Podcast Summary: The Victor Davis Hanson Show Episode: Revising Government, Rooting Out Crime and Waste
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler

1. Introduction and Overview

The episode, recorded on March 10th and released on the 13th, delves into pressing political and social issues, focusing on government policies, corruption, and the efficacy of non-profits. Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler engage in a robust discussion, offering insights into current events and historical parallels.

2. Student Loans and Higher Education Reform

Timestamp: [06:12]

Jack Fowler opens the discussion by highlighting Trump's actions regarding the public service student loan program and the broader implications for higher education:

• Key Points:

  • Student Loan Burden: The student loan program has ballooned to $1.7 trillion, with approximately 30% of loans now non-performing, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Higher Education Challenges: Rising costs, extended time to graduation (average of six years), and high dropout rates contribute to the crisis.
  • Accountability: Victor advocates for holding universities accountable by tying their endowments to loan performance, ensuring they advise students on lucrative majors.

• Notable Quote:

  Victor Davis Hanson [07:07]: "If those universities had to pay and guarantee those loans when they defaulted, then they would advise the students about which majors were remunerative. They want you to graduate quickly, but there's no moral hazard without accountability."

3. Trump's Executive Order Targeting Perkins Co.

Timestamp: [18:27]

The conversation shifts to Donald Trump's executive order aimed at revoking security clearances for Perkins Co. and its affiliates:

• Key Points:

  • Perkins Co. Controversy: Perkins Co. is implicated in manufacturing the false dossier meant to undermine Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.
  • Security Clearance Implications: Revoking security clearances for Perkins Co. is seen as a move to curb unethical activities and reduce the influence of firms involved in election interference.
  • Historical Context: Victor draws parallels between Perkins Co.'s actions and past instances of election meddling.

• Notable Quotes:

  Jack Fowler [17:14]: "Let me give you a little clip here from Donald Trump's executive order killing security clearance for Perkins Co."

  Victor Davis Hanson [19:49]: "It's against the law for a presidential candidate to pay money to a foreign national to work in their campaign... that's exactly what Trump is doing."

4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Government Institutions

Timestamp: [25:04]

A critical examination of DEI initiatives within government bodies, particularly the American Battlefield Monuments Commission:

• Key Points:

  • DEI Critique: Victor argues that DEI is a nihilistic approach that fosters division by emphasizing perceived inequalities.
  • Commission Operations: During his tenure, Victor resisted the inclusion of DEI officers, maintaining that cemeteries should reflect equality without racial or gender biases.
  • Policy Recommendations: Advocates for appointing nonpartisan experts like Thomas Connor to ensure mission-focused operations without ideological interference.

• Notable Quote:

  Victor Davis Hanson [25:41]: "What would a DEI person do?... How would you want to bring race or gender into the operation of cemeteries abroad?"

5. U.S. Aid to South Africa and Land Sales Legislation

Timestamp: [34:37]

Discussion centers on Trump's decision to cut federal funding to South Africa amidst anti-white policies and a proposed bill by Senator Mike Rounds:

• Key Points:

  • South Africa's Political Climate: Victor describes South Africa as highly corrupt and anti-American, drawing parallels to Zimbabwe's land reforms that devastated its agricultural productivity.
  • Legislation: Senator Rounds' Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security Act aims to prevent hostile nations from purchasing U.S. agricultural land near military installations.
  • Reciprocity Principle: Emphasizes that U.S. policies should mirror those of adversarial nations, advocating for equal stances in international trade and land ownership.

• Notable Quote:

  Victor Davis Hanson [38:29]: "If you're doing this to us, then we're just going to mirror image you and apply your standards to yourself."

6. John Kerry's Alleged Undermining of FBI Investigations

Timestamp: [53:56]

The hosts discuss allegations against John Kerry regarding his interference in FBI probes into Iranian terrorism:

• Key Points:

  • Kerry's Ambitions: Victor portrays Kerry as someone who consistently overreached his roles, from diplomatic endeavors to environmental positions.
  • Allegations: Claims that Kerry systematically derailed investigations into Iranian terrorist activities to further his own agenda.
  • Impact on National Security: Suggests that such actions undermine the integrity of federal investigations and weaken national security frameworks.

• Notable Quote:

  Victor Davis Hanson [53:56]: "He's always underperformed. He had these enormous ambitions... he just said, stop it. I don't want anything to get in the way of my ambition and my agenda."

7. Pop-Up Nonprofits and Government Exploitation

Timestamp: [60:53]

Addressing concerns about the rise of "pop-up nonprofits" as fronts for fraud and ideological agendas:

• Key Points:

  • Nonprofit Fraud: Emergence of shell organizations that exploit government funds for personal gain or to promote specific ideologies.
  • Ideological Influence: These nonprofits often focus on DEI, climate change, and other progressive causes, diverting funds to favored individuals or projects with minimal transparency.
  • Legislative Responses: Calls for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent the misuse of taxpayer money and ensure nonprofits adhere to their stated missions.

• Notable Quote:

  Victor Davis Hanson [63:45]: "It's fraudulent... mid-level or low-level functionaries set up dummy companies to say it's not for me, it's for the cause."

8. Joe Biden's Cognitive Decline and Executive Orders

Timestamp: [57:53]

Exploring allegations that Joe Biden's cognitive decline allowed White House staffers to issue orders without his conscious oversight:

• Key Points:

  • Attorney General's Inquiry: Missouri's AG Andrew Bailey seeks an investigation into potential exploitation of Biden's cognitive state during his presidency.
  • Legitimacy of Orders: Questions the validity of executive actions taken if Biden was not fully aware or in control.
  • Forgery Concerns: Victor cites evidence of identical signatures on executive orders, suggesting they were not personally endorsed by Biden.

• Notable Quote:

  Victor Davis Hanson [57:53]: "Only one of his signatures was unique. They were all the same, and they were done by an auto pin."

9. Closing Remarks and Listener Feedback

Timestamp: [70:18]

The episode concludes with positive feedback from listeners, highlighting Victor's expertise and influence:

• Key Points:

  • Listener Appreciation: Testimonials from military and academic professionals praising Victor's analysis and contributions.
  • Upcoming Content: Plans to discuss Civil War literature and Victor's future projects were briefly mentioned.

• Notable Comment:

  Listener "DAO1217": "Dr. Hanson's insight, analysis, and commentary is just so spot on. A true American treasure."

Conclusion

In this episode, Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler tackle a range of critical issues, from higher education and student loans to government corruption and the influence of non-profits. Through incisive analysis and historical context, the hosts advocate for accountability, transparency, and policies that prioritize national security and economic stability.

For more insights and in-depth discussions, visit Victor's website VictorHansen.com and subscribe to his exclusive content at The Blade of Perseus.

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