Timcast IRL Episode Summary Title: Kash Patel CONFIRMED, Deep State PANICS, Mitch McConnell To RETIRE w/ Kevin Smith
Host/Author: Timcast Media
Release Date: February 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Timcast IRL, host Tim Pool welcomes special guests Kevin Smith, Mary Morgan, and journalist Elad Eliyahu to discuss the recent confirmation of Cash Patel as FBI Director, the implications of potential deep-state panic, and the anticipated retirement of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The conversation delves into significant political developments, government overreach, and the shifting dynamics within the federal workforce.

Confirmation of Cash Patel as FBI Director

Phil Labonte opens the discussion by announcing Cash Patel's confirmation as FBI Director:

"The Senate has confirmed Cash Patel, leaving only four of Donald Trump's nominees out waiting to finish off..." [05:18]

Elad Eliyahu emphasizes the significance of Patel's confirmation, highlighting Patel's alignment with Trump's agenda:

"If you want to go back to the IRS targeting, the IRS should have been investigated by the FBI and it would..." [07:51]

Kevin Smith expresses enthusiasm for the change in the FBI leadership:

"Cash Patel is the strongest force forward for Donald Trump. And I can't wait to see what he puts out first..." [08:33]

Potential Reforms Under the Trump Administration

The panel discusses President Trump's proposals to abolish the IRS and replace it with tariffs. Phil Labonte shares his support for the idea:

"I like the idea personally, but I'm not exactly the most educated on economics..." [45:18]

Kevin Smith voices skepticism yet maintains optimism:

"I think it's a pie in the sky and that it would work... but I think you guys were talking about this the other day about income taxes..." [46:22]

Elad Eliyahu questions the feasibility of replacing income taxes with tariffs:

"I don't think solely tariffs would be able to like fund our government..." [49:02]

Mass Firings of Federal Workers and Judicial Rulings

Phil Labonte brings up the recent judicial ruling allowing the Trump administration to continue mass firings within the federal workforce:

"A federal judge ruled on Thursday rejecting a bid by a group of labor unions to halt Donald Trump's dramatic downsizing..." [59:52]

Elad Eliyahu and Kevin Smith debate the implications of these actions on government efficiency and political bias. Mary Morgan raises concerns about the misuse of federal agencies:

"I think the FBI has been engaged in criminal behavior against the American people. So they're not going to investigate themselves..." [12:44]

Government Overreach and Political Bias

The conversation shifts to the broader issue of government overreach, particularly by the FBI, in targeting conservative groups and individuals. Phil Labonte argues that non-leftist individuals are being unfairly labeled as right-wing:

"We're all generally pro Cash Patel. We like the idea of making changes in the bureaucracy..." [07:51]

Mary Morgan and Kevin Smith discuss the FBI's role in potentially radicalizing individuals to secure convictions:

Mary: "They want convictions... they want to get into contact with these people online..." [12:44]
Kevin: "They were FBI agents involved in the Gretchen Whitmer plot..." [13:13]

Conflict of Interest and Influence in Politics

A significant portion of the discussion centers around potential conflicts of interest, particularly involving high-profile donors like Elon Musk. Mary Morgan and Phil Labonte express concerns about Musk's influence over Trump:

Mary: "Elon Musk donated to help win an election. He donated hundreds of millions..." [67:06]
Phil: "If you have a conflict of interest, I will absolutely call it out..." [70:13]

Elad Eliyahu highlights the complexities of Musk's relationships and their impact on political decisions:

"He owns Twitter, SpaceX, Tesla, and so he has a lot of these interests across the board..." [120:02]

Foreign Policy and U.S. Involvement in Ukraine

The panel transitions to international affairs, focusing on U.S. policy shifts regarding Ukraine and Russia. Phil Labonte criticizes the U.S. for bearing the brunt of NATO's defense obligations:

"The U.S. spends 3.6% of our GDP on our military... European nations have been living off the United States..." [86:02]

Kevin Smith expresses frustration over America's role as the "sugar daddy" of global defense:

"I am sick of being the sugar daddy of the world. And I'm sorry it falls on Ukraine right now..." [87:24]

Mary Morgan and Elad Eliyahu discuss the sustainability and strategic outcomes of U.S. support for Ukraine:

Mary: "Donald Trump is making an effort to end wars... but Putin doesn't actually want to throw his hands up..." [89:56]
Elad: "If the U.S. Decides, you're not going to come to the table, then we can make this a nightmare for you..." [95:56]

Social Media and Free Speech

The episode also touches upon the transformation of Twitter into "X" under Elon Musk's ownership, sparking debates about free speech and platform integrity. Mary Morgan laments the decline in organic conversations:

"I had a Twitter account as early as 2015 and it was way more fun because people actually, it was people talking..." [121:38]

Kevin Smith argues that despite imperfections, the platform has improved:

"I think there's way less bot post than pre. Elon X isn't perfect, but it's way better now..." [121:23]

Conclusion and Community Engagement

As the discussion winds down, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with their content through memberships, Discord, and social media platforms. They also acknowledge the personal milestones of their team, with Tim Pool spending time with his family.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Phil Labonte on Cash Patel's Confirmation:
  "The Senate has confirmed Cash Patel as FBI director, installing a staunch loyalist President Donald Trump..." [05:18]

• Kevin Smith on FBI Leadership Change:
  "Cash Patel is the strongest force forward for Donald Trump. And I can't wait to see what he puts out first..." [08:33]

• Mary Morgan on FBI's Criminal Behavior:
  "I think the FBI has been engaged in criminal behavior against the American people..." [12:44]

• Elad Eliyahu on Cash Patel’s Upcoming Leadership:
  "I don't truly believe he would actually run the FBI like that. Once you have to get confirmed and get in a position of power, a lot of different things change." [20:50]

• Phil Labonte on Government Infiltration:
  "We're living in a milieu of leftism, and anyone that's not left is immediately associated with the right." [15:22]

• Mary Morgan on Elon Musk and Trump’s Relationship:
  "He wants deregulation in his area of business, but I don't think that the work that he's doing... benefits Musk personally." [66:49]

• Kevin Smith on U.S. Military Spending:
  "I am sick of being the sugar daddy of the world. And I'm sorry it falls on Ukraine right now..." [87:24]

Key Takeaways

1. Cash Patel's Confirmation: Seen as a win for Trump's agenda, with expectations of significant changes within the FBI to address perceived political biases.

2. Potential IRS Abolition: Discussions highlight both support and skepticism regarding replacing the IRS with a tariff-based revenue system.

3. Federal Workforce Downsizing: The Trump administration's efforts to purge the federal workforce are portrayed as aligning bureaucratic structures with democratic will.

4. Government Overreach Concerns: Emphasis on the FBI's targeted actions against conservative groups and the broader implications for political freedom.

5. Conflict of Interest Issues: The influence of wealthy donors like Elon Musk on political decisions raises concerns about impartiality and governance.

6. Foreign Policy Critiques: The U.S.'s extensive support for Ukraine is debated, questioning its sustainability and impact on domestic priorities.

7. Social Media Evolution: Transformation of Twitter to X under Elon Musk is scrutinized, focusing on free speech and the decline in authentic user interactions.

This episode of Timcast IRL provides a critical examination of current political maneuvers within the U.S., the influence of high-profile donors, and the nation's role in international conflicts. The hosts and guests offer a blend of analysis, personal opinions, and calls for community engagement, making it a comprehensive listen for those interested in American politics and governance.