Truth in the Barrel: This Week Unfiltered (04.10.25) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: April 11, 2025

Hosts:

• Amy McGrath: Military veteran, committed to country and the Constitution.
• Denver Riggleman: Former Air Force veteran, former congressman from Virginia, and successful AI business CEO.

Podcast Overview:
In this episode of Truth in the Barrel, Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman delve into pressing issues affecting the United States, particularly focusing on the whiskey and bourbon industry, the economic repercussions of recent tariff policies, and alarming political maneuvers within the Trump administration. The discussion is enriched with their shared military backgrounds, political insights, and a passion for fine bourbon.

1. Challenges Facing Buffalo Trace Distillery

Timestamp: [00:46] – [02:05]

The episode begins with Amy introducing the current struggles of Buffalo Trace Distillery, a prominent bourbon producer located near Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery is grappling with severe flooding of the Kentucky River, which has led to extensive water damage, effectively rendering the facilities underwater. Compounding this natural disaster are the newly instituted tariffs under President Trump’s administration, which threaten the financial stability of the distillery.

Amy McGrath:
"Buffalo Trace is dealing with a double whammy right now. The Kentucky River has flooded to extreme levels... the entire distillery is basically underwater." ([01:15])

2. Impact of Tariffs on the Whiskey and Bourbon Industry

Timestamp: [02:05] – [05:33]

Denver Riggleman elaborates on how tariffs are adversely affecting the whiskey and bourbon industry by disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for essential materials. He highlights that tariffs act as an indirect tax on every component involved in production, from corks to glass bottles, leading to inflated prices and reduced competitiveness in the global market.

Denver Riggleman:
"Tariffs are a tax on everything... when you're looking at bourbon, you're adding cost to every single part of your supply chain." ([03:10])

Amy underscores the significance of the spirits industry, emphasizing its role in creating over 30,000 jobs and contributing to a 400% export growth since 1997. However, she warns that tariffs could reverse this progress by introducing uncertainty and financial strain.

Amy McGrath:
"The bourbon spirits industry is over 30,000 jobs in America... these tariffs are really wreaking havoc and uncertainty." ([04:10])

3. Trump’s Liberation Day and Economic Repercussions

Timestamp: [05:33] – [16:01]

The hosts discuss President Trump’s unexpected declaration of Liberation Day, which implemented new tariffs that were swiftly reversed within 90 days due to market shock and backlash. They critique the administration’s erratic policy-making, arguing that such actions create economic instability and erode trust both domestically and internationally.

Amy McGrath:
"Trump announced Liberation Day. It shocked the markets, created uncertainty among businesses and consumers." ([06:00])

Denver Riggleman:
"Lose $10 trillion in market cap... the press reports it as the biggest single day gain, which still needs to make up for declines over the past five days. It's insane." ([07:26])

Amy further criticizes the administration’s handling of tariffs, comparing it unfavorably to the Biden administration’s more strategic approaches like the CHIPS and Science Act and the Infrastructure Act.

Amy McGrath:
"Under the last administration, the Biden administration... these acts were actually moving us in the right direction in a targeted, strategic way." ([16:01])

4. Effects of Tariffs on Farmers and Agricultural Equipment

Timestamp: [16:01] – [25:31]

The conversation shifts to the agricultural sector, where tariffs are causing significant distress. Amy explains how farmers face declining crop prices due to reduced exports and rising costs for seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. Denver provides personal anecdotes about increased expenses in agricultural equipment, illustrating the broader financial burdens on farmers.

Amy McGrath:
"These tariffs are really hurting farmers... their equipment prices, seed prices, fertilizer have all gone up." ([18:08])

Denver Riggleman:
"One tractor that I bought... all the implements we had to have... was over $100,000 for that one tractor." ([21:18])

They discuss the long-term implications, such as loss of market share to other countries like Brazil and Argentina, and the challenges of restoring these markets even if tariffs are lifted.

Amy McGrath:
"During the last tariff war... we lost a lot of the soybean share... we're not getting that market back." ([22:05])

5. Trump Administration’s Retaliation Against Whistleblowers

Timestamp: [25:31] – [36:26]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing the Trump administration's actions against whistleblowers Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor. The hosts condemn the administration’s retaliatory measures, such as opening investigations and revoking security clearances, as authoritarian tactics aimed at silencing those who opposed unfounded claims of election fraud.

Amy McGrath:
"Donald Trump is going after them using the power of the federal government... that's just wrong." ([31:57])

Denver Riggleman:
"This administration is enriching themselves, destroying the rule of law, making autocratic decisions." ([30:10])

They laud the courage of Krebs and Taylor, acknowledging their integrity and the risks they face in standing up against the administration's overreach.

Amy McGrath:
"These two individuals had the courage to come forward because they love their country." ([35:18])

Denver Riggleman:
"Military people like us who served in good faith... need to help here." ([34:02])

6. Potential Retreat of U.S. Troops from Europe

Timestamp: [36:26] – [41:00]

The final topic covers the alarming prospect of President Trump withdrawing U.S. troops from Europe. Amy and Denver express concern that such a move would embolden Vladimir Putin and weaken NATO alliances, undermining global stability established over the past 80 years.

Amy McGrath:
"A retreat from Europe is exactly what Vladimir Putin wants... it would be a big fat win for Vladimir Putin." ([39:17])

Denver Riggleman:
"Autocratic decision making on tariffs... pouring money into a failed economy because of Orban's beliefs and white nationalism." ([40:35])

They criticize the potential for reduced military presence to grant adversaries greater freedom and power, jeopardizing both national and international security.

7. Closing Remarks and Tribute to Patriots

Timestamp: [41:00] – [36:26]

As the episode concludes, Amy and Denver raise a toast to Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor, honoring their patriotism and bravery in the face of governmental retaliation. They emphasize the importance of supporting integrity and courage within the government and the broader fight against authoritarianism.

Amy McGrath:
"We are behind you. You are amazing Americans. Thank you for what you've done." ([35:43])

Denver Riggleman:
"Here's to good people... people who are patriots, people who are willing to stand up against tyranny." ([35:43])

They invite listeners to subscribe and continue engaging with their insightful discussions, blending their love for bourbon with unwavering dedication to truth and patriotism.

Denver Riggleman:
"Combining that with bourbon. I don't know if you can beat this." ([42:17])

Amy McGrath:
"Come see us next week." ([42:17])

Key Takeaways:

• Economic Instability: Tariffs introduced under the Trump administration are causing significant disruptions in the whiskey, bourbon, and agricultural industries, leading to increased costs and reduced competitiveness.

• Political Overreach: The administration’s retaliation against whistleblowers Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor exemplifies a dangerous overreach of federal power, undermining the rule of law and democratic principles.

• Global Security Concerns: Proposals to withdraw U.S. troops from Europe threaten to weaken NATO alliances and empower adversaries like Russia, destabilizing global security structures.

• Support for Integrity: The episode underscores the importance of supporting individuals with integrity who stand against authoritarianism and corrupt practices within the government.

Notable Quotes:

• Amy McGrath:
  "Tariffs are really wreaking havoc and uncertainty." ([04:10])

• Denver Riggleman:
  "We're going after the law firms who's going to actually defend these guys." ([34:02])

• Amy McGrath:
  "A retreat from Europe is exactly what Vladimir Putin wants." ([39:17])

Conclusion:
In this episode of Truth in the Barrel, Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman provide a compelling critique of current economic and political policies, highlighting the detrimental effects of misguided tariffs, the erosion of democratic integrity, and the perilous implications for global security. Their informed perspectives and passionate discussions aim to inform and engage listeners who are concerned about the direction of the United States.

For more in-depth conversations and spirited debates, visit www.TruthintheBarrel.com and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.