Episode Overview

Podcast: The Rubin Report
Host: Dave Rubin
Guest: Congressman Dan Crenshaw
Title: Exposing the Truth Behind Shawn Ryan Fight & Drug Boat Strikes
Release Date: December 29, 2025

This episode features a candid conversation between Dave Rubin and Congressman Dan Crenshaw. The two discuss topics ranging from recent controversies involving Crenshaw and podcaster Shawn Ryan to U.S. counter-narcotics strikes on drug smuggling boats, the intensifying political climate, and legislative priorities heading into the 2026 election. Throughout, Crenshaw shares behind-the-scenes insights into both national security issues and personal attacks in the media, all while emphasizing his focus on substantive policy work.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Addressing the Shawn Ryan Feud and Social Media Distractions

• Context:
  Crenshaw begins by addressing ongoing social media drama and false accusations made by former Navy SEAL and podcaster Shawn Ryan.
• Main Points:
  • He expresses frustration with the "dumb...ridiculous social media fights" that distract from his work ([00:00]).
  • Crenshaw clarifies allegations made by Ryan, specifically the claim that he threatened to assault Ryan with SEAL Team Six members — which he categorically denies ([00:12]).
  • He reveals efforts to correct the record personally and his reluctance to engage in online tit-for-tat, but notes, "I also have to defend myself...you're accusing me of a crime" ([00:21]).
  • Crenshaw highlights the disconnect between media clickbait and the actual substance of his work for his district.

Notable Quote:

• "I have better things to do...I'm about to go vote on a bill...streamlining permitting that we desperately need in our district...It's just a distraction from, like, real things we're working on." — Dan Crenshaw ([07:40])

2. U.S. Anti-Drug Operations in Venezuela and the Caribbean

• Context:
  Rubin and Crenshaw turn to recent U.S. military operations targeting drug boats linked to the Maduro regime and Mexican cartels.
• Main Points:
  • Crenshaw discusses a recent intelligence briefing on strikes against drug networks in Venezuela and the Caribbean ([01:13]).
  • He explains the rationale for classifying these cartels and networks as terrorist organizations, citing their direct involvement in trafficking and facilitation by the Maduro regime ([01:13]-[02:14]).
  • Describes U.S. strategic deterrence; after recent strikes, “they're having trouble finding people who will actually pilot these boats now" ([03:15]).
  • Addresses controversy over the legality and morality of "double tap" strikes, defending them as compliant with law and precedent set in previous administrations ([03:44]-[05:57]).

Notable Quotes:

• "You have to target the networks. And these networks we've defined now as terrorist networks...they really run everything." — Dan Crenshaw ([01:13])
• "If you miss the first shot, you take the second shot and that's what's happening here...the legality of it is pretty clear." — Dan Crenshaw ([04:15])

3. Political Media, Criticism, and Crenshaw’s Record

• Context:
  The conversation shifts back to the nature of political attacks and Crenshaw’s own career and legislative priorities.
• Main Points:
  • Crenshaw rebuts rumors about personal wealth accumulation and implications of insider trading, noting transparency in his finances ([06:16]).
  • He enumerates concrete legislative achievements: flood mitigation funding, infrastructure permitting, Medicaid reform, leading work on cartel and fentanyl legislation, and children’s health care debates ([08:30]-[10:26]).
  • Shares frustration over being accused of crimes and emphasizes the impact these allegations can have on family and reputation ([11:54]).

Notable Quote:

• "You can't lie about me committing a crime, whether it's insider trading or...conspiring to assault you. Like, these are criminal things...My daughter's going to read this stuff one day." — Dan Crenshaw ([11:54])

4. The Republican Policy Agenda Looking Ahead to 2026

• Context:
  Rubin asks Crenshaw what Republicans must do to avoid electoral losses in the 2026 cycle.
• Main Points:
  • Crenshaw identifies health care as a legislative priority, suggesting that Republicans have an opportunity to put a "very conservative face" on reforms ([12:45]).
  • He previews upcoming votes on health care bills aimed at lowering costs and fixing premium tax credits.
  • Emphasizes border security and price reduction through deregulation.
  • Focuses on the need to better communicate wins from the “Working Families Tax Cut Act” (formerly “big beautiful bill”) and credits Republicans with forestalling automatic tax increases ([14:12]).
  • Criticizes infighting and urges the GOP to “deliver on Trump’s agenda” because "the agenda is popular and it works for the American people" ([15:49]).

Notable Quotes:

• "We really got to sell people better on...the Working Families Tax Cut act...because that's exactly what it was. I don't think people knew really that their taxes were about to go up in December massively. We prevented that." — Dan Crenshaw ([13:30])
• "The agenda is popular and it works for the American people." — Dan Crenshaw ([15:49])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• "I hate these dumb...ridiculous social media fights that media people just like to create."
  — Dan Crenshaw ([00:00])
• "You only need to blow up a couple boats before they get the signal."
  — Dave Rubin ([03:26])
• "Obama did it in Libya. Jefferson did it...pirates. This authority from the executive branch goes back a long way."
  — Dan Crenshaw ([05:41])
• "I've got an opponent...he's voted with Democrats to oppose property tax decreases in Texas. Like what?...And you're telling me that you're coming at me from the right."
  — Dan Crenshaw ([09:19])
• "Politics is really something. But, you know, my first day in politics, I'm on Saturday Night Live. And so you become a target, naturally."
  — Dan Crenshaw ([11:54])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–01:02: Crenshaw explains origin and frustrations of the Shawn Ryan controversy.
• 01:02–02:14: Briefing on current U.S. anti-drug operations in Venezuela and the Caribbean.
• 03:26–05:57: Legality, morality, and strategic success of boat strikes – “double tap” discussion.
• 06:16–11:41: Dissecting financial misinformation, legislative work, and personal attacks.
• 12:45–15:49: 2026 election strategy, Republican legislative agenda, policy messaging.

Tone and Language

The tone is straightforward, direct, and sometimes combative—reflective of both Crenshaw’s military background and current political climate. Crenshaw uses specific examples and direct language to rebut critics, while Dave Rubin maintains a conversational, at-times incredulous approach, particularly around the social media drama.

Summary

This episode provides an inside look at both high-stakes national security policy and the personal toll of political infighting and misinformation. Crenshaw seeks to center the narrative on tangible legislative achievements and policy battles, while pushing back hard on rumors and false accusations. The discussion is sharply focused on substance over spectacle, with both host and guest emphasizing the need to communicate their accomplishments directly to the public ahead of a critical election year.