• Cilia Flores’ Role: Far from being a symbolic first lady, Flores is a mastermind behind corruption and drug trafficking. She was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and linked to major criminal activities, including her nephews’ cocaine smuggling.

• Western Hemisphere Strategy: The discussion emphasizes the Monroe Doctrine and its modern interpretation under Trump (“Donroe Doctrine”), asserting U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere to counter Russian, Chinese, and Iranian influence.

• Military Operation: The arrest of Maduro was a highly precise Delta Force mission, compared to past U.S. interventions like Noriega’s capture in Panama. The podcast praises Trump’s decisiveness and military success without U.S. casualties.

• Regional Impact:

  • Cuba: Faces severe pressure due to loss of Venezuelan oil and the death of Cuban guards during the raid.
  • Other Leftist Regimes: Leaders in Nicaragua, Colombia, and Brazil are considered weakened.
  • Mexico: While not a failed state, concerns about narco-terrorism and water treaty disputes are highlighted.

• Future of Venezuela:

  • Interim President Delcy Rodríguez is described as another Marxist figure, raising concerns about continuity of corruption.
  • Advocates for free and fair elections to restore stability and attract foreign investment, especially in oil and gold sectors.
  • Venezuela’s vast natural resources make it a prime candidate for rapid economic recovery if governance shifts toward pro-market policies.

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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.

 

Twist of Irony

 

Clay and Buck dive into the fallout from the historic Delta Force raid in Venezuela, which captured Nicolás Maduro and killed 32 Cuban bodyguards. They explore the strategic implications of Operation Absolute Resolve, framing it as a modern reaffirmation of the Monroe Doctrine and a bold move by President Trump to reassert U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. The hosts discuss how this operation signals a shift in global power dynamics, undermining Chinese and Russian influence and exposing the weakness of authoritarian regimes like Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran.

 

Republicans Stay at Hotels, Too

 

Hilton Hotels cut ties with a franchisee after reports surfaced that ICE agents’ reservations were canceled. Clay and Buck frame this as a major shift in corporate behavior, contrasting today’s swift response with the era of performative activism during 2020. They credit the Bud Light backlash as a turning point, warning brands against alienating half the country and highlighting Michael Jordan’s timeless advice: “Republicans buy sneakers too.”

 

From corporate culture, the discussion pivots to economic policy and tariffs, as Buck cites new research showing Trump’s tariff strategy did not fuel inflation, contrary to predictions by mainstream economists. Clay and Buck argue that tariffs, combined with strong GDP growth, could help balance the federal budget by 2026–2027 if upheld by the Supreme Court. They blast the failures of modern monetary theory and Biden-era spending, emphasizing common-sense economics and Trump’s vindication on trade policy.

 

What Happens in NY, Won't Stay in NY

 

Clay and Buck discussing the decline of New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, warning that his radical socialist agenda—framed as replacing “rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism”—could devastate property rights and public safety. They highlight viral clips of Mamdani’s allies advocating for housing as a “collective good,” signaling a push toward shared equity models that undermine private ownership. The hosts argue this reflects the broader influence of unmarried progressive women on Democratic policy, calling them the driving force behind destructive cultural and political trends.

 

The conversation shifts to economic migration and the future of financial hubs, citing predictions that Miami and South Florida could replace New York as America’s financial capital, while tech billionaires flock to Texas. Clay and Buck attribute this to post-COVID remote work flexibility and tax advantages in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, contrasting these environments with high-tax states such as New York and California. They warn that as wealthy residents flee, blue states will raise taxes further, accelerating the exodus.

 

TX Rep. Chip Roy

 

An in-depth interview with Congressman Chip Roy, who praises President Trump’s bold leadership in Operation Absolute Resolve, the mission that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Roy explains the strategic importance of stabilizing Venezuela, restoring its oil production, and preventing resources from flowing to adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. He emphasizes that this is not “nation-building” but a critical move to secure the Western Hemisphere under the Trump Doctrine, strengthen U.S. energy independence, and protect national security. Roy also warns of challenges ahead, including corruption within Venezuela’s regime, and stresses the need for strong rule of law and economic recovery.

 

The discussion then pivots to the Somali daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, which has rocked Governor Tim Walz’s political career. Clay and Buck play audio from Walz’s defiant press conference, where he vows not to resign despite mounting evidence of billions in fraudulent welfare payments. Roy underscores how grassroots investigations—like the viral exposé by a 23-year-old YouTuber—are filling the void left by legacy media, signaling a new era of citizen journalism and accountability. He calls for aggressive federal prosecutions, noting that fraud tied to federal funds warrants U.S. attorney involvement, and predicts that heads will roll as

• Trump’s stance on Venezuela’s oil and U.S. role

  • Trump is asserting the U.S. will “run” or strongly direct efforts in Venezuela, with U.S. oil companies going in to rebuild the country’s “broken” oil infrastructure. Trump is quoted saying elections should occur “at the right time” after stabilization.
  • Venezuela’s oil reserves are worth trillions of dollars and recounts Trump correcting a reporter from “billion” to “trillion.”

• Maduro’s arrest and New York court proceedings

  • Maduro’s first court appearance in Manhattan on narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges, noting his not guilty plea, assertion that he is a “prisoner of war,” and that he remains Venezuela’s legitimate president. It adds details about detention in Brooklyn and a next hearing set for March 17, 2026.
  • Protests were outside the courthouse vs. the operation and prosecution which were legitimate actions against criminal syndicates.

• U.S. counter-narcotics narrative

  • The FBI Director is quoted praising Trump’s leadership, claiming agreements with Chinese officials reduced precursor chemicals for fentanyl, and citing seizure quantities (e.g., enough fentanyl to kill 175 million Americans). The director frames Venezuela as a transshipment point and argues the arrests support U.S. public safety.

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• Event Summary (WATCH: PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESS CON HERE)
  

  • The U.S. military executed a highly complex and precise operation in Caracas, Venezuela, to apprehend Maduro.
  • The mission involved over 150 aircraft, advanced coordination across multiple military branches, and cyber and space operations.
  • The operation was completed without any American casualties, which is emphasized as a major success.

• Geopolitical Context

  • Venezuela’s significance stems from its vast oil reserves (largest in the world) and strategic location near the U.S.
  • Maduro’s regime is portrayed as illegitimate, corrupt, and deeply involved in drug trafficking and alliances with U.S. adversaries (Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah).
  • The discussion highlights Venezuela’s decline from being one of the wealthiest nations in the 1950s to a failed state under socialist rule.

• Legal Justifications

  • President Trump acted within his constitutional authority under Article II as Commander-in-Chief.
  • References are made to historical precedents, notably the 1990 capture of Manuel Noriega in Panama.
  • The legal basis includes:
    • FBI’s extraterritorial arrest authority.
    • Precedents like the Ker-Frisbie doctrine and United States v. Alvarez-Machain.
    • DOJ opinions (including one by Bill Barr) affirming presidential power to authorize such actions.
  • Anticipated legal challenges include head-of-state immunity and UN Charter arguments.

• Future Implications (WATCH HERE: Is Cuba Ready to Fall?)
  

  • There will be geopolitical ripple effects in Latin America, especially Cuba and Colombia.
  • Avoiding prolonged U.S. military occupation in Venezuela is key
  • Discussion of possible democratic elections and leadership changes in Venezuela.

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X: 

• Daycare & Autism Centers Fraud

  • Numerous daycare centers and autism facilities have received millions in state funding but have no children enrolled.
  • Example: A daycare shut down for violations reopened under a new name and continued receiving funds.

• Home Healthcare Fraud

  • A single building allegedly housed 14 Somali-owned healthcare companies, all billing the state for services that were never provided.
  • FBI raids and investigations are mentioned as evidence of the scale of fraud.

• Political Corruption

  • Minnesota politicians, including Governor Tim Walz and other Minneapolis officials, have enabled fraud for political gain.
  • Funds were used to buy votes and maintain power, particularly by appealing to immigrant communities.

• Financial Impact

  • Minnesota swung from an $18 billion surplus to a $6 billion deficit in two years, attributing much of this to fraud.
  • Estimates fraud in Minnesota alone exceeds $9 billion, with nationwide entitlement fraud possibly

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• Government Waste and Reform

  • Musk discusses shocking inefficiencies in the U.S. federal government, such as:
    • Excessive software licenses and media subscriptions (often double the number of employees).
    • Duplicate credit cards and unexplained payments.
    • Fraudulent NGO funding (e.g., billions allegedly misused).
  • He emphasizes that the government is essentially run by computers and that reform requires direct access to payment systems and databases.

• DOGE Initiative

  • A program Musk is involved in aimed at cutting waste and fraud.
  • Targeting fraudulent entitlement payments and political corruption.

• Political Commentary

  • Musk reflects on his shift from being celebrated by the political left (due to Tesla and SpaceX) to being vilified, attributing it to his efforts to expose waste and fraud.
  • Mentions death threats and organized attacks against Tesla infrastructure, allegedly funded by left-wing organizations.

• AI and Robotics

  • Predicts that within 10 years, AI will surpass human cognitive abilities.
  • Foresees billions of humanoid robots and near-total automation of transportation.
  • Warns of a 10% chance of AI-driven catastrophic scenarios within a decade.

• Space Exploration

  • Discusses plans for Mars colonization:
    • First human landing by 2029 (best case).
    • Goal: a self-sustaining city on Mars within 20 years.
    • Challenges: recreating Earth’s industrial base on Mars.
  • Shares personal motivation rooted in expanding human consciousness and ensuring civilization’s survival.

• Personal Insights

  • Talks about his work ethic (averages 6 hours of sleep, works almost constantly).
  • Early struggles: living in an office, showering at YMCA during his first startup.
  • Views on intellectual property: “Patents are for the weak”—prefers open innovation.

• Cultural References

  • Lighthearted discussion about Star Wars vs. Star Trek, movies, and pop culture.
  • Mentions his first video game (Blastar) and lifelong fascination with space.

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X: 

• Objective of the Plan

  • Lower healthcare costs for Americans.
  • Extend expiring ACA subsidies temporarily while transitioning to a new system.
  • Shift financial benefits from insurance companies to individuals.

• Proposed Measures

  • Two-year extension of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (originally expanded during COVID-19).
  • Income eligibility cap for subsidies at 700% of the federal poverty line to prevent wealthy Americans from benefiting.
  • Minimum premium payments to ensure cost-sharing.
  • Encourage Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and direct tax credits to individuals rather than insurers.
  • Push for cost-sharing reductions that were previously blocked in Congress.

• Financial Impact

  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates reforms could:
    • Lower premiums by 12.7%.
    • Save taxpayers $30.8 billion.
  • Criticism of ACA for being “unsustainable” and increasing premiums by 80% since passage.

• Political Context

  • Democrats opposed previous Republican attempts to include cost-sharing reductions in legislation.
  • Debate over whether reforms should be bipartisan or passed via budget reconciliation.
  • Trump emphasizes “power to the people” by allowing individuals to control healthcare spending.

• Underlying Philosophy

  • There is a strong focus on consumer choice and freedom.
  • Opposition to government-managed healthcare and subsidies flowing to insurance companies.
  • A belief that direct-to-consumer funding will reduce corruption and lower costs.

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• Fraud Allegations

  • A reported $9+ billion fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and childcare programs.
  • Fraud schemes allegedly involved fake daycare centers, autism centers, and home healthcare providers.
  • Claims that funds were diverted to terrorist groups like Al Shabaab.

• Actors and Accountability

  • Somali immigrants are the primary perpetrators.
  • Minnesota politicians (e.g., Governor Tim Walz) for alleged complicity or negligence.
  • DOJ and FBI investigations mentioned, with 98 individuals charged, 85 of Somali descent.

• Political Narrative

  • Fraud was tolerated to secure votes and maintain political power by Democrats.
  • Systemic corruption and links to Democratic strategies involving welfare dependency.

• Media Criticism

  • Mainstream media is ignoring or downplaying the scandal.
  • There is bias and a political cover-up.

• Federal Response

  • Actions by HHS and other agencies are needed to tighten oversight and stop fraudulent payments.
  • Highlights statements from officials and references to Elon Musk’s earlier warnings about entitlement fraud.

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1. Minnesota Fraud Scandal: 

               Minnesota lets voters 'vouch' for up to 8 others (SEE STORY HERE)

• Allegations of massive fraud in childcare programs and federal aid schemes in Minnesota, involving Somali-linked organizations.
• Governor Tim Walz for refused to apologize and instead advocating for welcoming more Somali immigrants, despite fraud concerns.
• Walz relies on Somali voting blocs for reelection.
• Details a federal crackdown:
  • DHS, FBI, and ICE are conducting investigations, raids, and immigration checks.
  • Officials describe the fraud as potentially “the tip of a very large iceberg”, involving hundreds of millions or billions of dollars.
• Trump administration is taking decisive action to restore law and order.

---

2. Trump’s Diplomatic Moves

• Trump’s Mar-a-Lago meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• The following is emphasized:
  • Strong U.S.-Israel alliance, dismissing media claims of tension.
  • Discussions on Middle East peace plans, Gaza reconstruction, and Iran’s pursuit of chemical and biological warheads.
  • Trump’s warning: Iran will face immediate military action if it resumes missile or nuclear programs.
• Trump’s diplomatic engagement with Zelensky and Putin, signaling progress toward a Russia-Ukraine peace framework and offering Ukraine a 15-year U.S. security guarantee.

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