Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "How To Stop Activist Judges"
Release Date: March 25, 2025
In this compelling episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook delve into the pressing issue of activist judges and explore strategies to curb their influence over the judicial system. The episode seamlessly weaves through heated discussions, real-world case studies, listener interactions, and an insightful interview with esteemed journalist Alex Eisenstadt.
1. The Escalating Issue of Activist Judges
The episode opens with Josh Holmes highlighting the widespread concern over activist judges hindering the implementation of conservative policies. Comfortably Smug vehemently criticizes the overreach of district judges, stating:
"Who the hell does some district judge think they are... I can tell military planes to turn around, get the hell out of here." (00:05)
This sets the stage for a robust debate on the judiciary's interference in executive actions, particularly those spearheaded by former President Trump.
2. Case Study: Deportations Under the Alien Enemies Act
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Trump administration's efforts to deport individuals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Josh Holmes introduces a news clip where Trump brands Judge James Boasberg as a "constitutional disaster" for halting deportations:
"President Trump stepped up his attacks on federal Judge James Boasberg, calling him a, quote, constitutional disaster." (11:36)
The hosts dissect this conflict, emphasizing the frustration within the Republican ranks over judicial impediments. John Ashbrook underscores the disproportionate impact a single district judge can have:
"One district judge... could stop... critical parts of the Trump agenda." (02:52)
3. Transgender Military Service Ban Blocked by Judge Reyes
Another pivotal case discussed is the injunction against Trump's executive order banning transgender individuals from military service. Josh Holmes narrates:
"U.S. district Judge Reyes... in her 79-page ruling... cites Lin Manuel Miranda's musical 'Hamilton' to justify blocking the ban." (31:07)
John Ashbrook expresses outrage at the unorthodox justification:
"If you’re citing 'Hamilton' instead of the Constitution, you have brainworms." (32:13)
The hosts argue that such judicial decisions undermine the Trump administration's authority and disrupt national security measures.
4. Legislative Solutions: Expanding Spectrum for Independent Media
Transitioning from judicial overreach, Josh Holmes critiques the legacy media's control over information dissemination. He proposes that Trump and Republicans in Congress seize the opportunity to:
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Increase Spectrum Availability: Breaking the monopoly of big cable by providing more spectrum for affordable wireless internet (00:34).
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Support Independent Media: Ensuring platforms like the Ruthless Variety Program remain accessible without being sidelined by traditional media bundling practices (00:34).
5. Hack Madness Tournament: Identifying Media "Hacks"
The hosts introduce Hack Madness, an interactive tournament bracket where listeners vote on what they deem the "biggest journalist hacks" in politics. Comfortably Smug excitedly remarks:
"This will be the fifth version... everyone decides... get involved in it." (14:25)
This segment encourages audience participation, fostering a community-driven critique of mainstream media figures.
6. Special Interview: Alex Eisenstadt on "Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power"
A highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Alex Eisenstadt, a senior political reporter at Axios and author of the book "Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power."
Key Insights from Alex Eisenstadt:
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Trump's Campaign Organization: Eisenstadt praises the professionalism and efficiency of Trump's second-term campaign compared to the chaotic first term.
"Chris Aceveda and Suzy Wiles put together a much more functional operation... professionalized." (54:53)
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Security Concerns: The book reveals heightened fears of assassination attempts, particularly from Iranian operatives, and the Secret Service's strategic responses.
"The fear within the Secret Service... about Iran assassinating Trump is far more profound than we knew." (61:19)
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Role of Trump Family Members: Eisenstadt discusses the influential roles of Donald Trump Jr., Melania Trump, and Barron Trump in shaping campaign strategies and media outreach.
"Barron became involved in the podcast push, a central part of the Trump campaign." (68:07)
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Media Coverage Gaps: He highlights why certain critical stories, such as Iran's threats against Trump, received limited mainstream media attention due to timing and source preferences.
"Sources wanted to wait until the campaign was over to divulge certain details." (64:08)
Michael Duncan commends Eisenstadt's work, emphasizing its importance for future Republican strategies:
"I'm really glad you did it... Republicans can try to replicate the success of the Trump campaign." (69:26)
7. Listener Feedback: Satirical Takes on Democratic Policies
The episode features humorous and critical listener comments mocking Democratic stances on various issues:
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Sharon Penley satirizes Democratic support for the arts under DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.
"A stage full of plus-sized ballerinas... tackling Madame Butterfly as an added win." (42:04)
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Hank Borg pokes fun at Democratic sympathy towards Mexican cartels and their economic impact.
"Legitimate businesses in Guadalajara suffering because cartel members aren't buying tomatoes anymore." (43:05)
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Rick Corell humorously criticizes USAID funding decisions related to food preferences, blending absurdity with political commentary.
"Determine the food preference of Sherry Jacob's Barrel CAC down by the railroad tracks." (43:52)
These segments add levity while reinforcing the hosts' critical stance toward Democratic policies.
8. Incident Report: Woman Kills Her Dog at Orlando Airport
A brief yet striking segment recounts a tragic incident where a woman drowned her dog at Orlando International Airport after being denied boarding due to improper paperwork. The hosts discuss the broader implications on societal values and personal responsibility:
"You have to solve your own problems. If you get a dog, you're responsible for the dog." (48:03)
Comfortably Smug provocatively suggests immediate action against such behavior:
"You can throw right hit him right in the ear. I think you can take him out." (10:35)
This conversation underscores the podcast's commitment to advocating for personal accountability.
Conclusion: Navigating Judicial Overreach and Media Control
The episode concludes with the hosts urging listeners to engage in the legislative process and support initiatives that counteract judicial activism. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the rule of law while advocating for expedited processes to implement conservative policies effectively.
Josh Holmes encapsulates the overarching theme:
"The principle by which this question arose is an 80/20 issue... argue that issue." (30:48)
Listeners are encouraged to participate in the Hack Madness tournament and stay connected through various platforms to influence future political discourse.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
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Comfortably Smug:
"Who the hell does some district judge think they are... I can tell military planes to turn around, get the hell out of here." (00:05)
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John Ashbrook:
"One district judge... could stop... critical parts of the Trump agenda." (02:52)
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Judge Reyes:
"There is no clause in that law that makes it subject to judicial review." (16:38, referenced in discussion)
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Comfortably Smug:
"I'm super excited about this, which is good." (04:36)
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Alex Eisenstadt:
"Trump is one of the greatest political athletes of all time." (60:29)
This episode of the Ruthless Podcast offers a fervent exploration of the challenges posed by activist judges, the interplay between media control and legislative action, and a deep dive into Trump's strategic maneuvers to reclaim political dominance. Through thoughtful analysis, spirited debates, and engaging storytelling, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current political landscape from a conservative perspective.