The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 2 – The Future of Media
Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Clay Travis, Buck Sexton
Guest: Mark Halperin

Overview

This episode of "The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show" dives into several hot-button issues shaping American media, culture, and politics in 2026. Clay and Buck discuss misinformation, the responsibilities of public figures like NBA coach Steve Kerr, the evolving future of media and trusted brands, and current political challenges, notably in immigration enforcement under Trump’s second term. The episode features lively banter, sharp criticism, and a guest appearance from political journalist Mark Halperin, offering insight on Trump’s presidency and the media ecosystem.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Media, Misinformation, and Steve Kerr

• Steve Kerr’s Comments:

  • Clay raises concerns over Golden State Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr spreading what they term as misinformation during an NBA-mandated press conference, specifically on claims about ICE arresting "five-year-old kindergartners and US citizens" instead of violent criminals.
  • This sparks a broader conversation about the responsibility of high-profile figures and the platforms provided to them by major organizations.

• Cultural Impact:

  • Clay stresses how statements by people like Kerr influence “normal people,” many of whom might not follow detailed policy but trust public figures.

    "When I see the Steve Kerr lying, when I know that's going to reach so many normal guys, right? So many normal guys and gals sitting around, they're not paying attention...That's just not true." — Clay Travis [14:42]

  • Buck argues that such comments are symptomatic of celebrities being “out of touch,” and laments how the NBA and its teams handle these situations.

• Should Sports Leagues Have a Role?

  • Clay questions whether organizations like the NBA should require accuracy or take action when team representatives use official platforms to spread demonstrably incorrect statements—in the same way they would for false basketball-related comments.

    "Why should he be allowed to lie at a mandated contractual obligation about ICE not arresting violent criminals?" — Clay Travis [10:07]

• Notable Quotes:

  • "I think Steve Kerr is a moron." — Buck Sexton [09:12]
  • "They're preying on empathy…But…it's going to make people uncomfortable at times…illegal immigrants…shouldn't be here." — Clay Travis [14:42]

2. Immigration, Enforcement & Political Tensions

• Current Policy Discussion:

  • The hosts criticize what they see as the failings of previous immigration compromises and express frustration at the idea of “empathy politics” used by progressives to justify less enforcement.
  • Buck asserts that the real focus of enforcement under ICE is "public safety threats," contradicting the broader narrative that ICE regularly targets the innocent or minors.

    "These are the murderers and rapists and gang members... at the top of the list of illegal aliens we want out of the country." — Buck Sexton [15:37]

• Libertarians and Immigration:

  • Buck offers a critical take on libertarians’ approaches to immigration ("an absolute disaster"), referencing politicians like Rand Paul.

    "Whenever you hear libertarian and then you start hearing immigration, bad things are going to come out of their mouths...The libertarians on immigration and weed are an absolute disaster." — Buck Sexton [13:22]

3. Parenting, Sleep Training, and Listener Call-ins

• Personal Experiences:
  • After a brief tangent, Buck seeks input on sleep training babies, leading to a humorous but relatable segment on parenting philosophies.
  • Clay emphasizes every child is unique, and the listeners weigh in ("Train that baby, Buck!" — Katie, Caller [44:16]).

4. Politics 2026: Trump’s Second Term & Cabinet Drama

• Mark Halperin’s Assessment:

  • Halperin discusses the strengths and challenges of Trump’s “2.0” presidency, mentioning early cabinet appointments, administration energy, and legislative roadblocks.

    "The four years off was extraordinary blessing for the president to get stuff done…This is a refreshed, energetic group." — Mark Halperin [25:32]

  • Ongoing cabinet drama, particularly surrounding Kristi Noem, is dissected, with predictions of her being sidelined but not dismissed.

    "My inclination is to say that she's going to be less visible...She likes her job and it's a big job and there's plenty to do besides be the spokesperson." — Mark Halperin [27:58]

• Protest Management:

  • Halperin suggests more robust crowd control at immigration enforcement incidents to avoid dangerous confrontations.

    “They just need to do that. I think that'll go a long way towards not only keeping bad things from Happening both to agents and civilians. But also great. Less of a copycat.” — Mark Halperin [31:53]

5. The Future of Media: Personality vs. Corporate Brands

• Media Investment Advice:
  • Halperin sees the future in strong individual brands—not corporations—citing personalities like Clay and Buck, Megyn Kelly, and the development of appointment-based, community-connected media.

    "Trusted brands are individual brands...People listening to your show...care about you two." — Mark Halperin [36:44]

6. Comic Relief & Generational Gaps

• Madden and Summerall Moment:
  • In a lighter exchange, Buck admits ignorance about legendary sports broadcasters Pat Summerall and John Madden, drawing mock horror from both Clay and Halperin and sparking a back-and-forth on cultural touchstones.

    "I have no idea." — Buck Sexton [33:26] "How do you host a show with someone who's culturally literate for our age?" — Mark Halperin [33:38]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Misinformation by Public Figures:

  • "Why should he be allowed to lie at a mandated contractual obligation about ICE not arresting violent criminals?" — Clay Travis [10:07]
  • "We're at each other's throats right now. And, you know, you can't just say, I'm right, the other person's wrong...it's hard to decipher what's real." — Steve Kerr [07:44]
  • "They're taking five year old kindergartners and US citizens and detaining people." — Steve Kerr [11:52]

• On Immigration Enforcement:

  • "The laws that they're enforcing are laws passed by Congress. I mean, I don't know how much dumber you can get than this guy." — Buck Sexton [12:36]
  • "You gotta go, you gotta go. That's…" — Buck Sexton [14:42]

• On Parenting:

  • "My answer on this is every kid is different...you can treat them the exact same...entirely based on the kids' dispositions." — Clay Travis [23:03]
  • "Train that baby, Buck!" — Katie, Caller [44:16]

• Politics and Media:

  • "...if you guys take the show public. Number two would be my company. Two way. Number three would be Megyn Kelly's company. I think it's about trusted brands." — Mark Halperin [36:44]
  • "In the olden days, trusted brands were corporate brands. Now trusted brands are individual brands." — Mark Halperin [36:54]

• Cultural Humor:

  • "[On not knowing Summerall]...you could have offered me a million dollars on the spot to tell you who Summerall was. I would have gone home wanting." — Buck Sexton [35:42]
  • "[On Madden and Summerall] It's like saying...I don't know who Thomas Jefferson is because I'm young and I wasn't alive." — Mark Halperin [34:35]

Important Timestamps

• [04:44] Clay transitions into the Steve Kerr/NBA media influence topic.
• [06:42] Steve Kerr’s first clip on "misinformation" and division.
• [11:52] Steve Kerr’s controversial "ICE arresting five year olds" clip.
• [13:22] Buck critiques libertarian views on immigration.
• [25:32] Mark Halperin’s assessment of Trump’s presidency.
• [27:58] Cabinet drama and Kristi Noem’s status.
• [33:19-36:06] Madden & Summerall generational joke.
• [36:44] Halperin on the future of media and trusted brands.
• [44:16] Humorous caller segment on sleep training.

Tone and Style

Consistent with past episodes, the tone here is brisk, opinionated, occasionally humorous, and never shies from blunt criticism or banter. Clay Travis steers much of the show with clarifying questions and sharp commentary, while Buck Sexton offers contrarian, often caustic, rejoinders and social critiques. Mark Halperin brings a more measured, analytical presence, adding depth to the political discussions. Throughout, the language is accessible and direct, and the hosts maintain their trademark back-and-forth style.

Summary Takeaways

• Media continues to be shaped more by personalities than by traditional corporate brands, leading to new kinds of influence and challenges.
• The political discourse—on issues like immigration—is often muddied by misinformation from both celebrities and regular news figures, with real policy implications.
• Parenting debates and generational divides offer moments of levity but hint at deeper cultural shifts.
• The Trump administration’s second term is marked by both renewed energy and persistent political obstacles, with intra-cabinet tensions a recurring theme.

For listeners who missed the show:
This hour offers a rapid-fire, sometimes humorous, but always pointed look at how media and public discourse interact with American politics and culture in 2026, framing familiar controversies in fresh ways and highlighting how quickly the landscape is evolving.