Ruthless Podcast – Episode Summary: "Top 5 Trump Wins…So Far"
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook delve into the top five victories achieved by the Trump administration so far. With insightful discussions, notable quotes, and expert commentary, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of significant policy changes and their impacts, catering to listeners who seek a deeper understanding of contemporary conservative achievements.
Top 5 Trump Wins
5. Doge’s Role in Government Reform
Time Stamp: 00:00-14:02
The episode kicks off with an exploration of "Doge," a key figure spearheading transformative changes within Washington. The hosts commend Doge for implementing unprecedented government cuts and eliminating waste and fraud, a feat unmatched by previous administrations.
Michael Duncan highlights, “Doge is a perfect place to start because this guy campaigned on changing Washington, and this is probably the easiest identifiable way that he is actually changing Washington in a way that no president before him ever has” (00:04).
Josh Holmes adds, “We finally beat Medicare... Biden broke Medicare, but President Trump can fix it” (00:19-00:24), emphasizing the administration’s focus on rectifying previous Medicare shortcomings.
The team discusses Doge’s efficiency, such as optimizing the census process and proposing innovative solutions to reduce government expenditures. Comfortably Smug remarks, “Elon went into that Cabinet meeting was basically like, look, I'm not doing your job” (09:00), underscoring Doge’s refusal to overstep his mandate.
4. Executive Order on Men in Women’s Sports
Time Stamp: 14:02-16:04
The fourth victory centers on the Trump administration’s executive order aimed at excluding men from women’s sports, a move that swiftly influenced major organizations like the NCAA.
Josh Holmes states, “Keep men out of women's sports. It's that simple” (15:35).
Sherri Macheri praises the administration's leadership: “When President Trump showed that leadership, the NCAA was like, okay, finally, thank God, we can finally codify this” (15:35-15:47).
This policy not only aligns with conservative values but also reflects widespread public support, making it a pivotal win for the administration.
3. Ending USAID Slush Funds
Time Stamp: 16:04-19:20
The podcast highlights the decisive action taken to eliminate USAID slush funds, redirecting taxpayer money away from ineffective and ideologically driven programs.
Michael Duncan explains, “Democrats have taken this to a point where they're like, well, this guy's just trying to be the emperor of all things federal government” (20:23).
Josh Holmes emphasizes the financial prudence, “They found $55 billion to $134 billion already” (13:35), illustrating the substantial savings achieved through targeted cuts and reforms.
The hosts argue that terminating these funds curtails unethical practices and ensures that federal money is spent more judiciously, benefiting the American populace directly.
2. Securing the Border
Time Stamp: 19:20-26:03
Securing the U.S. border emerges as the second major triumph, with border crossings dropping by an astounding 93% in just eight weeks under the Trump administration’s stringent policies.
John Ashbrook notes, “Border crossings are down 93% since Trump took off” (23:43-23:58).
Michael Duncan underscores the psychological impact, “If you intend to ensure that people know there's no free lunch here, and it's gonna be a hell of a problem if you try to cross this border” (24:00).
The administration’s focus on robust border security measures has not only deterred illegal crossings but also reinstated national safety and sovereignty, resonating strongly with voters.
1. Ending DEI Programs
Time Stamp: 26:03-32:15
Topping the list is the bold move to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government and beyond, marking a significant cultural and societal shift.
Josh Holmes asserts, “The DEI thing has sort of illuminated another aspect of what it means to be a progressive liberal” (29:44).
Sherri Macheri adds, “It's like extricating stage 4 cancer from the American soul” (28:43-28:47), highlighting the administration’s commitment to eradicating what they perceive as systemic racism and corporate overreach.
By terminating DEI initiatives, the Trump administration seeks to restore traditional values and streamline organizational practices, further solidifying its conservative foundation.
Budget and Fiscal Policy with Jody Arrington
Time Stamp: 35:04-73:10
A significant portion of the episode features an in-depth interview with Jody Arrington, the House Budget Chairman, who discusses the passage of a crucial budget bill. Arrington outlines the administration’s strategies to tackle the national debt, emphasizing deficit reduction, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility.
John Ashbrook shares, “We're borrowing 2 trillion a year. We have about a 7% deficit” (56:35-56:58).
The discussion covers:
- Deficit and Debt Reduction: Strategies to manage and reduce the national deficit through controlled spending and economic growth.
- Entitlement Reforms: Targeting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for sustainability and efficiency.
- Legislative Challenges: Navigating the complexities of passing the budget through a constrained legislative environment.
- Economic Growth: Promoting policies that encourage job creation, wage increases, and investment to outpace debt accumulation.
Josh Holmes emphasizes the urgency, “We could shut down the government in March and not reopen it until 2036 and not have a balanced sheet” (73:01-73:10).
Arrington’s insights provide a clear roadmap for achieving long-term fiscal stability, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to economic prudence.
Audience Interaction: Listener Comments
Time Stamp: 35:04-43:53
The hosts engage with listeners' comments, presenting suggestions on areas Doge should focus on:
- Bailey: Advocates for a complete overhaul of food stamp programs to eliminate misuse, citing instances of excessive spending on non-essential items (35:04-35:51).
- Barch: Recommends addressing entitlements, highlighting the pervasive grift within federal programs and the potential savings (36:21-37:05).
- Lorinda Leach: Criticizes congressional perks and self-enrichment, urging a crackdown on corruption and misuse of funds (39:14-40:59).
Sherri Macheri responds, “Just follow Pelosi and you win” (40:22), reinforcing the podcast’s stance against perceived political corruption.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a spirited portrayal of the hosts’ camaraderie and their playful "King of the Hill" segment, which, while entertaining, underscores the podcast’s commitment to holding their political opponents accountable.
Josh Holmes concludes, “Stay ruthless” (89:56), encapsulating the podcast’s ethos of unwavering commitment to conservative values and relentless pursuit of accountability in government.
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This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the Ruthless Podcast episode, highlighting the hosts' perspectives on the Trump administration’s key achievements, fiscal strategies, and engagement with their audience’s concerns. Notable quotes are included to provide authenticity and depth, making it a valuable resource for those who haven't tuned in.