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Hold These Truths with Dan Crenshaw

Congressman Dan Crenshaw joins the world's leading experts for deep and insightful conversations about the most important issues facing us today.

Dan Crenshaw

Flock cameras are spreading across America – and so is the bipartisan backlash over privacy, government surveillance, and police abuse. Manhattan Institute's Charles Fain Lehman returns for a conversation about Flock cameras and whether the growing calls to ban them are justified. How does the technology actually work? How are police departments using it to solve crimes and track suspects? What safeguards exist to prevent abuse? And where does the use of Flock cameras cross the line from effective law enforcement into an unconstitutional surveillance state?   Charles Fain Lehman is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and senior editor of City Journal. He focuses primarily on the public policy of antisocial behavior, including issues of crime, drugs, and public disorder. Find him on X at @CharlesFLehman and check out his research on Flock at https://flockstopscrime.com/.

Should Flock Cameras Be Banned? | Charles Fain Lehman

Autonomous warfare demands the United States redefines air superiority in the 21st century. Jeff Wright, the founder and CEO of SplashOne Robotics, joins Rep. Crenshaw to explore the future of drone warfare, autonomous weapons, AI targeting, counter-drone defense, and the growing military competition with China. They break down lessons from Ukraine, China's dominance of the drone supply chain, vulnerabilities in America's critical infrastructure, the Pentagon's struggle to adopt emerging technology, the defense of Taiwan, and why reusable autonomous fighter drones could become the next evolution of air superiority. Wright also makes the case that AI-powered weapons may ultimately make warfare more precise – and more humane – by protecting civilians and keeping American servicemembers out of unnecessary danger.   Jeff Wright is the founder and CEO of SplashOne Robotics and a 21-year Marine Corps and Air Force veteran.

What America Is Learning From Drone Warfare | Jeff Wright

The war with Iran is putting renewed attention on a critical national security question: does America's defense industrial base have the capacity and resilience needed for a larger conflict with China or Russia? Defense expert Dr. Seth Jones joins Rep. Crenshaw to discuss why America struggles to build weapons fast enough and what policies could strengthen our military edge. They also discuss lessons from the war in Ukraine, the most likely scenarios as China ramps up pressure on Taiwan, and the number one threat to the homeland that most people are ignoring: drone attacks.   Seth G. Jones is president of the Defense and Security Department and Harold Brown Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Find his work at https://www.csis.org/.

Why America Can't Build Weapons Fast Enough | Dr. Seth Jones

 Today's Mexican drug cartels haven't abandoned the old playbook of murder, corruption, and intimidation – but they've modernized it. Armed with drones, AI, sophisticated financial networks, and global criminal partnerships, they've transformed organized crime for the 21st century. Cartel expert Vanda Felbab-Brown joins Rep. Dan Crenshaw to explain how they evolved, why they're more powerful than ever, and what the United States must do to stop them.     Vanda Felbab-Brown is a senior fellow in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution, where she studies international organized crime, terrorism, and illicit economies. Find her on X at @VFelbabBrown and read her research here: https://www.brookings.edu/people/vanda-felbab-brown/

How Cartels Brought Organized Crime Into the 21st Century | Vanda Felbab-Brown

Jeremy Boreing joins Rep. Dan Crenshaw for a wide-ranging conversation on conspiracy theories, the tactics used to overwhelm truth and rational debate, and how fringe ideas have moved into the mainstream. They discuss the USS Liberty controversy, the Charlie Kirk assassination, the rise of the woke right, social media manipulation, AI, and how to rebuild trust in an age when the politics of victimhood and despair are dominating our culture.   Jeremy Boreing is the co-founder of The Daily Wire and host of The Jeremy Boreing Show. Find him on X at @JeremyDBoreing.

Jeremy Boreing on Conspiracy Theories, Victimhood Politics, and the Woke Right Industrial Complex

The Situation Report for July 1, 2026. Rep. Crenshaw breaks down the biggest domestic and international stories of the week, including Iran's renewed threats in the Strait of Hormuz, the wins and losses from the Supreme Court's latest rulings, and how Venezuela's devastating earthquakes show why the United States remains the world's indispensable leader. All this and more in just 13 minutes.   Iran breaks terms of the MOU with renewed strikes on Hormuz shipping lanes   Wins and losses for the Trump Administration at the Supreme Court   The U.S. responds to devastating earthquakes in Venezuela   The latest developments in the Ukraine-Russia War   NATO Summit set to kick off in Turkey   The foiled UFC terror plot and the emerging threat of drone terrorism   Does the U.S. have a chance at winning the World Cup?   Helpful reading on the Supreme Court rulings:  "Court Allows Trump to Fire FTC Commissioner and Overturns Major Restraint on Presidential Power"

SITREP 35: Iran Breaks the Deal, SCOTUS Reshapes Power, & America Leads in Venezuela

Constitutional law scholar Randy Barnett joins Rep. Crenshaw to discuss how America's foundational charter shaped our republic, guided the nation's greatest battles over slavery and individual rights, and continues to define the limits of government today. 250 years of constitutional history in one hour.   Randy Barnett is the author of over a dozen books on constitutional law. His latest memoir is "Federal Review" – about his experience as a young prosecutor during the era of crime and widespread corruption in Chicago. Find him on X at @RandyEBarnett.

Why the Founding Documents Still Matter, 250 Years Later | Randy Barnett

Dean Radin is a researcher and author specializing in the scientific study of consciousness, psychic phenomena, and the intersection of mind and matter. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to talk about the history of the U.S. government's parapsychology programs, the evidence behind remote viewing and psychokinetic experiments, consciousness, and the nature of reality. A fascinating conversation that explores the lines of science fiction and science fact.   Dean Radin is the Chief Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. He has worked at Bell Labs, Princeton University, and Stanford Research Institute, where he contributed to research on remote viewing and other anomalous human abilities. He is the author of "The Conscious Universe", "Entangled Minds", and "Real Magic". Find him on X at @DeanRadin.

The Skeptic's Guide to Psychic Phenomena | Dean Radin

Historian H.W. Brands joins Rep. Crenshaw to discuss how many of the challenges facing America today are rooted in debates that began at the Founding. They explore the origins of partisan politics, the limits of executive power, the meaning of the Constitution, and the enduring challenge of preserving self-government. What did the Founding Fathers get right? What would they think of America today? And what lessons can we learn from them to endure for another 250 years?   Professor H.W. Brands is the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of more than 30 books, including "The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin", "Reagan: The Life", and "American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington."

Can America Survive Another 250 Years? | H.W. Brands

Rush Doshi helped shape U.S. strategy toward China from inside the White House, and led negotiations on AUKUS – the Australia-U.K.-U.S. security partnership that redefined geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to talk about the rise of China as a superpower, why America misread China's intentions for decades, and the strategic thinking behind their ambitious moves across the globe. They also discuss trade wars, rare earth minerals, industrial policy, AUKUS, Taiwan, India, what a China-led world could look like – and why America still has the advantages needed to compete and win.   Rush Doshi is an Assistant Professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University and the director of the China Strategy Initiative at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is the author of "The Long Game: China's Grand Strategy to Displace American Order." Find him on X at @RushDoshi.

The Secret History Behind China's Grand Strategy | Rush Doshi

 Rye Barcott joins Rep. Crenshaw for a candid conversation about Crenshaw's recent primary election loss, the pressures facing members of Congress, the rise of social media-driven politics, the tension between effective governance and outrage-driven politics, and why courage remains one of the most important – and increasingly rare – qualities in American leadership.     Rye Barcott is a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and the CEO of With Honor  – an organization responsible for helping elect dozens of veterans to Congress over the past decade. His new book "Courage Can Save Us" profiles ten elected leaders who served our country and the challenges they overcame on the battlefield and in public office.

The Courage Crisis in Congress | Rye Barcott

 The Situation Report for June 5, 2026. Rep. Crenshaw covers the biggest stories of the past week. The ceasefire agreement the U.S. just brokered between Israel and Lebanon – and why Hezbollah could screw it all up. How a shocking murder case in Britain is exposing the country's "two-tier system" of justice. Why President Trump just went all-in on coal – and what it means for grid reliability and energy costs. All this and much more news in less than 12 minutes.      All you need to know about Iranian Proxies, Hezbollah, and the U.S. brokered ceasefire in Lebanon       The Henry Nowak murder case rocks Britain       UK erupts in riots over Britain's 'Two-Tier Justice' system       Senate passes massive border security funding       President Trump revives the American coal industry       Why reliable power matters more than green subsidies       Hiring surges as the labor market beats expectations         China deepens ties with Kim Jong Un regime         US cities brace for the World Cup         If you read nothing else before America 250: American Covenant by Yuval Levin

SITREP 34: Lebanon Ceasefire, UK Murder Outrage, & President Trump's Coal Revival

The Situation Report for May 22, 2026. Rep. Crenshaw breaks down escalating U.S. pressure campaigns against Iran, Cuba, and Mexico, the high-stakes Trump-Xi Jinping summit in Beijing, the Strait of Hormuz oil crisis, cartel corruption in Mexico, and the growing China-Russia alliance. All the major geopolitical developments you need to know – in less than 12 minutes.   Latest on the U.S. – Iran ceasefire   President Trump's historic summit in Beijing   Ramping up the pressure on the Cuban regime   U.S. indicts corrupt Mexican government officials   SpaceX IPO could make Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire   The Federal Reserve leadership shakeup   Recommended reading:  "Six Veterans on the Best Way to Honor Memorial Day"

SITREP 33: Iran Blockade, Trump-Xi Summit & Mexico Corruption

Noah Rothman joins Rep. Crenshaw to discuss the waves of left-wing political violence that have shaped modern American extremism. They dive into why revolutionary politics appeals to young people, how the podcast grift economy fuels conspiracy theories, the rise of populism on both the left and right, and the growing normalization of political violence against conservatives.   Noah Rothman is author of the brand-new book "Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence in America." He is a senior writer at National Review. Find him on X at @NoahCRothman.

Blood and Progress in America | Noah Rothman

The Situation Report for April 30, 2026. Rep. Crenshaw covers one of wildest breaking news weeks in recent memory: another foiled assassination attempt on President Trump, insider betting tied to the Maduro raid, and major new developments in the national redistricting fight. White House Correspondents' Dinner Attack Delta Soldier at the Center of Polymarket Insider Betting Scandal New Updates on the Southern Poverty Law Center Indictment Florida Strikes Back in the Gerrymandering Battle The Supreme Court Weighs in on Louisiana's Racial Gerrymandering UAE Quits OPEC in Shock Oil Power Shift Amid Iran War American Innovation: A New Drug Offers a Major Breakthrough Curbing Stroke Risk FDA Cuts Red Tape for Next Generation Medical Devices King Charles Gracefully Celebrates 250 Years of American Independence

SITREP 32: An Assassination Attempt, A Polymarket Scandal, & GOP Gains in the Redistricting War

The Situation Report for April 23, 2026. Rep. Crenshaw on the state of play in the Strait of Hormuz and President Trump's strategy behind it. All the resignation drama in Congress and who might be next to make an exit. And the implications of Virginia's 10-1 redistricting power grab on the November elections (which a Virginia circuit court just declared was unconstitutional – so stay tuned). All that and more news in less than 13 minutes.   A fragile ceasefire with Iran   Shots fired and ships ceased in the naval blockade   President Trump's strategy behind U.S.-Iran negotiations   Expulsions, resignations, and ethics investigations in Congress   A bipartisan effort to lose the faith of the American people   Who's next in Congress to get the boot?   Virginia democrats pull a major power grab with redistricting   President Trump fast tracks psychedelic treatment research for veterans   Goodbye Tim Apple   Southern Poverty Law Center gets indicted for funneling money to violent extremist groups   Two Americans die in Mexico after a counter-narcotics mission    Read of the week: Data center moratorium a fault line in Dem primaries

SITREP 31: Middle East Ceasefires, Virginia Redistricting, & Drama in Congress

Arthur C. Brooks returns! The world-renowned social scientist joins Rep. Crenshaw to offer a roadmap to overcoming one of the defining problems of our time: why so many young people feel anxious, depressed, and lost of meaning in their lives. Drawing from neuroscience, behavioral science, and philosophy, Brooks explains how to achieve a life of true happiness and meaning. Hint: put the phone down (but not until you listen to this podcast).   Arthur C. Brooks, PhD is the author of the brand-new book "The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness." He is a social scientist and one of the world's leading authorities on human happiness. He is a Harvard professor, columnist with The Free Press, host of the podcast Office Hours, CBS News contributor, and internationally acclaimed public speaker. Find him on X at @arthurbrooks and Instagram at @arthurcbrooks.

Arthur C. Brooks on the Crisis of Meaning

The Situation Report for February 5, 2026. The DOJ releases millions of new Epstein documents exposing elite connections, Iran escalates regional threats while massacring protesters at home, and investigators uncover a massive Medicare hospice fraud scheme ripping off seniors in Los Angeles. All this and much more in just ten minutes.   The Department of Justice releases another massive tranche of the Epstein Files   Iran Ramps up Regional Threats as Accounts of Regime Violence Emerge   Los Angeles hospice fraud reaches billions as Medicare providers scam the federal system with fake companies   Medical Experts Come Out Against Gender Transition Surgeries for Children   NASA moves Artemis II Mission to March 2026 After Test-Run Issue   Media Bias Alert: The mainstream coverage on Alex Pretti and ICE   The Clintons agree to appear before the House Oversight Committee   A new Fed chairman   Hey Billie Eilish, what were you saying about "stolen land?"   Read of the week: "Gold Standard" by Michael D. Bordo

SITREP 30: Epstein's Rolodex, Iranian War Games, and a Medicare Heist Exposed

The Situation Report for January 23, 2026. President Trump heads to Davos to make the case for purchasing Greenland. Protests continue to rage across Iran. The Supreme Court hears weighs state laws banning transgender women (ie men) from women's sports. And the Trump Administration takes action against sanctuary cities. All this and more from Rep. Crenshaw in just ten minutes.   Developments on Greenland talks   Iranians take to the streets   Supreme Court hears arguments on men in women's sports   President Trump takes action against sanctuary cities and immigrants convicted of fraud   Media Bias Alert: If you didn't watch the Golden Globes, you'll never guess what you missed   The Clintons defy a congressional subpoena   Inflation eases for consumers   Congratulations to the Vance family!   Read of the week:  How DEI Caused a Military Recruitment Crisis

SITREP 29: Arctic Expansion, Rage in Iran, & Supreme Court Takes on Men in Women's Sports

Political commentator Karys Rhea joins Rep. Crenshaw to break down how bots, rage-bait economics, and ideological grifting are fueling extremism in the conservative movement. They discuss the crucial difference between gatekeeping and cancel culture. And they examine how a small but loud and angry fringe movement can distort an entire political ecosystem.   Karys Rhea is an American political commentator and former producer at the Epoch Times and Newsmax. She is a writing fellow with the Middle East Forum, ambassador at Israel365 Action, and rising leader at the Global Liberty Institute. Find her on X at @RheaKarys.

Bots, Grifters, and Rage: How Extremists Are Hijacking Conservatism | Karys Rhea

  The Situation Report for January 9, 2026.  Rep. Crenshaw breaks down a week of major geostrategic upheaval — the historic extraction of Nicolás Maduro and the fight over Venezuela's oil, the Trump Administration's renewed push to acquire Greenland, and growing unrest in Iran as demonstrations threaten the Ayatollah's regime. All the week's biggest developments in just 13 minutes.       U.S takes the gloves off in Venezuela       Why Greenland is a priority for the Trump Administration       Iran unrest threatens the Ayatollah       China escalates dispute with Japan in the East China Sea       ICE agent shooting in Minneapolis       MEDIA BIAD ALERT: The media's spin on Minneapolis       Food pyramid shake up       Trump Admin moves to bar major institutional investors from purchasing single family housing       Funeral shooting in Salt Lake City      Recommended read: "Crude Nation: How Oil Riches Ruined Venezuela" by Raúl Gallegos

SITREP 28: Venezuela, Greenland, Minnesota & Iranian Uprising

Venezuelan dissident and economist Daniel Di Martino joins Rep. Crenshaw to talk the aftermath of Maduro's historic capture and extraction by the United States. They game plan potential scenarios to return Venezuela to a prosperous democracy. They discuss how this turn of events might reshape the Western Hemisphere – from Cuba, Colombia, Brazil, all the way to the United States. And they react to the "nation-building" rhetoric coming from U.S. critics on the left and populist right.   Daniel Di Martino is a Fellow at Manhattan Institute and founder of Dissident Project. Find him on X at @DanielDiMartino.

The Venezuela Op: What's Next for the Western Hemisphere? | Daniel Di Martino

Dan Crenshaw recently sat down with Andy Stumpf for his Cleared Hot Podcast, and over three hours, they covered a lot of ground, from policy debates to fake headlines.   They spent the first hour digging into a variety of real issues. If you're here for the recent social media-driven drama, skip about an hour in. Andy didn't hold back. He asked about everything—"insider trading," Mexico, fake threats, and podcast drama. This episode was long, intense, and necessary.   Andy Stumpf is a retired Navy SEAL and host of Cleared Hot Podcast. Find him on X at @AndyStumpf77 and on Instagram at @andystumpf212.  

Addressing the 'Controversies' — Dan Crenshaw on Andy Stumpf's Podcast

Christian scholar Dr. Tim Larsen joins the show to explain the real origins of the Christmas traditions we hold dear today—from Santa Claus and reindeer to ornaments and the December 25th date itself. He debunks the persistent myth that Christmas is a pagan holiday, explores how centuries of tradition shaped modern celebrations, and helps separate historical fact from popular fiction. And yes—we settle the age-old question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?   Dr. Timothy Larsen is a Professor of History at Wheaton College in Illinois and the president of the American Society of Church History.  His scholarly expertise is the Victorian era, the period that has done so much to shape our Christmas celebrations today, and he is an expert on Christmas.  He is the author or editor of over twenty books, including Twelve Classic Christmas Stories: A Feast of Yuletide Tales and The Oxford Handbook of Christmas.

The Origins of Christmas: Myths, Truths, and Traditions | Dr. Tim Larsen

The Situation Report for December 20, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw recaps a tragic, volatile week in the U.S. and across the globe: terrorist attacks in multiple countries, the FBI's huge break in the Jan 6 pipe bomber case, the sweeping blockade of Venezuela - among many other developments that have major implications for America's national security. We wish listeners a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and peace in the New Year.   The Venezuela Blockade   The Chevron Complication   President Trump designates fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction"   How the FBI finally broke the Jan 6 pipe bomber case   Timeline of the Brown University assassin's rampage   Candace Owens' audience turns on her   ISIS kills 3 Americans in Syria   The Hanukkah massacre at Bondi Beach   Why Dan Crenshaw might finally be getting a TikTok account   The Pine Tree Flag: your latest example of media bias against American symbols   Chile votes conservative in their latest presidential election   Ford pulls the plug on electric trucks    Read of the week: Jacob Savage's "The Lost Generation"

SITREP 27: The Venezuela Blockade, Lone Wolf Attacks, & Candace Owens' Meltdown

 The Situation Report for December 13, 2025. Rep. Dan Crenshaw covers the latest in global conflicts driving U.S. foreign policy — from an escalating showdown with Venezuela, to Ukraine's counter-proposal in talks with Russia, to the Pentagon's push to break China's grip on critical military materials.   U.S. seizes oil tanker off Venezuelan coast   Advice for would-be smugglers   Kyiv makes a peace offer   The U.S. military is getting into the refinery business   War again in South Asia   President Trump's Gold Card Visa   The Fed cuts interest rates   If you read nothing else: "How long Britain could really fight for if war broke out tomorrow" by Frank Gardner

SITREP 26: Hunting Ghost Fleets, Ukraine's Peace Offer, & the Military's Critical Mineral Fight

Manhattan Institute's Rob Henderson shares his extraordinary journey from the chaos of the foster care system to becoming one of the leading voices on human nature, social class, and culture. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to break down the roots of America's growing crisis of meaning—especially among young men—and explore why childhood instability, not poverty, drives so many social outcomes. They dig into the failures of the foster system, the erosion of family structure, the search for purpose, and how discipline, responsibility, and strong values can rebuild the foundation of American society.   Rob Henderson is the best-selling author of "Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class." He is a Senior Fellow at Manhattan Institute. Find him on X at @robkhenderson.

Foster Care, Broken Homes, and America's Crisis of Meaning | Rob Henderson

The Situation Report for December 4, 2025. The latest on what Congress has been up to since Democrats finally ended their 43-day shutdown. Rep. Crenshaw covers the much talked about Epstein vote, as well as the most recent developments in our standoff with Venezuela and the Ukraine-Russia negotiations. And he brings the receipts on Punchbowl New's "Mexico scandal" – which turns out to be the most boring story ever.   43 days lost and Democrats flat out lied to you   Get ready for the Obamacare subsidies debate   About that Epstein vote   A fun fact about Epstein's buddy Larry Summers   Aftermath of the attack on DC's National Guard   Governor Tim Walz (remember him?) has a $1 billion+ fraud scandal   How hawala networks are possibly using taxpayer dollars to support terrorism   President Trump gives Maduro an ultimatum   Jared Kushner is back! The latest on Ukraine-Russia negotiations   MEDIA BIAS ALERT: Lies, damned lies, and Punchbowl News (about that "alcohol-related incident" in Mexico)   A new tariff deal between U.S. and Britain   TRAVEL ALERT: Get your REAL ID ready for TSA   Read more debunking of the Punchbowl News story here   Listen to my podcast with Dr. Ge Bai on the healthcare debate here

SITREP 25: The Government Is Open, the Epstein Files Will Be Released, and the Media's Lies About Me in Mexico.

Since Democrats decided to shut down the government over Affordable Care Act subsidies, now's a good time for a deep dive into what they're even talking about. John Hopkins professor Dr. Ge Bai walks us through the ACA subsidies, the hidden mechanics behind the Affordable Care Act, and its illusion of "affordability." Dr. Bai shows us how regulations and subsidies have quietly reshaped the healthcare market - and how the free market can make it work for patients again. Ge Bai, PhD, CPA is a Professor of Accounting at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and Professor of Health Policy & Management (joint) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. An expert on health care accounting, finance, and policy, Dr. Bai has testified before the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate HELP Committee, written for the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, and published her studies in leading academic journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and Health Affairs. Find her on X at @GeBaiDC and read her recent WSJ oped here: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/let-the-obamacare-enhanced-premium-subsidies-expire-16ef7e1b

The High Price of "Affordable" Care | Dr. Ge Bai

  What really happens to your plastic after it leaves the recycling bin? There's a massive industry trying to turn that trash into something useful in the cleanest, most efficient way possible – and it's one of the toughest economic puzzles of our time. Recycling expert Ross Eisenberg joins us to unpack the strange economics, the breakthrough chemistry, and the big misconceptions behind plastic waste and production.      Ross Eisenberg is the President of America's Plastic Makers at the American Chemistry Council. Find him on X at @eisenberg_ross.

Beyond the Blue Bin: Advanced Recycling | Ross Eisenberg

Cato Institute's Travis Fisher joins Rep. Crenshaw to cover the current state of climate science vs climate alarmism. They unpack the new Department of Energy climate report that surveys the latest climate models, the impact of CO₂, ocean acidification, and hurricane trends. They look at the impact of a 2009 EPA regulation called the "Endangerment Finding," which has had a massively negative impact on American innovation and prosperity. They also discuss the path forward towards energy realism: reliable, affordable, and secure energy paired with innovation-driven, commonsense environmental progress.    Travis Fisher is the director of energy and environmental policy studies at the Cato Institute. He has nearly 20 years of experience in energy policy, including leadership roles at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Institute for Energy Research, and the Department of Energy during the first Trump administration. He most recently served again on a detail to the Department of Energy under Secretary Chris Wright, where he managed the development of the new climate report. Find him on X at @ts_fisher and read his research at Cato Institute.

Some Inconvenient Truths for Climate Radicals | Travis Fisher

Rick Walker is an investor, author, and scholar of history and philosophy. He also happens to be Rep. Crenshaw's one-time opponent in his very first primary campaign – but no hard feelings about that. Get ready for a wide-ranging conversation about everything from Alexander the Great's quest for the Fountain of Youth to birthday shopping with Dennis Rodman to life lessons learned on the campaign trail. Within all of it, Rick finds the universal truths that can lead everyone to a life of meaning.   Rick Walker is the author of "9 Steps to Build a Life of Meaning: How to Unlock Your Mind, Happiness, Power, and Your Enemy's Demise." Find him on X at @RickWalkerTX and listen to The Rick Walker Podcast.

How to Build a Life of Meaning | Rick Walker

The Situation Report for September 19, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw shares his thoughts on Charlie Kirk and the divisive, partisan reaction to his assassination. He analyzes what we know about the TikTok deal that could finally remove China's control over America's most popular social media app. And he covers the promising results of President Trump's historic second visit to the UK, the surprising reason Ilhan Omar's censure vote failed, and much more.   Some thoughts on Charlie Kirk and the future of Turning Point   Optimism on the Trump Administration's TikTok deal   Venezuelan narco boats get the "steel on target" treatment   President Trump goes to Windsor Castle   Media Bias Alert: MSNBC whitewashes the Charlie Kirk assassination   Israel launches major offensive on Gaza   The charges against Luigi Mangioni   Fed cuts interest rates   So long, Kimmell   US House fails to censure Ilhan Omar   The latest effort by Sec. RFK to fix the U.S. organ transplant system   Read of the week: WSJ's  "Tyler Robinson and America's Lost Boys"

SITREP 24: Charlie Kirk's Legacy, A TikTok Deal, & President Trump Back in the UK

Episode Note: This week's SITREP was recorded a few hours before the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. At the end of the episode, we've included the initial thoughts Rep. Crenshaw shared in a video posted on social media after news broke of the assassination.   The Situation Report for September 11, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers Poland's historic attack on Russian drones, President Trump's latest bold policy moves in the wars against cartels and violent crime, and more major developing headlines across America and the world.   Russian drones downed over Poland   Operation Midway Blitz – President Trump's latest crackdown on violent crime and illegal immigration   Cartels, meet the F-35   Israel strikes Hamas leaders in Qatar   Chaos in Nepal   Bias Alert: The media's pathological compassion toward violent criminals   Power struggle at News Corp.   House of Cards – French Edition   The Supreme Court takes on President Trump's tariff policy   Troubling trends in education   Cracker Barrel admits their rebrand was a bad idea   Never forget the heroes of 9-11-2001   Prayers for Charlie Kirk and his family

SITREP 23: Remembering Charlie, NATO Engages Russia & Operation Midway Blitz

After President Trump's federalization of DC law enforcement, attention is turning to the root causes of violent crime and the policies needed to restore safety in America's cities. Manhattan Institute's Charles Fain Lehman joins Rep. Crenshaw to break down the data, the myths, and the realities behind the crime waves in DC and other urban areas – from bail reform and policing shortages to homelessness, public disorder, and the social contagion of mass shootings. A hard look at what's working, what isn't, and what it will take to make our communities safe again.   Charles Fain Lehman is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and senior editor of City Journal. He focuses primarily on the public policy of antisocial behavior, including issues of crime, drugs, and public disorder. Find him on X at @CharlesFLehman and read his research at Manhattan Institute.

Crime, Punishment, and the DC Federal Takeover | Charles Fain Lehman

The Situation Report for September 4, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw returns from August recess to cover major developments in the war against the cartels, the redistricting battle that is transforming the battleground makeup for the 2026 midterms, and President Trump's sweeping crackdown on crime in our nation's capitol. All this and much more in just 16 minutes.   The Minneapolis school shooting - Democrats once again exploit a tragedy for political gain   Mid-decade redistricting – Republicans start to even the score against wide-spread Democrat gerrymandering   Plea deals and precision strikes - A very bad month for the cartels   The legal precedent for President Trump's crackdown on DC crime   Good news for American energy dominance   "Rocket City" - Why Huntsville, Alabama is the perfect spot for U.S. Space Command   MEDIA BIAS ALERT: The legacy media is ignoring paid leftist influencer campaigns    If You Read Nothing Else:  "The U.S. Is Not Prepared for a Drone Strike"

SITREP 22: Cartels Meet Death From Above, Texas Redistricts, & DC Crime Plummets

On the morning of November 4, 2019, a random act of cartel violence in Mexico sent shockwaves across the world. A convoy of Americans, in a chance encounter with the Juarez Cartel, were shot, burned alive, and left for dead in the road near their community. Nine American citizens died, and five of them were relatives of Adriana Jones: her sister Rhonita and four of her young nieces and nephews. Adriana joined Rep. Crenshaw to recount the sheer, inhumane brutality of that day, the aftermath, and the systemic failures within Mexico's police and government which allow tragedies like this to occur.   Adriana Jones is the President of American Families Against Cartel Terrorism, an organization dedicated to advocating for justice and support for the victims of cartel violence and organized crime.

Remember La Mora | Adriana Jones

  Jonathan Levin is the co-founder and CEO of Chainanalysis, a crypto investigations company that analyzes blockchain data to track down cartels, terror financiers, and cybercriminals. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to talk about how criminal networks and hostile regimes use crypto to finance operations, move drugs, and evade sanctions. They cover the crypto legislation which passed in Congress last week. And Jonathan gives a high-level overview of how blockchains and stablecoins work. A comprehensive episode for anyone interested in the promises and perils of digital assets like Bitcoin.     Prior to starting Chainanaylsis, Jonathan was the CEO of Coinometrics, a company focused on blockchain intelligence. He also worked as a postgraduate economist researching cryptocurrencies at the University of Oxford. Find Jonathan on X at @jony_levin.

The Crypto Analysts Cracking Organized Crime | Jonathan Levin

Andrew Guernsey is a senior advisor to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to share the Trump Administration's groundbreaking work to expose the flawed science and political bias behind gender-affirming treatments for minors. They dive into the recent HHS report that reveals just how weak the evidence is for these treatments—and how the Biden administration had quietly pushed them using taxpayer dollars, pressuring medical organizations, and spreading misleading information.    Prior to serving under Secretary Kennedy, Andrew served as a Policy Advisor in the U.S. House and Senate, including for Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Read the full Gender Dysphoria Report from HHS here: https://opa.hhs.gov/gender-dysphoria-report

Exposing One of the Biggest Medical Scandals in History | Andrew Guernsey

The Situation Report for July 24, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers the biggest story of the week: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's criminal referral to the Department of Justice over the Intelligence Community's "Russia collusion" claims from 2017 – laying out what Director Gabbard found and what happens next. He also covers new trade deals, defunding gender transition procedures, a disturbing report on America's organ transplant system, and much more.   President Trump seals new trade deals with key Indo-Pacific allies   Hospitals lose federal funding for gender transition procedures on minors   DNI Tulsi Gabbard makes a criminal referral over the Russia collusion scandal   An investigation into the organ transplant system reveals disturbing practices   YouTube deletes thousands of propaganda accounts tied to China and Russia   Get well soon, President Trump   Classic Coca-Cola is coming to a shelf near you   Read of the week: "The U.S. Is Not Prepared for a Drone Attack"

SITREP 21: How the Obama Admin Manufactured the Russia Collusion Conspiracy

The Situation Report for July 17, 2025. President Trump brings the hammer down on Putin. Major developments in the race to make America the world's AI capitol AND self-sufficient on the critical minerals front. A radical protest movement brewing in Mexico to expel American nationals. And the Texas special session is about to have huge implications for national politics. All this and much more in less than 14 minutes.   Deadlines and missile systems: President Trump escalates pressure on Russia   The U.S. ramps up its critical mineral infrastructure   How the Rust Belt is transforming into a high-tech AI hub   Radical protestors tell Americans to get out of Mexico   A quick note on the origins of "gringo"   The Texas special session is coming, and it has national implications   ICE cleans up Texas   New developments in the Biden autopen scandal   John Brennan could be in big trouble   Media Bias Alert: the left mocks victims of the July 4th floods   Read of the week: Dan Crenshaw's "Heartbreak and Heroism in Hill Country, Texas"   Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube   Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG, X, and Facebook

SITREP 20: Missiles, Minerals, & American Dominance

Want to get stronger, live longer, and actually Make America Healthy Again? Dr. Mike Israetel has the roadmap. He joined Rep. Crenshaw for a fun, wide-ranging conversation on scientifically backed methods to optimize your workouts, nutrition, and mindset. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to fine-tune your regimen, Dr. Mike has actionable advice and sharp insights to help you level up your health.   Dr. Mike Israetel is a BJJ black belt and competitive bodybuilder with a PhD in Sport Physiology. He is the co-founder of RP Strength. Find him on Instagram at @drmikeisraetel.   Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube   Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG, X, and Facebook

Make America Healthy (and Jacked) Again | Dr. Mike Israetel

 The Situation Report for June 27, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw explains why several key provisions of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill are in jeopardy because of one rogue Senate Parliamentarian. He covers the dishonest leak of a "low confidence" classified assessment of the bunker-buster strikes of Iranian nuclear sites. And he explains the legal reasoning behind a major Supreme Court ruling, and massive win for the Trump Administration, on deportations.    The United States and Israel obliterate the Iranian nuclear program     President Trump goes to Europe for NATO Summit     Supreme Court upholds third country deportations     New York City chooses socialism     Senate Parliamentarian goes rogue on One Big Beautiful Bill     If you read nothing else: "U.S. Credibility Returns to the Middle East"   Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube  Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG, X, and Facebook

SITREP 19: Fire the Senate Parliamentarian Now

Former CIA station chief Ralph Goff returns to analyze the actions, likely outcomes, and fearmongering surrounding the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Regime change. World War 3. Tucker vs Cruz. Iranian civil war. America's role. With decades of experience running covert operations across the Middle East and beyond, Goff gives us a grounded assessment of the strategic risks and geopolitical implications as Israel pushes the Iranian regime closer to the brink of collapse.   Ralph Goff is a 35-year veteran of the CIA and a 6-time station chief who served in Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South Asia. He also served as Chief of CIA's National Resources Division, working extensively with "C Suite" level US private sector executives in the financial, banking, and security sectors. Today he is a risk management consultant and contributor for The Cipher Brief. Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube   Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG, X, and Facebook

A Former CIA Station Chief on the Israel-Iran Conflict | Ralph Goff

The Situation Report for June 12, 2025. A startling assassination attempt in Colombia. Iran's nuclear ambitions put the Middle East on the brink of chaos. And the Trump Administration closes a deal with China, shakes up the CDC, and cracks down on "mostly peaceful protests." All this and much more analysis from Rep. Dan Crenshaw in just 12 minutes.   Political violence returns to Colombia   Tension mounts with the Iran nuclear negotiations   A new trade truce with China   Secretary RFK Jr. shakes up a controversial CDC vaccine advisory committee   The FBI busts hundreds of child sex predators   President Trump reacts swiftly to the LA riots   The media resurrects "mostly peaceful protests"   Elon makes amends   More good news for American energy dominance   If you read nothing else: National Review's Rich Lowry on "This is Not What Authoritarianism Looks Like"    Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube   Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG, X, and Facebook

SITREP 18: Mostly Peaceful Protests, Art of the China Deal, & Iran Goes Nuclear

The Situation Report for June 6, 2025. Ukraine launches a bold drone attack deep inside Russia. The Supreme Court weighs in on major cases involving firearms. And the Department of Justice investigates exactly who in the Biden Administration was behind the infamous autopen pardons. All this and much more analysis from Rep. Dan Crenshaw in less than 10 minutes.   Ukraine + Russia trade hostages and escalate their drone attacks   The Supreme Court declines to review states' weapons bans   Department of Justice investigates Biden's autopen pardons   The feds crackdown on cartel oil smuggling   Why President Trump just banned travel for citizens of these 12 countries   Chinese nationals caught smuggling a dangerous pathogen in the U.S.   Mexico loses fight to sue American gun manufacturers   The Boulder attack   Washington Post earns four Pinocchios   If you read nothing else:  Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Chloe Cole: The Big Beautiful Bill Protects Children and Taxpayers from Radical Gender Ideology   Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG, X, and Facebook

SITREP 17: Kyiv Strikes Back, Pardon the Autopen, & Operation Liquid Death

Civic knowledge in America is declining. AI is rapidly advancing. And the Iran-Russia-China alliance is pushing the world closer to the brink of global war. Dr. Condoleezza Rice joins Rep. Dan Crenshaw for a frank conversation about the greatest threats to the future of Western Civilization—and how Stanford's Hoover Institution is working to confront them.   Dr. Condoleezza Rice is the Director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State (2005–2009) and National Security Advisor (2001–2005) to President George W. Bush. Follow her on X at @CondoleezzaRice and stay up to date on the Hoover Institution's research at @HooverInst.

Dr. Condoleezza Rice on the Perils of the 21st Century

The Situation Report for May 22, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw gives insight into what led up to the early morning House passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. He covers some of the Trump Administration's victories this week - including new talks between Russia and Ukraine, a Supreme Court ruling on deportations, and cleaning up America's food supply. And he breaks down the strategic benefits of a new missile defense shield for the United States. All this and much more in less than 20 minutes.   One Big Beautiful Bill, and the conservative wins in it   President Trump brokers new talks between Russia and Ukraine   Democratic congresswoman charged with assault after storming ICE facility   Supreme Court allows TPS deportations to continue   The CBP Home App: a cheaper way to deport migrants   The FDA cleans up America's food supply   The Golden Dome: A new missile defense shield for the United States   "Thanks for your lies, Daily Beast."   If you read nothing else: "How to Stop Students from Cheating with AI"

SITREP 16: Talking to Putin, Migrants Go Home, & The Golden Dome

America's defense industrial base is woefully behind production on new advanced weapons systems, and slow to deliver those systems to strategic allies like Taiwan. The axis of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea is shifting the global balance of military capabilities in their favor. All of this adds up to what defense expert Brad Bowman calls the most dangerous geostrategic threat for the United States since 1945. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to cover bureaucratic and legislative reforms that would reinvigorate America's defense industry and speed up weapons deliveries to our allies. He gives an analysis of the Chinese military's strengths and weaknesses in an invasion of Taiwan. And he discusses the policy options for arming Mexico against the drug cartels.   Brad Bowman serves as senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he focuses on U.S. defense strategy and policy. He has served as a national security advisor to members of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, as well as an active duty U.S. Army officer, Black Hawk pilot, and assistant professor at West Point. Follow him on X at @Brad_L_Bowman.

Arsenal of Democracy | Brad Bowman

The Situation Report for May 16, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers the major deals President Trump struck over the past week, from Chinese tariffs to historic partnerships with key Middle East countries to an India-Pakistan ceasefire. He explains House Energy & Commerce's contribution to the Big Beautiful Reconciliation Bill, including his own amendment banning taxpayer funded gender transition procedures on children. All that and much more significant developments you might have missed in under 14 minutes.   The 90-day tariff rollback with China   President Trump strikes historic deals with the Middle East   House Energy & Commerce advances the Big Beautiful Bill…including Rep. Crenshaw's provision to prohibit taxpayer funded gender-transition procedures for minors!   Democratic congressmen storm ICE facility in New Jersey   Governor Newsom finally realizes California is a dystopian hellscape   HABEMUS PAPAM – Where Pope Leo will lead the Catholic Church   India and Pakistan reach a ceasefire agreement, thanks to President Trump   If you read nothing else: "Thank a Cop This Police Week"

SITREP 15: A Big Beautiful Bill, Crenshaw's Amendment Protecting Kids, & President Trump Goes to the Middle East

The Situation Report for May 8, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers escalating conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia, as well as new developments in the Trump Administration's domestic and military agenda. All the most important news you might have missed in under 15 minutes.   President Trump closes the Ukraine critical minerals deal   India launches retaliatory airstrikes against Pakistan   Israel's plan for complete control of Gaza   Department of Education resumes collections for student loan borrowers   Make Alcatraz Great Again   Defense Secretary orders a reduction in Pentagon leadership   Supreme Court allows President Trump's military transgender ban to take affect   If you read nothing else: "80 Years After VE Day, We Remember that Victory is Rooted in Virtue."

SITREP 14: Gaza Takeover, India vs Pakistan Escalates, & Make Alcatraz Great Again

 Wednesday, May 7th marks the beginning of the conclave – the Catholic Church's process of electing the next pope. Conclaves have traditionally been portrayed in our culture as shrouded in intrigue and back-room politicking. But, as theology expert Dr. Joseph Capizzi shows us, the 2000-year-old tradition is not that mysterious. He walks us through how cardinals elect a new pope, the political considerations they use to evaluate candidates, and how the Pope's power in the world has changed over millennia. He evaluates the legacy and controversy surrounding Pope Francis. He explains why the Catholic Church is growing in Africa, Asia, and among young American men. They end with a discussion of how Christian moral theology evolved to address, and ultimately reject, the practice of slavery.    Dr. Joseph Capizzi is the Dean of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America. He teaches in the areas of social and political theology, with a special interest in peace and war, citizenship, political authority, and Augustinian theology.

The Real Conclave: Power, Politics, and the Papal Vote | Dr. Joseph Capizzi

The Situation Report for May 1, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers some of the most significant policy moves by the Trump Administration which you may have missed over the past week. He reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis and the origins of America's National Day of Prayer. And he gives background on the rapidly escalating tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.   President Trump unleashes deep sea mining for critical minerals   Pope Francis passes away   Threat of war escalates between India and Pakistan   RFK Jr. bans synthetic food dyes   President Trump makes a deal with Mexico in the water-sharing dispute   Origins of the National Day of Prayer    If you read nothing else: "The Dinner That Helped Save Europe"

SITREP 13:  President Trump Goes Deep (Sea Mining), India vs Pakistan, & Goodbye Food Dyes

Alex Plitsas is a counterterrorism expert and Army veteran who ran psychological operations in the Global War on Terror. He joined Rep. Crenshaw for a retrospective on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the decade of Russian escalation that led to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the evolving threat of the Mexican drug cartels. A clear-eyed look at some of America's greatest national security threats.   Alex Plitsas leads the Counterterrorism Project for the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative. He serves on the board of the Special Operations Association of America. Follow him on X at @alexplitsas.

Global Disorder: Warfare in the 21st Century | Alex Plitsas

 The Situation Report for April 10th. Rep. Crenshaw breaks down the latest on tariff negotiations, a major Supreme Court ruling on immigration enforcement, two key House votes that you should know about, the Trump Administration's crackdown on schools that promote harmful gender ideology, and a breakthrough in genetic engineering.     President Trump pauses Liberation Day tariffs.     But China isn't spared – here's why that's necessary.     The Supreme Court sides with the Trump Administration on deportations.     The House votes to rein in rogue, activist judges.     The reconciliation bill passes. What happens next?     The Trump Administration helps women take back women's sports.     America - the new manufacturing hub for extinct species.     If you read nothing else this week: Investigation of ranch in northern Mexico reveals some details of Jalisco cartel's operations, by Fabiola Sánchez

SITREP 12: President Trump's Trade Victory, Rogue Judges Lament, & Jurassic America

  Tax season is here, and so is the debate about what you owe and why. Cato Institute's Adam Michel joins us to break down the policies behind your tax return—from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to what's at stake if key provisions expire in 2025. We cover how the law affected everyday Americans, why claims about corporations and the rich not paying their "fair share" fall apart, and what an ideal tax system could actually look like.     Adam Michel is the Director of Tax Policy Studies at Cato Institute. Read his updates on tax and fiscal policies at https://adamnmichel.substack.com/ and follow him on X at @adamnmichel.

The Policies Behind Your Tax Return | Adam Michel

On the latest Situation Report, Rep. Crenshaw covers President Trump's tariff announcement, the Administration's big changes to the federal workforce, the drama unfolding in the House over proxy voting for new parents, what Tuesday's elections mean for the House, and much more. All the real news and clear analysis you need to know in less than 20 minutes.   President Trump's Liberation Day tariffs   The executive order that stops federal unions from jeopardizing national security   Secretary RFK Jr. downsizes the Department of Health & Human Services   Vice President Vance goes to Greenland   Behind the House drama over Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's bill to allow proxy voting for new parents   How the Florida congressional elections and Rep. Elise Stefanik just changed the makeup of the House   The Wisconsin Supreme Court election   Texas and Mexico fight over water rights    Recommended reading: Gerard Baker on "Faith, Freedom and the Long Thread of Technology"

SITREP 11: Liberation Day, House Drama, and Election Aftermath

Ralph Goff is a 35-year veteran of the CIA and a 6-time station chief who served in Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South Asia. He gives an inside look into how the CIA manages their agents and assets in some of the most dangerous regions on earth. We discuss the state of play with Russia, the Middle East, and Mexico. We cover fact vs fiction in Hollywood and the real skillsets that make for a good spy. And we look at how the Trump Administration will restore public trust in the intelligence community and strengthen our capabilities to counter adversaries like Russia and Iran.   Ralph Goff also served as Chief of CIA's National Resources Division, working extensively with "C Suite" level US private sector executives in the financial, banking, and security sectors. Today he is a risk management consultant and contributor for The Cipher Brief.

Declassified: A Former Station Chief on the Real CIA | Ralph Goff

  On the latest Situation Report, Rep. Crenshaw covers what was learned from this week's House Intel Committee hearing on Worldwide Threats, his push for congressional leadership to start taking the Mexican drug cartel threat seriously, Secretary Kennedy's action to change America's tap water, and much more. All the real news and clear analysis you need to know in less than 20 minutes.       The Signal chat leak       Why we need a Select Committee to Defeat the Mexican Drug Cartels       Israel-Hamas ceasefire breaks down       The IRS Hunter Biden whistleblowers get their due       The long overdue dismantling of the Department of Education       The fluoride rebellion       A stem cell breakthrough for damaged corneas       The F-47 stealth fighter      SpaceX brings the NASA astronauts back home   Recommended reading: Dreaming the Dream of a Free Lebanon

SITREP #10: Signal Leaks, Cartel Threats, & the Fluoride Rebellion

  How did a small offshoot of Al Qaeda overthrow a major country in the Middle East and establish a diplomatic dialogue with the United States? Dr. Aaron Zelin is one of the foremost experts on jihadist movements past and present. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to discuss the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the rise of its vanquisher – the jihadist group known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Dr. Zelin analyzes the conditions that led to the shocking revolution in Syria, its geopolitical implications, and the "pragmatic" jihadism of HTS. A comprehensive overview of Sunni extremism, the complex motives of HTS leadership, and how it all fits on the global chessboard.      Dr. Aaron Zelin is the Gloria and Ken Levy Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where he also directs the Islamic State Worldwide Activity Map project. He is the founder of jihadology.net, where you can find translations and analysis of jihadi source materials. Follow him on X at @azelin.

Middle East 101: The "Pragmatic" Terrorists Who Toppled the Assad Regime | Dr. Aaron Zelin

  Dr. Eithan Haim is the surgeon who blew the whistle on a Texas hospital's use of trans treatments on minors - and subsequently faced an intense, years-long criminal investigation from the Biden DOJ. Chloe Cole is a former trans kid and Patient Advocate for the nonprofit Do No Harm, which fights to protect minors from gender transition procedures.       They joined Rep. Crenshaw on March 12th for DeTrans Awareness Day and the reintroduction of Rep. Crenshaw's bill to ban federal funding for children's hospitals that perform gender transition procedures on minors. Dr. Haim tells the story of his persecution by the Biden DOJ and the medical malpractice being committed by some pro-trans doctors and hospitals. Chloe exposes the dark reality of how kids are manipulated by social media and unethical doctors into undergoing irreversible procedures. They also discuss the impact of President Trump's executive orders and the upcoming legal/legislative battles to protect minors from these harmful procedures.      Follow Chloe on X at @ChoooCole and Dr. Haim at @EithanHaim.

A Whistleblower & A Former Trans Teen Expose The Medical Establishment's Radical Gender Ideology | Dr. Eithan Haim & Chloe Cole

Andrew Wheeler, former EPA Administrator under President Trump, joined Rep. Crenshaw to discuss some of the most promising reforms to fix American's broken environmental bureaucracy. They discuss the flaws in permitting processes, the inefficiency of federal agencies, and why transparency is the key to faster approvals. They tackle media narratives, climate change policies, and ending the U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals. And Mr. Wheeler shares feasible solutions to cut red tape, improve environmental policy, and put America back in charge of its energy future.   The Honorable Andrew Wheeler served as President Trump's EPA Administrator during his 45th term. In 2022, Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Mr. Wheeler to serve as the director of Virginia's Office of Regulatory Management, where he implemented process reforms which significantly reduced regulatory requirements. Follow him on X at @AndrewRWheeler.

EPA: The Real Deep State and How To Fix It | Andrew Wheeler

On the latest Situation Report, Rep. Crenshaw analyzes President Trump's first State of the Union address as 47. He covers the latest developments in the Trump's peace negotiations over Ukraine and Europe's acceleration of military spending. And he looks at the latest developments in the U.S. crackdown on illegal immigrants and cartel operations. All the real news and clear analysis you need to know in less than 20 minutes.   Did the cartels just threaten Dan Crenshaw?   Trump's broad, unapologetic display of his agenda at SOTU   Trump's key demands to Ukraine   "Europeans should be able to defend their own continent."   The rationale behind the Critical Minerals Deal   Zelensky's mea culpa following his disastrous White House visit   Trump demands Europe accelerate its military spending   Drone warfare in Ukraine   Next steps in the budget reconciliation process   Trump's gold card immigration visa   Trump's golden dome – a new missile defense system for America   Gov. Abbott launches a major crackdown on Colony Ridge   Cartel IEDs at the southern border   Microsoft's quantum computing breakthrough

SITREP #9: Trump at SOTU, the Ukraine Peace Deal, & the Colony Ridge Crackdown

Yuval Levin returns to discuss the institutional failures plaguing Congress, the rise of performative politics, and the art of leadership. They explore the incentives that lead modern politicians to focus more on viral tweets than actual governance, how the Constitution holds the key to unity, and political reforms that could put Congress back on the path to solving America's biggest challenges.   Yuval Levin is the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute. His most recent book is American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation – And Could Again.

Make Congress Great Again | Yuval Levin

The federal budgeting process can be hard for the average American to comprehend - until now. Economist Dr. Paul Winfree walks us step by step through how Congress passes a budget and all the legislative/political hurdles that get in its way. We cover the historical evolution of the budget process leading up to the word you've been hearing every day in the news – reconciliation. We look at how presidents from Nixon to Trump influenced the budget process to pass their agendas. We examine some of the most controversial reconciliation bills over the past decade and how they impacted the economy. And we discuss much needed Medicaid reforms, overhauling the tax system with consumption-based taxation and universal savings accounts, and much more.     Dr. Paul Winfree is President of the Economic Policy Innovation Center. During the 1st Trump Administration, he was Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council, and Chair of the Deputies Committee that managed policy implementation across federal agencies. He is the author of "The History (and Future) of the Budget Process in the United States." Follow him on X at @paulwinfree.

Art of the Budget Deal | Dr. Paul Winfree

 The Situation Report for February 6 – 12. Rep. Crenshaw breaks down the latest developments in U.S. – Mexico relations. He covers President Trump's most important moves in domestic and foreign policy. He analyzes the blitz of stays issued by federal judges against Trump's executive orders – and whether they have any constitutional merit. And he explains why Elon Musk and Sam Altman's battle over OpenAI could have long term implications for the United States. All the real news and clear analysis you need to know in less than 30 minutes.     The Mexican Senate approves additional U.S. Special Forces to train the Mexican Marines.     It's officially the GULF OF AMERICA!     Trump halts penny production, saving the U.S. hundreds of millions of dollars.     Reviewing the constitutional merit of federal district judges putting stays on Trump's executive orders.     Hamas delays the hostage deal and Trump strikes back.     The Kingdom of Jordan offers to take in Palestinian children.     Turmoil among the tech tycoons: Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and the battle for control over American AI.     Trump and DOGE close the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.     Trump opens negotiations with Putin over Ukraine.

SITREP #8: Trump Talks to Putin, Judges Meddle in the Executive Branch, & Goodbye Pennies

 Following this week's major reforms at USAID, the Trump Administration has signaled that the Department of Education (DoEd) is next on the chopping block. Education expert Dr. Beth Akers joined Rep. Crenshaw to discuss the implications of eliminating DoEd, some much needed reforms to student loan programs, and the pathway to empowering parents and local communities to revamp K-12 education.     Dr. Beth Akers is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where she focuses on the economics of higher education. She is the author of Making College Pay: An Economist Explains How to Make a Smart Bet on Higher Education. Follow her on X at @DrBethAkers.     The layman's explanation of what the DoEd does     Would eliminating the DoEd end education grants?     What happens if the DoEd is eliminated?     Stats on student loan debt     Who benefits from student loan forgiveness?     The correlation between student loans and rising tuition     Should university endowment programs be taxed?     Streamlining student loan programs     Opening PELL grants to trade schools and other pathways to a successful career     The debate over school choice     Rethinking K-12 education and turning state education curriculums into labs of democracy     How the USAID reforms are paving the way for broader changes

Eliminate the Department of Education? A Conversation with Dr. Beth Akers

  The Situation Report for January 24 – February 5th. Rep. Crenshaw analyzes the recent tariff battles with Colombia, Mexico, and Canada. He covers the U.S. interest in the Panama Canal and how China became a major player in the region. And he explains everything you need to know about what DOGE exposed at USAID and President Trump's huge announcement about his vision for the future of Gaza and the Middle East. All the real news and clear analysis you need to know in less than 30 minutes.       How the tariff battles with Colombia, Mexico, and Canada played out       Hope on the horizon for Mexico's cooperation in fighting the cartels       Why the Panama Canal matters to us       China's influence over the Panama Canal       DOGE and USAID: The good, bad, and ugly sides of U.S. foreign aid       Trump makes moves to dismantle the Department of Education       The implications of Trump's major announcement about Gaza       The rationale for redeveloping Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East"       The latest on Trump's cabinet nominations       The HALT Fentanyl Act      Recommended reading: The US Looks South

SITREP #7: Tariff Battles, Panama Canal, USAID, & "The Gaza Riviera"

Dr. Alexander Burns joined Rep. Crenshaw for a fascinating conversation about the evolution of 18th century warfare, General Washington's battlefield tactics, the age-old conflict between officers and common soldiers, and the beginning of the American military.   Dr. Alexander Burns is an Assistant Professor of History at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he specializes in 18th century conflict in North America and Europe. He is the author of Infantry in Battle, 1733-1783. Follow him on X at @KKriegeBlog.   Grade inflation and student entitlement in higher education   How to research like a military historian   What we learn from letters of the common British soldier   The conflict between officers and enlisted men over battlefield tactics   Was there an honor code against killing officers?   What Paul Revere really said   How the British soldiers viewed the American rebels   How the Continental Army began   Beginning of the Continental Congress   General Washington's battlefield tactics   Guerrilla warfare   The role of cavalry in revolutionary combat   The American long rifle   How many Americans actually wanted independence?   The turning point of the Revolutionary War   The French Army comes to America   How the American military professionalized   The War of 1812   America invades Canada   How close did General Washington get to the battlefront?    Can we derive lessons from the Revolutionary War for modern warfare?

A Rebel's Guide to Defeating the British Army | Dr. Alexander Burns

Special cross post episode with The Lila Rose Podcast. Friday, January 24th marks the annual March for Life, when tens of thousands of activists gather in Washington, DC to celebrate and raise awareness about the pro-life movement. Live Action's Lila Rose joined Rep. Crenshaw (and his daughter Suzy) in his congressional office to talk about expectations for the first 100 days of the new Trump Administration. They cover pro-life executive orders and policies that could potentially be re-instated. They discuss how budget reconciliation and economic policies might affect everything from abortion policy to tax cuts to government spending. Rep. Crenshaw discusses his work to defund gender transition procedures for minors and destroy the Mexican drug cartels. And they end with a conversation about the U.S. interest in supporting Israel against Hamas terrorists. Lila Rose is the Founder and President of Live Action, a non-profit dedicated to pro-life advocacy. Follow her on X at @lilagracerose and Instagram at @lilaroseofficial. Subscribe to The Lila Rose Podcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify  

The First 100 Days: Entering a New Conservative Golden Age | Lila Rose

Situation Report for January 24th, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw breaks down the week's top stories from the U.S. and around the world. Your one stop shop for real news and clear analysis of the latest congressional legislation and how it impacts your life.     ·      Biden pardons his family  ·      Trump's first moves on border security, energy, and the bureaucratic state  ·      Secretary of State Marco Rubio  ·      Trump gives a boost to U.S. Artificial Intelligence dominance  ·      Trump pardons pro-life protestors  ·      SpaceX launches TWO lunar landers  ·      The FDA approves a new treatment for depression  Recommended reading: Noah Rothman on "The Resistance Left's Addiction to Hyperbole"

SITREP #6: Trump's First Days as 47, America's Artificial Intelligence Gets a Boost, and Return to the Moon

Situation Report for January 16, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw breaks down the week's top stories from the U.S. and around the world. Your one stop shop for real news and clear analysis of the latest congressional legislation and how it impacts your life.  Pete Hegseth has his Senate confirmation hearing The House passes the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act The Los Angeles wildfires The Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal Biden Administration removes Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list TikTok's clock is winding to zero. But here comes Red Note.   Why Congress needs a Select Committee on the Cartels. Read my latest oped for Fox News here 

SITREP #5: Pete Hegseth's Senate Hearing, Devastation in LA, & the TikTok Shutdown

American Petroleum Institute's Mike Sommers returns to Hold These Truths to survey the past four years of the Biden-Harris Administration's most devastating anti-fossil fuel energy policies and how the incoming Trump Administration might reverse them. They look at what the future of energy looks like for Texas and the rest of America. And they fact check the tv series Landman's portrayal of the oil and gas industry.    Mike Sommers is the President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, the largest trade association representing all aspects of America's oil and natural gas industry. Follow him on X at @mj_sommers.   How realistic is Taylor Sheridan's Landman?    "100 million barrels of oil a day"    Biden's latest offshore lease restrictions    American natural gas, a clear win for the environment.     "It's better to get ahead of the regulators."    The argument for exporting natural gas    Bitcoin mining in west Texas    The EPA's twin tail pipe rules – Biden's war on internal combustion engines    The real costs of electric vehicles    At what point do you have too much wind power?    The future of the Texas grid    First steps for Trump's EPA

Reversing Four Years of Bad Energy Policy | Mike Sommers

On the latest SITREP (Situation Report), Congressman Crenshaw explains how the Republican House strategy at the start of the 119th Congress and gives us the Civics 101 on how the legislative process works. He covers the possibility of overturning Biden's sweeping ban on offshore oil and gas leases, U.S. investors making a bid for TikTok, and the possibility of turning Greenland into a U.S. territory. And he examines the shifting political dynamics in Syria and Lebanon as Iran's influence in the Middle East wanes.   The House passes the Laken Riley Act (LRA)    Addressing the Democrats "anti-immigrant" charges    Leader Thune's strategy to pass LRA in the Senate    What you need to know about House rules and the legislative process    Parliamentary Procedure 101    Biden's sweeping offshore oil and gas leasing ban    Why reversing Biden's ban will be difficult    Kevin O'Leary makes a bid for TikTok    Make Greenland Great Again!    Gulf of AMERICA    Iran's diminishing influence in the Middle East    A cautious step forward in U.S. – Syria relations

SITREP #4: Laken Riley Act, Biden's Offshore Leasing Ban, Taking Greenland, & the New Political Dynamics in the Middle East

  For episode 3 of the SITREP (Situation Report), Rep. Crenshaw gives his insights into the most important news that happened over the holidays.    ·      Speaker Johnson wins on the first ballot   ·      What we know about the NOLA and Las Vegas attacks   ·      The Debate Over H1B Visas   ·      The Nippon Steel Deal   ·      Latest on the TikTok Chinese Ownership Ban   ·      Caution and Optimism in Syria   ·      South Korean Constitutional Drama

SITREP #3: The Speaker's Race, New Year's Day Attacks, the Nippon Steel Deal, & Constitutional Crisis in South Korea

Entrepreneur, rocket engineer, and nuclear expert Doug Bernauer joined Rep. Crenshaw to discuss the future of portable nuclear energy, colonies on Mars, and the bureaucratic inertia standing in their way. A fascinating conversation with lots of insights into the science and the regulatory environment of space exploration and nuclear power. Doug Bernauer is the CEO of Radiant Nuclear, a startup developing mass produced portable nuclear reactors. Before that, Doug spent 12 years working on a variety of research and development projects for SpaceX. Follow him on X at @DougBernauer. •    Learning from SpaceX's culture of innovation •    Overcoming the physical limitations of living on Mars •    Nuclear-powered rockets •    Small modular reactors and micro-reactors •    Bringing nuclear power to overseas military bases •    Risk analysis of nuclear power •    Uranium Fuel 101 •    What stalled the 1960s nuclear power boom? •    Regulatory reforms to kickstart nuclear again •    Bringing the SpaceX model to nuclear •    Deploying clean, cheap energy to remote regions •    A Russian nuclear power station on the moon?

Small Reactors, Huge Potential: The Future of Nuclear Power | Doug Bernauer

  Rep. Erin Houchin and Rep. Mike Flood join the show to discuss crypto policy in Congress and under the next Trump Administration. They give Rep. Crenshaw the 101 on how crypto works and how U.S. dollar-backed stable coins could change the financial system. And they look at the implications of Web 3.0 on censorship, content creators, financial fraud, and China's global power moves.    ·      The beginning of the crypto movement   ·      NFTs: the beanie babies of the internet   ·      The Canadian Trucker Strike   ·      Gary Gensler – "a fountain of bad ideas at the SEC"   ·      Regulatory authority in crypto markets   ·      Stablecoins 101   ·      Geopolitical implications of stablecoins   ·      Disconnecting from the banks   ·      President Trump's Crypto Czar   ·      Evolution of internet regulation   ·      Web 3.0   ·      Facebook's stranglehold on content creators and local news   ·      The Hawk Tuah Coin Scam   ·      Cabbage Patch dolls!   ·      FIT 21 – the House's answer to crypto regulation   ·      Explaining blockchain technology   ·      Will quantum computers break crypto?   ·      Stablecoins and financial fraud   ·      China's move to control the global stablecoin   Congresswoman Erin Houchin represents the 9th District of Indiana. She currently serves on the House Financial Services Committee, the House Rules Committee, and the House Education and Workforce Committee. And she was recently appointed to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the 119th Congress. Follow her on X at @RepHouchin.   Congressman Mike Flood represents the 1st District of Nebraska. He currently serves on the Financial Services Committee as well as the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee and the Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion Subcommittee. Follow him on X at @USRepMikeFlood.  Listen to Rep. Crenshaw's past episodes on Bitcoin with  Rep. Patrick McHenry and  Peter McCormack.

Stablecoins, Web 3.0, and the Future of Crypto Regulation | Rep. Erin Houchin and Rep. Mike Flood

  On episode 2 of the SITREP (Situation Report), Rep. Crenshaw drops the facts – not the Influencer Industrial Complex spin - on the Continuing Resolution that passed the House late Friday evening. He explains what was in the original CR that failed earlier this week and why it was so controversial. And he walks us through the reality of how budgets are negotiated in Congress.     ·      Explanation of what a Continuing Resolution (CR) is   ·      The federal budget process: appropriations vs. authorizations   ·      Challenges of bipartisan compromise in budget negotiations   ·      The role of the Senate in passing appropriations bills   ·      The impact of a government shutdown and why CRs are common   ·      Details about the latest CR negotiations, including:   ·      Pharmacy Benefit Manager Price Transparency Act   ·      Disaster aid and farm bill extensions   ·      Restrictions on outbound investments to China   ·      Expiring healthcare programs, such as traumatic brain injury research and the SUPPORT Act   ·      Political misinformation about the CR (e.g., Ukraine aid, congressional pay raises)   ·      The argument for and against a debt ceiling   ·      The consequences of government shutdowns on families and national finances   ·      Internal disagreements within Congress on legislative priorities   ·      Explanation of suspension votes and their significance   ·      Discussion on splitting legislation into smaller bills for voting  ·      Updates on ongoing negotiations and possible outcomes

SITREP #2: The Truth About CRs, Debt Ceilings, and Government Shutdowns

  We're trying something new here on Hold These Truths: a weekly SITREP (Situation Report) on news of the day with real time insights into what's happening in Congress, the country, and the world. This will now be your one stop shop for real news.    Matt Gaetz ethics report   AOC loses ranking member of Oversight Committee   The Continuing Resolution   Rethinking the budget process   Unknowns in Syria   Corruption in China's military   Assassinations in Moscow   Salt Typhoon (not a James Bond movie)   DOE's ban on gas exports   Trans activists lose their institutional support 

SITREP #1: The Big Bad CR, Syria, and Chinese Cyber Espionage

John Spencer is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to explore the historical evolution of urban combat and analyze modern strategies for conquering and defending cities. John discusses how urban warfare is playing out in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Ukraine. And he envisions the most likely scenarios for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, along with potential U.S.-Mexico counterinsurgency efforts against the cartels. •    The evolution of urban warfare •    Regime change and chaos in Syria •    Why willpower often trumps raw numbers •    Hezbollah's decimation and its implications •    Israeli airstrikes in post-Assad Syria •    "The way you take a city is psychologically." •    Russia's miscalculation in Kiev and Ukraine's resistance •    How Gaza's conflict was unlike any other •    Why banning missiles could result in more civilian casualties •    Debunking the "Zero Dark Thirty" Fallacy •    "Is that Batman??" •    Why the pager operation wouldn't have worked in Gaza •    More common misconceptions: The Abacus, Vampire, and Peace Table Fallacies •    Taiwan's defenses and civilian preparation for invasion •    U.S.-Mexico counterinsurgency strategies to combat cartels John Spencer currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. He also serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum, a New York based think-tank. He is a founding member of the International Working Group on Subterranean Warfare. He is the author of three books: Understanding Urban Warfare, (Howgate Publishing, 2022), Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War (Potomac Books, 2022; Winner of the 2023 Gold Medal Award, Best Military History Memoir, Military Writers Society of America), The Mini-Manual for the Urban Defender (John Spencer, 2022). Follow him on X at @SpencerGuard.

Lessons In Urban Warfare, From Syria to Taiwan | John Spencer

American Foreign Policy Council's Ilan Berman gives us the 101 on the past, present, and possible future of the Iranian regime, Middle East geopolitics, and the potential for Starlink as a tool to topple authoritarian regimes.     ·      What do the Iranian dissidents want from the United States?   ·      Is the Iranian regime at a tipping point?   ·      The changing demographics in Iran   ·      How 1979 changed everything   ·      The CIA boogeyman   ·      Recapping U.S. – Iran historical relations   ·      "They've had a gun to Israel's head for a while."   ·      What's the Iranian regime thinking now?   ·      The cold-hearted rationality of Middle East politics   ·      Why Iran might fast-track development of a nuclear bomb   ·      Three scenarios for a post-ayatollah Iran   ·      Why the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps isn't going away   ·      How Elon Musk's Starlink could transform geopolitics   ·      China's race to dominate space-based digital connectivity   ·      Africa's population boom   Ilan Berman is Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC. An expert on regional security in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Russian Federation, he has consulted for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency as well as the U.S. Departments of State and Defense, and has also provided assistance on foreign policy and national security issues to a range of governmental agencies and congressional offices. Follow him on X at @ilanberman.

Will Elon Musk's Starlink Transform Geopolitics? | Ilan Berman

David Harsanyi returns to discuss his new book "The Rise of BlueAnon: How the Democrats Became a Party of Conspiracy Theorists." David reveals how the Left has been consumed by a uniquely dangerous and delusional brand of conspiracy theories. And unlike those on the Right, the Left's conspiracy theories are rarely kept in check by mainstream institutions. Fun and insightful conversation with one of America's smartest conservative writers. •    How do we define a conspiracy theory?  •    The psychology of crowds  •    Why "Russia collusion" was an effective conspiracy theory  •    How Adam Schiff played everybody  •    The limits of skepticism  •    Victimhood and paranoia  •    The BLM riots and police assassinations  •    Why the left doesn't want students to learn civics  •    "I wish someone would do something about how fat I am"  •    What people get wrong about Big Pharma  •    Antisemitism and the left  •    What happened to the groypers?  •    Social media and children's mental health  •    Climate alarmism  •    Rachel Maddow and other successful purveyors of conspiracy theories  •    "You don't need to be like your enemy."  •    Delusions of living in The Handmaid's Tale  •    The viability argument  •    How leftists sidestep the morality debate David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of several bestselling books. A contributor to the New York Post, his work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Reason, USA Today, National Review, and numerous other publications, and he has been featured on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, ABC World News Tonight, NBC Nightly News, and dozens of radio talk shows across the country. Follow him on X at @davidharsanyi.

The 'BlueAnon' Playbook for Turning Conspiracy Theories into Mainstream Narratives | David Harsanyi

Paul Scharre is an artificial intelligence expert who led the Department of Defense's working group to establish policies on autonomous weapons systems. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to cover the latest (unclassified) capabilities of AI on the battlefield, the AI arms race with China, and the fine line between utopia and apocalypse which emerging AI tech has to offer us. •    Equipping Congress to deal with Artificial Intelligence •    How software has changed since the 1990s •    No rules: the machine is learning on its own •    Emergence of robots in the Iraq War •    The Pentagon's policy on autonomous weapons •    Drones over Ukraine •    The 4 Battlegrounds of Artificial Intelligence •    The data race with China •    "Why did ChatGPT say that?" •    Chinese spies infiltrating American tech •    Integrating more AI into the U.S. military •    China's 1984 Nightmare in Xinjiang Province •    "They literally call it SkyNet." •    Scary hypotheticals for when AI "becomes human" •    "We've seen models engage in spontaneous deception." •    AI cooperation agreements with China •    How do we regulate the next frontiers of AI? •    Could AI build a nuclear weapon? Paul Scharre is the Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security. He is the author of "Four Battlegrounds: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" and "Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War." Scharre previously worked in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) where he played a leading role in establishing policies on unmanned and autonomous systems and emerging weapons technologies. He led the Department of Defense (DoD) working group that drafted DoD Directive 3000.09, establishing the department's policies on autonomy in weapon systems. He also led DoD efforts to establish policies on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance programs and directed energy technologies. Scharre was involved in the drafting of policy guidance in the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance, 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, and secretary-level planning guidance. Prior to joining OSD, Scharre served as a special operations reconnaissance team leader in the Army's 3rd Ranger Battalion and completed multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a graduate of the Army's Airborne, Ranger, and Sniper Schools and Honor Graduate of the 75th Ranger Regiment's Ranger Indoctrination Program. Follow Paul on X at @paul_scharre.

Modern Battlegrounds: The AI Arms Race | Paul Scharre

Shaun Maguire is a venture capitalist, tech entrepreneur, and Caltech physics PhD. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to talk about his journey from Never Trumper in 2016 to supporting President Trump in 2024. Shaun makes the analytical case for why Trump's method for foreign policy makes sense. Namely, Trump's ability to flex American power in a language that Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and China understand. Shaun also explains why parts of Silicon Valley are moving right, why our defense industrial base is in dire need of repair, and the physics of how black holes work.         Becoming a Reformed Never Trumper        Revelations About the Trump-Russia Hoax        Recruited by DARPA – War in Afghanistan        Narrative Violations – Trump at NATO        The Hunter Biden Laptop        Trump's 'Peace Through Strength' Doctrine        Trump's Record of Countering Russia        Deep Undercover Russian Spies        How to Negotiate with the East        Tips to Avoid Broken Brain Syndrome        Has X Been Good for Free Speech?        Politics in Silicon Valley        Defense Startups + DoD Procurement        tHe MiLiTaRy InDuStRiAL cOMpLeX        The Deepest Mysteries in Physics        Black Holes and the Beginning of the Universe        Quantum Gravity, Bottled Water, and "The Bulk"        Known Unknowns in Physics         How LIGO Detects Gravitational Waves (for Dummies)  Shaun Maguire is a partner at the venture capital firm, Sequoia Capital. He has founded two companies (one in space technologies and another in global internet security) and holds a PhD in physics from Caltech. Shaun also previously worked at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). He was deployed to Afghanistan for three months and his team received a Joint Meritorious Unit Award for their work. Follow him on X at @shaunmmaguire.

A Former Never Trumper Makes the Case for Trump 2024 | Shaun Maguire

*SPECIAL CROSSPOST EPISODE*  Rep. Crenshaw joined Michael Moynihan and Matt Welch for their weekly podcast series The Fifth Column. Really fun conversation covering a lot of ground. Topics include:  ·       How to be a Navy SEAL  ·       Losing an eye in Afghanistan  ·       Dan can't find his glasses / "I can't see shit"  ·       Lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan  ·       A case study in intelligence failure and confirmation bias  ·       On leaving the Taliban in power  ·       Has Trump been good on foreign policy?  ·       The Republican Party post-Trump  ·       Tucker "is best friends with Hunter Biden!"  ·       Why are you even in Congress?  ·       On the mechanics of Congress  ·       Maybe a hundred normal congressmen  ·       What has Dan accomplished for Texas?  ·       Is populism winning?  ·       On banning TikTok Michael Moynihan is a former contributor for Daily Beast and Vice on HBO. Follow him on X at @mcmoynihan. Matt Welch is the Editor at Large of Reason. Follow him on X at @MattWelch. Subscribe to The Fifth Column on Substack here: https://www.wethefifth.com/podcast

Rep. Crenshaw Takes the Fifth (Column)

 In honor of Columbus Day, we're reposting a Hold These Truths classic from 2020 with historian Dr. Mary Grabar:  You may have never heard of him, but no historian has had a greater influence on modern America than Howard Zinn. His most popular work, A Peoples History of the United States, was brought into the cultural mainstream with Matt Damon's Oscar winning 1997 film Good Will Hunting. The book is a precursor to the 1619 Project - tracing the roots of America's sins and inequities to Christopher Columbus' 1492 voyage and the rise of capitalism.   So for Columbus Day, we invited Dr. Mary Grabar, a historian and author of "Debunking Howard Zinn: Exposing the Fake History That Turned A Generation Against America", to join us for an objective look at Zinn's perspective on American history, his motivations for attacking the USA and capitalism, and the ramifications of his influence on generations of academia.   Dr. Mary Grabar is an author and a resident fellow at the The Alexander Hamilton Institute for the Study of Western Civilization. She is also the founder of the Dissident Prof Education Project. Follow her on Twitter at @MaryGrabar.

The Historian Teaching Your Kids to Hate America: The Truth About Howard Zinn | Dr. Mary Grabar (Repost)

 Sixty years ago, Americans could easily envision a not-too-distant future of vacations on Mars, miracle cures, clean and infinite energy, and, of course, flying cars. But the dream collapsed, we entered an era of technological and economic stagnation, and pop culture became fixated on catastrophizing the outcomes of scientific innovations. AEI's James Pethokoukis traces the origins of this "Great Downshift" in optimism and progress – largely due to 1970s regulatory decisions and changes in risk tolerance – and he gives us a roadmap for returning to the era of a risk-taking, future-oriented society.  James Pethokoukis is the author of "The Conservative Futurist: How to Create the Sci-Fi World We Were Promised." He is a senior fellow and the DeWitt Wallace Chair at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he analyzes US economic policy, writes and edits the AEIdeas blog, and hosts AEI's Political Economy podcast. He is also a contributor to CNBC and writes the Faster, Please! newsletter on Substack. Follow him on X at @JimPethokoukis.

What Happened to the Flying Cars? | James Pethokoukis

Dr. Todd Rose joins Rep. Crenshaw to discuss his latest research into Americans' views on the most controversial issues, including abortion, immigration, the defund the police movement, and antisemitism. The conclusion? It turns out Americans are a lot less divided than you might think. Dr. Rose identifies the root causes of this false polarization and calls attention to a far greater concern for the future of the country: the overwhelming majority of Americans who believe society is inherently unfair to them. Check out Dr. Rose's latest research report here: https://populace.org/research  Dr. Todd Rose is the author of "Collective Illusions: Conformity, Complicity, and the Science of Why We Make Bad Decisions". He is the co-founder and president of Populace, a think tank committed to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling lives in a thriving society. He was a faculty member at Harvard University where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and directed the Mind, Brain, and Education Program. Follow him on X at @ltoddrose.

The Myth of a Divided America | Dr. Todd Rose

Jack Posobiec returns for a fascinating conversation about the history of communist revolutions and the role that information warfare plays in the shaping modern political ideologies. Jack gives us case studies in the revolutions of Russia, China, and France - along with the key differences between them and the American Revolution. He explains how Marxist and far-left movements "unhumanize" their political opponents to gain control of nations. And he dives into the tactics of information warfare and his strategy for countering far-left narratives (including a crash course in how to effectively use memes and satire to disarm opponents).  Jack Posobiec is the author of the new book "Unhumans: The Secret History of Communist Revolutions (and How to Crush Them)". He is the host of the podcast series Human Events Daily. He speaks fluent Mandarin, worked for the US Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, is a former officer in the Navy Reserve, and worked for the Office of Naval Intelligence. Follow him on X at @JackPosobiec.

Jack Posobiec on Information Warfare and Communist Revolutions

Dr. Robert Kadlec returns to the podcast to share the latest evidence for why COVID-19 likely originated from a lab in Wuhan, China. He gives us a layman's understanding of the differences between lab-created viruses and those of zoological origins. He debunks all the Fauci/CCP arguments that the Wuhan lab origin is a "conspiracy theory." And he discusses the growing concerns of a possible H5N1 bird flu pandemic – what would it take for this to become the next global pandemic and how prepared are we to stop it? Dr. Robert Kadlec served as the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the Department of Health and Human Services under President Trump. During his career he has served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force, Deputy Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for Biodefense Policy under President Bush.

COVID Origins: What the Latest Evidence Tells Us | Dr. Robert Kadlec

Congressman Jake Auchincloss was a Marine Corps officer, and is a member of Rep. Crenshaw's Task Force to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels and a member of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to discuss what they've learned about China's partnership with the cartels to push fentanyl in the United States. They discuss the challenges and possibilities of collaborating with the Mexican government to destroy the drug cartels. And they have a friendly debate over Trump vs Kamala.  Rep. Jake Auchincloss represents the 4th Congressional District of Massachusetts. He is a Marine veteran who commanded infantry in Afghanistan and led drug interdictions in Panama. Follow him on X at @RepAuchincloss.

A Democrat Congressman on China, Cartels, and Kamala | Rep. Jake Auchincloss

In this special cross-post episode of The Winston Marshall Show, the former Mumford & Sons musician engages Rep. Crenshaw in a wide-ranging discussion on U.S. foreign policy, including populist arguments for isolationism. The conversation covers America's involvement in the Ukraine War, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and compares President Biden's most significant foreign policy failures with President Trump's record. They also delve into the realities of the 'deep state' and the internal divisions within the Republican Party driven by the populist movement.  Subscribe and listen to The Winston Marshall Show here: https://linktr.ee/winstonmarshall  Follow Winston on X at @MrWinMarshall and Instagram at @winstonmarshall.

Special: A Conversation with former Mumford and Sons member and host of the Winston Marshall Show

Foreign policy analyst Dr. Hal Brands joined Rep. Crenshaw to discuss why America abandoned pre-WWII isolationism to become the global superpower and the unprecedented prosperity that came from it. They examine the growing threats posed by Russia and China to that prosperity and the international order. And they look at the potential consequences for America if it retreats again to an isolationist foreign policy. Dr. Hal Brands is a Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute and the Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Dr. Brands has served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Strategic Planning and lead writer for the Commission on the National Defense Strategy for the United States. He is a member of the State Department's Foreign Affairs Policy Board and consults with a range of government offices and agencies in the intelligence and national security communities. Follow him on X at @HalBrands.

What If Russia and China Win? | Dr. Hal Brands

 Meteorologist Dan Reilly answers all your burning questions about weather, hurricanes, and how forecasting works. What does a 50% chance of rain actually mean? How do weather patterns in the Pacific, like El Niño and La Niña, affect hurricane formation in the Atlantic? Can a butterfly's wings cause a tornado? Where do storms get their names? All that and much more in just 30 minutes.  Dan Reilly is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He received his Master's degree in Meteorology from MIT. Follow him on X at @DReillyWx.  Website resources mentioned in this episode:  Weather.gov  Hurricanes.gov

50% Chance of Rain and Other Weather Mysteries Explained | Meteorologist Dan Reilly

Healthcare and economic policy expert Brian Blase, Ph.D. joined Rep. Crenshaw for a deep dive into the complexities of healthcare policy. They discuss the current problems with Obamacare and its impact on the healthcare market, the ongoing debate over healthcare as a right versus a need, the effectiveness of subsidies, and the role of high risk pools. They also discuss various policy proposals, including reforming subsidies, expanding healthcare options, and addressing Medicaid challenges. Brian Blase, Ph.D., is the President of Paragon Health Institute. Brian was Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy at the White House's National Economic Council (NEC) from 2017-2019, where he coordinated the development and execution of numerous health policies. Follow him on X at @brian_blase and learn more about his research at www.paragoninstitute.org  

The Conservative Path Forward on Obamacare | Dr. Brian Blase

Clean burning natural gas is almost single-handedly responsible for the global reduction in carbon emissions. Every good thing we have in modern society – technology, housing, medicine, infrastructure, the list goes on – is dependent on natural gas to exist. So why is the Biden-Harris Administration so hell-bent on destroying it? Toby Rice, energy expert and president of America's largest natural gas producer, returns to the podcast to examine the impact that recent natural gas rules have had on our economy and American energy security. Toby Rice is the President and CEO of EQT. Follow Toby on Twitter at @Shalennial.

The Biden-Harris Administration's War On American Energy | Toby Rice

 Conservative pollsters Dr. Frank Luntz and Kristen Soltis Anderson return to discuss how the election dynamics have shifted since the assassination attempt on President Trump and the coronation of Kamala Harris. What's the state of the race since Biden dropped out? Who is the most dangerous (for Republicans) VP that Kamala could choose? What does JD Vance bring to the table for Trump? What are the prospects for Republicans in the House and Senate? As good as the polling looks now, Frank and Kristen explain why Republicans should run through the tape and not be overly confident.  Kristen Soltis Anderson is a pollster, speaker, commentator, and author of The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials Are Leading America (And How Republicans Can Keep Up). She is Founding Partner of Echelon Insights, an opinion research and analytics firm that serves brands, trade associations, nonprofits, and political clients. Through her work at Echelon, she regularly advises corporate and government leaders on polling and messaging strategy, and has become one of the foremost experts on the Millennial generation. She also leads focus groups for The New York Times' opinion section "America in Focus" series. Follow her on X at @KSoltisAnderson and read her Substack here: kristensoltisanderson.substack.com/  Dr. Frank Luntz has written, supervised, and conducted more than 2,500 surveys, focus groups, ad tests, and dial sessions in more than two dozen countries on six continents over the past 20 years. His political knowledge and skills are recognized globally, and he has served as an election consultant and commentator in Canada, Britain, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Australia, Venezuela, and Ukraine. Follow him on X at @FrankLuntz.

Biden Drops Out: The New Electoral Landscape | Dr. Frank Luntz and Kristen Soltis Anderson

Three key things I want to address, based on my own experiences planning and executing operations and also my conversations with law enforcement and Secret Service. This is a must watch. 1. What's up with that building? Why wasn't it secure? 2. Did the Secret Service counter sniper really just watch the assassin and refuse to shoot him? 3. Was the Secret Service ordered NOT to shoot the assassin??

The Trump Assassination Attempt: Facts VS Myth

Rice University's Michelle Foss, Ph.D. gives us a crash course in critical minerals: what they are, where they come from, why we need them, and their geostrategic implications. We look at the future of deep-sea mining to harvest the vast resources laying on the sea floor. And we talk about the rapidly developing tech of carbon nanotubes, which are on the verge of revolutionizing everything from battery capacity to airplanes (and, of course, make the Batman suit a reality). Michelle Foss, Ph.D., is the fellow in energy, minerals & materials at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, helping to build capacity on non-fuel minerals supply chains. She has more than 40 years of experience in senior positions in energy (oil, gas/LNG, electric power) and environmental research, consulting and investment banking, with early career exposure to mining and mined land reclamation.