Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Can Trump Stop Inner City Crime In Left-Wing Cities?"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Ruthless Podcast
- Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
- Description: A variety program where Smug, Holmes, Duncan, and Ashbrook elevate next-generation conservative talk with a sharp analysis of daily news, unfiltered and unapologetic.
- Episode: Can Trump Stop Inner City Crime In Left-Wing Cities?
- Release Date: August 12, 2025
1. Introduction to Federalizing Washington D.C. ([00:00 - 07:11])
The episode opens with the hosts advocating for the federalization of Washington D.C. as envisioned by the Constitution. Josh Holmes underscores the absence of two U.S. Senators from D.C., a point of contention often raised by Democrats.
Notable Quote:
- Josh Holmes [00:00]: "Long been advocates on this program of federalizing D.C. the way the Constitution envisioned, by the way, that it should be a federal."
Michael Duncan challenges the notion, questioning the original constitutional intent regarding D.C.'s representation.
2. President Trump's Initiative to Combat Inner-City Crime ([07:11 - 17:48])
Josh Holmes introduces the main topic: President Donald Trump's initiative to tackle inner-city crime in Washington D.C., positioning it as a model for other left-wing cities grappling with rising crime rates. The discussion highlights the federal government's jurisdiction over D.C. and contrasts it with local governance that, according to the hosts, perpetuates lawlessness.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Holmes [07:11]: "Now is the time to unleash our nation's energy, to create jobs, secure our future, and make life better, more affordable, and full of opportunity for all Americans."
- John Ashbrook [03:34]: "If Donald Trump is able to save Washington D.C. to break the back of crime in this town, it shows that decline is a choice."
The hosts critique Democratic policies, attributing high crime rates to policies like the decriminalization of certain offenses and critiquing the lack of effective law enforcement prioritization.
3. Media and Democratic Opposition to Federal Crackdown ([17:48 - 26:40])
The hosts discuss the backlash from Democrats and mainstream media against Trump's federal crackdown in D.C., despite reports of falling crime rates. They argue that certain media outlets downplay the severity of crime to align with Democratic narratives.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Holmes [22:25]: "It's about time the federal government get involved in making sure that the nation's capital is a safe, clean place to visit."
- Michael Duncan [12:05]: "They think that stopping crime is racist. I think that there's nothing more racist than that attitude."
The segment includes references to local news reports suggesting that crime statistics may be falsified, reinforcing the hosts' stance on ineffective local governance.
4. Case Studies: Chicago and Other Cities ([26:40 - 36:12])
The conversation expands to other cities like Chicago, drawing parallels to Washington D.C.'s crime issues. The hosts lament the loss of safe urban environments due to persistent Democratic leadership and policies they deem ineffective.
Notable Quotes:
- John Ashbrook [16:31]: "They dole out the money to the NGOs, they dole out the money to all the community groups… and the crime gets worse."
- Josh Holmes [17:09]: "This is an experiment that may change everybody's point of view in the same way that Rudy Giuliani… changed New York for a generation."
5. Listener Comments and Host Reactions ([36:12 - 54:17])
Engaging with their audience, the hosts read and respond to listener comments expressing skepticism about Democratic accountability and effectiveness. They mock Democratic strategies like tactical gerrymandering and criticize party leaders' inability to address core issues.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Holmes [38:21]: "Not a chance on arrest. I would love to see it, but it's just not happening."
- Michael Duncan [43:54]: "He's a nice guy. He's under indexing a little bit with the black voters."
The dialogue reveals frustration with perceived Democratic hypocrisy and failure to implement meaningful change in urban centers.
6. Variety Segment: The Italian Wedding Story ([64:00 - 70:22])
Breaking from political discourse, the hosts share a humorous and surreal anecdote about an Italian wedding where the bride's mother unexpectedly presents a Ziploc bag containing the groom's foreskin as part of a bizarre family tradition.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Holmes [65:00]: "Here I have the foreskin of my son that I'd like to pass along to you to keep in your good stead."
- Michael Duncan [69:38]: "Sick, dude. I can't believe."
This segment serves as comic relief, showcasing the hosts' ability to pivot from intense political debate to lighthearted and absurd storytelling.
7. Final Political Commentary and Closing Remarks ([70:22 - 77:45])
The episode concludes with a critique of the Chinese Navy's aggressive maneuvers, likening it to flawed strategic displays. The hosts also touch upon sports topics, mocking the Minnesota Vikings' performance and cheerleading choices.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Holmes [71:01]: "You love to see it."
- Michael Duncan [73:19]: "It's straight up, like, they're gonna identify as a guy, too?"
The hosts reinforce their overarching theme of advocating for strong leadership and law enforcement, while dismissing Democratic narratives and policies as inadequate or counterproductive.
Closing Remarks: Josh Holmes wraps up the episode by urging listeners to subscribe and engage with their content, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order through federal intervention.
Final Quote:
- Josh Holmes [77:45]: "Keep the faith, hold the line and own the libs. We'll see you Thursday. Stay ruthless."
Conclusion: This episode of the Ruthless Podcast delves deeply into the critique of Democratic policies in urban centers, highlighting President Trump's federal initiatives as a solution to rising inner-city crime. Through passionate discussions, listener interactions, and a mix of humor, the hosts present a staunch conservative perspective on law enforcement, governance, and political accountability.