Ruthless Podcast – Episode Summary: "Deep State Strikes Back" (January 30, 2025)
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook
Introduction
In the January 30, 2025, episode of the "Ruthless Podcast," hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook dive deep into the escalating political tensions surrounding the "deep state" and the recent federal funding freeze initiated by the Trump administration. The episode, titled "Deep State Strikes Back," navigates through the complexities of federal grant reviews, Democratic backlash, media dynamics, and significant policy changes, all framed within the hosts' conservative viewpoints.
Federal Funding Freeze and Deep State Dynamics
Josh Holmes kicks off the discussion by highlighting a major conflict of the week:
"Deep state strikes back in some ways in that there was a big argument this week..." [00:00]
The core issue revolves around the Trump administration's decision to freeze federal grants to review their allocations and effectiveness. Michael Duncan elaborates on the administration's intentions:
"The Trump administration was saying is that we would like to review them and make sure that they actually are doing what they're supposed to be doing." [00:21]
In contrast, John Ashbrook criticizes the Democratic response:
"We can convince people that they should be spending their money on our insane, frivolous shit." [00:38]
The hosts argue that this freeze is a pivotal move to curb government waste and increase accountability, positioning it as a direct challenge to entrenched bureaucratic interests.
Democratic Backlash and Legal Challenges
The episode delves into the vehement opposition from Democrats, who perceive the funding freeze as a threat to their established programs. Josh Holmes summarizes the Democrats' reaction:
"The left is like, no, no, no there can't be any review of this." [06:18]
John Ashbrook emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the administration's move:
"I think it's the first time in our lifetime, maybe ever, that administration came in and they said, we want to review where every penny of your money is going to your taxpayers." [06:32]
This section also covers the rapid legal responses, including lawsuits filed to block the freeze, highlighting a constitutional crisis as perceived by the hosts:
"It's a constitutional crisis that he's reviewed where taxpayer money is going." [07:58]
Impact on Federal Workers and Bureaucracy Reform
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the Trump administration's strategy to reduce the federal workforce. Josh Holmes outlines the administration's approach:
"He offered... pay federal workers who don't want to return to the office by September 30th their full wages." [44:26]
John Ashbrook adds critical insights into the nature of federal employment, suggesting widespread inefficiency:
"People in the private sector are like, oh, get a job. That's what you gotta do." [45:10]
The hosts praise this initiative as a bold step toward dismantling what they term a "bloated mess" within federal agencies.
Tax Cuts and Economic Policies
Michael Duncan announces a major campaign by Americans for Prosperity:
"They've just launched a massive $20 million campaign to protect your hard-earned money." [26:26]
The discussion underscores the importance of renewing Trump-era tax cuts to foster economic growth and alleviate financial burdens on families:
"Join the fight. Visit ProtectProsperity.com to demand Congress renews and strengthens the Trump tax cut." [26:26]
Immigration Reforms and the Lake and Riley Act
A focal point of the episode is the signing of the Lake and Riley Act by President Trump, which targets illegal immigration and enhances border security. John Ashbrook lauds the legislation:
"President Trump, Lake and Riley act are putting that to an end." [34:32]
Comfortably Smug highlights the legal empowerment provided to states:
"This is the long tail of this legislation which is going to be super helpful." [35:23]
The hosts view this act as a monumental effort to protect American communities from illegal immigrants and associated criminal activities.
Media Critique and CNN’s Jim Acosta Departure
The podcast critiques media figures, particularly focusing on Jim Acosta's departure from CNN. Josh Holmes remarks:
"This is the embodiment of the end of that [adversarial] relationship." [50:01]
The hosts express disappointment over Acosta's exit, viewing it as a loss in the struggle against what they perceive as biased media coverage.
Interactive Segments and Satire
To maintain engagement, the hosts incorporate playful segments like "King of the Hill," where they humorously debate and critique political figures’ statements. This segment features mock trials and satirical commentary, adding a layer of entertainment while reinforcing their political narratives.
Notable Quotes
- Josh Holmes [00:00]: "Deep state strikes back in some ways in that there was a big argument this week..."
- Michael Duncan [00:21]: "The Trump administration was saying is that we would like to review them and make sure that they actually are doing what they're supposed to be doing."
- John Ashbrook [00:38]: "We can convince people that they should be spending their money on our insane, frivolous shit."
- John Ashbrook [34:32]: "President Trump, Lake and Riley act are putting that to an end."
- Comfortably Smug [35:23]: "This is the long tail of this legislation which is going to be super helpful."
- Josh Holmes [50:01]: "This is the embodiment of the end of that [adversarial] relationship."
Conclusion
The "Deep State Strikes Back" episode presents a fervent critique of Democratic policies and entrenched federal bureaucracy, championing the Trump administration's efforts to enforce fiscal responsibility and border security. Through a blend of serious discourse and satirical segments, the hosts aim to inform and engage their audience, advocating for conservative values and systemic reform.
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