Louder with Crowder
Episode: JFK Files Dropped: Examining the Biggest Claims & Trump Putin Call Breakdown
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Hosts:
- Dan Bongino
- Steven Crowder
- Tim Pool
Overview
In this episode of Louder with Crowder, hosts Dan Bongino, Steven Crowder, and Tim Pool delve into two major topics: the recent release of the JFK assassination files and a comprehensive analysis of the phone call between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussion aims to sift through misinformation, evaluate new claims, and provide clarity on these significant events.
1. The JFK Assassination Files
A. Introduction to the Files
The episode begins with the release of over 80,000 new pages of JFK assassination documents, adding to the existing 5 million pages already available. The hosts express skepticism about the potential groundbreaking nature of these releases, comparing it to overhyped disclosures that failed to unveil new truths.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [00:04:59]: "We have a tremendous amount of paper. You've got a lot of reading. I don't believe in redact anything."
B. Evaluating New Claims
The hosts address several claims circulating post-release, critically assessing their validity.
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Gary Underhill's Death:
- Claim: Former CIA operative Gary Underhill was killed for exposing a plot related to JFK's assassination.
- Truth: The information about Underhill is not new; documents revealing his death date back to 2017. The memo being touted as recent was actually part of older releases.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [00:44:57]: "This was from 2017. Documents that were released under Donald Trump as well." -
JFK Jr. Calling Joe Biden a Traitor:
- Claim: JFK Jr. called then-presidential candidate Joe Biden a traitor.
- Truth: The alleged letter referenced was not proven authentic and was debunked by Congress as a hoax. Additionally, the timeline makes this claim implausible since Biden was in his early twenties at the time of JFK Jr.'s death.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [00:47:00]: "JFK Jr. Not liking Joe Biden at that point in time, who likely would have been some kind of political opponent." -
CIA's Redactions on Israel:
- Claim: The CIA exclusively redacted mentions of Israel in the JFK files.
- Truth: Multiple countries, including the USSR, Cuba, and Mexico, have redacted mentions in the documents. Israel is not uniquely targeted, and many references to Israel remain unredacted.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [00:50:13]: "There have been plenty of redactions surrounding other countries. And by the way, there were more redactions as it relates to Israel in previous documents than here." -
Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald Meeting Prior to the Assassination:
- Claim: Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald met before JFK's assassination, suggesting a conspiracy.
- Truth: Investigations, including the Warren Commission Report, found no evidence supporting a prior acquaintance. Claims about their meeting are unfounded and lack new evidence.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [00:53:25]: "There was the Warren Commission Report. There were subsequent investigations. They didn't find any evidence of Ruby and Oswald even knowing each other since at least 2008."
C. Conclusion on JFK Files
The hosts conclude that while the release of the JFK files adds to the historical record, it does not present new evidence that fundamentally changes our understanding of the assassination. They caution listeners against falling for misleading claims and emphasize the importance of critical evaluation of information.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [00:56:30]: "But again, these are claims being presented as though they are new, which they are not."
2. Trump-Putin Phone Call Breakdown
A. Overview of the Call
The phone conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, reported to last 90 minutes, focused on achieving a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and strengthening U.S.-Russia relations.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [01:15:47]: "President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday. The phone call lasted about 90 minutes, according to the White House."
B. Assessing Media Claims vs. Reality
The hosts critique how legacy and new media have portrayed the call, highlighting discrepancies and misinformation.
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Media's Negative Portrayal:
- Claim: Media outlets like Jimmy Kimmel suggested Trump was played by Putin and gained nothing from the call.
- Truth: Bongino argues that Trump's call yielded tangible outcomes, including prisoner swaps and a temporary ceasefire on energy infrastructure.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [01:18:32]: "Not only did President Trump not get played by Putin, they were quantifiable victories... a 30-day ceasefire regarding strikes on energy infrastructure." -
Misrepresentation of Call Dynamics:
- Claim: Social media rumors suggested Putin made Trump wait excessively for the call.
- Truth: Putin clarified that he was referring to his press secretary, not Trump, debunking the exaggerated delay narrative.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [01:20:13]: "He wasn't making Trump wait. He was referring to his press secretary."
C. Outcomes of the Call
The conversation between the leaders resulted in several agreements:
- Prisoner Swaps: Release of 175 Ukrainians and 475 Russian prisoners, including 23 severely injured Ukrainian POWs to be transferred back.
- Ceasefire Agreement: A 30-day pause on strikes targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [01:18:32]: "They agreed to dealing with injured Ukrainians, 23 severely injured Ukrainian prisoners of war. They'll be transferred to Ukraine. Big one. They agreed to a 30 day ceasefire regarding strikes on energy infrastructure."
D. Panel's Analysis
-
Political Implications:
- Dan Bongino emphasizes that Trump's actions demonstrate strategic negotiation rather than being manipulated by Putin.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [02:11:25]: "President Trump understands the alternative. He's not stupid." -
Media Accountability:
- The hosts criticize the media for selectively reporting information to undermine Trump's presidency and portray him as weak.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [02:08:36]: "The media does not act in your best interest if they are lying to you. And why do the lies always line up on one side of the aisle to try and make Donald Trump your president?" -
Future Prospects:
- While acknowledging that the ceasefire is a positive first step, the hosts remain cautious about the longevity and effectiveness of the agreement.
Notable Quote:
Tim Pool [02:38:01]: "That's the whole part of this process. Let's hash it out."
E. Additional Foreign Policy Discussions
The panel briefly touches on broader foreign policy issues, including Iran and the potential for conflict escalation.
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Iran Tensions:
- Claims: Some factions argue against the threat posed by Iran, deeming calls for strong actions as propaganda.
- Truth: The hosts maintain that Iran remains a significant threat due to its nuclear ambitions and support for terrorist organizations.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [02:33:05]: "Iran is certainly an enemy to the United States. Doesn't mean we need to nuke them." -
Global Alliances:
- Concerns about a possible alliance between China and Russia are raised, emphasizing the importance of strategic defense and pressure tactics over outright war.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [02:38:22]: "China and Russia... we want to avoid war. Right. Not at all costs, but at most costs."
3. Critical Insights and Conclusions
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Misinformation Vigilance:
The hosts stress the importance of discerning factual information from sensationalized or falsified claims, especially in the wake of significant document releases and high-profile diplomatic interactions. -
Media Bias Recognition:
A recurring theme is the critique of media outlets for their biased reporting, aimed at discrediting conservative figures while supporting left-leaning narratives. -
Strategic Foreign Policy Advocacy:
The conversation advocates for a balanced approach to foreign policy, recommending diplomatic negotiations over aggressive military interventions, yet recognizing the necessity of being prepared against genuine threats. -
Public Responsibility:
Listeners are encouraged to critically evaluate sources, seek out original documents and evidence, and avoid falling prey to clickbait and partisan misinformation.
Final Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [02:57:44]: "Yesterday's conspiracy theories are today's truth. But you can also go too far."
Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with a reinforcement of the show's commitment to delivering uncensored news and political commentary. The hosts remind listeners to transition to Rumble for future live broadcasts, emphasizing the platform's role in providing an uncensored medium for discussions.
Notable Quote:
Dan Bongino [04:00:40]: "Rumble, we own live. We're going back to live broadcasting."
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this summary are based on the transcript provided and do not reflect the assistant's own perspectives.
