Interrupted by Matt Jones – Episode 30: Mailbag

Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Matt Jones
Co-host: Billy Rutledge
Podcast: Kentucky Sports Radio (iHeartPodcasts)

Episode Overview

This special “Mailbag” episode features Matt Jones and Billy Rutledge tackling four of the most-asked questions from listeners. Building on the fallout from a trip to the Super Bowl, Matt invites candid listener inquiries on high-profile topics, delivering spontaneous, often fiery commentary on everything from the Jeffrey Epstein documents to athlete protests at the Olympics, the ICE controversy in Milwaukee, and the Democratic field for the next presidential election. The tone is candid, opinionated, and quintessentially Matt Jones: sharp, questioning, and often irreverent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Jeffrey Epstein Situation: What’s Changed?

Timestamps: [02:00]-[18:15]

• Matt’s Position Evolution:
  Matt clarifies he never thought the Epstein scandal was “not a big deal,” but admits he’d underestimated its scale and potential for conspiracy coverups. Recent details and government resistance to full disclosure have shaken his confidence.

  • “My takeaway is like many folds. First of all, it confirms one thing I did think was true, which is the elites of the world, they all know each other… it also confirms that the world is running by these elites that all gather together and I think make decisions that have a huge effect on policy.” [03:20]

• The Elites and Shocking Networks:
  He’s astounded by the varied and high-profile nature of names included—politicians, bankers, professors, sports figures, and more. The correspondence is brazen, showing intimacy among global power brokers.

  • “It has shocked me how many different types of people are involved… It goes on and on.” [04:22]

• Prosecutions and Redactions:
  Matt is angry about the lack of accountability for those implicated, especially officials such as Pam Bondi and Cash Patel, calling their dismissals and redactions of “important people” shameful.

  • “Pam Bondi, the Attorney General should be fired. Cash Patel fired. They lied. They didn’t mislead, they lied … The victims not being redacted is shameful.” [07:48]

• Lack of Institutional Trust:
  The erosion of public trust in institutions frustrates Matt, as does political cover for both Clinton and Trump associates.

  • “One of the things that makes me sad about institutions crumbling and belief in them is you get to a point where nobody believes anything.” [12:10]

• Praise for Rare Political Integrity:
  He singles out Kentucky’s Thomas Massie and Rand Paul, along with Ro Khanna, as politicians who “stand up for what they believe in,” regardless of party pressure.

  • “You gotta give that dude credit. … We need politicians on the left and the right who do what he’s doing.” [13:05]

• Predictions on Outcome:
  Matt predicts the Democrats will win the House and initiate their own investigations. He’s pessimistic about accountability: “I worry that nobody’s gonna be held responsible.” [17:39]

Notable Quotes

• “How can you justify bringing them [the Clintons] in and not bringing the other people in?” – Matt [09:24]
• “I’d much prefer you to put the names out there and then have the person come and go, 'Listen, I was ordering a hamburger from him.'” – Matt [11:01]
• “I think the Democrats are going to take the House in November and they’re going to push hearings on all this.” – Matt [15:41]

2. Olympic Athletes Speaking Out (about the U.S. and ICE)

Timestamps: [18:17]-[28:12]

• On Athlete Free Speech:
  Matt is unequivocal—athletes have the right to speak out, even while representing the U.S. at the Olympics. To him, this ability epitomizes what makes America great:

  • “Isn’t that what America’s supposed to be about? … There are countries in the world where, if they said that, they couldn’t go back home.” [18:48]

• Historical Context:
  He cites the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute, Jesse Owens, and current Ukrainian athletes as examples of politics and protest at the Games.

  • “Politics have always been part of the Olympics. So it doesn’t bother me now if people don’t like it. I understand that. But … they should be sent home? I don’t agree with that.” [21:57]

• On Criticism and Double Standards:
  Matt critiques those who say athletes should only be positive about the U.S., challenging why praise is lauded but criticism is taboo.

  • “We tend to praise when athletes speak up when we agree with them, and we tend to tell them to shut up … when we disagree with them.” [24:50]
  • “Trump’s entire running philosophy was that Obama had ruined America, yet he still got to say he loved America. Don’t I get to do the same thing?” [27:23]

Notable Quotes

• “I’m fine with it. I mean, whether you agree with their sentiments or not, isn’t that what America’s supposed to be about?” – Matt [18:48]
• “I love America and not love its leader, correct?” – Matt [27:15]

3. ICE Operations in Milwaukee: Trump Administration Decisions

Timestamps: [28:43]-[35:32]

• Shifting Credit:
  Matt criticizes the Trump administration’s original role, especially Stephen Miller, but credits Trump and Tom Holman for scaling down ICE’s operations after disastrous outcomes and public outcry.

  • “He decided to get rid of Stephen Miller … and now they’re leaving. And that was the right decision.” [29:26]

• Leadership and Media Optics:
  He praises Trump’s TV instinct to understand the power of images, arguing that negative visuals on Fox News influenced the administration’s course correction.

  • “He is a master marketer, probably one of the best marketers in the history of the United States.” [31:49]

• The Need for Dissent in Leadership:
  Matt discusses Lincoln’s “Team of Rivals” and Obama’s practice of keeping dissenters close, bemoaning Trump’s echo chamber:

  • “Trump needs that. Needs one just to know about optics and, like, what could go wrong.” [35:04]

• On Training and Competence:
  Both agree the ICE crisis exposed how unqualified leadership leads to chaos and risks on the ground.

  • “They put people in charge … who don’t know anything. He’s trying to create conflict.” [31:03]

Notable Quotes

• “Trump is a TV star. Trump is … a master marketer, probably one of the best … in the history of the United States.” – Matt [31:49]
• “When you surround yourself with people that won’t question you, Billy, that’s bad.” – Matt [33:25]

4. The 2028 Democratic Presidential Field – Who Should Run?

Timestamps: [35:37]-[53:36]

• Process of Elimination:
  Matt rules out Kamala Harris (“already lost. … She’s cringy” [35:57]) and Gavin Newsom (“He’s our Trump” [36:31]) due to electability, personality, and “sleazy” vibes.

• Candidate Profiles:

  • Possible “Young Cool Liberals”:
    • AOC, Wes Moore—would excite the base but risk seeming too fringe.
    • “AOC is a star. I can’t stand him but Tucker Carlson’s a star … Obama star, Clinton star, Reagan star. Joe Biden was not a star … J.D. Vance is not a star.” [44:46]
  • Boring but Electable:
    • Roy Cooper (NC), Josh Shapiro (PA), John Ossoff (GA), Andy Beshear (KY)
    • “To me, we need a boring white guy … Boring and can talk.” [39:28]
    • Andy’s likable but may lack the “star” quality needed nationally (“He’s added some sprinkles, but does he have chocolate chip?” [41:08])

• Kentucky’s Place:
  Fascinated by a potential Andy Beshear vs. J.D. Vance matchup—“it would be fascinating … if the presidential race were two dudes from Kentucky.” [48:07]

• Trump’s Endorsement Games:
  Matt predicts Trump will undermine Republican successors by neither fully supporting nor abandoning them:

  • “He’ll never shut up. … He could just have all of them kiss his butt but he never really gives any of them his support.” [42:28]

• Debates and “Stars”:
  Matt insists that the Democrats’ nominee must be smart and capable on the debate stage to counter J.D. Vance (“J.D. Vance is smart. So you can’t have an idiot up there.” [52:38])

Notable Quotes

• “The one I want the least is Kamala Harris. She’s already lost. … She’s cringy, so yes. And she’s not, like, the world doesn’t think she’s cool.” – Matt [35:57]
• “For me, Josh Shapiro or John Ossoff in Georgia’s probably the best ones.” – Matt [44:43]
• “We need to find a… star. But I don’t see another star.” – Billy [44:40]
• “Andy’s… gotten a lot better. But can Andy, can Andy get people?” – Matt [47:02]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Political Courage:
  “I can’t believe I’ve become a big fan of Thomas Massie … the dude is gutsy. … We need politicians on the left and the right who do what he’s doing.” – Matt [13:05]

• On America’s Strength:
  “That’s what I don’t like … when people equate not liking Trump to not liking America. Trump’s entire running philosophy was that Obama had ruined America, yet he still got to say he loved America. Don’t I get to do the same thing?” – Matt [27:23]

• On Trump’s Personality:
  “Trump is a TV star … there’s a reason people are like, so surprised, Trump knows, like, he’s got it. Cause Trump’s got it. That’s why Trump’s so jealous of Obama.” – Matt [45:59]

• On the Power of Debate:
  “We also need someone smart, by the way, because J.D. Vance is smart. Trump’s not smart. We’ve been used to having fodder. J.D. Vance smart. So you can’t have an idiot up there.” – Matt [52:38]

Chapter Timestamps

• Show Opens, Mailbag Setup: [00:01]-[02:00]
• Epstein, Elites & Institutional Decay: [02:00]-[18:15]
• Olympic Free Speech Debate: [18:17]-[28:12]
• ICE Operations & Leadership Lessons: [28:43]-[35:32]
• 2028 Democratic Candidates & Kentucky’s Role: [35:37]-[53:36]
• Closing Thoughts: [53:36]-end

Final Thoughts

Matt Jones and Billy Rutledge deliver a candid, substantial episode, using real listener questions as a springboard for potent commentary on politics, sports culture, and the current social climate. Matt’s Kentucky perspective, willingness to criticize all sides, and focus on principle over party makes the episode both accessible and thought-provoking—especially for listeners navigating the turbulent years ahead.

Contact for Mailbag: 772-774-5254