Ruthless Podcast: The REAL Story Behind The Signal Controversy
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook

1. Unveiling the Signal Controversy

The episode delves into the recent uproar surrounding the use of the encrypted messaging app, Signal, by members of the Biden administration. The controversy ignited when journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic was inadvertently included in a private Signal group chat used by national security officials to coordinate U.S. strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Josh Holmes opens the discussion by contrasting the media's portrayal of the scandal with what he views as the administration's effective actions:

[00:00] Josh Holmes: "DC Chattering class like, oh, my God, this is a scandal. Yeah, get out of here, dude. The story is America got the job done, bro."

2. Administration's Response and Operational Success

The hosts commend the Trump administration's decisive military action in Yemen, which effectively dismantled the Houthi network, restoring secure commerce through the Suez Canal—a region marred by 175 attacks on U.S. Navy ships during the previous year.

Michael Duncan highlights the efficiency of the strikes:

[00:08] Michael Duncan: "If the biggest scandal out of this administration is that a journalist found out in real time that we were killing terrorists, I think we're doing a pretty good job."

3. Media Bias and Story Selection

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on media bias, particularly the selective reporting that favors narratives detrimental to Democratic leadership while downplaying substantial military achievements.

John Ashbrook criticizes the media’s prioritization:

[02:38] John Ashbrook: "It is. And we'll also have some great updates for you on the Hack Madness tournament."

The hosts argue that mainstream media outlets are more interested in creating and perpetuating scandals that harm the Trump administration rather than reporting on successful military operations that benefit national security.

4. The Role of Journalists and National Security

The inadvertent inclusion of Jeffrey Goldberg in the Signal chat is scrutinized, with the hosts questioning the implications for national security and journalistic integrity.

John Ashbrook sarcastically remarks on Signal usage:

[00:31] John Ashbrook: "So when Republicans are using Signal, they're trying to talk to each other. When Democrats use Signal, they talk to lobbyists for Russian oligarchs."

They assert that such lapses are minor compared to the administration's previous inaction, emphasizing that the main issue lies in the media's failure to highlight significant security threats.

5. The Hack Madness Tournament

Interwoven with the main discussion is the "Hack Madness" tournament, an annual feature where the hosts rate and rank journalists they deem the "worst" in Washington, D.C. This segment serves as both a critique of journalistic standards and a satirical take on media accountability.

Comfortably Smug introduces the tournament:

[02:35] Comfortably Smug: "Some Variety. Give you an update on hack madness."

6. Comparing Media Reactions to Scandals

The hosts compare the media's intense scrutiny of the Signal controversy with its relatively muted response to the loss of 13 American service members in Afghanistan under the Biden administration. They argue that media outlets are heavily biased towards damaging Democrats while neglecting significant military setbacks.

Michael Duncan underscores this disparity:

[15:41] Michael Duncan: "But when it comes to the scandal meter, this is pretty low."

7. Critique of Democratic Leadership and Media Alignment

Further criticism is directed towards Democratic leaders like Senator Dick Durbin and media personalities, suggesting a coordinated effort to undermine the Trump administration through minor scandals rather than addressing substantial governance issues.

John Ashbrook condemns Durbin’s actions:

[08:50] John Ashbrook: "Tell Republican senators, stop Dick Durbin's government takeover of your credit card before it's too late."

8. The Impact of Media Choices on Public Perception

The podcast emphasizes how media choices in story coverage shape public perception, arguing that by focusing on minor infractions like the Signal chat, the media distracts from more pressing national security concerns that directly affect American lives.

Josh Holmes reflects on media priorities:

[23:01] Josh Holmes: "You would think you would put out a statement on the successful mission in Yemen of a problem that has plagued this country for 15 months. Nope. They didn't say a fucking word about it."

9. Conclusion: Media Accountability and Listener Engagement

In wrapping up, the hosts call for greater media accountability and encourage listeners to engage critically with news sources. They advocate for sharing their analyses to counteract what they perceive as biased mainstream reporting.

Josh Holmes concludes with a call to action:

[60:41] Josh Holmes: "Gentlemen, again, thank you so much to the Minions. Remember, like and subscribe and share. Share the show. We love seeing our numbers go up. So until next time, Minions, keep the faith, hold the line and own the libs. We'll see you Tuesday. Stay ruthless."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Josh Holmes, 00:00: "DC Chattering class like, oh, my God, this is a scandal. Yeah, get out of here, dude. The story is America got the job done, bro."

• Michael Duncan, 00:08: "If the biggest scandal out of this administration is that a journalist found out in real time that we were killing terrorists, I think we're doing a pretty good job."

• John Ashbrook, 00:31: "So when Republicans are using Signal, they're trying to talk to each other. When Democrats use Signal, they talk to lobbyists for Russian oligarchs."

• Josh Holmes, 23:01: "You would think you would put out a statement on the successful mission in Yemen of a problem that has plagued this country for 15 months. Nope. They didn't say a fucking word about it."

• Michael Duncan, 15:41: "But when it comes to the scandal meter, this is pretty low."

Key Takeaways

• Military Success vs. Media Scandals: The hosts argue that the administration's successful military operations receive insufficient media coverage compared to minor scandals that harm political adversaries.

• Media Bias and Story Selection: Emphasis is placed on how mainstream media prioritizes stories that align with their biases, neglecting more impactful national security issues.

• Journalistic Integrity: The inadvertent inclusion of a journalist in a secure communication channel is critiqued, highlighting potential vulnerabilities and questioning the media's role in national security matters.

• Audience Engagement: The podcast encourages listeners to critically assess mainstream media narratives and participate in their "Hack Madness" tournament to identify and challenge perceived journalistic failings.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the "Ruthless Podcast" episode, providing an in-depth overview for those who haven't tuned in.