The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 1 - Thank You, Linda
Date: March 25, 2026
Host: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this episode, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton dive deep into the ongoing Iran conflict, recent achievements of the Trump administration’s military campaign, and the political fallout around airport chaos in the U.S. The hosts blend humor, direct audience engagement, and pointed commentary, dissecting how evolving news stories are being spun by politicians and the media alike. Listener contributions, particularly from “Linda from Arizona,” are highlighted as the show explores issues from geopolitical strategy to TSA line fiascos, laying blame and credit with characteristic clarity and candor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Iran Campaign: Success and Political Fallout

• Military Campaign Analysis:
  Buck and Clay argue that Trump’s military operations against Iran have been astoundingly efficient with minimal U.S. casualties and material losses, much less than Desert Storm or even the Panama invasion.

  • Clay: “I don't believe that Iran has any ability to make any demands whatsoever.” [08:38]
  • Buck points: The press underplays the success, focusing on the “bad news bias” instead.

• Media Reframing:
  Both hosts are surprised to find rare positive analysis in The New York Times about the Iran campaign’s results. Clay gives credit to Bret Stephens's editorial for offering historical context on oil prices and U.S. casualties.

  • Clay: “I can’t believe I'm giving credit to the New York Times, but… sometimes I read some and I say, ‘Oh, I wasn’t really expecting this.’” [08:38]

• Democratic Response – Schumer Under Fire:
  Joe Scarborough’s attempt to pressure Chuck Schumer to admit the degradation of Iran’s military is a good thing is highlighted for its awkwardness and emblematic of Democratic reluctance to credit Trump’s strategy.

  • Joe Scarborough: “Is it a good thing that Iran… their military infrastructure is being degraded the degree that it is? Yes or no?” [11:50]
  • Buck: “What a weaselly little position… Schumer will not say yes. That’s Democrats in a nutshell.” [12:49]

• Trump’s Theories and Strategy:
  Discussion over Trump’s carrot-and-stick approach—offering negotiation while threatening further military action if Iran does not comply. Speculation arises about imminent action on Kharg Island and controlling oil and gas flows.

  • Clay: “He’s just letting it known, hey, I’ve got two fists. One has a carrot, one has a stick. Your choice which one I decide to deploy.” [31:47]

2. Domestic Turmoil: TSA Meltdowns and ICE’s Unexpected Role

• Airport Gridlock Dominates Headlines:
  The hosts note widespread chaos at major U.S. airports (Houston, Atlanta, NYC/JFK, New Orleans), illustrated by viral videos—even showing Bill Barr waiting in line.

• ICE Steps In – “Thank You, Linda!”:
  Listeners like Linda from Arizona are recognized for suggesting ICE assist at airports, a move now being celebrated by Trump and the hosts. Trump posts praise for ICE’s role, describing them as “rehabbing a fake image given to them by the radical left.”

  • Buck: “Thank you, Linda from Arizona, who even got… a shout out of sorts on the Jimmy Kimmel program…” [03:17]
  • Clay: “President Trump just tweeted… [ICE agents] are helping people with bags, even picking up and cleaning areas…rehabbing a fake image…” [41:50]
  • Phoenix airport passenger: “I like it. I mean, I think Trump’s doing a hell of a job.” [44:40]

• Political Implications:
  The hosts underline that Democrats are being blamed for TSA backlogs, as ICE and potentially even the National Guard become involved. Schumer’s leadership is portrayed as increasingly shaky.

• Democrats Called Out for Hypocrisy:

  • Buck: “They deploy the National Guard to the airports over Covid…all the libs are like, ‘We need more National Guard to fight the virus.’… What are we even doing?” [46:18]
  • Clay: “It’s going to be very difficult for Democrats… to be upset at [the National Guard] being called out to handle… the issues at airports.” [46:28]

3. Caller Engagement and Media Training

• Empowering Listeners:
  Both hosts provide tongue-in-cheek but earnest guidance to callers about being prepared and assertive, using Linda as an example.
  • Clay: “If you begin your argument by saying, ‘Oh, are you talking? Am I on?’ …Just prepare.” [04:35]
  • Buck: “As soon as it is your turn to talk, it is go. It is… start your engines.” [05:56]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Caller Participation:
  “It’s just you, me, Clay, and a few million of our closest friends. It really is true. There are people from Alaska to Miami...who are listening to this program.”
  — Buck Sexton [03:17]

• On Brett Stephens' NYT Editorial:
  “The war is going better than you think.”
  — Clay Travis quoting NYT [08:38]

• On Schumer's Hesitation:
  “You can’t, because it’s a premature question…Is it worth it? …In the long run, we’re all dead.”
  — Buck Sexton mocking Schumer [12:03]

Important Timestamps

• Opening and Linda shout-out: [03:17]
• Caller/media training tips: [04:35 – 05:56]
• Discussion of Iran negotiations & NYT editorial: [07:00 – 10:55]
• MSNBC/Schumer-SchScarborough exchange: [11:03 – 13:14]
• Comparing Iran campaign to Desert Storm & Panama: [13:14 – 16:33]
• Analysis of Trump’s negotiations & tactics: [25:42 – 31:48]
• ICE helping at airports, Trump’s social media statement: [41:50]
• Airport passenger testimonials on ICE: [44:40]
• Democrat political fallout: [45:34 – 46:28]

Tone, Language, & Style

• Direct, conversational, and peppered with humor
• Critical of mainstream media and Democratic politicians
• Supportive of Trump, applauding military and operational success
• Audience-inclusive, emphasizing participatory radio culture

Summary for Non-Listeners

Hour 1 of the March 25, 2026 edition of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show centers on the evolving situation in Iran—framed as a U.S. geopolitical and military success under Trump—and the mounting frustrations of Americans facing massive TSA delays. The hosts dissect the ways politicians and the press are spinning events, with Clay and Buck heaping praise on both the administration’s tough approach and the everyday Americans (like “Linda”) whose input is shaping headlines.

Trump’s handling of Iran is repeatedly compared favorably to past U.S. campaigns, with historical data deployed to refute criticisms. Simultaneously, the show skewers Democrats, especially Chuck Schumer, both for their reluctance to acknowledge military victory and for enabling (in their view) the current airport chaos now being paved over by ICE and possibly the National Guard. Regular listeners are encouraged to be assertive and ready if they call in, as caller contributions play a defining role in the show’s unique blend of news, analysis, and participatory media.

The episode is a mix of policy breakdown, political theater, and calls to action for both listeners and policymakers, delivered with the show’s trademark irreverence and partisan edge.