Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Can Trump Double The Size Of The US?"

Release Date: January 9, 2025

Hosts: Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug (Matt McDaniel), and John Ashbrook

Overview: In this engaging episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, Matt McDaniel (Comfortably Smug), and John Ashbrook delve into a range of provocative topics centered around former President Donald Trump's ambitious plans to expand American territory. The discussion navigates through Trump's recent press conference, his strategies regarding international territories, critiques of current political figures, and insights into the forthcoming Trump administration's agenda. Additionally, the hosts touch upon significant developments in the tech industry, particularly Mark Zuckerberg's stance on free speech, and share humorous segments highlighting President Joe Biden's alleged cognitive mishaps.

1. Trump's Territorial Expansion Plans

Key Discussion Points:

• Press Conference Highlights: The episode kicks off with excitement over Donald Trump's latest press conference, where he outlined plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and expressed intentions to annex territories like Greenland and Canada.

• Territorial Acquisition Strategies:

  • Greenland: Trump proposes taking over Greenland due to its strategic importance and minimal population ("There are only 45,000 people who live there" - [09:27]).
  • Canada: He suggests integrating Canada as the 51st state, emphasizing economic dependencies and trade imbalances ("Why are we supporting a country 200 billion plus a year?" - [10:29]).
  • Panama Canal: Plans to regain control of the Panama Canal, highlighting its military significance ("The Panama Canal was built for our military" - [06:40]).
  • Australia: A humorous mention of annexing Australia due to the absence of guns and historical defeats ("They lost a war to some flightless birds" - [12:31]).

Notable Quotes:

• John Ashbrook on Trump's ambition: "He thinks big, and that is what Americans want." ([01:06])
• Matt McDaniel on media's reaction: "Trump is like catnip for them... He's classic Trump." ([07:13])

2. Media Dynamics and Free Speech

Key Discussion Points:

• Meta's Shift on Free Speech: The hosts discuss Mark Zuckerberg's recent announcement to end Meta's fact-checking program, aiming to restore free expression across platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They interpret this as a response to previous censorship and a move towards democratizing information.

• Tech Industry Alignment: The podcast highlights the alignment between tech leaders and Trump's agenda on free speech, suggesting that Trump's victory has empowered tech executives to champion more open platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Duncan on Meta's decision: "Meta is ending its fact checking program and lifting restrictions on speech to, quote, restore free expression." ([24:53])
• John Ashbrook on the impact: "This move is so big for regular people... it's one of the greatest moves." ([26:35])

3. Biden's "Dementia Moments"

Key Discussion Points:

• Audience Engagement: The hosts feature listener-submitted clips showcasing President Joe Biden's perceived cognitive errors, such as forgetting key phrases and making inappropriate remarks.

• Humorous Commentary: The segment is interspersed with light-hearted banter and jokes, highlighting instances where Biden appears disoriented or forgetful.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Bowers' favorite moment: "the Easter egg hunt at the White House when he went wandering off" ([18:07])
• Matt McDaniel on Biden's performance: "Biden doesn't even know when he goof. No, he needs a giant bunny to come over." ([21:19])

4. Interview with Senator Mark Wayne Mullen

Key Discussion Points:

• Senator's Role: Senator Mark Wayne Mullen discusses his pivotal role in the Trump administration's first hundred days, emphasizing the importance of communication, setting agendas, and navigating legislative processes.

• Legislative Priorities: The conversation touches on key legislative areas, including:

  • Reconciliation Bills: Efforts to pass comprehensive legislation encompassing taxes, border security, and energy.
  • National Security Enhancements: Utilizing AI and advanced technologies to secure borders and combat cartel activities.
  • EPA Reforms: Proposing the reduction of the Environmental Protection Agency's overreach to bolster economic growth and manufacturing independence.

• Confirmation Hearings: Mullen highlights ongoing confirmation hearings for key nominees, stressing their importance in implementing Trump's agenda.

Notable Quotes:

• Mullen on legislative process: "We're going to eventually deliver for the president and for the American people. It's going to get done." ([47:52])
• Josh Holmes on Trump's work ethic: "He is such a production artist. He retail himself." ([37:23])
• Mullen on EPA overreach: "They have become basically missionaries for the climate 100%." ([56:15])

5. National Security and Economic Strategies

Key Discussion Points:

• Border Security Innovations: Discussion on innovative technologies like Astro Technologies' virtual fences using AI to detect unauthorized border crossings, enhancing real-time security measures.

• Economic Independence: Emphasis on reducing dependency on foreign entities, particularly China, for critical resources such as antibiotics and rare earth minerals. Strategies include incentivizing domestic production and mitigating regulatory obstacles imposed by agencies like the EPA.

• Tariffs and International Relations: Mullen outlines the use of tariffs as a tool to pressure Mexico and other nations, aiming to dismantle cartel operations and strengthen national security.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes on AI-based border security: "It can detect instantly the difference between a human and an animal." ([51:07])
• John Ashbrook on energy independence: "They're involved in every agency. If the DOE has a permit that they're trying to do, EPA can overstep and stop it." ([55:36])

6. Personal Anecdotes and Humor

Key Discussion Points:

• Hosts' Personal Stories: The episode includes light-hearted exchanges among the hosts about personal experiences, such as Michael Duncan's struggles with a sweater and Josh Holmes sharing anecdotes about his ranch and interactions with political figures like Tulsi Gabbard and Bobby Kennedy.

• Workout Group Banter: Humorous discussions about the physical strength of congressional members, showcasing camaraderie and playful ribbing among the hosts.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes on personal fitness: "I have three boys wrestling college, two in Oklahoma State, one right." ([60:54])
• Matt McDaniel on host endorsements: "You're a walking billboard for y'all." ([67:17])

7. Concluding Remarks and Future Outlook

Key Discussion Points:

• Aspiration for Progress: The hosts express optimism about the Trump administration's ability to enact significant changes, emphasizing the urgency of passing key legislation and securing national interests.

• Community Engagement: Encouragement for listeners to subscribe, share, and engage with the podcast to support the show's growth and influence.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt McDaniel closing remark: "Until next time, Minions, keep the faith, hold the line and own the libs." ([80:21])
• Michael Duncan on community impact: "Subscribing helps us keep spreading the word." ([80:53])

Conclusion: This episode of the Ruthless Podcast offers a comprehensive and spirited examination of Donald Trump's potential strategies to significantly expand U.S. territory, coupled with a critique of current political dynamics and media influences. Through insightful interviews, humorous segments, and strategic discussions, the hosts provide listeners with a blend of serious policy analysis and entertaining commentary, encapsulating the essence of next-generation conservative talk.