The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show: Hour 3 - Then and Now (Released March 21, 2025)

In the "Then and Now" episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, hosted by Premiere Networks, Clay and Buck delve into significant political developments, scrutinize key political figures, and discuss the broader implications of recent policy changes. The episode is rich with in-depth analysis, spirited discussions, and notable insights, making it a compelling listen for those interested in the intersection of news, politics, and current events.

**1. Trump's Decision to Eliminate the Department of Education

The episode kicks off with a major revelation: President Donald Trump has officially dissolved the Department of Education, fulfilling a long-standing Republican promise. Clay and Buck explore the ramifications of this monumental shift in federal education policy.

• Clay Travis [01:03]: "For at least a generation, maybe longer, people have been saying Republicans will shut down the Department of Education. Well, guess what? Promises made, promises kept."

• Buck Sexton [02:26]: "And everybody knows it's right, and the Democrats know it's right. And I hope they're going to be voting for it because ultimately it may..."

The hosts play a clip of Trump's announcement, highlighting the bipartisan acknowledgment of the move:

• Nate Silver [02:23]: "We're going to eliminate it."

Implications:

• Education System Overhaul: The elimination signals a substantial restructuring of how education is managed at the federal level, potentially increasing state and local control.

• Political Reactions: The move is met with mixed responses, with Republicans lauding it as a step toward reducing governmental overreach, while Democrats criticize it as undermining educational support.

**2. Critique of Teachers Unions and Randy Weingarten

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the role of teachers unions, particularly focusing on Randy Weingarten, the head of the teachers unions. Clay and Buck argue that these unions have historically obstructed educational progress and placed their own interests above those of students.

• Clay Travis [03:06]: "Randy Weingarten ... has been making everything worse for kids going on 40 years now or something like that."

• Buck Sexton [04:00]: "I think Randy Weingarten has been making everything worse for kids going on 40 years now..."

Key Points:

• School Closures During COVID-19: The hosts contend that under Weingarten's leadership, teachers unions were primarily focused on keeping schools closed to secure benefits for themselves, rather than prioritizing student safety.

• Impact on Students: Clay shares a poignant listener story illustrating the real-world consequences of prolonged school closures on students' education and well-being.

• Strategic Obstruction: Buck emphasizes that the unions' actions were less about student safety and more about maintaining union power and benefits.

**3. Gavin Newsom's Hypocrisy

Clay and Buck turn their attention to California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of blatant hypocrisy regarding his stance on men participating in women's sports and his contradictory views on the term "Latinx."

• Clay Travis [10:32]: "Gavin Newsom ... saying that he didn't understand why people use the word Latinx."

• Buck Sexton [11:48]: "This is why I don't think that Gavin Newsom is actually viable, but because he's just such an inveterate liar."

Highlights:

• Men in Women's Sports: Newsom's public statements attacking the inclusion of men in women's sports are scrutinized, revealing inconsistencies in his policy positions.

• Latinx Terminology: Despite previously supporting the term "Latinx," Newsom is now portrayed as criticizing its usage, raising questions about his authenticity and commitment to supporting marginalized communities.

• Media Accountability: Clay points out that CNN fact-checked Newsom's claims, uncovering evidence of his contradictory statements, thereby challenging his credibility.

**4. The Administrative State and Progressive Authoritarianism

A substantial segment of the episode features an interview with Ned Ryan, founder and CEO of American Majority, discussing his new documentary, American Leviathan: The Birth of the Administrative State and Progressive Authoritarianism. The conversation delves into the dangers posed by the expanding administrative state and offers strategies for dismantling it.

• Ned Ryan: "We of our own volition, sub-delegate legislative authority to them to let them with their statutes and regulations do the real governing of this country."

• Buck Sexton [26:53]: "What can be done so that they aren't able to run out the clock on the efforts to rein in the administrative state?"

Key Discussions:

• Definition and Threat: Ryan explains the concept of the administrative state as a centralized authority that operates beyond the reach of elected officials, posing a threat to civil liberties and representative governance.

• Constitutional Concerns: The conversation highlights how the administrative state's growth undermines the U.S. Constitution by shifting legislative power away from Congress to unelected bureaucrats.

• Strategic Solutions:

  • Demanding Oversight: Republicans across the board need to reject the administrative state's legitimacy and reclaim legislative authority.
  • Judicial Intervention: Advocating for the Supreme Court to set strong guardrails against the administrative state's overreach.
  • Political Mobilization: Encouraging a unified Republican front to dismantle the entrenched progressive machinery.

• Ned Ryan's Documentary: American Leviathan serves as a critical exposé on how the administrative state has been intentionally built by progressives to maintain control and push their agenda without accountability.

**5. Listener Calls and Personal Narratives

The show features engaging interactions with listeners, sharing personal experiences that underscore the hosts' viewpoints.

• Joel from Michigan [38:18]:

  • Commentary: Joel draws parallels between the show's advocacy for freedom and his local experience with Crockett Coffee's resistance against COVID-19 restrictions.
  • Buck Sexton [39:09]: "Thank you. Well, hopefully you're already a Crockett Coffee subscriber, Joel, since you're bringing it up on your call."

• David from Washington [39:02]:

  • Story: David, a former high school English teacher, shares his experience with school closures during COVID-19, emphasizing the negative impact on educators and students.
  • Buck Sexton [39:46]: "Just to say, I think Big Ed in America has become like a welfare program for kids and families."

These narratives provide real-life context to the broader political discussions, highlighting the tangible effects of policy decisions on individuals and communities.

**6. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

In the concluding segment, Clay announces an upcoming appearance on Air Force One to attend the NCAA Wrestling Championships with President Trump, signaling continued support and strengthening ties with the administration. Buck and Clay also discuss the future of the Democratic Party, predicting that internal chaos and progressive overreach will lead to its downfall.

• Buck Sexton [13:10]: "I actually think they're going to end up with a nominee who's not a politician. I think they're going to try to find their version of Trump..."

• Nate Silver [29:50]: "I think the only way you see it stop is rather to be serious legal consequences..."

The hosts express optimism about the political landscape, anticipating significant shifts that could reshape U.S. governance and policy directions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Clay Travis [01:03]: "Promises made, promises kept."

• Buck Sexton [02:26]: "Everybody knows it's right, and the Democrats know it's right."

• Clay Travis [03:06]: "Randy Weingarten ... has been making everything worse for kids going on 40 years now..."

• Buck Sexton [11:48]: "This is why I don't think that Gavin Newsom is actually viable, but because he's just such an inveterate liar."

• Ned Ryan [24:17]: "Administrative power is a revival of absolute power and is a tremendous threat to their civil liberties..."

Conclusion

This episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show presents a robust critique of current educational policies, teachers unions, and the expanding administrative state. Through incisive discussions, personal anecdotes, and expert interviews, the hosts advocate for significant political and structural reforms aimed at reducing governmental overreach and restoring accountability. The episode not only highlights pressing political issues but also offers a vision for a more transparent and representative governance system.