Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "How Trump is Battling the Liberal Media w/ Carolyn Leavitt"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Ruthless Podcast
• Host/Authors: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook
• Episode Title: How Trump is Battling the Liberal Media w/ Carolyn Leavitt
• Release Date: February 27, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, host Josh Holmes, along with co-hosts Comfortably Smug and Michael Duncan, engage in a robust discussion with Carolyn Levitt, the White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump. The conversation centers on President Trump's strategies to counteract what the team perceives as liberal media bias, the restructuring of media access to the White House, and the broader implications for American journalism and democracy.

Challenging the Traditional Media Establishment

Carolyn Levitt's Announcement of a New Media Strategy ([00:00] - [09:08]): Carolyn Levitt opens the discussion by highlighting the administration's decision to reshape media access. She criticizes longstanding media institutions like ESPN's Sage Steele and outlets such as Axios and Semaphore for their limited representation in White House briefings. Levitt emphasizes the need for inclusivity, stating:

"We've heard from so many of them in the last 24 hours who are saying, and many, you might be surprised, of the outlets they work for who have said thank you, like, I've never rode on Air Force One and I can't wait to be able to do that." ([09:08])

Critique of the White House Correspondents Association ([05:28] - [12:09]): Levitt condemns the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) for monopolizing access to presidential events, arguing that it excludes genuine journalists committed to truth and accuracy. She asserts:

"WACA has controlled that for decades. And it's unfair to real people, real journalists who care about truth and accuracy and facts and want those opportunities." ([09:08])

Expanding Media Access ([13:28] - [35:29]): The conversation delves into how the Trump administration has embraced non-traditional media platforms, such as podcasts and influencers, to disseminate information directly to the public. Levitt explains that this strategy was pivotal during Trump's 2016 campaign and continues to be essential for transparent governance. She asserts:

"President Trump can fix [Medicare]. Call Congress and urge them to end the Biden pill penalty." ([01:12])

This approach contrasts sharply with legacy media practices, positioning the administration as more accessible and transparent.

Demarjournal: Identifying Media Bias

Introduction to the Game ([15:00] - [30:02]): To illustrate media bias, the hosts introduce "Demerjournal," a game where Carolyn Levitt is challenged to distinguish between statements made by liberal journalists and a Democrat. Smug prepares the game with four statements, three from journalists and one from a Democrat, testing Levitt's ability to identify bias.

Gameplay and Analysis ([18:13] - [30:02]): Throughout the game, Levitt successfully identifies biased statements, highlighting the administration's view of media favoritism. Notable exchanges include Levitt critiquing specific reporters and media outlets for their perceived lack of fairness and objectivity.

"The legacy media will still have their seat at the table. There will still be a rotation for those outlets, but it's time for new voices to be included." ([09:08])

This segment underscores the podcast's stance on media inclusivity and challenges the entrenched power of traditional journalism in shaping public narratives.

Personal Insights and Team Camaraderie

Carolyn Levitt's Background and Admiration ([35:29] - [42:32]): Levitt shares her journey into politics, her longstanding support for President Trump since the 2016 New Hampshire primary, and her admiration for predecessors like Dana Perino and Kayleigh McEnany. She describes the White House team as a cohesive and supportive environment, emphasizing:

"I love the way you said that." ([23:17])

Levitt highlights the positive work culture, the camaraderie developed through shared challenges, and the fun yet serious nature of their roles within the administration.

Interview with Senate Majority Leader John Thune

Senate Operations and Confirmation Processes ([44:05] - [53:35]): The podcast welcomes Senator John Thune, who discusses the efficiency of the Senate under Republican control. He highlights the streamlined confirmation of executive branch positions and judges, despite Democratic opposition. Thune remarks:

"The Senate spends two thirds of its time on personnel. Think about it. We're like a human resources factory." ([46:19])

He addresses the challenges posed by budget reconciliation and the necessity of bipartisan cooperation for passing significant legislation.

Women in Sports Act ([46:34] - [48:11]): Senator Thune introduces the Women in Sports Act, aimed at banning biological males from competing in women's sports. He emphasizes the need to codify the President’s executive order to ensure its permanence, sharing a personal connection:

"As a girl dad, both of our daughters and now I've got granddaughters were very active in sports." ([46:34])

Tax Policy and Economic Growth ([53:27] - [61:15]): Thune elaborates on the administration's tax policies, arguing that tax cuts spur economic growth and ultimately increase government revenue. He counters Democratic narratives by presenting data on income disparities and economic performance post-2017 tax reforms.

"For every 1 percentage increase in GDP, you get about $3 trillion in additional tax revenue over a decade." ([56:07])

Government Funding Challenges ([61:52] - [63:38]): Addressing the looming government funding deadline, Thune critiques the Democrats for creating a funding pileup through inaction, thereby forcing Republicans to act unilaterally to prevent a government shutdown.

"This is a pileup that was created by their inactivity and failure to do the basic tasks of funding the government last year." ([61:52])

Closing Remarks from Senator Thune ([63:54] - [65:40]): In a lighter segment, Senator Thune discusses personal anecdotes about his time in the Senate, including his "fastest person in Congress" title and his engagement with local sports, showcasing his relatable personality and dedication.

"These are the South Dakota products that you've brought us. These are little beef jerky." ([64:50])

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts praising Carolyn Levitt and Senator John Thune for their contributions to the administration's media strategy and legislative agenda. They reiterate the podcast's commitment to challenging traditional media narratives and promoting a more inclusive and transparent information flow.

"Stay ruthless." ([66:25])

The hosts encourage listeners to stay informed and engaged, emphasizing the importance of building a brighter future through the administration's policies on energy, economy, and governance.

Notable Quotes

• Carolyn Levitt: "The legacy media will still have their seat at the table. There will still be a rotation for those outlets, but it's time for new voices to be included." ([09:08])

• Senator John Thune: "The Senate spends two thirds of its time on personnel. Think about it. We're like a human resources factory." ([46:19])

• Michael Duncan: "For every 1 percentage increase in GDP, you get about $3 trillion in additional tax revenue over a decade." ([56:07])

• Carolyn Levitt: "This is the most transparent administration. We are not afraid to take questions from anyone." ([09:08])

• Josh Holmes: "With President Trump, with your help, is running the absolute most transparent information flow of any administration in history." ([35:29])

Key Takeaways

1. Media Reformation: The Trump administration, represented by Carolyn Levitt, is actively restructuring media access to favor a broader range of journalists, including non-traditional and local media outlets, challenging the dominance of legacy media and the WHCA.

2. Direct Communication Strategy: Emphasizing the use of podcasts and influencers, the administration aims to bypass traditional media filters to communicate directly with the American public, enhancing transparency and inclusivity.

3. Legislative Efficiency: Through the interview with Senator Thune, the podcast highlights the Senate's swift confirmation processes under Republican control, the challenges posed by Democratic opposition, and the strategic use of budget reconciliation.

4. Economic and Tax Policies: The administration's tax cuts are portrayed as catalysts for economic growth, with Senator Thune arguing that such policies increase government revenue through expanded GDP.

5. Governance Challenges: Addressing government funding, the podcast criticizes Democratic inaction leading to funding stalemates, positioning Republicans as responsive and responsible in maintaining government operations.

6. Personal Insights and Camaraderie: Carolyn Levitt shares her personal journey and the positive, supportive environment within the White House team, underscoring the importance of teamwork and shared values in effective governance.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the episode's main discussions, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the Trump administration's media strategies, legislative priorities, and internal dynamics as presented on the Ruthless Podcast.