Podcast Summary: Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff — No More Forever Wars. with Miles Taylor (March 19, 2026)
Episode Overview
In this special episode of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff is joined by Miles Taylor—former Trump official, co-founder of Defiance, and prominent advocate for national security and veterans' issues. Together, they discuss the urgent need to end “forever wars,” the growing movement of independent veterans, bipartisan opposition to continued military involvement in Iran, and the power of speaking out against both party establishments. The conversation centers on mobilizing veterans to defend democracy, examines high-profile defections inside the Trump administration, and underscores the transformative effect of courage and defiance in turbulent political times.
Key Topics & Discussion Points
1. The Power of Independent Veterans
- Mobilization Effort: The episode unveils a new partnership between Defiance and Independent Veterans of America (IVA), aiming to get 100 independent veterans elected across the country this fall.
“We've partnered with you guys to focus on ending forever wars...Our goal: get 100 independent veterans elected this fall.”
— Paul [05:37] - Bipartisan Appeal: Veterans from all backgrounds are leading the opposition to the Iran war and pushing for accountability regardless of party.
“It's trying to say this isn't a Democrat issue or Republican issue...I remain a conservative...I can still say there are huge, huge faults...a failure to heed the voices of people who have served.”
— Miles Taylor [06:35] - Authenticity & Authority: The hosts stress that military experience translates into a more thoughtful, measured approach to matters of war and peace in Congress.
2. Defections and Dissent in the MAGA Movement
- Recent High-Profile Defections:
— Joe Kent, previously director of National Counterterrorism, resigned in protest of the Iran war—a signal the “dam is breaking” inside MAGA ranks.
— Suspicion that Tulsi Gabbard may soon follow, given her visible discomfort with the administration's path. - Significance of True Believers Leaving:
“When you lose your truest believers, that is so much more powerful than losing someone...on the periphery…The true believers defecting from the inside...that is even more damaging to him (Trump).”
— Miles Taylor [10:14] - Hostility from Trump: Defectors face threats and intimidation, but each act of defiance lowers the price for others.
3. Ending Forever Wars & Public Sentiment
- Widespread Opposition: Americans, across political lines, are united in opposition to the war in Iran; the hosts identify this as a unique “main event” moment in American politics.
“We’ve got unanimity and popularity on opposing it in America across all political lines in a way we haven’t on any other issue. ISIS was like the preview. This is the main event. Everybody hates this shit.”
— Paul [12:15] - Expansion of Conflict Feared: The show raises concerns about further unaccountable military action potentially extending to places like Cuba or Mexico.
4. The Role of Courage, Solidarity, and “Defiance”
- Personal Testimony from Miles Taylor:
— Shares the impact of defying Trump: personal and professional costs, family threats, but also transformation and empowerment.“When we decided to defy, it changed everything...it wasn’t until my wife...had the stones to say, no, this is wrong. We're going to fight back. That switch flip changed our lives.”
— Miles Taylor [13:24] - Ripple Effect:
— Acts of courage are contagious and essential for creating larger, societal change; both agree that encouraging even a few to stand up can spark a movement.“Courage is contagious.”
— Paul [14:35]
5. The Vision for a Pro-Democracy, Independent Movement
- Historical Legacy:
— Reference to George Washington as the last independent president, embodying citizen-soldier leadership.“The last time we had an independent president in the...US, he was also a service member. His name was George Washington...there’s a good tradition.”
— Miles Taylor [15:04] “When we assume the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen.”
— Paul quoting Washington [15:19] - Pragmatic Optimism:
— Acknowledgement of the difficulties ahead, but focus on opportunity amidst crisis.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
Miles Taylor on the danger of unchecked wars:
“There are a lot of members of Congress...who want to go play cowboy or toy soldier. And they’re all too ready to vote for war...It tends to be the veterans...who have a little more pause when it comes to putting people’s lives on the line for military adventurism.”
[06:35] -
Paul on the current movement:
“Independent veterans can be the tip of the spear and also inspire other people...welcome other people into what is a growing pro-democracy, defending America movement.”
[08:45] -
Miles Taylor’s challenge to the MAGA movement:
“He's done everything he can to try to threaten and intimidate people in that administration to not do what Joe Kent did...I think Tulsi Gabbard is flirting with that line.”
[10:14] -
Miles Taylor on personal transformation through defiance:
“The switch didn’t flip for us as a family until we decided to fight back...it was my wife who had the stones to say, no, this is wrong. We're going to fight back.”
[13:24] -
Independent Veterans of America Representative on veterans’ power:
“If Donald Trump has one vulnerability, it is with America's veterans...we felt like the most important thing right now is to give more voice to people who have fought in these forever wars.”
[16:13] -
Paul on the potential for impact:
“Forever wars are almost universally unpopular...veterans especially of all backgrounds understand that’s wrong, it’s un-American, it’s unconstitutional, and it needs to stop.”
[17:05]
Important Timestamps
- 02:34 — Show begins with Miles Taylor describing the impact of high-profile defections.
- 03:20 — Paul introduces the partnership and episode context.
- 05:37 — Announcement of the campaign to elect 100 independent veterans.
- 06:35 — Discussion on the need for elected leaders with service experience.
- 10:14 — Miles Taylor explains why current defections from the MAGA movement are more damaging than previous ones.
- 12:15 — Paul frames Iran war opposition as a uniquely unifying political issue.
- 13:24 — Miles Taylor shares his personal journey of defiance and family courage.
- 15:04 — Reflection on the tradition of independent, service-member presidents.
- 16:13 — IVA Representative details the motivation and national campaign.
- 17:05 — Paul and IVA summarize why veterans are best positioned to lead the fight against unending wars.
Concluding Thoughts
This episode is a rallying cry for veterans and independents who oppose endless American military interventions. Through stories of defection, personal courage, and coalition-building, Taylor and Rieckhoff chart a path for independent, service-minded leadership in American politics—urging listeners to stand up, speak out, and support a new generation of veteran candidates ready to defend both democracy and the nation’s conscience.
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