Truth in the Barrel: This Week Unfiltered | 08.07.25

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Hosts:

• Amy McGrath – Military veteran, political commentator, and co-host of Truth in the Barrel.
• Mallory Hagan – Returning co-host for this episode, known for her podcast Pretty Furious.

1. Introduction

In this episode of Truth in the Barrel, Amy McGrath and returning co-host Mallory Hagan dive into pressing political issues affecting the United States. With Denver Riggleman absent this week, Mallory joins the conversation to dissect topics ranging from gerrymandering and nuclear rhetoric to healthcare cuts and legislative misconduct.

2. Gerrymandering and Redistricting Controversies

Discussion Highlights:

• Definition and Origins: The hosts clarify that gerrymandering was named after Vice President Elbridge Gerry, whose name has become synonymous with this manipulative practice.

  Amy McGrath [02:08]: "What is gerrymandering anyway? Yeah."

• Current Events in Texas: Amy discusses the unprecedented move by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to call the legislature into session mid-decade, influenced by Donald Trump's desire for more red House seats.

  Amy McGrath [04:21]: "Donald Trump says, well, I want more red House seats. I'm, quote, entitled to them."

• Bipartisan Blame: The conversation highlights that while both parties have engaged in gerrymandering, Republicans have recently had more success due to greater control over state legislatures. Mallory points out that Republican-drawn maps often exhibit extreme partisan bias.

  Mallory Hagan [12:41]: "The Brennan Center found that out of 11 Republican-drawn maps, 7 had extreme partisan bias compared to 4 by Democrats."

• Implications for Democracy: The hosts emphasize the national ramifications of local redistricting battles, stressing the importance of down-ballot races in shaping federal power dynamics.

3. Nuclear Sabre-Rattling and International Relations

Discussion Highlights:

• Trump’s Nuclear Threats: Amy criticizes Donald Trump's recent comments about moving nuclear submarines near Russia, labeling them as irresponsible saber-rattling.

  Amy McGrath [18:16]: "Donald Trump decided to respond over the weekend by saying he's moving our nuclear submarines near Russia."

• INF Treaty Analysis: They delve into the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, noting that it has been defunct for years due to Russia’s non-compliance and the U.S. withdrawal under the Trump administration.

  Amy McGrath [20:26]: "The INF Treaty is kind of a nothing burger at this point."

• National Security Concerns: Mallory expresses concerns about the Trump administration's competence in handling nuclear diplomacy, fearing a lack of understanding among key officials.

  Mallory Hagan [24:42]: "A Donald Trump presidency is truly dangerous for international diplomacy, for our national security."

4. House Oversight Subpoenas and the Epstein Case

Discussion Highlights:

• Subpoenas Against Clintons: Amy criticizes the House Oversight Committee’s subpoenas targeting the Clintons, arguing it diverts attention from more significant issues like the Epstein investigation.

  Mallory Hagan [26:35]: "If you're a child predator, if you've done something that's this egregious and wrong, then you're not going to catch me being like, 'Don't arrest Joe Biden.'"

• Selective Targeting: The hosts highlight inconsistencies in the subpoenas, such as the absence of key figures like Alex Acosta, who facilitated Epstein’s plea deal.

  Amy McGrath [27:10]: "They're subpoenaing all these people but not the former U.S. attorney who gave Epstein immunity."

• Public Distrust: They discuss how the heavy-handed approach erodes public trust in governmental institutions and hinders accountability.

  Amy McGrath [28:43]: "We're winding it up to make it even worse. And that makes me wonder..."

5. Healthcare Cuts and Republican Representatives

Discussion Highlights:

• Medicaid Reductions: The conversation shifts to the impact of Medicaid cuts proposed by Republicans, with Mallory sharing her firsthand experience of hospitals in Alabama facing closure due to budget cuts.

  Mallory Hagan [38:32]: "Thousand people here who lose their health insurance."

• Representative Responses: Amy contrasts responsible town hall participation with other Republicans who avoid direct engagement, emphasizing the real-life consequences of policy decisions on working-class Americans.

  Amy McGrath [35:04]: "At least, again, kudos to the Republican representative for at least showing up and kind of trying to explain it."

• False Promises: The hosts criticize Republican claims that Medicaid cuts strengthen the program, arguing that reduced funding directly harms those in need.

  Amy McGrath [37:12]: "He said it strengthens Medicaid by cutting it, I guess."

6. Firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Head

Discussion Highlights:

• Erica McEntarfer's Termination: Amy addresses the controversial firing of Erica McEntarfer, the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, who corrected job growth numbers to reflect the true state of the economy.

  Amy McGrath [42:59]: "This is what these regimes do."

• Impact on Trust: The hosts discuss how such actions undermine public confidence in governmental data and institutions, drawing parallels to authoritarian regimes that suppress factual reporting.

7. Destruction of Climate Change Satellites

Discussion Highlights:

• Trump’s Order: Amy highlights President Trump’s directive to dismantle satellites that monitor climate change, questioning the rationale behind such a move.

  Amy McGrath [44:20]: "Trump has now ordered NASA to destroy satellites that were collecting data on climate change."

• Consequences: They explore the detrimental effects this decision has on climate research, agricultural monitoring, and disaster forecasting, emphasizing the loss of valuable scientific data.

  Mallory Hagan [44:51]: "This administration has tried at every turn again to ensure that Americans don't trust our systems and our government, our experts."

8. Legislative Changes and the Summer Willis Story

Discussion Highlights:

• Advocacy for Consent Law Reform: Amy shares the inspiring story of Summer Willis, a sexual assault survivor from Texas, who campaigned tirelessly to change outdated consent laws.

  Summer Willis [48:12]: "There is strength in crawling, there is hope in standing tall, and there will be change."

• Impact of Advocacy: Her efforts led to significant amendments in Texas law, ensuring that consent cannot be negated by intoxication without clear evidence of drugging.

  Amy McGrath [53:28]: "Cheers to Summer Willis for changing the law named after her."

9. Positive News and Cheers Segment

Discussion Highlights:

• Recognition of Democratic Leaders: Mallory and Amy commend Democratic leaders like Gavin Newsom, Kathy Hochul, and others for their resilience and strategic responses to Republican redistricting efforts.

  Mallory Hagan [48:38]: "Cheers to Gavin Newsom, Kathy Hochul, Governor Pritzker, James Tellarico, Jasmine Crockett, all of them for showing up and showing out."

• Acknowledging Advocacy Efforts: They celebrate individuals like Summer Willis, who exemplify grassroots activism leading to tangible legislative changes.

  Amy McGrath [48:38]: "Cheers to Summer Willis for changing the law named after her."

10. Conclusion

Amy McGrath and Mallory Hagan wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay informed, engage in political discourse, and support leaders who prioritize facts and accountability. They emphasize the importance of grassroots movements and the impact of individual advocacy on national policy.

Amy McGrath [52:44]: "Thank you for joining us. Please remember to subscribe, rate, review, give us some comments, tell us what you want to hear in terms of topics, and we'll see you next week."

Notable Quotes:

• Amy McGrath [02:08]: "What is gerrymandering anyway? Yeah."

• Mallory Hagan [12:41]: "The Brennan Center found that out of 11 Republican-drawn maps, 7 had extreme partisan bias compared to 4 by Democrats."

• Amy McGrath [18:16]: "Donald Trump decided to respond over the weekend by saying he's moving our nuclear submarines near Russia."

• Mallory Hagan [38:32]: "Thousand people here who lose their health insurance."

• Summer Willis [48:12]: "There is strength in crawling, there is hope in standing tall, and there will be change."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Truth in the Barrel offers a comprehensive analysis of current political struggles in the U.S., highlighting the tactical maneuvers in redistricting, the perilous rhetoric surrounding nuclear threats, and the ongoing battle over healthcare and legislative integrity. Through insightful dialogue and critical examination of recent events, Amy and Mallory provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the nation.

For more insights and discussions, visit www.TruthintheBarrel.com.