The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show — Daily Review

Episode: January 16, 2026

Episode Theme

This episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show dives into current political headlines with a focus on rural healthcare reform under Trump, the latest developments in immigration enforcement (ICE activity, especially in Minnesota), rural vs. urban political dynamics, media bias, and insights from Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on agricultural and dietary policy reforms. The show mixes serious policy talk with trademark banter, sports references (particularly college football), and critiques of the current media and political landscapes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Focus on Rural Healthcare Reform

[03:18]–[15:14]

• The hosts outline Trump’s recent rural health roundtable, highlighting how the cost of healthcare, government intervention, and Obamacare have allegedly failed rural America.
• Trump’s direct criticisms of Obamacare and Medicaid spending (“Only 7% of the annual Medicaid spending on rural hospitals has gone to rural hospitals” – Donald Trump, [07:36]).
• The show discusses waste and fraud in healthcare, emphasizing the perverse incentives in Obamacare and Medicaid.
  • Clay Travis: “People in Obamacare never use Obamacare at all... health care companies are getting paid to cover people who either don’t need the coverage or don’t even know that they have it. Does that sound like a good system to you? It’s waste with fraud.” [09:51]
• The conversation shifts to conceptual remedies, like making Medicaid truly representative of insurance, not subsidies for major corporations.

Notable Quote:

“We increased funding for rural health care by an unprecedented record setting $50 billion over five years.” — Donald Trump, [14:31]

2. The Minnesota ICE Protests and Media Spin

[22:25]–[33:52]

• The recent ICE raids and subsequent protests in Minneapolis are dissected, with attention to both policy implications and media portrayal.
• Show highlights exchange between White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt and The Hill’s reporter Niall Stanage, where Levitt accuses the reporter of media bias.
• The hosts stress the double standard: How the left treats law enforcement and federal officers differently depending on the context.
  • Caroline Levitt: “You’re a left wing hack... you’re posing in this room as a journalist... you should be reporting on the facts.” [23:00]
  • Buck Sexton: “His whole profession is based around this lie, that they don’t actually... that they don’t actually have an opinion... he just let it rip.” [29:32]
• They tie this into a bigger theme of trust and transparency in journalism, referencing Jim Acosta and the performative antagonism in press briefings.

Memorable Exchange:

“Never half-ass two things. Whole ass one thing.” — Ron Swanson reference by Buck Sexton, [65:43]

3. Impact of Deportations on Census and Congressional Seats

[13:22]–[14:22]

• The hosts highlight a key political strategy discussion: If large-scale deportations continue, it may alter the 2030 Census, potentially decreasing the number of House seats apportioned to Democrats.
• This, they argue, is why Democrats are aggressively opposing current immigration enforcement.

4. Special Interview: Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins

[35:39]–[49:55]

• Brooke Rollins discusses the shift in official dietary guidelines, introducing a new “real food”-focused food pyramid demoting grains and processed foods.
  • Brooke Rollins: “Instead of focusing on carbohydrates and breads... we flipped it to eat real food, protein, butter, whole milk, fruits, vegetables, that this will fundamentally transform our nation.” [36:29]
• Discusses chronic disease linked to poor diet—“40 cents of every American tax dollar goes to treating chronic disease” [36:29]—and how changing food programs could both save money and foster a healthier society.
• Touches on food costs and how an America-first approach and reduced regulatory burden could help bring prices down.
• Also, discusses access for low-income communities, SNAP reform (“250,000 retailers... must stock double their offerings of food that comes off this new food pyramid” [43:47]) and the wider implications for military readiness and national security.
• The conversation pivots to college football, Texas A&M rivalry, and the Miami-Indiana national championship.
  • Buck Seksxton (on learning Texas football signs): “Everybody who is playing against Texas is horns down.” [50:39]

5. Foreign Policy: Iran, Venezuela, and Insurrection Act

[59:26]–[66:45]

• Trump addresses the decision not to attack Iran, suggesting the threat of US action halted mass executions:
  • Donald Trump: “You had yesterday scheduled over 800 hangings. They didn’t hang anyone. They canceled the hangings...” [59:31]
• Discussion of Venezuela, with Trump referencing meetings with opposition leaders and the importance of maintaining stability.
• Analysis of the use and limitations of the Insurrection Act concerning civil unrest in Minneapolis.
  • Donald Trump: “If I needed it [the Insurrection Act], I’d use it. I don’t think there’s any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, I’d use it. It’s very powerful.” [61:34]
• Buck draws on his national security background to explain why “halfway measures” don't work in places like Iran:
  • Buck Sexton: “You’re either all in or you should pick something else to do... all of this nibbling around the edges is not the move.” [65:43]

6. Texas Primary and Show Travel Plans

[55:51]–[58:46]

• The hosts express their appreciation for their Texas audience, anticipate coverage of the key Texas primary (March 3rd), and hint at a tour of several Texas affiliates.
• Discussion on Texas college traditions and the importance of understanding local rivalries.
  • Clay Travis: “You college football people with your secret handshakes. I can’t keep...”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Democrats' rigged system is collapsing around them and they’re seeing it happen.” — Buck Sexton [13:22]
• “Social media over time reveals who you really are, for better or worse.” — Buck Sexton [30:11]
• “I love Vermont as a state... but it’s Bernie Sandersville. I mean, the politics there are... It’s pure commie. It’s beautiful place.” — Clay Travis [11:03]
• “Caroline Levitt, great job answering that question and in general as White House press secretary.” — Clay Travis [23:58]
• “This is a massive, massive issue for the continuation of the American dream.” — Brooke Rollins [44:44]
• “Never half-ass two things. Whole ass one thing.” — Buck Sexton quoting Ron Swanson [65:43]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment Description | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:18–15:14| Rural healthcare, Trump’s policies, Medicaid, Obamacare | | 13:22–14:22| Deportations, census impact, political strategy | | 22:25–33:52| ICE protests, Caroline Levitt vs. media, journalism bias | | 35:39–49:55| Secretary Brooke Rollins interview on food policy & football | | 59:26–66:45| Iran, Venezuela, Insurrection Act, foreign policy analysis | | 55:51–58:46| Texas audience appreciation and tour/traditions |

Tone & Language

The show mixes political critique with humor, directness, and occasional sarcasm, reflecting the hosts’ perspectives and backgrounds. The conversational tone invites listeners into both serious policy analysis and lighter asides, particularly regarding sports and media culture.

For listeners who missed it, this episode offers insight into Trump policy initiatives, confrontations over media narratives and immigration, a substantial health and agricultural policy discussion, and some fun with sports rivalries—capturing the balance of information and entertainment that defines the Clay and Buck brand.