you're always going to fall short. Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect, is what Scripture says. That's an impossible standard. “The message of the Bible, the reason why it's called the Gospel, the Good News, is because of the bad news. The bad news is you're dead in your sins and trespasses and you can't save yourself. Jesus, as the second Person of the Trinity, steps off of His throne in eternity, comes into humanity, and He pays the penalty of the sin that you deserve.” Romans 3:23 gives us the bad news. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And Romans 5:8 gives us the Good News. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Oscars awarded to foul-mouthed, immoral R-rated movies And finally, the 98th Academy Award ceremonies awarded more R-rated movies with top prizes again this year. One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, took the Best Picture award — a film celebrating revolution, killing ICE agents, and murdering pro-life legislators. It played with moral ambiguity and satire, while encouraging revolutionary activity in society. Sadly, the film, which features the most obscene word 135 times and the Lord's name used in vain 20 times, garnered six Oscars. Another R-rated movie, Sinners, collected four more Oscars. The film glorified demonism, African animism, murderers, adulterers, and hoodoo witches, while condemning Christianity for its alleged legalism and white oppression. Sinners features the Lord's name taken in vain 11 times. I John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father, but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, March 17th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
The Counter Momentum of Spin, with Dr. Franco Musio – Transnational drug cartels intersect with global geopolitics as narcotics profits help finance Iranian proxy networks and terror operations. Growing cooperation between Latin American nations and the United States aims to dismantle cartel power, exposing deep connections between organized crime, terrorism, and international security threats shaping the Western Hemisphere...
After years of wishy washy leaders and ineffective foreign policy, the Trump administration puts its Warrior Ethos out there for the world to see.... particularly those countries who wish to do America harm. What the left doesn't understand is that the military offensive against Iran has multiple heads - and taking out the largest state sponsor of terror is just one of them. Listen as Trump, Rubio and Hegseth invite all the countries of the Western Hemisphere to unite under one shared promise: To eradicate the world of drugs.
Kristi Noem's tenure as DHS secretary was marked by significant controversy, including a $220 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign featuring her prominently to urge self-deportations, which drew bipartisan criticism for waste and self-promotion, alongside allegations of mismanagement, chaotic leadership, and scrutiny over her close ties to adviser Corey Lewandowski. President Trump fired Noem and nominated Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R) to replace her as homeland security secretary, effective March 31, 2026, while reassigning Noem to a new role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, focused on Western Hemisphere security. WE ALSO COVER: Daylight Saving Time starts! RIP to the legend: Coach Lou Holtz. Is capitalism working in America? Savannah Guthrie is back? Ken Paxton to drop out? 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 00:17 Daylight Savings Time 03:34 30 Iranian Ships Sunk 07:01 Kristi Noem is OUT! (sort of) 07:57 President Trump on Markwayne Mullin 10:49 Kristi Noem VS. John Kennedy 12:11 Fox News' Bill Melugin on Kristi Noem 15:28 Kristi Noem VS. Sydney Kamlager-Dove 20:28 Kristi Noem VS. Jared Moskowitz 24:23 President Trump on Illegals 27:37 Sunny Hostin on Illegals 32:46 Fat Five 48:19 New Harry Enten GOP Poll 51:17 President Trump on Iran 54:00 Pete Hegseth on War Munitions 1:00:00 Kurds Aid U.S. in Iran? 1:01:30 Admiral Brad Cooper on Iran 1:12:02 U.S. Involvement in Iran Time Table 1:14:56 John Fetterman on Iranian Ship Sinking 1:19:13 Muslim Countries in Support of U.S. 1:20:02 John Fetterman on Fox News 1:20:55 Ken Paxton on President Trump/John Cornyn 1:25:05 Nancy Mace on Ilhan Omar Investigation 1:26:11 Markwayne Mullin Defends J6 Officers? 1:30:55 U.S. Adversary Visits during Biden Admin. 1:32:25 Nancy/Savannah Guthrie Update Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he's replacing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with a Republican U.S. senator from Oklahoma.Trump revealed his decision in a post on Truth Social, saying Sen. Markwayne Mullin will take over on March 31.“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland,'” Trump wrote.The president's announcement comes two days after Noem faced a grilling on Capitol Hill from both GOP members and Democrats. During that hearing, Noem defended DHS's immigration enforcement tactics and pushed back against criticism from Democrats who say she wrongly disparaged Renee Good and Alex Pretti after they were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The United States is pretty intertwined with Latin America. So why has it historically been seen as more of a European outpost than a nation in the Western hemisphere that is part of the broader Americas? Our guest this week points out that there are other ways to understand the history and identity of the U.S. aside from the narrative that is so often a part of contemporary discourse. Greg Grandin is the C. Vann Woodard Professor of History at Yale and the author of “America, América: A New History of the New World.” He joins WITHpod to discuss a revolutionary concept of the “New World,” democratic backsliding in the U.S., why he says we should rethink hemispheric history, and more. Note: this episode was recorded on 4/17/25. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1. Support for Regime Change Without “Boots on the Ground” Regime change can be morally and strategically justified when it leads to the fall of tyrannical or hostile regimes (e.g., Soviet Union, Iran). Strongly distinguishes between: Non-military or indirect regime change (diplomatic pressure, moral support, rhetoric, economic pressure) Full-scale military invasions, which the speaker opposes based on lessons from Iraq and Libya. Frames “regime change” as a concept unfairly discredited due to past U.S. military failures. 2. Historical Analogy: Reagan and the Cold War Ronald Reagan is a model: “Peace through strength,” rebuilding the military without large-scale invasions. Moral clarity and public rhetoric (e.g., “evil empire,” “tear down this wall”) are catalysts for systemic collapse. The power of words and leadership signaling can inspire dissidents inside authoritarian regimes. 3. Iran as an Active Enemy of the United States Iran is fundamentally different from prior dictatorships: Actively funds terrorism targeting Americans Governed by a theocratic regime portrayed as irredeemable Open U.S. rhetorical and moral support for Iranian protesters and dissidents. Acknowledges uncertainty and risks following a revolution but argues the status quo is worse. 4. Venezuela: Engagement With María Corina Machado A bipartisan Senate meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado following her meeting with President Trump. Highlights her strategic emphasis on: U.S. unity Avoiding partisan attacks on Trump She is an effective, pragmatic opposition leader acting in Venezuela’s national interest. Strong ties between U.S. senators and Venezuelan communities, especially in Florida and Texas. 5. Trump’s Role in Global Opposition Movements Donald Trump’s leadership and rhetoric is a motivating force behind opposition movements in: Iran Venezuela Cuba These three countries are simultaneously nearing potential regime collapse or elections. Claims this could represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall, while acknowledging high risks. 6. Military Operation Against Maduro (U.S. Arrest) A recent military raid targeting Nicolás Maduro: Maduro described as being protected by Cuban military forces Operation allegedly resulted in: No American fatalities Multiple enemy combatant deaths The Senator visited three wounded U.S. soldiers recovering in San Antonio. Emphasizing: Their bravery Their role in “changing the Western Hemisphere” Symbolic gestures (retrieving bullets/shrapnel as mementos) Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump kicks off 2026 with a return to imperialism, launching a military assault in Venezuela and abducting President Nicolás Maduro. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy react to the news, the administration's open acknowledgement that they want Venezuela's oil, and Trump's hint that military action may be coming to more places in the Western Hemisphere—including Colombia, Mexico, and Greenland. Then, the guys discuss Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's decision to end his reelection campaign in response to a fraud scandal that has captured the attention of right wing media, what we've learned (and not learned) from the Epstein files that were released before Christmas, and the most online stories that you may have missed over the holidays. Then, Lovett talks to Senator Mark Kelly about Secretary Hegseth's move to censure him in response to his reminder to service members that they need not follow "illegal orders." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.