Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "How Trump Beat the Media & Academia"

Release Date: July 3, 2025

Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook

The latest episode of the Ruthless Podcast, titled "How Trump Beat the Media & Academia", delves into the multifaceted strategies employed by Donald Trump to navigate and manipulate media narratives and academic institutions. Hosted by Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook, the episode combines sharp political analysis with humor, providing listeners with an engaging exploration of recent political developments.

1. Legal Settlements with Corporate Media

The episode opens with a discussion on recent legal settlements between Donald Trump and major media corporations.

• Josh Holmes highlights the financial implications for the media:

  "What Trump has done is put a down payment in not only Paramount. CBS paying $16 million. You forget back in December, ABC George Stephanopoulos had to pay $15 million. He's $30 million in the black just based on settling disputes with the corporate media." (00:00)

• Michael Duncan adds a layer of irony to Trump's settlements:

  "It's probably the most Trump thing possible. It's like, no, I want my throne to be the skulls of my enemies. It's amazing." (00:21)

The hosts discuss how these settlements not only provide financial gains for Trump's campaigns but also signify a strategic win against media adversaries.

2. Corporate Media's Decline and Fox News' Ascendancy

John Ashbrook shifts focus to the broader media landscape:

"Trump country is booming. We're building, hiring and winning in America because energy tax credits create jobs and put America first." (00:45)

The conversation critiques CBS News' declining ratings compared to Fox News, emphasizing a perceived shift in media influence and trust. Michael Duncan reminisces about past interviews with Kamala Harris, criticizing CBS's editorial decisions:

"If you've watched Kamala Harris speak for, like, I don't know, one time, you would say that that is a virtual impossibility." (15:12)

3. Presidential Libraries and Media Influence

The hosts explore the concept of presidential libraries, focusing on Trump's unique approach:

"What Trump has done is put a down payment... He's $30 million in the black just based on settling disputes with the corporate media." (24:26)

John Ashbrook humorously suggests potential names for the media-funded wing of Trump's presidential library, highlighting the blend of politics and branding:

"Gator Gitmo is much easier to say. It's much easier to say President Trump's." (08:28)

4. University of Pennsylvania and Transgender Athletes

A significant portion of the episode addresses the legal battles surrounding transgender athletes in collegiate sports, particularly focusing on Riley Gaines and Lia Thomas.

• Josh Holmes underscores the importance of Gaines' stand against perceived unfair competition:

  "She had a great head on her shoulders. She had a lot to risk, but she decided to do it." (30:48)

• Michael Duncan praises Gaines' bravery in the face of cancel culture:

  "You really have to salute her and her efforts. And I mean, she is just a real hero." (33:13)

The discussion culminates with the University of Pennsylvania's agreement to ban transgender women from competing on its women's sports teams, marking a legal victory for conservatives:

"The agreement resolves a federal civil rights case centered on transgender swimmer Lia Thomas." (30:53)

5. Audience Engagement: Questions and Comments

The podcast engages listeners with a "Question of the Day": "What should Trump name the media-funded wing of his library?" The hosts encourage creative listener responses, fostering community interaction.

Paul Renali from Canada contributes:

"I do not think the BBB will pass both houses by July 4th, but I don't think it matters. It will get passed eventually..." (36:27)

Earl Scott offers pragmatic optimism despite skepticism about meeting the deadline:

"There's no chance they will make the July 4 deadline because there are too many people not with the program." (37:54)

6. Critique of CBS News and Its Legacy

A critical analysis of CBS News' transformation over the years is presented, lamenting the loss of journalistic integrity and talent.

• Comfortably Smug reflects on the decline of beloved figures like Morley Safer and Ed Bradley:

  "Morley Safer has gone completely out of, like, all their talent has gone crazy." (19:00)

• John Ashbrook emphasizes the shift from high-quality journalism to sensationalism:

  "They had these titans that were very interested in telling a story to the American people that they thought they ought to hear." (20:40)

7. Trump's Branding and Media Strategy

The hosts discuss Trump's creative branding efforts, notably his "Alligator Gitmo" concept for Alcatraz, blending humor with political messaging.

"Alligator Alcatraz, which is where Donald Trump went down with Ron DeSantis to visit where they're keeping some of the most dangerous." (08:38)

Michael Duncan applauds the ingenuity:

"Gator Gitmo is much easier. It's much easier to say President Trump's." (08:49)

8. Popular Culture and Legal Cases: The P. Diddy Verdict

The podcast transitions to popular culture, discussing the high-profile legal case involving P. Diddy. The hosts dissect the verdict, public perception, and its implications for celebrity culture.

• John Ashbrook summarizes the verdict:

  "He was found guilty of two, and he was found not guilty on the racketeering, the more serious charges." (76:32)

• Josh Holmes compares the case to other celebrity scandals:

  "It's a sentence worse than anything you can do in the hole." (79:27)

9. Signature Game: King of the Hill

Adding an element of fun, the hosts engage in their signature game segment, "King of the Hill," where they humorously critique and "judge" each other's comments and social media antics.

• Sherry Jacobus becomes the inadvertent champion after delivering offensive remarks about "Alligator Alcatraz":

  "That's what Trump wants. It's cheaper than gas chambers." (63:03)

The playful banter underscores the hosts' camaraderie while maintaining the podcast's critical tone towards opposing viewpoints.

10. Fourth of July Preparations and Special Episode Teaser

As Independence Day approaches, the hosts hint at a special Fourth of July episode, promising fresh content and continued political commentary.

"Heads up to the audience. We're going to do another show. We're going to do a Fourth of July." (03:00)

Comfortably Smug reinforces the love for America:

"The only thing we like more than politics is America." (03:26)

11. Closing Remarks and Listener Encouragement

The episode wraps up with encouragement for listeners to stay engaged, subscribe, and participate in upcoming discussions.

"Subscribe to the Ruthless Variety program right there on YouTube and you put your comments in, we curate all of them." (34:18)

The hosts reiterate their commitment to providing a platform for conservative voices and combating what they perceive as media and academic biases against Trump.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes (00:00): "He's $30 million in the black just based on settling disputes with the corporate media."

• Michael Duncan (00:21): "It's like, no, I want my throne to be the skulls of my enemies. It's amazing."

• John Ashbrook (19:00): "Morley Safer has gone completely out of, like, all their talent has gone crazy."

• Comfortably Smug (63:03): "That's what Trump wants. It's cheaper than gas chambers."

• Josh Holmes (34:18): "Subscribe to the Ruthless Variety program right there on YouTube and you put your comments in, we curate all of them."

Conclusion:

In this episode, the Ruthless Podcast delivers a robust critique of mainstream media's handling of Donald Trump, legal battles, and societal issues surrounding transgender athletes. Through sharp analysis, humor, and interactive segments, the hosts provide a comprehensive perspective aimed at engaging and mobilizing their conservative audience. The blend of serious political discourse with lighthearted segments like "King of the Hill" ensures the episode remains both informative and entertaining for listeners.