Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
Episode 445: War with Iran Looms. Colbert vs Trump & the FCC.
Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Paul Rieckhoff
Episode Overview
In this no-guest episode, host Paul Rieckhoff delivers a rapid, insightful breakdown of the most pressing national and international news—from the looming prospect of US military action against Iran to the dire state of immigration enforcement, and the growing movement of independent Americans pushing back against extremism on both sides. He calls for vigilance, accountability, and a return to democratic norms, offering pointed criticism of the Trump administration, Congress, and federal agencies while highlighting voices of protest and courage—both ordinary citizens and high-profile figures like Stephen Colbert.
Main Themes & Purpose
- Vigilance in Troubled Times: Rieckhoff underscores the importance of staying informed, engaged, and critical as war with Iran becomes a growing possibility, democratic institutions face pressure, and government overreach increases.
- Accountability and Democracy: Calls for real congressional oversight, demands for consequences for federal abuse and misconduct, and a vision for restoring integrity in politics and governance.
- Celebration of Resistance: From grassroots protestors to celebrities resisting censorship, Rieckhoff salutes those who refuse to remain silent.
- Independent Movement Building: The "angry middle" is mobilizing; Rieckhoff positions his podcast and platform as a rallying point and news source for Americans not aligned with either major political party.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Looming War with Iran
[03:00, 04:55, 16:43]
- Rieckhoff warns listeners that US strikes on Iran may be only days away, noting Trump's past unilateral military actions and lack of congressional restraint.
- "On this show, we have talked for months and years about how the number one story in the world is that Donald Trump can do anything he wants with the most powerful military the world has ever seen and nothing is stopping him." (Paul Rieckhoff, 04:05)
- Some in Congress (Reps. Ro Khanna and Tom Massie) are trying to require legislative approval for military actions, but Rieckhoff is skeptical it will work: "Normally what happens, Trump strikes things, and Congress tries to pass legislation afterward. He blows past Congress, he blows past norms..." (Paul Rieckhoff, 05:39)
- Emphasizes constitutional concerns and the human costs—"America’s sons and daughters will again be in harm’s way. And you have a right to have your representatives vote on whether or not that’s okay." (Paul Rieckhoff, 06:02)
2. Accountability: A Tale of Two Countries
[03:00–04:55]
- Contrasts lack of US accountability (Epstein scandal, Trump’s unchecked actions) with South Korea’s sentencing of former President Yoon Suk Yul for abuses of power.
- "Maybe one day we’ll have accountability here, but not yet." (Paul Rieckhoff, 04:45)
3. Erosion of Democratic Norms and Election Integrity
[07:41]
- Cites Kristi Noem, Head of DHS, implying the administration is actively curtailing free and fair elections:
- "When it gets to Election Day, we’ve been proactive to make sure we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country." (Kristi Noem qouted, 07:41)
- Rieckhoff finds her statement "the latest reason she needs to go" and slams Congressional inaction.
4. DHS, Coast Guard, and Culture War at the Pentagon
[08:46, 09:39]
- Highlights interference by Noem in a Coast Guard rescue mission to prioritize immigrant deportation flights—“How many more reasons do we need to show that Kristi Noem should be removed?” (Paul Rieckhoff, 09:38)
- Decries Pete Hegseth’s “culture war” actions as Pentagon advisor, denying troops and veterans access to elite colleges (e.g., Harvard, MIT, Yale), and driving out senior military advisors.
- "He's just making our military dumber and more radical by the day." (Paul Rieckhoff, 10:57)
5. ICE & Human Stories of Abuse
[12:16]
- Shares gut-wrenching accounts of immigrant children—detained for months, suffering deep trauma.
- "This poor child says she wishes she was no longer alive... She says it’s like a bad dream about running away from a wild animal, but she’s stuck in a cage..." (Paul Rieckhoff, 12:50)
- Tells the story of Ophelia Torres, a Chicago teen who died of cancer while her father was detained by ICE, highlighting systemic cruelty.
- "Her brave and tragic story is the story of ICE’s corrupt and broken culture of cruelty." (Paul Rieckhoff, 13:35)
- Calls to “defund and disband ICE immediately,” warning of DHS surveillance and retaliation against critics—“If you attack or criticize DHS, your data could be headed over to Kristi Noem.” (Paul Rieckhoff, 13:12)
6. Voices of Protest and the Spirit of American Resistance
[13:52, 14:02]
- Shares a moving clip from an ordinary protester (13:52–14:34):
- “I watched fourth and fifth grade kids run away from our own government. I never want to see that again... I never want to see a child ever run away from our own government ever again.” (Protester, 14:02)
- Rieckhoff frames this as “the true voice and spirit of the American people and it’s growing.” (Paul Rieckhoff, 14:34)
- Calls on veterans to reject ICE recruitment and join the independent movement.
7. Stephen Colbert vs. Trump & the FCC
[14:45]
- Updates on CBS pulling Colbert’s interview with James Talarico due to fear of new FCC guidelines, lauds Colbert:
- “Stephen Colbert is a patriot...an honorable, caring, thoughtful person. And damn, is he brave.” (Paul Rieckhoff, 15:16)
- Salutes Colbert for facing down death threats and censorship, urging “step forward and raise your voices on issues small and big.” (15:40)
8. Other National Security Hotspots: Venezuela, Denmark, Ukraine
[16:43]
- Reports on troop actions, boat strikes, and lack of media accountability in ongoing Venezuela operations—“Still no accountability. Still no approval from Congress.” (Paul Rieckhoff, 17:23)
- Shock and regret at Denmark now viewing US as an adversary due to Trump’s actions—"The Danes are our allies, the Danes are our friends. And Trump has so disrespected them..." (Paul Rieckhoff, 17:57)
- Recaps Ukraine’s plight and the costs of the Russian invasion, encouraging Americans to stand with Ukraine.
9. Veterans' Issues and Emotional Aftermath
[20:45]
- Covers Pat Tillman’s brother’s legal troubles, notes the hidden toll on families left behind.
- “We all need to look out for each other, and we all need to look out for those we’ve left behind, whether it’s brothers, sisters, and especially our kids.” (Paul Rieckhoff, 21:59)
10. Political Absurdity: Tommy Tuberville’s Trump Day Proposal
[22:18]
- Details Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville’s call to rename Presidents’ Day as “Trump Day” and place Trump on Mount Rushmore.
- “You can always count on Senator Redneck to do the hackiest, dumbest, and most loyal bootlickery thing in all of Congress.” (Paul Rieckhoff, 22:28)
- Extends an open invitation for Tuberville to appear on the show.
11. Something Good: Spring Training and American Community
[23:09]
- Praises the accessibility and sense of community found in attending baseball spring training, offering a rare moment of hope and positivity.
- “Spring training is underway, and the season will be here, which means spring is here. But spring training is always something good.” (Paul Rieckhoff, 24:03)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Trump’s Military Power:
“Donald Trump can do anything he wants with the most powerful military the world has ever seen and nothing is stopping him.” — Paul Rieckhoff [04:05] -
On Congressional Accountability:
“Normally what happens, Trump strikes things, and Congress tries to pass legislation afterward. He blows past Congress, he blows past norms and makes the case to the American people. Sometimes after he does it. It’s dangerous, it’s unconstitutional. It should not be our new normal.” — Paul Rieckhoff [05:39] -
On Kristi Noem’s Statements:
"That is exactly what you should not hear from a person who’s heading Department of Homeland Security.” — Paul Rieckhoff [07:48] -
On ICE and Children in Detention:
“She says it’s like a bad dream about running away from a wild animal, but she’s stuck in a cage and can’t get out.” — Paul Rieckhoff [12:50] -
On Stephen Colbert's Courage:
"He continues to step forward and show what heroism looks like. Yeah, he’s rich. Yeah, he’s famous. But he’s also getting death threats. He’s also being intimidated. He’s also facing fury that we should never forget." — Paul Rieckhoff [15:16] -
On Denmark as an Ally:
"The Danes are our allies, the Danes are our friends. And Trump has so disrespected them, so insulted them that now 60% of Danes consider the US an adversary..." — Paul Rieckhoff [17:57] -
On Political Absurdity:
“Petitioned to rename today as President Donald J. Trump Day. So Coach Tommy Tuberville wants to put Trump on Mount Rushmore…” — Paul Rieckhoff [22:25]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Opening & Weather, Theme Setup – [00:51]
- Epstein & South Korea Accountability – [03:00]
- Looming Iran War / Congressional Oversight – [04:55]
- Kristi Noem and Election Integrity – [07:41]
- ICE Horror Stories & Calls to Abolish – [12:16]
- Protester Clip: The Spirit of the People – [13:52]
- Stephen Colbert’s Resistance & FCC – [14:45]
- Venezuela, Denmark, Ukraine Updates – [16:43]
- Pat Tillman’s Brother, Veterans’ Issues – [20:45]
- Tommy Tuberville's Trump Day Proposal – [22:18]
- Something Good: Spring Training – [23:09]
- Closing & Next Episode Teaser – [24:06]
Tone and Style
- Forthright and impassioned, blending outrage with moments of humor and humanity
- Candid, often sharply critical of both parties and government agencies
- Inspirational and optimistic, especially when discussing protest, resistance, and community
Useful Links Mentioned
- TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors): taps.org
- Independent Veterans of America: independentveteransofamerica.org
- American Veterans for Ukraine & ways to support Ukraine
- Righteous Media, Independent Americans’ platform on YouTube and social media
Summary
This episode is a fast-moving but thorough review of major issues threatening American democracy and global stability, punctuated by stories that personalize the stakes. Paul Rieckhoff’s independent voice calls for vigilance, collective action, and a refusal to allow extremism—whether political, bureaucratic, or cultural—to become the new normal. Along the way, he salutes the everyday and celebrity heroes pushing back, and ends with a reminder that American community lives on—even at a sunny spring training session.