Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Is Trump’s Trade Messaging Working?"
Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook delve into the effectiveness of former President Donald Trump's trade messaging, particularly in relation to China. The hosts promise a lively and insightful discussion, emphasizing their intent to decode the Trump administration's economic strategies and their implications for the American market.

Trump’s Trade Strategy: Good Cop, Bad Cop Dynamics

The conversation kicks off with Michael Duncan highlighting the strategic interplay between Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and President Trump in negotiating trade deals with China. Duncan praises this two-tier approach, likening Besant to the "good cop" who negotiates earnestly, while Trump embodies the "bad cop," leveraging his tough demeanor to compel China to the negotiating table.

Michael Duncan [00:00]: "Besson can be out there negotiating and his backstop is the American economy. So come to the fucking table. And that's what he has. And that's why I like this as a two-step negotiating strategy between Besson and Trump. It's genius."

Josh Holmes adds depth to this analysis by explaining Trump's relentless stance in negotiations, ensuring the U.S. maintains its economic superiority without appearing desperate for deals.

Josh Holmes [17:07]: "He’s never going to make the other side feel as though he needs a deal. That’s how Trump operates in every negotiation."

The hosts discuss the recent meeting between Trump and the new Canadian Prime Minister, juxtaposing Trump's assertive declarations about the U.S. market with Besant's call for fair trade, illustrating the balance of cooperation and coercion in their strategy.

Josh Holmes [10:37]: "Unsustainable on one side, it seems like Trump is saying very sustainable. Unless you come to us on the other side, you might think that's contradictory."

Tax Cuts and Economic Momentum

Shifting focus to domestic policy, the hosts analyze the bipartisan support for renewing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Citing a recent poll by AFP conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, they reveal overwhelming public endorsement for maintaining current tax rates.

Josh Holmes [32:52]: "68% of respondents report their taxes are already too high. There’s also broad cross-section support, 84% for keeping the current tax rates in place."

Michael Duncan underscores the political advantage this presents, suggesting that Republicans can leverage this support to push for tax reforms that align with Trump's economic agenda.

Michael Duncan [33:15]: "84% of Americans agree on keeping current tax rates—that’s something Republicans can capitalize on."

Engaging with the Audience: Humorous Take on Democratic Journalists

The episode incorporates an interactive segment where the hosts respond to audience comments. One notable comment by Gail vg humorously suggests repurposing Democratic journalists on platforms like Nextdoor.

Gail vg [38:35]: "Let the dem journos loose on the nextdoor app to repurpose their literary outrage."

The hosts playfully mock this idea, emphasizing their disdain for what they perceive as petty online activism.

Michael Duncan [39:26]: "They're already there. You will never in your life meet a more petty tyrant than a Democrat on the nextdoor app."

Pop Culture Commentary: The Case of Peppa Pig

Injecting humor into the discussion, the hosts critique the portrayal of masculinity in the children’s show Peppa Pig, specifically targeting how Daddy Pig is treated.

Josh Holmes [29:02]: "They allow their children to make fun of their father. It’s like they’ve erased masculinity."

This segment serves as a light-hearted critique of cultural shifts the hosts disagree with, reinforcing their conservative viewpoints on traditional family roles.

King of the Hill: Mocking Conservative Figures

A recurring segment, King of the Hill, features the hosts humorously critiquing conservative personalities. In this episode, they mock Bill Kristol and Joe Walsh for their perceived inconsistencies and deviations from core conservative principles.

John Ashbrook [54:10]: "Bill Kristol’s tweet reflects the larger problem in liberalism—they believe they can play our values against us."

Michael Duncan [63:46]: "Patrick Argyle demands these illegal immigrant criminals go to a Sandals Resort."

These exchanges highlight the hosts' skepticism towards certain conservative figures, portraying them as out of touch or compromised.

Addressing Anti-Semitism: The Dave Portnoy Incident

The podcast takes a serious turn as the hosts discuss an anti-Semitic incident at a Barstool Sports establishment owned by Dave Portnoy. A sign reading "Fuck the Jews" was displayed during a bottle service order, prompting condemnation.

Josh Holmes [73:37]: "This is a character that you have and the, you know, the content of all of that. You didn't just process this latent racism or latent anti-Semitism, which has now come to the fore over the last 10 years."

John Ashbrook emphasizes the importance of accountability and condemns the act as a blatant display of hate.

John Ashbrook [75:03]: "They just order that, dude. I just cannot. I just cannot believe this."

The hosts critique Dave Portnoy for not adequately addressing the issue, highlighting the persistence of anti-Semitism in certain cultural niches.

Interview with James Altheimer: Florida’s Aggressive Stance on Immigration

One of the episode's highlights is an in-depth interview with James Altheimer, the Attorney General of Florida. Altheimer discusses Florida’s proactive measures against illegal immigration, emphasizing state sovereignty over federal overreach.

James Altheimer [85:34]: "We've had Operation Tidal Wave the last week of April where we had over 1,100 people arrested in one sitting."

Altheimer also addresses corporate accountability, recounting legal actions against companies like Target for engaging in controversial social policies that negatively impacted Florida’s pension funds.

James Altheimer [96:21]: "We've brought suit against Target. They rolled out this transgender kids clothing line. Their stock value crashed 10 billion in 10 days."

He underscores Florida's leadership in combating child exploitation online, advocating for stringent regulations on gaming apps that facilitate predator activities.

James Altheimer [90:49]: "We've been arresting numerous people. Last week it was Snapchat, the next week it's Roblox."

The interview provides a comprehensive look at Florida’s law enforcement strategies, reflecting the podcast’s focus on conservative policy implementation.

Conclusion

The Ruthless Podcast episode "Is Trump’s Trade Messaging Working?" offers a blend of serious policy discussion, humorous commentary, and interactive segments. The hosts critically examine Trump's economic strategies, advocate for tax cuts, engage with audience humor, condemn anti-Semitism, and showcase Florida’s aggressive stance on immigration through their guest, James Altheimer. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive analysis tailored to listeners interested in conservative viewpoints on current events.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michael Duncan [00:00]: "Besant can be out there negotiating and his backstop is the American economy. So come to the fucking table. And that's what he has. And that's why I like this as a two-step negotiating strategy between Besson and Trump. It's genius."

• Josh Holmes [17:07]: "He’s never going to make the other side feel as though he needs a deal. That’s how Trump operates in every negotiation."

• Josh Holmes [32:52]: "68% of respondents report their taxes are already too high. There’s also broad cross-section support, 84% for keeping the current tax rates in place."

• Michael Duncan [39:26]: "They're already there. You will never in your life meet a more petty tyrant than a Democrat on the nextdoor app."

• Josh Holmes [29:02]: "They allow their children to make fun of their father. It’s like they’ve erased masculinity."

• John Ashbrook [54:10]: "Bill Kristol’s tweet reflects the larger problem in liberalism—they believe they can play our values against us."

• Josh Holmes [73:37]: "This is a character that you have and the, you know, the content of all of that. You didn't just process this latent racism or latent anti-Semitism, which has now come to the fore over the last 10 years."

• James Altheimer [85:34]: "We've had Operation Tidal Wave the last week of April where we had over 1,100 people arrested in one sitting."

• James Altheimer [96:21]: "We've brought suit against Target. They rolled out this transgender kids clothing line. Their stock value crashed 10 billion in 10 days."

This summary encapsulates the episode's essential discussions, providing a clear and structured overview for those who haven't tuned in.