Podcast Summary: Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Episode: “Is Trump Coming For Your Guns? His Name was Alex Pretti”

Guest: Dr. Vin Gupta

Date: January 27, 2026 | Episode 426

Overview

In this urgent and emotional episode, host Paul Rieckhoff confronts the escalating political and social turmoil facing America, focusing on gun rights, the killing of VA ICU nurse Alex Preddy, authoritarian overreach, veterans’ issues, and the state of US healthcare. Rieckhoff is joined by Dr. Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist, Air Force Reserve doctor, and veterans’ healthcare expert, to unpack the profound implications for democracy, public health, and the “angry middle” of America. The episode blends fierce critique, remembrance, rallying calls, and grounded advice for listeners navigating these times.

Main Topics and Key Insights

1. Is Trump Coming For Your Guns? Second Amendment Shockwaves ([00:25], [06:20])

• Theme: Rieckhoff dissects the explosive moment where Trump publicly stated, "you can't have guns," after years of warning about Democratic gun control.
• Key Quote:
  Paul Rieckhoff: “They've always told you the Democrats were going to take your guns. It's not the Democrats, it's the fascists. And they're saying it out loud.” (00:25)
• Rieckhoff highlights Trump’s hypocritical stance and the chilling signal sent to all gun owners—especially those who considered themselves immune to governmental overreach.
• He contextualizes this in light of Alex Preddy’s shooting, emphasizing that Preddy was a legal gun owner, never drew his weapon, and was still labeled a "domestic terrorist."
• Call to Action: Rieckhoff urges gun owners and Second Amendment advocates to wake up—"If this doesn’t wake you up, then you have no integrity." (07:50)

2. The Killing of Alex Preddy: Honoring a Hero, Condemning Propaganda ([02:45]–[12:15]; [44:34], [48:40])

• Context: Preddy, a VA ICU nurse and veteran advocate, was shot and killed by ICE, then smeared by federal rhetoric.
• Rieckhoff condemns the White House and Trump’s immediate framing, reading from Trump’s post showing Preddy’s gun and branding him a terrorist.
• Family Statement:
  Rieckhoff shares Preddy’s family’s powerful statement:

  “Alex was a kind-hearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans he cared for... His last thought and act was to protect a woman... The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting.” (11:15)

• Notable Moment:
  Paul Rieckhoff: “Do not let them ruin Alex Preddy’s good name. Imagine if your loved one had to write something like that to defend your honor in the face of tyranny.” (12:20)
• Tributes from the Field: Rieckhoff reads from ICU patient families and explains Preddy’s impact as a VA nurse. A listener post:
  “He was my dad’s ICU nurse. He read my dad’s final salute at the VA after he passed away. Never wanted to share this video, but his speech is very on point.” (13:30)

3. ICE, Law Enforcement Critique & Authoritarian Threats ([08:00]–[14:30])

• ICE actions are sharply criticized as “bush league policing” by Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce, who describes the irresponsibility and lack of professionalism during recent operations (10:37).
• Rieckhoff repeatedly asserts: “Don’t believe the government, believe your own eyes.” (09:40)
• The segment links ICE’s actions to larger erosions of civil liberties and increasing suppression tactics against citizens, veterans, and even law enforcement.

4. VA Secretary Doug Collins’ Response: Political Corruption in Veterans Affairs ([17:40], [48:40])

• Rieckhoff reads Collins’ belated, politicized statement that confirms only Preddy’s employment at the VA and blames Democrats for the environment leading to Preddy’s death.
• Rieckhoff: “Disgraceful. Collins cares more deeply about loyalty to Trump than his loyalty to veterans.” (17:55)
• Dr. Gupta later describes Collins’ response as “disgusting … he has a responsibility to all of us, not some of us … they've lost a lot of credibility amongst the rank and file.” (50:18)

5. Veterans and Law Enforcement Responsibility; Circuit Breakers for Democracy ([19:16], [44:34])

• Rieckhoff appeals directly to the one-third of ICE agents who are veterans: “It’s time for every one of you to stand up and be counted … Silence is complicity.” (19:16)
• Contrasts ICE’s actions with Minnesota National Guard’s community-focused, compassionate engagement.

  National Guard soldier: “It’s a demonstration of safety and security. We’re here to help.” (19:18)

6. Global Fallout: Trump’s Attacks on Allies ([21:00]–[24:30])

• Trump’s comments disparaging US allies who fought in Afghanistan spark backlash from foreign leaders and veterans.
• Alistair Karnes (UK MP): “We all stood together shoulder to shoulder and responded in Afghanistan. These are bonds forged in fire … United we conquer.” (23:18)
• Rieckhoff: “Trump does not speak for most Americans and definitely not for most veterans.” (24:05)

7. Press Freedom, Healthcare, Public Health, and Radical Leadership ([26:15]–[57:00])

• Pentagon’s lack of press briefings symbolizing an attack on democracy (26:25).
• Trump administration’s appointments of RFK Jr. (fiercely anti-vaccine) as HHS Secretary and Dr. Oz (at CMS), framing a “war on our health.”
• Dr. Vin Gupta provides a detailed, chilling assessment:

  Dr. Gupta: “We have not seen flu vaccine rates this low since before the pandemic. There’s a lot of vulnerability baked into society.” (41:39) “They’ve unearthed something … really destructive to the unity of the joint force.” (50:18) “It’s pure ideology … there’s a lot of paradox, but then I look at what RFK has done with Maha [Make America Healthy Again], it’s all marketing.” (56:49)

• Practical advice for individuals on navigating insurance, accessing affordable care, and the vital importance of preventive health checks, especially for the uninsured. (67:41)

8. Remembering & Honoring VA and ICU Workers ([44:34], [54:16])

• Dr. Gupta’s testimony to the nobility of ICU and VA work:

  “People that care for those that have served, you could even say, are answering a greater calling … it’s double service.” (44:34) “Alex, very clearly, all of it was authentic … his parents wanted us to get the good word out about their son.” (46:30) “I was disgusted by [VA Secretary Collins’] statement … it was ridiculous and he should be ashamed of himself.” (50:18)

9. Calls to Action: Honoring Alex Preddy, Breaking from Parties, Finding Inspiration ([55:02], [70:51])

• Rieckhoff floats naming the Minneapolis VA hospital after Alex Preddy.
• Urges listeners to consider leaving the Republican and Democratic parties, declaring independence, and joining the independent movement.
• Shout-outs to cultural figures (Philip Glass), sports (Seahawks’ playoff resilience), and the rise of independent political candidates.

10. Something Good: Small Glimmers & Big Bears ([70:51], [74:46])

• Paul’s Positive News: Big Bear Valley’s bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, have laid three eggs this week—a symbol of hope and environmental progress.
• Dr. Gupta: Notes the power of collective outrage and advocacy to pressure the administration to reverse course after Preddy’s death. Praises California’s move to observe and collaborate with the WHO after US withdrawal as resistance and global leadership.

Memorable Quotes & Key Moments

“If this doesn't wake you up, then you have no integrity.”
– Paul Rieckhoff, on Trump’s Second Amendment flip (07:50)

“They will shoot you and call you a domestic terrorist, just like they did to Renee Goode. … Do not let them ruin Alex Preddy’s good name.”
– Paul Rieckhoff (06:25, 12:30)

“It’s a demonstration of safety and security. We’re here to help.”
– Minnesota National Guardsman (19:21)

“It is black and white, and they’re not beholden to just some elements of the military that agree with their political ideology.”
– Dr. Vin Gupta, condemning VA Secretary Collins (50:18)

“People that care for those that have served are answering a greater calling. It’s double service.”
– Dr. Vin Gupta (44:45)

“This is a longer show, but it needs to be because this is a week where a lot is happening and we can never lose the focus … We all have to keep fighting the good fight.”
– Paul Rieckhoff (35:20)

Timestamps for Critical Segments

• Trump’s anti-gun statement & constitutional threat – [06:20]
• Alex Preddy’s death and family statement – [11:15]
• ICE agents’ actions called out by local sheriff – [10:37]
• VA Secretary’s controversial response – [17:40]; again at [48:40]
• Dr. Vin Gupta on VA ICU work & healthcare system – [44:34]
• Global response: Veterans and US allies – [23:10]–[24:05]
• Trump admin’s health policies, RFK Jr., Dr. Oz – [54:16]–[56:49]
• Dr. Gupta: actionable public health advice – [66:59]–[70:51]
• ‘Something Good’ – Bald Eagles & Political Resistance – [70:55], [72:20], [74:46]

Tone & Style

• Authentic, direct, passionate, and urgent.
  Rieckhoff’s delivery is plainspoken and emotive; Dr. Gupta is compassionate, blunt, and practical.
• Language is often pointed and colloquial, reflecting frustration and solidarity with “the angry middle.”

In Summary

This episode is a rallying cry for vigilance, remembrance, and resistance at a moment of personal, political, and social crisis. Rieckhoff and Dr. Gupta honor the life and work of Alex Preddy, expose institutional failures and authoritarian turns, provide practical advice for navigating chaos, and offer sources of hope—from collective advocacy to the fate of bald eagles. Ideal for listeners seeking both clarity and community amidst the daily onslaught of headline chaos.

Host: Paul Rieckhoff
Guest: Dr. Vin Gupta
Produced by Righteous Media | Bleav