The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show Episode: Hour 2 - Narco-Terrorism (November 17, 2025)
Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this episode, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve into the U.S. government's aggressive new approach to narco-terrorism, focusing on recent military strikes on drug trafficking boats and increased efforts to disrupt cartel supply lines both at sea and within American cities. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma joins the show for a wide-ranging discussion on these anti-cartel operations, the legal justification for such actions, the broader impact on domestic drug and crime issues, and the political rifts such operations are creating, even within the Republican Party.

The second half of the hour finds Clay and Buck pivoting to the ongoing investigation into the would-be Trump assassin, touching on media versus government narratives, and rounding out the episode with a discussion of economic angst, the rising cost of living, and a few lighter moments about SEC football, personal lives, and playful media jabs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ongoing Military Strikes on Narco Boats

Timestamp: 02:51–07:26

• Context: The Pentagon conducted its 21st known strike on a drug trafficking boat over the weekend, as part of an escalating 'war on drugs' that looks increasingly militarized.

• Senator Markwayne Mullin on Effectiveness: Mullin explains the multifaceted nature of the initiative—disrupting supply lines before drugs reach U.S. shores and breaking up cartel infrastructure in American cities.

  "The biggest measuring stick ... is the price on the street. We've seen a significant increase in the price of fentanyl and the price of cocaine because their shipping lanes are being cut off."
  —Sen. Markwayne Mullin (04:20)

• Broader Approach: Mullin praises the all-out ‘full court’ approach: not just striking at sea, but also interdicting drugs within U.S. borders, targeting cash flows, and classifying the cartels as terrorist organizations to expand federal action.

• Domestic Operations: Describes ongoing nationwide operations, including truck stops and searches in Oklahoma, aiming at both trafficked drugs and illegal immigrants tied to cartel activity.

  "It's the first time ever that we've had a full pledge, all out assault on the drug cartels."
  —Sen. Markwayne Mullin (07:13)

2. Political and Media Response: Legality & Republican Rifts

Timestamp: 10:20–12:46

• Rand Paul’s Opposition: Buck brings up Senator Rand Paul's public concerns regarding the legality of these military strikes.

• Mullin’s Response: Mullin strongly defends the President's authority under the Constitution to combat terrorist threats, calling out Rand Paul's positions as inconsistent and labeling him "a libertarian who can't get elected as one in Kentucky."

  "The President is well within his rights to be able to protect United States citizens home and abroad ... people always say it's outside the Constitution. Okay, show me, show me."
  —Sen. Markwayne Mullin (11:04)

  "I would be a lot better off if Rand Paul just called himself what he is. He's a libertarian. I'm perfectly okay with that. But he can't get elected as a Libertarian in Kentucky..."
  —Sen. Markwayne Mullin (12:18)

3. Assassination Attempt on Trump: Media Narratives vs Official Investigations

Timestamp: 07:26–10:20, 21:46–23:29

• Media Investigations: Clay and Buck address reporting by Tucker Carlson and Miranda Devine about the assassin's alleged radicalization and violent online postings, questioning the FBI’s official stance.

• Mullin’s Take: As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Mullin pours cold water on media-driven 'conspiracy theories,' stressing his reliance on classified intel and skepticism of outsiders having better info than the FBI.

  "It's really hard for me to believe that someone like Tucker Carlson would have a better research department than the FBI. ...I have seen nothing, period to support Tucker Carlson's theory on this one."
  —Sen. Markwayne Mullin (09:08)

• Clay & Buck’s View: The hosts express more trust in Miranda Devine/New York Post, referencing past investigative scoops (e.g., Hunter Biden laptop).

  "The New York Post got everything right on Hunter Biden and the laptop when everybody else was accusing them. Miranda Devine nailed that entire story."
  —Clay Travis (23:18)

4. Lighthearted Interlude: College Football, Senate, and Media Jabs

Timestamp: 12:46–16:44, 41:01–45:43

• SEC Football Culture: The tone shifts as Clay and Senator Mullin chat about Oklahoma’s win over Alabama, hospitality in Tuscaloosa, and sportsmanship.

• On Running for Office: Mullin encourages people with the right motivations to run for office and offers amusing anecdotes from the Alabama-Oklahoma game.

  "As far as anybody willing to put their name on any ballot and run for any office... I commend you for doing that."
  —Sen. Markwayne Mullin (14:13)

• Playful Banter: The hour ends with ribbing about Clay’s drink of choice (Whispering Angel rosé), with a faux scandal rising out of playful Fox News remarks and Twitter posts.

5. Cost of Living & Economic Frustration

Timestamp: 23:29–35:43

• Affordability as Top Voter Issue: Clay and Buck reflect on everyday frustrations—like $30 for two Subway sandwiches—illustrating the persistent pain of price inflation even if recent increases have slowed.

• Tipping Culture: They discuss the evolution of tipping expectations as costs rise and the life philosophy behind generous tipping.

  "You look at the bill and you just say, this is too much. And this makes me angry. So I, I think the biggest challenge Trump has is how awful Biden was because it's, it's going to take years for people to come to recognize what things cost now."
  —Clay Travis (31:05)

• Debt & Monetary Policy: Buck brings up COVID-era stimulus, national debt, and currency debasement as fundamental sources of current economic stress.

  "Covid was a massive inflation event for the country that we are still dealing with. ...We monetize the debt ...and then we pay for it ourselves by putting out the treasuries, and the whole thing is a mess. This is debasing the currency."
  —Buck Sexton (33:10)

6. Technology & Productivity: The AI Angle

Timestamp: 32:33–35:08

• AI & Promise of Cost Reductions: Buck highlights optimism for future gains from AI and automation but maintains that systemic economic challenges remain.

  "Some of the productivity gains that should come from AI ...could have dramatic price factor as, or could dramatically factor into pricing in ways that matter to all of us. The world is going to change very rapidly, my friends, over the next five to 10 years."
  —Buck Sexton (32:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Senator Mullin on Cartel Strikes:
  “It's the first time ever that we've had a full pledge, all out assault on the drug cartels. And we're having a huge, huge impact.” (07:13)

• On Government Secrecy & Media Skepticism:
  “It's really hard for me to believe that someone like Tucker Carlson would have a better research department than the FBI.” —Mullin (09:08)

• On Congressional Motivation:
  “If this is your best job you've ever had, then I would question your ability to do what is best for your decision making.” —Mullin (15:13)

• Banter on College Football:
  “Serious topics between Alabama and Oklahoma. Football is a very serious topic.” —Mullin, joking (12:57)

• On Runaway Inflation:
  “How is a Subway meal for me and my 15 year old $30 now...And I think every time people go to the grocery store, I think every time people go through fast food, you look at the bill and you just say, this is too much.” —Clay Travis (31:05)

• On Federal Debt and Inflation:
  “We're debasing the currency and then we turn around and say, why is the currency being debased and why are things more expensive? Because as a matter of bipartisan policy, we continue to do that.” —Buck Sexton (34:13)

Segment Timestamps Reference

| Topic/Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Narco boat strikes and anti-cartel efforts (with Sen. Mullin) | 02:51–07:26| | Trump assassination investigation media coverage | 07:26–10:20| | Legality & GOP division (Rand Paul, with Sen. Mullin) | 10:20–12:46| | SEC football & running for office banter | 12:46–16:44| | Recap & reaction to Mullin’s interview | 21:22–21:46| | Media/fact debate (Tucker, Devine, Post vs FBI) | 21:46–23:29| | Inflation, cost of living, tipping culture, economic discussion | 23:29–35:43| | Technology & AI’s future impact | 32:33–35:08| | Lighthearted segment: Whispering Angel Rosé ‘scandal’ | 41:01–45:43|

Summary

This episode delivers a comprehensive look at narco-terrorism and the new assertive, multidimensional U.S. response, not shying away from the internal political and legal debates the new measures have sparked. Senator Mullin offers an insider perspective, defending both the effectiveness and legality of current policy, and candidly critiques fellow Republicans. The hosts maintain their hallmark balance of serious analysis and humor, shifting from grave discussions of terrorism and assassination attempts to relatable talk about groceries, football, generosity, and even wine selection. Throughout, Clay and Buck stress that, despite improvements and successes, everyday Americans remain frustrated by high costs, perceiving economic recovery as slow and uneven. The episode closes on an upbeat note with playful jabs and acknowledgment of listeners' shared experiences.

For listeners who missed the show:
This episode is a must-hear for incisive takes on America’s anti-cartel strategies, transparency and skepticism in high-profile investigations, the challenges of communicating economic progress, and a dose of the hosts' trademark humor—rooted in real life and sports fandom.