From A Mouse To A Tiger

Summary

Armstrong & Getty On Demand: Episode Summary - "From A Mouse To A Tiger"

Release Date: May 2, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Podcast: The official On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show, hosted by iHeartPodcasts.

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1. Political Appointments and Reassignments

Mike Waltz's Transition to Ambassador to the United Nations The episode opens with a discussion about Mike Waltz's shift from his role as National Security Advisor to Ambassador to the United Nations. Joe Getty clarifies that this move is a promotion aimed at enacting serious reforms within the National Security Council, countering media narratives that frame it as a firing. Getty states, "What he thinks is that Mike Waltz is going to better serve the administration, most importantly the American people in that role. And I happen to agree with him" ([00:53]).

Jack Armstrong adds that Waltz's reassignment benefits the administration by maintaining dignity, despite his exit from the inner circle. Michael, possibly referring to Joe Getty, remarks, "It's actually a promotion that he now is the male guy" ([02:26]), highlighting the nuanced nature of political promotions versus demotions.

2. Media Appearances and Public Perception

J.D. Vance's Interview with Brett Baer Jack Armstrong critiques J.D. Vance's recent interview, pointing out his shift from the inner circle to a more peripheral role. He expresses concerns about Vance's worldview and his ability to effectively communicate with the MAGA base. Armstrong reflects on Waltz's exit by saying, "He protected the man's dignity, which I kind of appreciate" ([01:43]).

Michael comments on the edited portrayal of events, emphasizing the sophistication and manipulation involved in media presentations. They discuss how Vance's interview manipulates viewers by presenting simplistic philosophies as profound statements, aligning with their skepticism of his political alignment and competence.

3. Trump's Budget Proposal and Government Cuts

Proposed Slash of $163 Billion in Government Programs The hosts delve into President Trump's budget blueprint, which proposes cutting $163 billion from various government programs, including environmental, energy, education, and foreign aid sectors. Jack Armstrong details, "The skinny budget aims to cut what the Trump administration considers wasteful programs, encourage state control as opposed to federal control" ([05:58]).

Michael questions the feasibility of these cuts, noting the historical reluctance of Republicans to follow through on defunding public entities like NPR and PBS. They debate the political motivations behind these proposals, with Armstrong noting, "Trump said, and I quote, neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens" ([07:09]).

4. US-China Trade Relations and Tariffs

Impact of Tariffs on Imports from China A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the ramifications of the Trump administration's tariffs on Chinese imports. Jack Armstrong explains the new tariffs, noting, "Any cargo that was loaded From China on April 9 and onwards, it's going to be carrying that higher tariff of 145%" ([19:46]).

Michael expresses concern about the long-term economic disaster these tariffs could cause, highlighting potential inflation and shortages. Armstrong balances this by mentioning analysts who believe the Chinese economy is already reeling from these trade wars, making them more vulnerable compared to the US. Michael summarizes the political fallout, stating, "Politically just insanely damaging and then economically quite damaging" ([20:36]).

5. Attempts to Rename Veterans Day

Trump's Proposal to Rename Veterans Day to Victory Day The hosts discuss President Trump's controversial proposal to rename Veterans Day as Victory Day for World War I and designate May 8 as Victory Day for World War II. Jack Armstrong criticizes the lack of executive order and the insensitivity of the proposal, saying, "I'm uncomfortable with this because I'm all for, you know, celebrating our victories" ([09:20]).

Michael nods in agreement, drawing parallels to Russian national celebrations under Putin, suggesting Trump's inspiration might stem from authoritarian models. Armstrong adds historical context, emphasizing the importance of properly honoring veterans, "All military veterans deserve the recognition of Veterans Day" ([09:38]).

6. Resurgence of Cocaine Production in Colombia

Increased Cocaine Yield and Smuggling Innovations A surprising topic covered is the resurgence of cocaine production in Colombia, attributed to advancements in agricultural practices and political changes. Jack Armstrong shares insights from a Wall Street Journal article featuring Colombian farmer Cesar Rosaro, who states, "We're totally thankful for this plant" ([25:25]).

They discuss how improvements in coca plant cultivation have led to higher potency and yield, with current annual cocaine production reaching historic highs. Armstrong highlights the logistical ingenuity behind cocaine smuggling, mentioning a recent seizure of a 90-foot submersible vessel carrying five tons of cocaine worth hundreds of millions ([26:02]).

7. Education Reform and School Choice

Ohio's Educational Choice Scholarship Program The episode shifts focus to education, advocating for school choice programs as a solution to failing public schools. Jack Armstrong passionately supports Ohio's voucher program, citing a study that shows significant improvements in college attendance and graduation rates among scholarship recipients. He states, "Scholarship recipients were found to be 15 percentage points more likely to attend college than public school counterparts" ([36:58]).

Michael underscores the moral imperative of supporting such initiatives, arguing that public schools are failing many students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Armstrong emphasizes the transformative potential of these programs, "If we can elevate... 15 to 20 to 25% of kids just through this voucher program, the Ed choice program, man, we need to get this going as soon as we can" ([36:58]).

8. Social Commentary and Additional Topics

Bill Belichick's Personal Life and Cocaine's Popularity In lighter segments, the hosts discuss sports figures like Bill Belichick, touching upon personal scandals and raising concerns about his well-being. Additionally, they humorously address the resurgence of cocaine, with Armstrong sarcastically announcing, "Good news, cocaine's back" before explaining the serious implications of increased production ([25:15]).

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty: "What he thinks is that Mike Waltz is going to better serve the administration, most importantly the American people in that role. And I happen to agree with him." ([00:53])

• Jack Armstrong: "Trump said, and I quote, neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens." ([07:09])

• Jack Armstrong: "If we can elevate... 15 to 20 to 25% of kids just through this voucher program, the Ed choice program, man, we need to get this going as soon as we can." ([36:58])

Conclusion

In "From A Mouse To A Tiger," Armstrong and Getty navigate a wide array of topics, from high-level political appointments and budgetary reforms to the intricate dynamics of US-China trade relations and the pressing need for educational reform. Their candid discussions blend analysis with personal insights, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of current events and underlying political strategies. Notably, they emphasize the importance of school choice as a pivotal solution to systemic educational failures, while also critiquing the administration's handling of media portrayals and international policies.

For listeners seeking a thorough exploration of contemporary political landscapes, coupled with sharp commentary and a touch of humor, this episode serves as an informative and engaging resource.

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Jack Armstrong]

Broadcasting live from the Abraham Lincoln Radio Studio at the George Washington Broadcast Center, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty. Armstrong and Getty. And now here's Armstrong and Getty.

[Joe Getty]

He wasn't let go. He is being made ambassador to the United nations, which of course is a Senate confirmed position. I think you can make a good argument that it's a promotion, but we brought Mike on to do some serious reforms of the National Security Council. He has done that. I think the media wants to frame this as a firing. Donald Trump has fired a lot of people. He doesn't give them Senate confirmed appointments afterwards. What he thinks is that Mike Waltz is going to better serve the administration, most importantly the American people in that role. And I happen to agree with him.

[Michael]

That's a decent point. It's not that Donald Trump's afraid to fire people regardless of their relationship or how it will look or whatever else. He's done it many, many times. But it's not a promotion because you're no longer in the inner, inner circle.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, we're talking about Mike Waltz, former National Security Advisor, now going to be the ambassador to the UN a couple of times.

[Michael]

Pope killer. J.D. vance there.

[Jack Armstrong]

Oh, boy. J.D. vance's interview with Brett Baer last night. Another excellent interview. A couple of reactions. Number one, Jack, you're 100% right. He's been moved from the inner circle to the outer circle. It's a, it's a good gig and a reasonably high profile gig. But yeah, it just wasn't working out for reasons I'll get into in a second. Also, the thing that struck me, and I used to really, really like J.D. vance, there are aspects of his worldview I find kind of troubling. And, and he's, he's pretty slick. I mean, he is a good BS er, like right there. I mean, Waltz was shoved out and everybody knows it, but he protected the man's dignity, which I kind of appreciate.

[Michael]

I would like it if you said that about me, if I got moved to a different job.

[Jack Armstrong]

Right, exactly.

[Michael]

It's actually a promotion that he now is the male guy.

[Jack Armstrong]

But the one thing I just kept thinking about. Oh, and Michael, you might want to get 42 ready. Clip 42 is. As I was watching him talk to Brett, I was thinking, what an enormous upgrade, brain power wise, from the last vice president to the current vice president. I mean, good Lord, from a mouse to a tiger. Go ahead, Michael. Who saw that video from a couple of weeks ago? The one of the elephants at the San Diego Zoo during the earthquake. They got in a circle and stood next to each other. Okay, that's enough. You know, that was an edit. That's interesting. That was an edit of the clip we played the other day that had included all of her giggling because a combination of her giggling and then when she went to bring home the point about, like the elephants, we need to stick together, she laid it. That's a trumpet of agreement there. She laid it on us like it was the words of the world's greatest philosopher when the philosophy was suited for like second graders. Right.

[Michael]

If you're an adult, you picked up on where she was going before she laid out her very slowly. Now, let me hit you with the, with the punchline here, people, because you haven't figured it out ahead of me. They worked to get. Yeah, I get it.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, we know. Anyway, all right, so on to a, a, a slew of stories about House and what it's done in the last couple of days. And I'll tell you this, we don't talk about politics exclusive, exclusively around here. And, you know, don't stoke outrage constantly. It's a little different approach to talk radio just because, I don't know, it's unhealthy to just fixate on politics all the time. But a lot has happened. The Waltz getting shoved out. Yes, it had to do a signal gate. Of course, Washington is more gossipy than Hollywood. And the minute the guy was out the door, all the Trump aides ran to the their favorite media contact and let him know what was going on. So Trump and senior administration officials, including the Chief of staff, Susie Wiles, had been frustrated with Waltz even before the signal debacle. Waltz hired aides that his critics said did not appeal to Trump's MAGA base. And he struggled to relay the President's national security priorities on television, which Trump thought would be a strength of Waltz. Cuz he is very telegenic and, and a, and a good talker. But there was a little undiscomfort with the more Trumpian worldview. And unlike Marco Rubio who's managed to become a forceful advocate for views he didn't hold in the past. Waltz wasn't really doing that on Ukraine and Iran, especially according to insiders.

[Michael]

There's no way J.D. vance likes walls. I mean, he might like him as a person, but he doesn't like him being around because they disagree completely on their how interventiony we should be.

[Jack Armstrong]

Some on Trump's team also found him imperious and condescending. I've always been imperious and I'm condescending idiot. Particularly the White House staff, administration officials said. So that's enough of that. I, I like Mike Waltz. I was glad he was in the position. I wish he still was. But on we go. The ship of state sails on.

[Michael]

And now Rubio is going to do both jobs.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, temporarily. Here's another headline. Trump to propose slashing $163 billion in government programs in the budget blueprint. You know how the President, the White House puts out their budget proposal, which is odd considering the fact that Congress has the power of the purse, blah, blah, blah. But it's been going on for years and years. But Trump's proposal, for what it's worth, and this will change a lot, cut $163 billion targeting environmental, energy, education and foreign aid programs. The skinny budget aims to cut what the Trump administration considers wasteful programs, encourage state control as opposed to federal control. Amen. And reduce clean energy funding proposal also cuts the EPA's environmental justice initiatives which is just woke DEI stuff. Closing USAID has been discussed cutting NI, NIH and NSF funding and also cutting the funding to PBS and NPR as we've discussed. So yes, like a lot of that.

[Michael]

Finally, will that actually happen, do you think?

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I don't know if it'll be total.

[Michael]

I don't know why it hasn't happened in the past. I, I've heard, you know, Republicans always talk about cutting funding day. Npr, pbs, but they never do it.

[Jack Armstrong]

Why?

[Michael]

Who are you afraid of?

[Jack Armstrong]

The. Maybe the upper crusty voters, moderates and Republicans who really like npr. For instance, I listen to NPR every day.

[Michael]

There's some of their stuff is great, but I want their funding freaking cut yesterday. Ridiculous. They get a dollar a taxpayer money to spew completely progressive BS on so many topics.

[Jack Armstrong]

In his order Trump said, and I quote, neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens. Not even close your lips to God's ears. I don't know if it was, I.

[Michael]

Mean was, was it in the 70s and the 80s before I started paying attention. I don't know. But in my adult life it's been not just left leaning like the CBS Evening News was for so long or whatever. I mean just out and out, like the most progressive stuff in America. If I flip it on after work, which I do almost every single day, they're always talking about some trans illegal who got contained by ice or something. Nothing.

[Jack Armstrong]

Anybody for stealing insulin off the shelves.

[Michael]

Yeah, anybody in like 85% of America cares about.

[Jack Armstrong]

Right, Exactly. I think the there we need to come up with a code for what I'm about to say. Maybe it's the mar effect. When NPR was a Lefty organization in 1989, they were slightly left of Republican organizations in the way that most of America was squarely in the middle. Maybe a little right or a little left. Now NPR is aligned with the furthest left faction of leftism, which is swung. Che Guevara would say they're too radical. So that's it. Michael, did you have a comment you were going to make? Yeah, I grew up on PBS, Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, Electric Co. And it was nothing like PBS today. Yeah, that's absolutely true. Yeah, the. We didn't leave pbs. PBS left us. So I like it. How about this one? President Trump is going to re. He says he's going to rename Veterans Day as Victory Day for World War I and designate May 8 as Victory Day for World War II.

[Michael]

No, I don't like this posted.

[Jack Armstrong]

No, I don't either. He posted on Truth Social late yesterday, quote, we won both wars. Nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery or military brilliance. But we never celebrate anything. That's because we don't have leaders anymore. We are going to start celebrating our victories again.

[Michael]

I think he's seeing what Putin's doing with their big week. They do this week around World War II and they have parades and drive their military stuff through the streets. He probably likes the idea of that.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I'm uncomfortable with this. A bit more information, then I'll comment. But May 8th of 45 was the day on which fighting against Germany officially ended in WW2, although the conflict continued to rage for four months in the Pacific, claiming hundreds of thousands more lives, including American lives. Not hundreds of thousands of American lives, but quite a few. Many U.S. allies celebrate May 8 as V E Day, marking Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allies in World War II. There was no executive order accompanying the announcement and Trump didn't say whether he planned to make May 8 a federal holiday. You know, I'm very uncomfortable with this because I'm all for, you know, celebrating our victories. You know, good Lord, how long ago was that now? 80 years ago. And, and 107 years ago, or whatever date you want to use. But all military veterans deserve the recognition of Veterans Day.

[Michael]

Sure. I think we got it right. I think we handle it absolutely correctly.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, yeah. Well, after the war to end all Wars, World War I, we had armistice Day to celebrate the end of it. We had another war to end all wars and then several other terrible, bloody conflicts. And it was decided, hey, we're not going to single out the brave men and women of these conflicts. So I hope he backtracks on this. It's just silly. Moving along, Trump invests in Ukraine's future. The mineral deal. I'm not sure we have time to actually get into this because there's a fair amount to it. Under the deal, the, the US Gets first choice to either acquire these large supplies of uranium, natural gas, lithium, and other rare earth minerals valued at some $1 trillion, although about a third of them are in territory currently occupied by Russia. But we get first choice to either acquire those resources for ourselves or designate the purchaser of our choice. For the first decade, the fund's profits will be reinvested in Ukraine to rebuild. After that, both countries get a share of the return. According to Ukraine's Ministry of the Economy. Here's the other detail that I found really interesting. Ukraine, US Will have equal representation on the board that makes decisions on how to allocate the fund's resources. Ukraine will pay into the fund half of the revenue it earns from royalties, license fees and similar payments for new oil, gas and critical mineral project. The text of the deal says if the US Delivers new military assistance to Ukraine, it will get credit for a capital capital contribution to the fund. In other words, you can even, you can either have the ammunition and air defenses that they're running low on now or, you know, you come to a peace agreement and it'll be rebuilding funds up to you.

[Michael]

Well, I took in a lot on this yesterday. The biggest thing for a lot of people was the fact that the agreement uses the term. After Russia invaded Ukraine, when Trump had been saying quite for, for quite some time, he just referred to it to those, the Russian, Ukrainian conflict, remember? And as various times suggested that Ukraine started, the fact that the paperwork actually says Russia invaded Ukraine is seen as a pretty big deal. Maybe it is. Maybe it is. I'm not sure.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah. Yeah. So the deal's Real significance is, although there's no specific security guarantees, it signals the US Is not abandoning Ukraine. White House said the partnership sends a strong message to Russia. United States has skin in the game, etc. The Kremlin seems to ba ba ba. The Vladimir Putin factotum Dmitry Medvedev said Trump wore down the Kiev regime and he mocked the deal with what he said would soon be a disappearing country.

[Michael]

So people wonder what the chatty in the vaddi was really about when Zelensky and Trump got together there at the Vatican.

[Jack Armstrong]

Please never call it that again, any circumstances.

[Michael]

And if maybe Trump said, you know, away from cameras, look, we're, we're invested in this thing, that we're invested. So Russia is not going to be able to do this or that if we got trucks and personnel and money at stake. All right, so that's your guarantee. Maybe. Or I've heard people who are like Trump less say, what if Putin, you know, takes more ground and says, I'll give you 75%, you're going to get 50% now you get 75% via Let Escape the land.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah. You just call it Russia.

[Michael]

Yeah. More on the way. Stay here.

[Jack Armstrong]

Armstrong and Getty.

[Unknown Speaker]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Jack Armstrong]

According to the New York post, Bill Belichick's 24 year old girlfriend's mother manages a sex shop in Massachusetts. This checks out since her daughter has Bill's nuts in a vice. Wow. Wow. Wait, you got. That was awfully frank.

[Michael]

Is that a joke?

[Jack Armstrong]

Yes. It could have been run by the co hosts before we aired that one.

[Michael]

Yeah, I would agree that that is, that is into the territory of we should have heard that ahead of time.

[Jack Armstrong]

But yes, we apologize friends, if you're.

[Michael]

Interesting piece of information though. So first of all, I love the fact that The Bill Belichick 50 year younger hotted young girlfriend or girlfriend story has blown up and become a national obsession. I love that we need more of that in America, not less. We need stuff that's not Trump or polarized politics or whatever. We need more of this stuff. Just a good old soap opera about a couple people.

[Jack Armstrong]

You and your progressive neighbor can come together and say, 50 years. Holy cats.

[Michael]

Or what's going on here? So that's pretty interesting. So his hottie girlfriend's mom runs a sex shop. Okay, that's not everybody's lifestyle. Probably means something about her relationship to it's understandable.

[Jack Armstrong]

Aid retailer, huh?

[Michael]

Okay, and so the story, you probably know this and if you don't, you don't care. But they did an interview on CBS last Sunday morning. CBS aired the part that didn't make the cut or wasn't supposed to make the cut, where she kept jumping up and stopping questions. She's 24 years old and they're asking maybe the most successful football coach in history, rich, very successful guy, 50 years older. Questions, and he can't answer him on his own. She's got to jump up and defend him or something. That, that was weird. So two days ago, Charles Barkley, the analyst and hall of Fame basketball player, said on a an interview, I'm starting to get really worried about my friend Bill, Big Bill Belichick. And I guess they're really, really good friends going way back for many, many years. He said, from what I'm hearing, it's starting to be a very slippery slope. And I never talk about people's personal relationships. That's funny, because now he's about to. That's another rule I got. But I will admit I'm a little concerned with some of the stuff that's going on. I might actually reach out to him to make sure everything's good. But I'm concerned from what I'm hearing, it's not a good look right now. I'll admit that. What is he hearing from people?

[Jack Armstrong]

Like, he said that. Wow.

[Michael]

What is he hearing from people who personally know Bill Belichick that's got him actually worried for his friend?

[Jack Armstrong]

The, the odd thing if you're not a sports fan is that Mr. Belichick is known for being utterly self possessed, stubborn, smart, tough to the point of being mean. The last guy on earth anybody's ever walked over.

[Michael]

The fact that Barclays actually were. It's. So is he losing? Is he losing it or I wonder what he's concerned about.

[Jack Armstrong]

I don't know.

[Michael]

I love this story. It's got to continue. More legs. We need more drips and drips on that story.

[Jack Armstrong]

Hey, good news, everybody. Cocaine's back. And how. We'll explain in a moment. Armstrong and Getty.

[Unknown Speaker]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with Our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Michael]

If you're asking what do people make.

[Jack Armstrong]

Of the last month, all, all things.

[Unknown Speaker]

In what you're seeing is sort of.

[Jack Armstrong]

Certainly there was a lot of volatility and disruption initially but, but things have really calmed down since then.

[Michael]

So there's an economist they had on CNN yesterday on Jake Tapper's show. I have heard a number of people who aren't in the business of getting on certain kinds of shows who have been a lot calmer about this whole thing then I'm hearing, you know, from, from people who have partisan interests or just trying to get on certain kinds of shows. That's the hardest thing with media. There should be a special channel for hey, I'm not trying to get on a show. I'm not trying to become a household name. I'm not trying to push a book. Here's what I actually think.

[Jack Armstrong]

I'm not trying to get hired by any administration now we're in the future, right?

[Michael]

Here's a little more also from CNN on where we are with the tariff thing.

[Joe Getty]

Any cargo that was loaded From China.

[Jack Armstrong]

On April 9 and onwards, it's going to be carrying that higher tariff of 145%. Not only will the prices be higher on those cargo ships, but there will be fewer ships at sea carrying less.

[Joe Getty]

Volume because for many importers it is.

[Jack Armstrong]

Simply too expensive to do business with China.

[Michael]

I still think it's possible this turns out to be like one of the biggest disasters in history. Like people are talking about this hundreds of years from now sort of disaster. Again, as I've said, I hope I'm wrong. I'd be happy to be wrong. Love being wrong. I'd rather be wrong than right. In this case by a thousand times right.

[Jack Armstrong]

So in what sense would it be a disaster politically, economically, Are you thinking short term or long term?

[Michael]

I'm picturing him. I'm picturing it starting to have the results that the critics say are possible. Inflation, shortages on shelves, all that sort of stuff and him sticking with it with the belief that hey, we got it, we got to live through this pain. It's, you know, I, it's built in. Be patient for a long time.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah.

[Michael]

So politically just insanely damaging and then economically quite damaging.

[Jack Armstrong]

Right, right. You know, it's funny. Go ahead.

[Michael]

I was just gonna say economically, I think we could, we could bounce back eventually. You know, sure. If Congress steps in, the courts step in and say, you don't have the power to do this, Congress steps in and passes some laws, whatever, we end the high tariffs, we get back to normal. Things are sort out over time. Politically though, I think it'll be talked about 200 years from now. I hope not.

[Jack Armstrong]

Could be, yeah. Trump could relent himself to decide it's not working out. We got some deals, we're better off than we were before. Yeah. So yesterday I mentioned that according to analysts who know what they're talking about, the Chinese are already suffering. Millions of jobs at stake, plants shut down, orders canceled and the pain is beginning to spread in China. Therefore they are much more vulnerable to a trade war than we are. The awesome trade surplus side, always more vulnerable than the trade deficit side in a trade war. But then it was pointed out, I came across another learned piece today that pointed out, well, Xi Jinping can, can inject an enormous jolt into his economy with, you know, debt financed stimulus and well, which is a bad long term strategy. We've been doing it for quite a while here. It's a bad long term strategy, but it works in the short term. And oh, that's right, he's a cruel, all controlling dictator with the most sophisticated surveillance and control state ever crafted on planet Earth. So it's not like the Chinese people are going to go to the polls and vote him out. Whereas there could well be a bloodbath forming up us politically speaking in the midterms.

[Michael]

Joe Getty promises a bloodbath if Trump loses.

[Jack Armstrong]

That's right. That's exactly what I said. So you know who's got the upper hand? Who's in the more comfortable seat to ride this out? Depends who you ask.

[Michael]

Well, let's ask J.D. vance, or at least Brett Baer did on Fox last night and he'll tell us what's gonna happen. People are pointing to the tariff policy.

[Jack Armstrong]

There are people looking at their 401ks that are worried. What do you tell them?

[Unknown Speaker]

Is this going to work?

[Joe Getty]

So the first thing is when you talk about the economy, this is Joe Biden's economy and we inherited $2 trillion of debt, the highest peacetime deficits in American history, a $1.2 trillion trade deficit, which fundamentally means we're not making enough of our own stuff. And the president came in and he said this is not always going to be easy. It would have been very easy for Donald Trump to do what administration's past had done, which is borrow a lot of money and continue fueling the national debt. He said, no, we need a reset. We need American workers to have better jobs. We need to protect the jobs that they have right now and we need to be more self reliant as an economy which by the way, will drive down those skyrocketing levels of debt that we've seen. That is what he promised he was going to do. And he came in and we started that process.

[Michael]

Yeah, you can't. One thing you can't say about Trump is that he's just doing the politically expedient thing because he ain't right.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah. And a lot of folks are impressed at his courage to put the long term priorities over the short term comfort. By the way, I'm scanning the horizon of the show and I'm thinking maybe hour for a discussion of. Because I've got some really interesting points on both sides. A discussion of what J.D. vance just said. Got a trade deficit. We need to make more of our stuff. And Trump, you know, your kid's gonna have two dolls and not 30 blend. It's gonna cost a little more. Blah, blah, blah. That point of view versus well, wait a minute. We have an incredibly high standard of living. Everybody's lives are good and happy and we're prosperous. We have to work a week to afford a major appliance, whereas 25 years ago we had to work for three months. Our standard of living is incredible. Do we want to mess with it? So we'll discuss that during hour four. If you don't get our four, maybe you can grab it later via podcast. It's always available. Armstrong and Getty on demand. You ought to subscribe to the podcast wherever you like to get podcasts.

[Michael]

So you tease this idea that cocaine is making a comeback. You said it with a very cheerful voice too. Like you're excited about this. I don't know what's going on there.

[Jack Armstrong]

I was. Let me wipe under my nose a little bit. I was being ironic or trying to be. Anyway, as a musician in the 80s, I will tell you what there was a lot of cocaine about and, and, and if you want to pick one drug that turns everybody into, pardon me but an a hole man, it's cocaine.

[Michael]

Oh really?

[Jack Armstrong]

It makes you into.

[Michael]

In what way?

[Jack Armstrong]

Overly aggressive, babbling, selfish, just cokehead Then.

[Michael]

What makes it so popular?

[Jack Armstrong]

Because it makes you feel like you're the king of the world.

[Michael]

Oh yeah, I like to feel like the king of the world. I get that from coffee and God.

[Jack Armstrong]

Oh my gosh, the number of like, there you go, coffee and God. Anyway, and so my. Hey, good news, cocaine is back. Was, was completely sarcastic. Interestingly enough, the resurgence of cocaine is the result of a couple of advances in science and not advances, but changes in politics, specifically in Colombia. And this article in the Wall Street Journal is talking to Cesar Rosaro, who's a farmer in Colombia. He's got a 10 acre spread, cocoa bushes and neat rows grow as tall as six feet. He says, quote, we're totally thankful for this plant. Rosario and other local cocoa farmers. Coca farmers brag their plants are pest resistant and yield more of the psychoactive alkaloid compound that keeps the world's 20 million or so cocaine users coming back for more. A standard 25 pound bag of dried coca leaves can produce 25 grams of the alkaloid. It used to be 18 grams in the past. So the coca plants are much more potent, pest resistant. They're growing better. They've figured out how to fertilize them and irrigate them in a way that's much, much more efficient. And cocaine supplies at a historic peak worldwide, according to U.S. and UN anti drug officials. The UN last fall estimated Colombia's annual cocaine yield was 3,000 tons. Now that's cocaine, not coca. Cocaine, which is about eight times it was what it was in 2012 when interdiction efforts were at their peak, as the US and other countries were working with Colombia to try to cut down the scourge of cocaine and crack cocaine and the rest of it. That all started around the year 2000. One of the big programs, they sprayed chemicals from aircraft to kill coca crops. An aggressive agrarian campaign that Colombia ended in 2015. Supply has since grown so large that the price of coca leaf has been at record lows because they're so efficient. Despite the record supply, retail prices for a kilo of cocaine have reached highs, oddly enough, probably because of the risk you take in distributing it. But anyway, particularly in far flung corners of the world, including Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. I would not want to get caught selling a kilo of cocaine in Saudi Arabia. I don't know what they cut off. It's probably several of my favorite parts and. Or they just hang you anyway. So that's just. Human beings desire to alter their consciousness in ways that range from somewhat unwise to extremely Unwise just seems to have no end. So coming up, a gender bending madness update. Also, a major economic change not many people are talking about that have to do with the tariffs and a great think piece on sanctuary cities and the people who push them and what nut jobs they are. They're acting like they're part of the underground railroad rescuing fugitive slaves, but they're not at all. They're just dopey. Stay with us, Armstrong and Getty.

[Unknown Speaker]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Michael]

We have this weekend is the 151st Kentucky Derby.

[Jack Armstrong]

It is a big event, so I.

[Michael]

Just wanted to take a quick moment to shout out all the companies that are sponsoring the derby. For instance, there's Baby Gap. Jockey's got a shop somewhere. Next up, Listerine. Make the perfect mint julep in one easy step up next subway. Saturday's loser is Sunday's Tunis sub.

[Jack Armstrong]

Oh, what?

[Michael]

Here's another one, Uber. If you want a bumpy ride that smells like a barn, why not try Uber?

[Jack Armstrong]

All right, that one's pretty good. But suggesting that subways tuna sandwiches are horse meat, that is right out of line, by the way. We were talking about the resurgence of cocaine and how Colombia is cranking it out like crazy and the profits the drug cartels are making are astounding. I left out of the discussion. I apologize. Picture what a drug smuggler is. Specifically, they're smuggling some drugs over the water in the ocean right from Columbia to wherever it's going. What are you picturing? Okay, now try picturing this. In October, the US Coast Guard found five tons of cocaine, £10,000 stuff that stowed in a 90 foot long submersible vessel. It looks like like a really low, low, low profile boat, kind of like a submarine. It mostly skims along the surface because that's a lot more, you know, easy to pull off. It's a lot easier to pull off engineering wise, but it is. It can dip below the surface to hide if it needs to. But again, a 90 foot long submersible vessel skimming the ocean on a 9,000 mile voyage from Columbia to Australia. Authorities said the load was worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Man, that is some technology. The profits are that great and their supply is that great. If they lose a shipment, they just don't care anyway. Complete change of topic. People will occasionally ask or write letters or seek guidance and say, guys, I'm concerned about all this stuff, but I can't do everything at once. I'm not a congressman, I'm not a senator or whatever. I'm looking to get active in perhaps one realm of politics, one cause, one issue, and certainly getting sane district attorneys or county attorneys or whatever elected we found out is a big thing, as George Soros and company have elected or gotten elected, as many Marxists as they can who are turning criminals loose and twisting our society in the name of DEI woke garbage. So that's. That would be a good one. Become more aware of who's running for, you know, the prosecutor in your area. But the other one that I'm really, really enthusiastic about because this is the source of so much of the rot that's affecting America is education issues, whether it's local school boards issues in your state, presuming you have a state where that sort of thing is in play and you're not in a one party state. But school choice programs might be an excellent choice. I'm looking at this report on Ohio's school choice programs and it's looking really good. A study released earlier this week by researchers at the Urban Institute found that students who used vouchers to attend private school saw substantially improved long term academic outcomes, which is what it's all about. Oh, these monster conservatives want to defund public schools and balance the budget on the back. No, no, no. We want the kids to learn. They're not learning in the terrible, terrible government schools, Especially poorer kids who the left falsely claims to be standing up for all the time. How about the outcomes you're getting for those people, huh? My, my Democratic friends, they're awful Anyway. Ohio's Educational Choice Scholarship program began in 2005 as a state funded voucher program for students in lousy public schools. In 2013, 2014, it began to serve low income students regardless of school. So before you had to be in like an identified crappy school, now it's just low income folks. Since 2020, 23, 2024, it's been open to all students. Although more affluent Ohio families don't get the full scholarships, they get a share of it. So a handful of researchers studied more than 6,000 Ohio students who use the Ed Choice scholarships to attend private schools between 2008 and 2014. They compared this group with more than 500,000 students who remained in public school for similar demographics and academic characteristics. Scholarship recipients were found to be 15 percentage points more likely to attend college than public school counterparts and nine points more likely to graduate students in the program for at least four years, and that was about 60% of them had even higher college enrollment and graduation rates, meaning the sooner the kids got into these programs, the greater effect it had. Now, you know, I'd love to hear that it was, you know, 40% more likely to attend college, assuming that they wanted to and were cut out for college, and 25 points more likely to graduate. But those are significant gains in a pretty damn short time for real human beings. And that's what the teachers unions always try to make you forget, is that as we general, as we graduate, generation after generation of kids who can't read, they can't do math properly, they are very, very poorly suited for the workplace. They're doomed in a lot of cases to a really, really difficult life. I don't need to go into detail. You can picture for yourself what a difficult life means. But if we can elevate, you know, 15 to 20 to 25% of kids just through this voucher program, the Ed choice program, man, we need to get this going as soon as we can. The starfish on the beach. You can't save them all. Well, I just saved that one. How about if it's a hundred thousand kids in your state you saved from ignorance and poverty, crime, discouragement because they were turned out of public schools without an education. That's an awful betrayal, by the way. Never mind policy, just on a moral level. That is an unforgivable betrayal of these beautiful little children and their parents.

[Unknown Speaker]

Who.

[Jack Armstrong]

Counted on the government to deliver what they said they would, an education, and they're not. Anyway, if you wanted to to back one particular thing, you want to become an activist on one thing in your, your state, your, your county or, or your country, school choice would be a heck of a good choice. Anyway, do what you see fit. Got a big hour coming up. Next hour, Gender Bending Madness Update. Stay tuned. Armstrong and Getty.

[Unknown Speaker]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.