The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 3 - A Steve Forbes Smackdown

Date: January 30, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this eventful and fast-paced third hour, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton welcomed Julie Kelly, acclaimed journalist and Substack writer, to analyze the legal double standards facing journalists, especially in light of Don Lemon’s arrest. The conversation focused on how independent media and January 6 defendants were treated versus mainstream media figures. The hosts also delved into Steve Forbes’ fiery comments about Ilhan Omar’s finances, celebrated unique American history tidbits, and, in good humor, engaged with their audience about everything from celebrity attractiveness to mustache fashion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Don Lemon’s Arrest and Media Double Standards

[00:39–13:32]

• Julie Kelly’s Legal Breakdown:

  • Kelly praised Minnesota's Attorney General Pam Bondi for securing a grand jury indictment against Don Lemon, despite alleged interference by district judges tied to state political figures.

    “...I really have to commend Attorney General Pam Bondi and her team for pursuing this grand jury indictment, despite the active and politically motivated involvement and obstruction by at least two judges in the district of Minnesota...”
    — Julie Kelly (01:34)

  • Lemon faces two counts: conspiracy against rights and violation of the Faith Act, related to his participation in a church protest/riot with known agitators.

• Comparison to January 6 Defendants:

  • Only eight January 6 defendants attempted to use "journalism" as a defense, all from right-wing or independent outlets, and none found success in court.

    “...GroK said eight defendants had tried to cite journalism as some form of defense from a variety of different right wing news organizations...”
    — Buck Sexton (02:23)

  • Julie Kelly highlighted that, unlike Lemon, these journalists were not covered by established media credentials and faced harsh prosecution, sometimes harsher than cases involving accused terrorists.

• Credentialing Double Standards:

  • Prosecution focused on whether individuals were formally credentialed by recognized media outlets, excluding independent journalists from First Amendment protections.

    “...If you were on a so-called credentialed media list, then you were fine. But if you weren't and you were there as an independent journalist... they don't recognize independent journalists in the nation's capital.”
    — Julie Kelly (07:05)

• Legal and Political Ramifications:

  • Buck and Julie agree: the standard set against Jan 6 defendants is now, ironically, being leveraged against left-leaning activists.
  • Don Lemon “aspires to be a martyr,” but precedent may lead to real consequences if convicted:

    “I think that there is a big side of him that wants this. Now he’s some journalistic martyr, but that will be cold comfort if he is convicted by Minnesota jury trial and he goes to federal prison for a few years.”
    — Julie Kelly (12:26)

2. Steve Forbes’ Sharp Critique of Ilhan Omar

[15:36–17:11]

• Steve Forbes called Omar’s financial growth “a money laundering operation,” comparing it to the criminality of Capone and Soprano.

  “Her version of the American dream is the Al Capone version... that is steal it, steal it from the taxpayers.”
  — Steve Forbes (16:09)

• Forbes raised questions about suspicious investments and “missing” winery assets, emphasizing that such political wealth accumulation “doesn’t add up.”
• Buck noted that Forbes, not known for hyperbole, raising these points makes them more troubling.

3. Celebrating Unique American History

[17:52–18:37]

• Sean Duffy announced an IndyCar race down Pennsylvania Avenue for America’s 250th birthday, referencing the last capital city race: a horse race under Thomas Jefferson in 1801.

  “The last time we had a race in the capital city, bud, was... 1801 Thomas Jefferson with a horse race.”
  — Buck Sexton (18:30)

• Clay commented on the “coolness” of the historical reference and event.

4. Lifespan Increase and Crime Decrease

[32:12–33:34]

• Buck shared uplifting news: the average US lifespan hit a record 79 years, partly attributed to a plunge in fentanyl deaths, following border security improvements.

  “The overall average age longevity lifespan hit an all time record high in 2024... attributed to a large extent to the fact that fentanyl deaths are collapsing in this country.”
  — Buck Sexton (32:12)

• Murders also hit a 125-year low.

5. Listener Engagement: Pop Culture, Mustaches, and Lighthearted Banter

[20:07–38:01]

• Natalie Portman’s Attractiveness Debate:

  • Heated listener and host debate on whether Natalie Portman deserves “most beautiful” status.

    “If you really look at her... you, you will be like, I think she kind of looks like a 15 year old boy. I'm just telling you the truth.”
    — Clay Travis (22:17) “Natalie Portman looks like a 15 year old boy version of Audrey Hepburn. There you go.”
    — Clay Travis (23:34)

  • Clay’s mom calls in to defend Portman; Clay responds with gentle ribbing.

    “I can’t believe my own mom turned her back on me. Here you take us to break. I, I, I’ve been, I've been betrayed by my own, my own kin.”
    — Buck Sexton (30:10)

• Super Bowl Mustache Movement:

  • Callers and co-hosts discuss the merits (and limitations) of facial hair for the Super Bowl, with some enthusiasm for a mustache revival.

    “I think you may seriously become a mustache guy... I think Lara's going to love it. I think people would really like it.”
    — Clay Travis (34:54)

  • Judy from Alabama fondly recalls her late husband’s mustache.

    “He had a mustache until he passed away in 2023.”
    — Judy, caller (33:59)

• Star Wars Trivia Hijinks:

  • Listeners debate the (creepy) age gap between Anakin and Padme in Episode I.

    “Anakin Skywalker was nine years old in episode one and Padme was 14. So when they started dating, Anakin was 19 and she was 24.”
    — Doug, caller (37:23)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Julie Kelly on Jan 6 & Double Standards:

  “None of the First Amendment defenses were successful before D.C. judges over the course of four years. Now all of a sudden I see these same journalists... now are claiming that those rights are conferred to far more aggressive, violent and sustained demonstrators and protests in Minneapolis and elsewhere.”
  — Julie Kelly (09:14)

• Steve Forbes Smackdown:

  “Her version of the American dream is the Al Capone version of the American dream, Tony Soprano version... And so when somebody cloaks themselves in the, oh, the American dream. And so you have numbers like this from minus 1,000 to 30, 40 million, you know something is not right.”
  — Steve Forbes (16:09)

• Clay on Natalie Portman:

  “She's good looking, but mid for a celebrity. I, the hard truths are always hard to hear.”
  — Clay Travis (29:38)

• Listener Humor on Don Lemon’s Judge:

  “If Don Lemon's judge is a middle aged woman, will his defense team ask her to recuse herself because she's no longer in her prime? Just a thought.”
  — Listener via talkback (25:39)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Don Lemon Arrest Analysis (Julie Kelly): [00:39–13:32]
• Steve Forbes on Ilhan Omar’s Wealth: [15:36–17:11]
• IndyCar on Pennsylvania Avenue / TJ Horse Race: [17:52–18:37]
• US Lifespan and Crime News: [32:12–33:34]
• Natalie Portman Banter / Listener Calls: [20:07–38:01]
• Super Bowl Mustache Movement: [34:05, 34:54]
• Star Wars/Padme-Anakin Age Debate: [37:23–37:40]

Tone and Style

The hour is spirited, irreverent, and heavy on audience interaction. Clay and Buck combine serious political analysis with humor, playful disagreements, and pop culture asides. The segment with Julie Kelly is detailed and incisive, setting a factual and slightly combative tone around media fairness and legal precedent.

Summary Conclusion

This hour is essential listening for anyone interested in the interplay between media, the legal system, and politics—especially regarding the shifting standards of who is treated as “press” and how First Amendment defenses are applied along ideological lines. Steve Forbes brings a sharp edge to the financial scrutiny of politicians. Listeners are reminded that The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show likes to end the week with audience laughs, lively debate, and the comfort of mustache nostalgia.

For more legal deep dives, political analysis, and a healthy dose of pop culture banter, listen to the full episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.