Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

 

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

 

Are We Going to Strike Iran?

 

In‑depth foreign policy analysis featuring Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former White House national security official, who breaks down the intensifying risk of U.S. military strikes against Iran. Yates outlines how the administration is negotiating over Iran’s nuclear program even as it positions F‑35s, F‑22s, and other assets for what he describes as a “high likelihood” of targeted military action within the next two weeks. He explains that any strike would be aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities—not launching a full‑scale war—while regional powers aligned under the Abraham Accords weigh their own interests in the potential collapse of the Iranian regime.

 

The conversation then turns to the complex geopolitical landscape involving Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba, where Yates argues that the U.S. is using “smart power”—economic, political, and strategic pressure—to create conditions for gradual regime transformation without repeating the mistakes of Iraq. Clay and Buck press Yates on possible successors inside Iran, the role of the Iranian diaspora, and whether Gulf nations secretly prefer the current Ayatollah in power as a known, contained adversary. This leads into a moment of levity as they mock Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez’s widely panned appearance at the Munich Security Conference, where she struggled to answer a basic question about China–Taiwan tensions. Yates jokes that even a quick AI search would have prepared her better.

 

Dirty Dem Playbook

 

The James Talarico–Stephen Colbert controversy, which Clay and Buck argue has massively backfired on Democrats. They trace how CBS refused to air the Talarico interview over potential FCC equal‑time violations involving Texas Senate candidate Jasmine Crockett, but the decision instead triggered a “Streisand Effect”, catapulting Talarico to viral fame. CNN’s election data analyst Harry Enten confirms that Google searches for Talarico skyrocketed nationally and especially in Texas—over 1,100%—dramatically shifting prediction markets toward him in the upcoming Democratic primary. Clay argues that the real political victim is Jasmine Crockett, likening the situation to the Democratic Party “rigging” the 2016 primary against Bernie Sanders.

 

The Trans Trend

 

Karol Markowicz, co‑host in the Clay & Buck Podcast Network, who joins to analyze two high‑profile transgender‑related family mass murders—one in British Columbia and one in Rhode Island. The hosts argue that political activism and online rhetoric have normalized delusional thinking while discouraging honest discussions about mental health.  Markowicz highlights the sudden spike in youth identifying as transgender as a “social contagion,” noting huge differences in rates between states like New York and Florida. The segment also covers a groundbreaking legal development: NYU Langone halting gender-transition procedures for minors amid growing malpractice lawsuits, including a recent multimillion‑dollar jury award to a detransitioner.

 

The show then pivots to cultural commentary, including Markowicz's evaluation of Taylor Swift’s cultural power, where she agrees that Swift is comparable in scale to global icons like the Beatles and Madonna. Clay and Buck debate Swift’s influence across generations and joke about Clay’s much‑discussed mustache. The hosts also highlight uplifting Olympic news as Team USA men’s hockey star Quinn Hughes goes viral for calling America “the greatest country in the world” after scoring a sudden‑death goal over Sweden—one of the few unapologetically patriotic moments they say mainstream media rarely promotes anymore.

 

Pro-Trump Granny

 

Clay and Buck spotlight a powerful moment from President Trump’s Black History Month event at the White House, where an impassioned grandmother, Floresia Cook, went viral for defending Trump’s record on crime and public safety. They note Trump’s warm statements about Jesse Jackson following his passing. The hosts wrap with an economic update: 30‑year mortgage rates have hit a four‑year low, edging just above 6%,

1. White House Event & Grandmother’s Testimony

• A Washington, D.C. grandmother who lost her grandson in 2017 praised Donald Trump during a Black History Month event.
• She credited his administration for focusing on crime reduction and supporting her advocacy after her grandson’s murder.
• She expressed frustration with previous local responses and argued for harsher sentencing.
• The mainstream media is intentionally avoided showing this White House moment because it is portraying Trump positively.

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2. Kash Patel's Earlier Statements (From White House Remarks)

• Kash Patel emphasized the FBI was “following the money” to combat violent groups, including Antifa.
• He described Antifa as part of organized criminal activity and domestic terrorism.
• Patel credited Trump and DOJ leadership for enabling aggressive investigations.
• He claimed the FBI was mapping financial networks tied to criminal conduct.
• Patel states investigators have now uncovered major Antifa funding streams.
• He discussed ongoing financial investigations into demonstrations linked to Antifa.
• He suggested details about donors and organizations might be released later.

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3. Arrests and Prosecutions Mentioned

• Patel cites:
  • Over two dozen federal arrests related to “Portland”-type events.
  • Nineteen convictions for violent acts linked to Antifa.
  • A Texas federal trial involving nine defendants accused of attacking ICE personnel.
  • A 2023 Georgia case tied to the “Cop City” protests.

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4. Funding Investigations

• The FBI is examining whether Antifa-related funding:
  • Flows through U.S.-based nonprofit groups.
  • Potentially involves foreign sources.
  • May include tax‑exempt organizations.
• Patel stresses the focus is strictly on violence-related support, not peaceful protest.

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5. Organizational Discussions

• Although Antifa is widely described as decentralized, Patel says the FBI sees signs of structure such as:
  • Conferences
  • Local chapters
  • National networking
• He contrasts this with past officials who described Antifa as merely an “idea.”

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6. Internal FBI Actions

• Patel says the FBI created a dedicated program to track financial backing of violent activity tied to Antifa.
• He describes using counterterrorism-style financial tracing techniques.

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1. Tribute to Robert Duvall

• Robert Duvall passed away at 95 years old.
• Hosts discuss his most iconic roles, including:
  • To Kill a Mockingbird (as Boo Radley)
  • The Godfather (as Tom Hagen)
  • Lonesome Dove
  • Apocalypse Now
  • Gone in 60 Seconds
  • Secondhand Lions
• Emphasis on Duvall’s legacy as one of the greatest American actors.
• Noted that Duvall chose not to have a funeral, instead asking people to enjoy a good movie.

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2. Gavin Newsom Controversy

• A previous podcast episode involving Gavin Newsom.
• Newsom responded on social media, accusing Ted Cruz of attacking his dyslexia.
• Ted Cruz replied stating he called Newsom “historically illiterate,” not unable to read.
• Cruz references President Eisenhower federalizing the National Guard in 1957 as historical evidence contradicting Newsom's claim.
• We poke fun at Newsom’s reaction and discuss how social media posts performed online.
• Referenced AOC, Gretchen Whitmer, and Gavin Newsom attending a meeting in Munich 

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Buck's Book Launch!

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton give a reflective and emotional acknowledgment of the five‑year anniversary of Rush Limbaugh’s passing, honoring the legacy of the man whose influence built the foundation of the show’s audience. Clay and Buck describe the day as meaningful for longtime listeners and express gratitude for the community that followed Rush and now follows them. Producers Ali and Greg created a podcast honoring Rush in the Clay and Buck feed that features clips going back to the 90s and highlights many callers to the program. 

From there, the hour transitions into a major milestone: the release of Buck Sexton’s first book, Manufacturing Delusion. Buck explains the book’s themes—how the political left uses indoctrination, psychological manipulation, and propaganda to reshape public thinking—and shares insight into his CIA‑related experiences that informed several chapters. Clay encourages listeners to buy the book, noting its relevance to current political and cultural battles, especially surrounding issues of mental health, identity, and media manipulation.

The conversation pivots sharply into breaking national news: yet another mass shooting carried out by a transgender‑identifying individual. Clay details the disturbing pattern of recent trans‑identified shooters—in Nashville, Minneapolis, British Columbia, and now Rhode Island—and highlights what he calls alarming media dishonesty, such as outlets refusing to identify perpetrators by biological sex. The hosts describe the Rhode Island shooter, a biological male who transitioned late in life, abandoned his family, and ultimately murdered relatives at a public hockey event before killing others. Clay and Buck argue that cultural messaging about “affirmation” has normalized delusion rather than treating mental illness, and they question whether hormone‑related medications, untreated psychological disorders, or ideological extremism contribute to the rising violence. They emphasize that society would never affirm the hallucinations of someone with schizophrenia, so affirming gender‑identity delusions is not compassionate—it’s dangerous.

The Crazy Left

Congressman Jim Jordan, who joins to discuss the latest on Capitol Hill. Jordan outlines ongoing border‑security battles, sanctuary‑city policies, and potential legislation that would allow local law‑enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities even when state governments attempt to block them. He highlights the staggering number of criminal migrants released by sanctuary jurisdictions and the urgent need for federal preemption in immigration enforcement. Jordan also offers a broad strategic look at the upcoming midterms, arguing that Republicans must contrast their record of border security, economic growth, and school‑choice initiatives with what he calls the Democratic Party’s “normal versus crazy” policy agenda.

Before closing the interview, Clay and Buck ask Jordan about other trending issues, including the Winter Olympics and the viral curling controversy, which he humorously weighs in on. The hosts then return to a high‑profile national mystery: the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. They discuss the latest update—that a glove found near her home did not match DNA inside the house—and reflect on the outsized media attention the case continues to attract despite minimal new information. Clay suggests that America’s fascination with true‑crime storytelling, especially among female viewers, is driving the intense coverage even as actionable developments remain scarce.

It's Hard to Hate the Guy

Clay and Buck preview their upcoming trip to Texas for the first major primary of the 2026 cycle. They examine the high‑stakes Texas Senate race, noting the competitive three‑way Republican contest among John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and Wesley Hu

1. Claims about U.S. immigration and corruption

• The U.S. has historically admitted immigrants from countries labeled as “highly corrupt” by Transparency International.
• Examples mentioned include South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, among others.
• Vetting immigrants from these countries is “nearly impossible” due to poor record‑keeping, bribery, and document fraud.

2. Reference to Trump administration policies

• Donald Trump previously restricted immigration from certain nations via executive orders.
• These restrictions were due to corruption concerns and an inability to verify documents from those regions.

3. Criticism of the Biden administration

• The Biden administration continued issuing visas to individuals from these “corrupt” nations, citing specific visa numbers (e.g., Venezuelan admissions).
• Allowing potentially unvetted migrants into the U.S.

4. Concerns about fraudulent documents

• Applicants in corrupt nations can obtain fake documents—birth certificates, police records, passports, diplomas—via bribes.
• This is presented as a major risk to U.S. vetting systems.

5. Political commentary on Democratic leaders

• Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Gavin Newsom are criticized for acknowledging migration problems while also condemning Trump’s approach.
• Democrats are both:
  • admitting migration has become “destabilizing”
  • and simultaneously criticizing U.S. border enforcement agencies.

6. Claims of “chaos” caused by Democratic policies

• The narrative argues that Democrats created disorder at the border and in U.S. cities.
• The author asserts Trump is “cleaning up the mess” and that this angers political opponents.

7. Accusations of unfair comparisons to authoritarian regimes

• Democrats comparing U.S. immigration enforcement agencies to authoritarian “secret police” or Nazi‑like forces.

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1. Democratic Candidates Struggle on Foreign Policy

• At the Munich Security Conference, AOC, Gretchen Whitmer, and Gavin Newsom are portrayed as unprepared on major foreign‑policy questions.
• AOC gives vague and confused answers regarding whether the U.S. should defend Taiwan against China.
• Whitmer appears unsure when asked what “victory” in Ukraine looks like, deflecting the question to an ambassador.
• Commentary suggests this reflects a broader weakness in foreign‑policy understanding among potential 2028 Democratic contenders.

2. Criticism of Far‑Left Ideology

• The intellectual foundation of the far left is hollow compared to past decades.
• They claim AOC’s comments reflect ideological simplicity, reliance on identity politics, and lack of deep geopolitical knowledge.
• Suggestion that cultural Marxism and DEI-style frameworks have replaced rigorous foreign‑policy thought.

3. AOC’s Israel Comments

• AOC is criticized for saying U.S. aid to Israel should be conditioned and alleging Israel committed “genocide” in Gaza.
• The hosts argue her position is ideologically driven and historically insensitive, especially when stated in Germany.
• They also claim Hamas statements contradict the genocide narrative.

4. Predictions About 2028 Politics:

• • AOC will likely run for president.
  • Chuck Schumer may encourage her to do so to avoid competing with her for Senate.
  • If AOC runs, Mondaire Jones / Mondami (context suggests a progressive challenger) could run for Schumer’s Senate seat.

5. Obama’s Recent Commentary

• Barack Obama is criticized for:
  • Calling certain ICE actions “rogue behavior.”
  • Comparing Republican messaging to demagoguery while presenting Democrats as unifying.
• Hosts claim Obama is historically partisan and argue many current Democratic positions stem from his ideological influence.

6. Claims That Democrats Are Anti‑Law‑Enforcement

• Gavin Newsom is accused of comparing American law enforcement to “secret police.”
• The hosts argue Democrats are reviving rhetoric similar to segregation‑era resistance to federal authority.

7. U.S. Foreign Policy Under Obama and Biden

• Allegations that Obama and Biden’s foreign policy empowered Iran and weakened global deterrence.
• Claim that U.S. ambiguity over Taiwan is mishandled by the left.

8. Potomac River Sewage Issue

• Over 1 billion gallons of wastewater spilled into the Potomac.
• Washington, DC officials say repairs will take up to nine months, criticized as incompetence in government management.

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1. Virginia Politics & Redistricting

• Democrats in Virginia are moving quickly to enact policy changes after recent elections.
• The new Virginia congressional map heavily favors Democrats (projected 10D–1R), despite the state split being closer to 53% Democrat / 47% Republican.
• Comparisons to redistricting in Texas, California, and New England, arguing that both parties gerrymander but Virginia’s map is described as especially extreme.

2. Immigration Enforcement

• Virginia’s governor (referred to as Abigail Spanberger) cut cooperation with ICE.
• This policy could result in criminal undocumented immigrants being released into communities.

3. Discussion of Supreme Court Oral Arguments on Tariffs

• Detailed recounting of a Supreme Court case involving presidential authority to impose tariffs.
• Highlights:
  • Roberts, Gorsuch, and Barrett expressed skepticism toward the administration’s position.
  • Kavanaugh, Thomas, and Alito appeared more open to upholding the tariff authority.
• Predicts that Chief Justice Roberts may write a majority opinion to uphold tariff powers on institutional grounds.

4. The “Save America Act”

• House of Representatives passed the act with only one Democrat voting in favor.
• The act requires:
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.
  • Photo ID to vote.
• Presented as “common-sense” election integrity legislation.
• Describes a procedural strategy within existing Senate rules, not abolishing the filibuster.
• Would force Democrats to perform a talking filibuster (continuous floor speeches).
• Requires Republicans to maintain 50 senators physically present, possibly for days or weeks.
• Democrats aim to:
  • Eliminate photo ID laws.
  • Grant statehood to D.C. and Puerto Rico.
  • Offer citizenship and voting rights to undocumented immigrants.
  • Pack the Supreme Court.

• Voter ID and citizenship proof are extremely popular nationwide with broad bipartisan support.
• Republicans should force Democrats to publicly defend opposition during a talking filibuster.

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1. Minnesota AG Keith Ellison’s Senate Testimony

• Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was questioned in the Senate regarding alleged failures to prevent and address large‑scale fraud in the state’s Feeding Our Future program.
• Senators—primarily Josh Hawley—accused Ellison of:
  • Ignoring whistleblower warnings as early as 2018–2019.
  • Meeting with individuals later indicted for fraud and allegedly offering to “look into” investigators who were scrutinizing them.
  • Accepting approximately $10,000 in campaign donations from individuals tied to the fraud shortly after their meeting.
• Ellison strongly denied wrongdoing, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
• The session was tense, marked by interruptions, raised voices, and confrontational exchanges.

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2. Refusal to Condemn Louis Farrakhan

• During questioning, Ellison declined to explicitly condemn antisemitic statements attributed to Louis Farrakhan.
• He attempted to redirect discussion to immigration topics, expressing discomfort with the line of questioning.

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3. Democrats Linked to Record Sewage Spill

• Democratic officials in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia oversaw infrastructure failures leading to the largest sewage spill in U.S. history.
• A burst 72‑inch sewer pipe released nearly one billion gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River.
• Criticism is directed at:
  • Lack of media coverage.
  • Slow response times.
  • Infrastructure mismanagement.
• Emergency pumps had to be transported from Texas and Florida to address the crisis.

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4. Discussion of Government Competence

• Democratic‑run cities and states mismanage public systems (snow removal, wildfire mitigation, infrastructure maintenance, etc.).
• They argue such patterns reflect systemic governmental incompetence.

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5. Save America Act & Voter ID Debate

• The Save America Act, passed in the House with near‑unanimous Republican support, requires:
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.
  • Photo ID to vote.
• Senator Ted Cruz advocates for aggressive procedural tactics in the Senate, including:
  • Forcing a “talking filibuster.”
  • Using the two‑speech rule to pressure Democratic senators.
• The argument made: voter ID laws are widely supported across political and demographic groups.

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Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

 

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

 

Melting ICE?

 

The Trump administration’s announcement—reinforced by Tom Homan—that Minnesota’s ICE surge operation is being scaled down after a “mission accomplished”‑style success. Clay and Buck outline how Minneapolis quietly reached a handshake agreement to reverse sanctuary‑style resistance and begin alerting ICE when violent illegal immigrants are taken into custody, a major policy pivot after years of non‑cooperation. The hosts warn that activist “street harpies,” Antifa‑aligned groups, and left‑wing organizers may try to replicate Minneapolis’s obstruction tactics in other liberal cities. They also dive deep into the political consequences, arguing that Tim Walz’s political career is effectively over, and preview competitive 2026 races—especially the Minnesota Senate race, where Michelle Tafoya trails by just a few points.

 

MASA: Make America Smart Again

 

A major interview featuring U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who outlines several key initiatives aimed at reshaping American education during the lead‑up to America’s 250th anniversary.  A major focus of the conversation is the newly launched Presidential 1776 Award, a national civics and history competition created to reverse declining historical literacy among young Americans. McMahon explains that students will take a 90‑minute “Impossible Test” of 4,000 rapid‑fire questions, advancing through three rounds for scholarships of up to $150,000. Clay and Buck enthusiastically offer to take the test themselves—joking about challenging media figures—and highlight how this effort aligns with a broader push to revive foundational American history.

 

The interview expands into President Trump’s education reform strategy, which aims to return educational authority to the states by dismantling federal bureaucracy and moving Department of Education functions to other agencies. McMahon emphasizes that despite more than $3 trillion spent since the Department’s creation in 1980, national test scores have declined—proving that centralized control has failed. She highlights the “Mississippi Miracle,” where the state dramatically boosted literacy by reinstating phonics‑based “science of reading” instruction, prompting other states to adopt similar reforms. She also discusses school innovation across the country—from classical academies to AI‑driven models like Austin’s Alpha School—and her goal of producing a best‑practices toolkit for all fifty states.  The hour then pivots sharply to controversial school protests in Minneapolis, where staff and administrators walked out during political demonstrations, prompting criticism that public schools behave as “shock troops” for far‑left activism. McMahon signals that such closures could invite federal investigation or funding consequences, especially given Minnesota’s already weak academic performance.  Clay and Buck follow with a broader critique of America’s K–12 system—calling it a glorified daycare model that prioritizes union demands over student outcomes—while advocating for parental empowerment, school choice, and more flexible education pathways.

 

Another Trans Shooter

 

A major conversation on rising violence involving transgender-identifying shooters, sparked by news of a British Columbia mass shooting. The hosts link this to previous attacks in Minneapolis and Nashville, arguing that the media and police distort facts by prioritizing preferred pronouns over biological accuracy. The transcript includes an extended critique of mental‑health issues, hormonal drugs, and the cultural narrative that non‑affirmation constitutes “genocide,” which the hosts argue contributes to radicalization among vulnerable individuals. They highlight the police’s admission that the Canadian shooter was biologically male, despite earlier claims of “female,” and examine concerns about public safety, media bias, and political correctness.

 

Jesse Kelly Hangs With Us

 

Jesse Kelly, host of The Jesse Kelly Show and author of the newly released Jesse’s Little Red Book opens the hour with their signature banter—roasting each other’s haircuts, must