Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Why The Deep State Is Freaking Out"

Release Date: February 25, 2025

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

Introduction

In the milestone 500th episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook delve into the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the so-called "Deep State." The discussion is marked by the hosts' signature blend of conservative analysis, humor, and critical insights into current political dynamics.

The Deep State’s Ultimatum to Federal Workers

Josh Holmes opens the episode by highlighting what he perceives as the Deep State's aggressive maneuvers against the Trump administration. He states, “The deep state is coming full on at the Trump administration. At this point, they're using the media as their microphone to try to do it” (00:00).

Michael Duncan and John Ashbrook discuss the tensions within federal employment, criticizing elitism among government workers. Ashbrook mocks ABC News' portrayal of federal workers as anxious, countering, “Because every other American has to do that at their job” (00:17).

Elon Musk’s Directive to Federal Employees

The conversation shifts to Elon Musk's controversial directive requiring federal employees to report their weekly accomplishments or face termination. Holmes critiques the media's sensationalism, mentioning an ABC News segment that portrayed Musk negatively (06:45).

Cutlerleaf defends the legitimacy of Musk's approach, comparing it to standard managerial practices in the private sector. Duncan adds, “Anybody out here, out there who's working in sales does that to their boss every week as a matter of course” (08:36).

Pentagon Purges and Military Leadership Changes

John Ashbrook and Michael Duncan express outrage over President Trump’s firing of high-ranking military officials, including Air Force General Charles C. Q Brown. Ashbrook points out the unusual nature of such high-level dismissals, questioning the rationale behind “President Trump can fix it” (14:10).

Holmes criticizes the media's negative framing, stating, “What an outrage. I can't believe that this is even suggested” (14:10). The hosts discuss the potential dangers of undermining military leadership and the importance of President Trump’s authority as Commander-in-Chief.

EPA and Stacey Abrams Grant Controversy

The hosts turn their attention to the Biden administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a $2 billion grant to an organization led by Stacey Abrams. Cutlerleaf vehemently criticizes the allocation, saying, “They spent $2 billion on an organization that had been stood up three weeks before they got a grant” (20:28).

John Ashbrook labels it a "cash and carry government," emphasizing the perceived misuse of taxpayer funds to support liberal causes. The hosts draw parallels to past scandals like Solyndra, highlighting what they view as systemic issues within the current administration.

Media’s Criticism of Elon Musk and Democrat Alignment

The discussion shifts to the media's ongoing critiques of Elon Musk, whom they accuse of being unfairly targeted by Democratic outlets. Holmes remarks, “They always act like he's just off the wall” (16:22), while Ashbrook and Duncan argue that Musk’s actions are being misrepresented to fit a broader anti-Democratic narrative.

Hack Madness Tournament and Media Accountability

The hosts introduce their "Hack Madness" tournament, a playful yet pointed critique of liberal media figures. They select and evaluate journalists based on their perceived biases and factual inaccuracies, drawing attention to figures like Joy Reid.

Josh Holmes explains, “We picked 64 of the worst journalists in all of America and we set up a March Madness bracket style competition” (43:31), highlighting the show's commitment to holding media accountable through humor and competition.

The Firing of Joy Reid and MSNBC Shake-Up

A significant portion of the episode focuses on MSNBC's decision to fire Joy Reid, a prominent liberal host. The hosts dissect the implications, with Cutlerleaf mentioning Reid's controversial past statements and the network's reactive measures: “It's just proof that they have their own rules” (45:13).

John Ashbrook criticizes MSNBC's choice of successors, suggesting that new hires may inherit the same biases and issues that led to Reid's departure: “They are like not crazy enough” (54:37).

Airline Industry Chaos and Public Behavior

Transitioning to lighter topics, the hosts discuss recent disturbances in the airline industry. Josh Holmes humorously condemns Southwest Airlines' new policy against speakerphone use: “Please don't listen to a movie or a video or any kind of audio on your speakerphone on the plane” (57:19).

John Ashbrook laments the deteriorating behavior of airline passengers, attributing it to overbooking and the constraints of modern air travel: “Too many people are allowed to fly” (59:23).

Listener Engagement and Feedback

The episode concludes with hosts reading and reacting to listener comments, celebrating the show’s milestone and fostering a sense of community among their audience. Cutlerleaf shares appreciation for listeners' support, while Michael Duncan highlights the podcast’s impact on providing alternative viewpoints:

• “Congratulations on your YouTube award and the 500 episodes. ... Keep holding the line and calling out those crazy ass journos with a heart at the end.” (38:02)

Conclusion

In this episode, the Ruthless Podcast navigates through a landscape of political upheaval, media critique, and societal observations with fervor and unfiltered commentary. The hosts emphasize the ongoing struggle against what they term the Deep State, advocate for transparency and accountability in government, and criticize mainstream media narratives. Through a blend of serious discourse and humor, they engage their audience in a call to action, urging listeners to stay informed and resist perceived government overreach.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes (00:00): “The deep state is coming full on at the Trump administration. At this point, they're using the media as their microphone to try to do it.”

• John Ashbrook (00:17): “Because every other American has to do that at their job.”

• Michael Duncan (08:36): “Anybody out here, out there who's working in sales does that to their boss every week as a matter of course.”

• John Ashbrook (14:10): “What an outrage. I can't believe that this is even suggested.”

• Cutlerleaf (20:28): “They spent $2 billion on an organization that had been stood up three weeks before they got a grant.”

• John Ashbrook (45:13): “It's just proof that they have their own rules.”

• Josh Holmes (57:19): “Please don't listen to a movie or a video or any kind of audio on your speakerphone on the plane.”

• Cutlerleaf (59:23): “Too many people are allowed to fly.”

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and viewpoints presented in the "Why The Deep State Is Freaking Out" episode of the Ruthless Podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.