Weekly Review With Clay and Buck H2 - Rep. Byron Donalds and Tom Homan

Summary

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show: Weekly Review With Clay and Buck H2 - Rep. Byron Donalds and Tom Homan

Release Date: March 1, 2025

In this episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, hosted by Premiere Networks, Clay and Buck delve into pivotal discussions with two key figures shaping American politics and national security: Congressman Byron Donalds and Border Czar Tom Homan. The episode provides listeners with in-depth insights into Florida's gubernatorial race, the Trump administration's border security initiatives, and the broader implications for national governance.

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Interview with Congressman Byron Donalds: Running for Governor of Florida

Rep. Byron Donalds, a prominent Congressman from Florida, joins Clay and Buck to announce his candidacy for the Governor of Florida. Donalds shares his personal journey, highlighting his move to Florida at the age of 17 with nothing but ambition. Building a successful career in finance, Donalds emphasizes his deep-rooted connection to Florida and his commitment to maintaining its status as a leading red state.

Key Points Discussed:

• Announcement and Motivation ([03:12]):

  • "I'm running for governor of Florida. I announced last night."
    Donalds expresses his desire to continue Florida's transformation under former Governor Ron DeSantis, moving the state firmly into the Republican stronghold.

• Vision for Florida ([03:30] - [04:00]):

  • "My mission is just to keep it going and make it better than it's ever been."
    Emphasizing economic growth, safety, and maintaining low taxes, Donalds outlines his plans to enhance Florida’s infrastructure and business climate.

• Sports and State Pride ([04:00] - [05:53]):

  • The conversation shifts to Florida’s beloved State Seminoles, where Donalds passionately defends the team’s potential, despite recent setbacks.
    "What should he know about that in state? Florida rivalry and how bitter and frankly fantastic it has been for football fans over the years."
    This segment underscores Donalds’ connection to local culture and community spirit.

• Relationship with President Trump ([05:53] - [09:55]):

  • Donalds discusses his strong alliance with President Trump, highlighting Trump's endorsement as a significant boost for his gubernatorial campaign.
    "It's moving faster than even I thought. The team has been committed to having this be done and it's different."
    He elaborates on how the Trump administration's policies are influencing his strategy and Florida's political landscape.

• Property Tax Reform ([10:52] - [13:27]):

  • Addressing state taxation, Donalds advocates for eliminating property taxes in Florida.
    "I would be in support of getting rid of property taxes in our state. There are other ways to raise revenue for local government."
    He argues that removing property taxes would benefit both homeowners and renters, promoting economic freedom and efficiency.

• Meritocracy and Opportunity ([14:15] - [15:37]):

  • Donalds reflects on Florida as a land of opportunity where hard work and determination lead to success.
    "Florida is a meritocracy. If you work hard enough, if you grind and look, nothing's perfect, there's pitfalls everywhere."
    This philosophy aligns with his campaign's narrative of fostering growth and opportunity for all Floridians.

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Discussion with Tom Holman: Shutting Down the Southern Border

Tom Holman, designated as the Border Czar under the Trump administration, provides a comprehensive update on the administration's aggressive efforts to secure the U.S. southern border. Holman highlights the dramatic reduction in illegal crossings and the strategies employed to maintain strict border control.

Key Points Discussed:

• Success in Reducing Illegal Crossings ([27:02] - [29:41]):

  • "Our crossings compared to by administration, we're down 97%. We're looking at about 200 apprehensions a day and that's down from 17,000 under Biden."
    Holman underscores the effectiveness of the administration's policies, showcasing a near-total shutdown of illegal border crossings.

• Addressing "Gotaways" ([04:24] - [04:51]; [27:02] - [29:41]):

  • "The most impressive number I saw was a number of gotaways. In 2023 under Biden got away. And these are known gotaways... they weren't apprehended because border patrol was too busy dealing with the humanitarian crisis."
    Holman explains the reduction of "gotaways" — individuals who evade capture — from 1,800 daily to just 41, aiming for zero in the future.

• Interior Enforcement and Arrests ([29:41] - [32:05]):

  • "Interior arrest, just those arrested in the interior by ICE, we more than doubled them. But again, I'm not halfway there."
    An emphasis on strengthening interior enforcement, doubling criminal arrests compared to the previous administration, and plans to further increase these numbers.

• Proposed Property and Policy Changes ([30:29] - [32:05]):

  • Holman discusses internal challenges, including leaks and opposition within government agencies.
    "Sanctuary cities are constantly putting roadblocks up and causing us to be less efficient."
    He highlights the need for legislative support to empower border enforcement agencies effectively.

• Future Plans and Private Sector Involvement ([33:35] - [36:43]):

  • "We're going to be selling a gold card... that would give you green card privileges plus us. Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this car."
    Holman introduces a controversial proposal to offer citizenship to wealthy immigrants through a premium "gold card," aimed at boosting the economy while tightening immigration control.

• Media and Transparency ([36:43] - [38:50]):

  • Holman expresses willingness to collaborate with media for transparency but addresses ongoing challenges with leaks and misinformation.
    "We've pulled back the media just because we want to verify the leaks."

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Concluding Insights

The episode concludes with Clay and Buck reflecting on the discussions, emphasizing the transformative changes in Florida's political landscape and the Trump administration's robust approach to border security. They highlight the synergistic impact of reducing illegal crossings and enhancing interior enforcement, portraying a narrative of national resurgence and effective governance.

Notable Quotes:

• Byron Donalds on Property Tax Reform ([10:52]):

  • "There are other ways to raise revenue for local government so they can provide for police, for fire, for roadways, and for capital improvements and building schools."

• Tom Holman on Border Security Success ([27:02]):

  • "The southern borders, it's at the best place I remember it being. And President Trump was able to do that in one month."

• Byron Donalds on Florida’s Opportunity ([14:15]):

  • "Florida is a meritocracy. If you work hard enough, if you grind and look, nothing's perfect, there's pitfalls everywhere."

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Conclusion

This episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show offers a deep dive into Florida's evolving political scene with Congressman Byron Donalds and the Trump administration's border security strategies through Tom Holman. The discussions illuminate key policy initiatives, personal journeys, and strategic plans poised to influence both state and national landscapes. For listeners seeking comprehensive analysis on Florida's future leadership and the nation's border policies, this episode provides valuable perspectives anchored in current political dynamics.

Transcript

[Leah Palmieri]

Hi, I'm Leah Palmieri.

[Matt Stilo]

And I'm Matt Stilo. And you might know us as the host of the hit iHeart podcast Grown Up Stuff.

[Leah Palmieri]

So lately on the show we've been crunching the numbers on tax season and we're learning a whole lot. For instance, Matt, did you know there are more than 33 million small businesses in the US?

[Matt Stilo]

That is way more than I thought.

[Leah Palmieri]

Same. And do you know some of the top cities for small business growth in the us?

[Matt Stilo]

I actually don't know that one.

[Leah Palmieri]

Okay, I'm gonna tell you. We've got Scottsdale, Arizona, Atlanta, Georgia, Miami, Florida, Orlando, Florida and Austin Te all over the country. That's why we've been talking with the tax experts at TurboTax Business about the tips and tricks small businesses should keep in mind when navigating tax season to file with confidence and hopefully save a few bucks.

[Matt Stilo]

Well, I can definitely tell you the more stuff I've learned about how taxes work, the more I think small businesses might want to leave it to the professionals this year.

[Leah Palmieri]

Yes, TurboTax Business has a fleet of experts, especially small business experts who can give you advice throughout the process or just handle the whole thing for you.

[Matt Stilo]

Get expert help today by visiting TurboTax.

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[Clay Travis]

All right, our two clay and buck kicks off now all across the nation. Thanks for being with us everybody. We are joined by Congressman Byron Donalds now from the fantastic state of Florida. Which congressman appreciate you being with us. My understanding, our understanding everybody's is that you have your eye on the governors position going forward. And I just want to know what brought you to this and what would you do because I love this Florida. Tell me the amazing things you plan to do as governor for this great state of Florida.

[Buck Sexton]

Well, first of all, it's great to be with you guys. Yep, I'm running for governor of Florida. I announced last night. And you know, look for me, I came to the state at 17, I got it. I, you know, I got off a Greyhound bus in Tallahassee, Florida to go to college at a trunk full of clothes and that was about it. And I was able to build a family, a career in finance, not me, not even dealing with politics before politics and build a career in this state. And it's been wonderful to me and I want to make sure that it continues to be the best state in the country, bar none. You know, we've had great leadership by Ron DeSantis and there's been so much work that's been done to move Florida from a purple from a blue state to a purple state to now a red state. And my mission is just to keep it going and make it better than it's ever been.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Byron, we're going to get into the governor race and all those things. But I said in the first hour that I had to ask you the most important question in the mind of many people in Florida. What in the world happened to your Florida State Seminoles? One of the last times you were on with us, you were arguing that you should have been in the playoff. Now I mean, are you guys even going to be able to beat anybody in the ACC this coming year?

[Buck Sexton]

You know what, that's a low blow. You weren't even supposed to do that. But that's all right. Listen, Florida State, it was a tough year last year, but we'll be back. But I still stand by what I said the year before. We should have been in the playoffs because we had a fantastic season. But last year just things didn't work out. So you know, we're going to retool and we're going to rebuild and we'll be back. Don't even worry about it. One thing you got to know about the Florida State Seminoles, we're unconquered. We're going to make sure we return. We're going to be back better.

[Ryan Seacrest]

You know, I don't know if you know this Byron, but Buck's wife is a Florida Gator grad. What should Buck has never been to an FSU UF game and it's one of the great rivalries in all of college football. What should he know about that in state? Florida rivalry and how bitter and frankly fantastic it has been for football fans over the years.

[Buck Sexton]

Listen, it's one of the best rivalries in football. It's intense. Make sure you go and then when you go, make sure you go. It doesn't even matter if you're in Doak Campbell or you're in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. It's always a great time. The teams come out and play hard. The records don't even matter in these games. It's smash mouth football. It is a great time and it's the same type of rivalry like, like Michigan and Ohio State, like Alabama and Auburn. It's just a great time, great feeling, great event. You know, somebody wins, somebody loses. You know, Florida State's won a lot of them, but so has the University of Florida. But look, make sure you get out there and watch that game. It's phenomenal. I try not to miss it.

[Clay Travis]

Speaking of Congressman Byron Donalds, he is running for the next opening in the Governor's Mansion here in Florida. But Congressman, I want to broaden and out nationally here for a second if I could. You and President Trump have a great relationship and obviously he has already come forward with a full throated endorsement of you for Governor of Florida. What are you thinking right now about how it's all going? I mean as you're seeing Trump and Doge with Elon acting on behalf of the President, shaking up the system, the media in retreat. Just I wanted to get your take on is this all moving even faster than you anticipated and how do you want to get in on the action and help?

[Buck Sexton]

It's actually moving faster than even I thought. But I will tell you that the team has been committed to having this be done and it's different. It's one thing when you just have a chief executive who's mission minded. But when you have a team around him, that's also about the same mission. These are the results that you get. They've been moving at warp speed and it's a great thing to see. And I think in terms of getting in on the action, that's just Congress doing its job. Last. Last night we were able to pass through a budget resolution to start moving the President's agenda through Congress. We've passed one, the bigger one, the Senate passed a smaller one. But we're going to start rocking and rolling in Congress to meet the moment and meet the urgency that the Trump administration has come back to Washington with. And it's been a great thing. Listen, I was listening to the Breakfast Club. There was a clip of the Breakfast Club the other day from somebody who's a federal employee. And she was saying, like, she doesn't even understand why people are complaining about how you have to like send out an email talking about what you did. And if you can, if you could have put that email out, then, you know, what are you doing? You might need to go find another job. And that's on the Breakfast Club. I mean, they're not known to be a bastion of conservatism in America first policy, but that's what the American people are looking for. It's time to be efficient. It's time to just get the job done. And if you're just gonna be an impediment to that, you gotta get out the way. It's about the American people first, second and third. It's not about special interests. It's not about a bloated federal bureaucracy that just gets to continue operating regard, regardless of elections, regardless of what are the needs of the American people.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I know, Byron, you have a huge amount of support already in Florida. And as you mentioned, Florida is a red state now. The Republican nominee is going to be the governor. I think that's going to be you. Do you expect very many other people to get in the race? What do you think this Republican primary is going to look like going forward?

[Buck Sexton]

Honestly, I really don't know. I will see. I mean, look, my focus is just run the best race I can, work hard, get to every part of our state, talk to the people and earn their support. And, you know, whether it's 2 people, 3 people, 10 people, I think we'll be successful. Really. I'm, I'm honored to have the president support. We're building support all over the state from people that I served with, with my time in Tallahassee, people that I've worked with in my time in Congress. And it's really a humbling feeling to know that so many people support you and have your back. But we're just going to take this campaign to people. It's about seeing people in their communities, addressing their concerns and earning their support. And look, I have the, you know, I have the biggest endorsement in politics with President Trump, but I want to go earn the endorsement from every Floridian because, you know, for our state to continue on the trajectory we're going, everybody's got to be a part of it. It's going to be a total team effort.

[Ryan Seacrest]

You got the endorsement of Trump again, in my opinion, you're going to be the nominee. And I don't want to, you know, spike the football before we get too early, but appreciate you announcing. Do you think that Governor Ron DeSantis will endorse? How do you think that he will play it out? He's term limited out for people out there who may not know. So he cannot run again. 2026. There's going to be a new governor regardless. Are you going to ask for seek his endorsement? What do you think he'll do with the race?

[Buck Sexton]

I mean, I would love to earn it. And I think the reason and I think honestly, you know, back in 2018, you know, when Governor DeSantis, then candidate DeSantis had won the primary and the radical left tried to go at him, you know, of a phrase he used about referring to his opponent. You know, I went and did media and stood in the gap for him because I believed he was going to be a great governor. And I was proven right. He has been a great governor. You know, I was there to help him win in 2018, campaign for him, have always supported him. And I think at the end of the day, I just want to be able to pick his brain, you know, learn from him. You know, being the chief executive is not easy. And so there's a lot of, I know there's a lot of advice he has. I want to be able to lean on that. And so I would love to be able to earn his support. And I think there'll be a time for that, see how that goes, you know. But in terms of how the rest of the rate on rest of the race unfolds, too soon to tell. I'm just going to focus on my business and really go see the people of Florida and earn their support.

[Clay Travis]

What do you think about the recent move from the governor's office, Congressman Donalds, to get rid of property taxes here in the state of Florida. I mean, that's something that it sounds. It sounds too good to be true, but he seems serious about it. If he's not able to get that done before the end of his term, is that something you would look at? We already think of Florida as a low tax state, but. Which is great. But I think other states also look at this and say, well, hold on a second. Are there other efficiencies, other things that we can do to make this an even more. Not just attractive climate for businesses, but for individuals who don't want to feel like they have to rent their house from the state every year, which is really what property taxes end up being.

[Buck Sexton]

No, that's 100% correct. I think, you know, even when Governor DeSantis was in Congress, this is something I believe he was advocated for. And so I think he's serious about it. If they're successful in Tallahassee, I would love for them to be able to do that. And it's something I definitely want to look at. I think it's important for people to understand there are a lot of nuances when you get rid of property taxes. So I'm not trying to hedge. I'm trying to make sure people understand all the ramifications associated with it. But I would be in support of getting rid of property taxes in our state. There are other ways to raise revenue for local government so they can provide for police, for fire, for roadways, and for capital improvements and building schools. There's ways to do that. I think this is a golden opportunity, not just in Florida's history, but in the country's history, to really examine new ways of doing business that are far more efficient, far more responsive to the needs and to the will of the people. And just as a quick pushback for people who would say, oh, well, getting rid of property taxes only favors people who have means or who are wealthy. Let's be perfectly honest. Let's be intellectually honest. If you rent property in Florida, you are paying property taxes because if you rent property from somebody else, you're paying in part the property taxes through your rent. So it affects everybody, whether you're a renter, whether you're an owner, rich or poor, everybody's affected. So let's, if we're going to do this, let's look at it intellectually, honestly, and let's make sure we're doing the best thing for everybody in our state. So especially people who are or they have more access to be able to own a home or buy a home or Whatever the case might be. But then from a government perspective, we are efficient in how we are levying taxes on our citizens and that we have to be responsive with the dollars that we're taking from citizens to run government.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Byron Donalds. He's announced, Congressman from South Florida, that he is going to be running for governor of the state of Florida. Last question for you here. I own property in Florida. I love it. 30. A beautiful place, Buck.

[Clay Travis]

The Gulf of America. In fact, con McDonald's. He owns property on the Gulf of America.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I do. I own property on the Gulf of America. Buck is, is going to be voting in your race. He is a citizen of the state of Florida. What does it say? I want to go back to how you started it off because I think it's super compelling. You came to Florida with nothing at 17 years old. Now you are. It's a great American success story running to be the governor of the state of Florida. What does it say about the opportunity that the Sunshine State offers, your career path and the life trajectory that you have had?

[Buck Sexton]

We're a meritocracy. That's what Florida is. Florida is a meritocracy. If you work hard enough, if you grind and look, nothing's perfect, there's pitfalls everywhere. That's just life. But if you work hard and you and you grind and you constantly are looking forward to the next successes, things can really happen for you in our state. You know, and I look at, look, our current governor, he grew up poor. I think it was Dunedin is where he grew up. He grew up poor. And look what he's done for himself and his life. It has been a phenomenal life for him. Governor Scott. Governor Scott, Single parent household, like me, grew up poor. And look at what he's been able to do in his life. And so I think that when you take, when you peel back the layers of the, you know, the last two men, the current man to lead our state, Governor Scott, before him, potentially me, I think what it demonstrates is in our state, anything and everything is possible. It's hard work. It's determined termination. It's having your family and people, good people around you. And as long as you could try to put those things together and just walk through the pitfalls that come in everybody's life, success is really around the corner. So, you know, if that's what it means is being the state's next governor, that that's really a symbol of what's possible, so be it. But it's really about everybody in our state just chasing that dream and Florida being the land of freedom and opportunity for everybody in the Sunshine State, Congressman.

[Clay Travis]

Byron Donalds and hopefully the next governor of my beautiful state of Florida, Congressman, appreciate you sir. We'll talk to you more as the race continues on there. And we really thank you for making the time.

[Buck Sexton]

Listen, thanks guys. I really appreciate it. You guys take it easy.

[Clay Travis]

You know, we're always learning on this show. It's one of the great things about doing this job is Clay and I have to be learning all the time. And if we learn interesting, worthwhile things, we get to share it with so many of you. It's one of the great joys of this. But you know, when there's an opportunity to learn stuff that is so important in the moment and so easy and enjoyable, you don't want to pass it up. Hillsdale Colleges professors have pulled together courses that will let you learn so much really interesting stuff. They've been creating and producing online video courses on different subjects for for a long time now. And every one of them presents a learning experience for you and for us. There are no tests to take, no schedules to follow. You can watch each episode and every series on your own timeline on demand. And it's all free of charge. There are nearly 40 courses in all, including the most watched one, probably one we should all watch if we haven't, right? Constitution 101. That's something very important. Learning about our Constitution again will remind you of just how forward thinking our forefathers were and how important our freedoms of expression are. And also you'll know more than your lunatic lived neighbors who are like the Constitution who know nothing about it.

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[Tom Holman]

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[Leah Palmieri]

Hi, I'm Leah Palmieri.

[Matt Stilo]

And I'm Matt Stille and we host the hit iHeart podcast Grown Up Stuff.

[Leah Palmieri]

I started my own small business this year, so I'm excited to learn about business taxes.

[Matt Stilo]

Leah, congrats. Just keep in mind that 93% of small businesses overpay on their taxes, so stay on top of those deductions and savings.

[Leah Palmieri]

Well, after consulting a TurboTax business expert on maximizing tax savings for my small business, I'm set up for tax success.

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

Welcome back in Clay Travis, BUCK Sexton SHOW Appreciate all of you hanging out with us. A little bit of a break here between guests, actually. We're going to be joined by Tom Holman here in a moment. We gave you out all the data of just how shut down the border has become, which is pretty extraordinary. And and by the way, Byron Donald's just talking with us. We were saying this off air. If he is elected governor of Florida, and I think that he will be, and if he is, then in does a good job, I think he will be in the mix. Assuming that J we're looking years ahead. But assuming J.D. vance is very likely to be the nominee in 28, which I think he is, based on how things are going right now, I think he would be near the top of a list for potential vice presidential candidates because I think he's going to do a really good job in Florida. And I think a lot of the Great work Ron DeSantis has done setting the table, Florida, where you live and where I like to spend a lot of time, is just going to keep getting better and better.

[Clay Travis]

Yeah. I mean, you're basically a partial resident of Florida, so I am. You do own property here, so and it's fine to say that on the radio, by the way, because unlike some other places, the state of Florida welcomes people to come here and doesn't try to tax them by the day. I do in New York and California.

[Ryan Seacrest]

In two states with no state income tax. So I don't have to I Tennessee, obviously, I'm never leaving here, but I do like to spend a lot of time in Florida and I can go between the two places without worrying that they're going to be trying to tax the hell out of me because neither has a state income tax.

[Clay Travis]

I do think there's a similar dynamic playing out right now in Florida and also nationwide under the Trump administration, which is the expectations of, of rational people have we have higher expectations now for governance, which is a good thing. There's no reason for Florida to be a poorly run, you know, purple to blue state with all kinds of dysfunction and mess and no, no, no. You know, we've come a long way and I haven't been here long. The state has come a long way since the 2000 election and all that stuff. And the same thing I think is true now because of what Trump is doing on a national level. You can just do things. This is what's so amazing. Republicans had been led to believe for a long time. And the controlled opposition Republican criticism, I think is very valid when you see a lot of the old Republican ways Republicans have been led to believe. Once we win, then it's time to figure out what the other side will let us do, which is horrible, horrible way to try to govern. No. Trump comes in, he's like, we won. We're going to do stuff. Elections have consequences. Very important, very important insight from Obama. Credit where it's due. They do. And Trump is showing everybody the consequences right now.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Now we'll come back, we'll talk with Tom Holman about the consequences at the border in particular and what a good job he has been doing in that job, shutting it down. But in the meantime, want to tell you all about the work that our friends at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews are doing. They are making a transformative difference for so many people across the entire Holy Land. I was over there in December. And what they were able to do, frankly, is flat out incredible. Whether it's protecting people who are trying to protect many Israelis, whether meaning security and giving them vehicles that are protected, whether it is brand new bomb shelters. How about giving food to people who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. It is a transformative difference. The work that is taking place in the Holy Land. And we are asking you to join us. Monthly gift of $45. Provides critically needed aid to communities in the north and south devastated by the war there since October 7th. Bless Israel and her people by visiting supportifcj.org that's one word, supportifcj.org you can also call 888-488-IFCJ.

[Clay Travis]

All right. Welcome back into Clay and buck immigration. Perhaps the biggest, certainly top, top two in the mission set for the Trump administration coming in here to this term. And we may be joined here momentarily by border czar Tom Homan. He's busy again, just like when we had the secretary of state on they gotta call the next day. They gotta call the next day. This is we're gonna have a lot of administration people joining us over the next four years and particularly the next 18 months. So, you know, we are at their disposal, right. Like they know open invite to get, get these cabinet secretaries to join us when they can. But Trump said this about immigration and this was not an idea I had heard before. It is getting some conversation going. That's one way of putting it. Cut three, play it.

[H]

We're going to be doing something else. It's got to be very, very good. We're going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card. This is a gold card. We're going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that's going to give you green card privileges plus us. It's going to be a route to citizenship. And wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this car. They'll be wealthy and they'll be successful and they'll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people. And we think it's going to be extremely successful.

[Clay Travis]

I have a few thoughts on this. First of all, I think 10 million sounds like a better number if we're going to be selling green cards and calling it a gold card. That's the first thing that I thought about. I'm also not sure this is going to get through, but we'll see.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I kind of think it's genius. I'm not going to lie. And let me tell you why. There are a lot of countries. So I'm going to put my wife on blast here. Pre Trump reelection my well, hold on. I'll tell you this story. We got Tom Holman, we got the Zone who is joining us now, My wife. I will tell you this story still unless she blows up my phone. But Tom Holman is with us.

[Clay Travis]

TOM holman, BORDER CZAR sir, thank you for taking a moment in the break from among the most important, if not the most important mission of the Trump administration so far. Sir, can you just tell us? We've been covering and this audience is very familiar with the details of what has been going on, the total shutdown of illegal crossings by over 90%, all that. Can you tell us what comes now? What are the escalations? What are the things that we should expect in the weeks and months ahead from the perspective of border security?

[H]

Well, as far as border security, I'm looking at the numbers this morning. Our crossings compared to by administration, we're down 97%. We're looking at about 200 apprehensions a day and that's down from 17,000 under Biden. So it's a 97% decrease. The most impressive number I saw was a number of gotaways. And in 2023 under Biden got away. And these are known got aways. These are people who capture on video drone traffic or sensor traffic that got away. They weren't apprehended because border patrol was too busy dealing with the humanitarian crisis, families and all that other stuff. So they're dealing about 1800 on average a day. They got away yesterday, 41. 41 across 2000 miles of border. So, you know, I've been doing this since 1984. I've never seen that number ever. So the southern borders, it's at the best place I remember it being. And President Trump was able to do that in one month. Right. So we got some more work to do because 41 got aways are 41 too many got aways. I want zero got aways. Once we get zero got aways, we can say we have total operational control of the southern border and we're going to get there. And I really, truly believe that. So we got some more things to do where the Galloways are, we're flexing resources, reinforcement personnel, DoD and Border Patrol to those areas and just see if we squeeze them out. We're asking Mexico now that President Trump forced Mexico, put military on the board, arrest them to appease and deny entry, which means they shouldn't be touching your soil. So we're working on that. We'll get to that endgame very soon. As far as interior enforcement, you know, I looked at numbers more, and we're just shy of 25,000 arrests in the interior United States by ICE, vast majority of them being criminals. We need to do better. Like the numbers are more than twice as much as Biden a year ago today. We've doubled the amount of criminal arrests, we've doubled amounts of gang arrests, we've doubled amounts of aliens arrested. But I'm happy, but I'm not satisfied. The number needs me more, twice of the president that did personally. Nothing is not impressive to me. We can do more. So we're putting more teams out there. We just brought in some contractors on the to increase the targeting, put more targets out there, the field teams to go look for. We got the whole again. We've got the FBI, US Marshals, dea, atf, all these agencies are bringing any criminal investigation they have to deal with foreign nationals. So we're working on that. I got Pam Binding at the table now, soon. Sanctuary cities are constantly putting roadblocks up and causing us to be less efficient. So we got a lot of things working. So I expect those arrests on the interior to rise in the very near future, and then I'll be happy how much.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Thanks for coming on and thank you for all the work you're doing. We're talking to Tom Holman. 97% down on border crossings, 25,000 arrests, 2 times what Biden was doing on arrest violent criminals. And again, the work you've done In a speaks for itself. You mentioned a little bit there at the end. Pam Bondi being in now is Department of Justice. You got cash and you've got Dan Bongino now running the FBI. How much opposition? There have been reports that sometimes ICE is getting. The raids are being tipped off in advance from deep staters who may well oppose what you're trying to do. How much do you think that is actually going on and to what extent does there need to be an investigation into opposition from inside of our own government?

[H]

Well, to what extent like I want one is too many. But we, we have identified how the leak occurred for Aurora, Colorado. That's being investigated now. We've identified that person. So we'll see how that investigate turns out. But more likely going to end up in a removal and prosecution. The secretary has information that maybe Anika came out of the FBI. I'm not privy to that. Answer is they'll be dealt with too. But I want to say this because the vast majority of agents saw that 99.9% of these agents out there, including FBI agents, are doing a great job and they're out there taking bad guys off the street. So look, one's too many. We've identified one and maybe another one. But I just came back from Houston, Texas. I ran an operation of colony Ridge, arrested 119 people. That operation went seamless, flawless. We took a lot of bad guys out there. That's a cartel presence there. But they got cartel presence no more. So we're going to keep doing it and we're not going to stop. The biggest problem is, is the sanctuary cities who are constantly princess in la. They're putting pictures up of our officers, their names, their phone numbers or address, doxing them. And I actually, I met with Pam Bondi this morning. I want the DOJ opinion. When you put an agent's picture, name, address, phone number in a public view, said huge are the people doing this stuff. I think that's impediment. I think that crosses the line. So I want her opinion on if we can go identify who's doing this to arrest them, put handcuffs on them. So I'm waiting that opinion. I should get it any day now.

[Clay Travis]

Speaking of border czar Tom Holman, who spent decades as a guy on the front line of our border and the national security implications of our border and understands all the ins and outs of this. And Tom, on the issue of the ramp up, I mean, you've talked about the numbers first of all, the shutting down the border, illegal crossings, the way that you've already done. It's been phenomenal. It has shown the Democrats wanted the wide open border. So it's a huge win already that the Trump administration has delivered for the whole country. But then there's the issue of the 10 million plus who came in under Biden and the millions and millions of others who are at various stages of illegal status here. You know, the overall number is not something that we seem to have a real definite sense of. But to get to the kind of numbers that Trump was talking about on the campaign trail would have to be a dramatic increase in deportations. And there is some talk that's already circulating of a private sector auxiliary, if you will. Erik Prince's name has been floated as somebody involved in this. Is that something the administration would consider meaning bringing in private sector to help with the deportations? And if so or if not, what is the plan to get these numbers to where there are, you know, hundreds of thousands being deported a month instead of whatever the current number is?

[H]

Well, I can tell you I've been told that I've been sent that plan, but I haven't seen it again. Again, I'm dealing with 500 emails a day without a thousand texts. I'm slammed by seeing that plan. But I've said from the beginning we need a contract. Allow this work out. What I mean is non law enforcement work, right? We got badges and gun with immigration authority processing. We got them writing warrants, we got them doing transportation, we got them doing intelligence work. We got them on transfer ground in air transport. I want to take every badge and gun with immigration authority and put them on the street. Things that don't like. We spend thousands of hours a week processing illegal aliens. That doesn't take a badging gun, doesn't take immigration authorities. It takes somebody speak Spanish to process these people for us. So I'm looking at now to build out a large contract contracts in machine to take law enforcement officers out of those non law enforcement duties and put them on the street. Of course, that takes money. Takes a lot of money. So I've been up on the Hill several times the last couple weeks telling Congress, you need to pass this border bill. Get us money to do that. And the more money we have, the more successful we will be. It puts more agents on the street, it puts more bad guys in jail and our deportation flights will go a lot higher. But I can tell you this, you know, I was contacted by media first. You know, push this false narrative that removal numbers are behind Biden. Let's remember Biden was counting border patrol removals with ice removals. So of course his number is high. Millions of people crossing the border. We got the border locked down. But if you look at interior arrest, just those arrested in the interior by ice, we more than double them. But again, I'm not halfway there. We tend 10 times more than Biden because Biden wasn't doing very much. So that's, that is a plan right now. Do a contract and a lot of this work. I haven't seen the plan you talked about. Looking forward to reading it. But right now we got to get law enforcement officers, every one of them on the street, take them away from these non enforcement duties and get them doing they should be doing, putting handcuffs on a bad guy. So certainly looking forward to reading it. We'll see where we go from there. But the whole concept of contracting that workout makes sense to me. It's what we need to do.

[Ryan Seacrest]

We're talking to Tom Holman. Borders are doing incredible work so far. Two part question here. One, how has Eric asked Adams, New York City's mayor cooperation been with you so far. I saw the Roosevelt Hotel was getting shut down. Second part. Can Buck and I come with you on an ice raid at some point to see for ourselves what your crew's doing?

[H]

Answer the second question. We'll make that work. We've had a lot of media out there and we pulled back the media just because we want to verify the leaks. But I'm certainly, I don't think you guys will leak anything.

[Ryan Seacrest]

You don't have to worry about us.

[H]

Yeah, well certainly, we're certainly looking at right now. Media ride alongs are, are just on hold while we can.

[Clay Travis]

I say something, Tom. Clay hasn't really even been to the border. So we would love to get with border patrol, get up in a Hilo, see what's going on. I mean I've been down many times but we, I want to get down with Clay. So we want to talk to your team about that.

[H]

Look, we'll make that happen. Look, I've been from day one I said I want to be transparent with the American people. Show me exactly what we're doing, exactly who we're arresting, exactly why we're doing it. We put a hold on it just while we're dealing with these leagues. But we're getting close, getting beyond that now. So we'll fire them back up. As far as Mayor Adams, well, I'll find out next week. I'll be with him next week and he's supposed to be right in the executive order to get back in Rikers. If he does that, getting us in the Rikers, that's a game changer. But I know he wants to do the right thing. And what irritates me is that he wants to be a law and order mayor. And because he wants to be a law order mayor, because he's talking to Tom Holman, you know, Governor Hochul wants to fire. And this is the same lady who stood on national TV a month ago when illegal aliens were beating up on NYPD when they were, you know, setting a woman on fire on the subway. She says she fully supports the arrest and deportation of criminal aliens, yet she wants to fire the mayor that's going to let us into Rikers Island. Are you kidding me? And plus, she still has a green light law, which means if you're a nice agent or if you're a border patrol agent, you can't have access to New York State DMV data, which means if you're in a patrol car, you're getting ready to pull somebody over like law enforcement does every day. You run a license plate numbers, probably find out who's in that car, who owns the car, see if there's wants and warrants in that car. The men and women, ICE and Borbatrol, do not have access to that data. So so much for her words. Since she supports the deportation of criminals, she continues to put roadblocks. Instead of her firing Mayor Adams, the voters in New York need to fire her because she talks out of one side of her mouth and acts differently on the other side. So she should be removed. That's my opinion.

[Clay Travis]

Tom Homan, I think you are the definition of the right man for the job and it is an absolutely critical job for the nation right now. So we are thankful for your many years of service and we are very thankful that you are in this position now as borders are. And we'll be in touch with you and let us know we can get the truth out about what's happening there soon. So thank you so much, sir, and please keep up the great work.

[H]

And God bless the men and women of the United States Border Patrol. God bless the women, women of immigration, customer enforcement, their boots on the ground. They are making this happen. So God bless them.

[Clay Travis]

Absolutely. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Since 9 11, the Talent the Towers foundation has been supporting America's greatest heroes and their families. Heroes who protect our communities and our country. Heroes like firefighter James Dick. He was passionate about fire safety and aspired to do everything in his power to keep his community and fellow firefighters safe. While responding to an apartment fire, James and his crew tried to save people who were trapped inside. When the situation escalated, James was not able to escape and he perished in the blazing inferno. The cause of that fire was arson. James leaves behind his loving wife Jamie and his children Paige and Grant. The Tunnel at the Towers gave the Dickman family the gift of a mortgage free home home. Jamie is grateful to Tunnel the Towers and to caring friends like you for lifting the financial burden of a mortgage off her shoulders. Donate $11 a month to tunnel the towers at t2t.org that's t the number two t.org Making America Great Again isn't.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Just one man, it's many. The Team 47 podcast Sundays at noon Eastern in the Clay and Buck podcast feed. Find it on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Tom Holman]

On January 27, it is international Holocaust Remembrance Day. We remember the great horrors, the evil of the Holocaust. Millions and millions of Jews were slaughtered during the Nazi reign of terror. Now today we are witnessing the rise of global anti Semitism, the constant attacks on Israel, showing us that it is more important than ever to remember the atrocities of the Holocaust and to ensure it never happens again. We have proudly partnered with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Now they provide food, shelter, safety to so many Israelis in Israel as they fight against radical Islamic terrorism in our time, including those remaining Holocaust survivors. Your donation today will help provide food, water, medicine and other bare necessities to Jewish communities. Go to their [e-mail], that's supportifcj.org or call toll free 888-488-IFCJ 888-488 IFCJ today.

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[Leah Palmieri]

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[Matt Stilo]

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[Leah Palmieri]

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[Leah Palmieri]

Okay, I'm gonna tell you. We've got Scottsdale, Arizona, Atlanta, Georgia, Miami, Florida, Orlando, Florida and Austin, Texas.

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Byron Donalds]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

Welcome back in Clay Travis Buck Sexton show what a badass Tom Holman is. I just want to hit some of those numbers Buck that he gave us because sometimes I think you can get lost in numbers and I'm a data nerd. I actually like using the numbers to tell a story. 97% down on illegal border crossings to 200 at a day, down from 17,000 average every day under Biden and the known gotaways. And he explained that what that was Buck. You know, basically they see him on camera but they don't get to them, him down to 41 in the most recent day from 1800 a day under Biden.

[Clay Travis]

And, you know, those numbers are the got away number and the illegal crossing number absolutely linked because to the point about being out of the border, I was there at night. The cartels. Because the cartels control all of it. The human smuggling and the drug smuggling. And if you don't pay them, you die. Right. So it's. So the cartels, Clay, would send boats of women and children that send like a raft or a sort of a little motorboat across the Rio Grande. And then when border patrol would gather with them to, you know, bring them water and take care of them and make sure, you know, the humanitarian mission is being a mile down. Guess what happens? Just, you know, go fasts and drug mules as fast as they can because they know that they have limited resources. Right, right. So the gotaways and the illegal crossings are always. Those numbers are kind of synergistic. They build on each other. So you bring down one a lot. Meaning people that are saying, oh, I'm here, give me asylum. Now you have the resources to prevent the gotaways from bringing the fentanyl in to kill Americans when we come back.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Well, actually, I think we can play this really quick. I will play it. We come back, we got a lot of you weighing in with a variety of different talkbacks.

[Clay Travis]

But.

[Ryan Seacrest]

But Buck, you started to set the table for the question about the golden ticket. Basically, as Trump is calling it, $5 million that would allow you from a foreign country to buy citizenship. Can we get the audio during the break of Trump saying that it could actually cure the entire federal budget deficit? Because that is actually super interesting to me with how many people would actually be interested in this worldwide.

[Clay Travis]

We can lay out this plan too. That's being discussed. Former Blackwater founder Erik Prince. Private sector. Tom Holman says private sector is needed to get the deportations to the level they should be. I'll lay out what's being said about that plan and more coming up.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Byron Donalds]

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