UNBIASED Politics Podcast Summary
Episode: Can a President Serve THREE Terms? Declassified CIA Files Reveal Attempt to Find Ark of the Covenant, Trump Comments on Bombing Iran, and More
Host: Jordan Berman
Release Date: March 31, 2025

1. Milestone Introduction

Jordan Berman opens the 300th episode of UNBIASED Politics with reflections on the podcast's journey over two and a half years. He expresses gratitude to listeners and excitement for future episodes.

2. Stateside News: Utah's HB77 Flag Bill

HB77 Controversy

• Content of HB77: Utah passed House Bill 77, banning unauthorized flags on government properties, including public schools. Authorized flags include the American flag, Utah state flag, foreign flags, military flags, and college flags. Political and LGBTQ flags are prohibited.

• Criticism: The Pride Center labeled HB77 as an attempt to erase LGBTQIA visibility and an example of government overreach, arguing it impedes support for diverse communities.

• Support: Utah Parents United defended the bill, stating, "[...] our Constitution guarantees that every child has the right to receive a free and non-sectarian education" (12:45).

• Governor's Stance: Utah's governor neither signed nor vetoed HB77. In his letter, he supported the bill's intent but criticized its execution, mentioning, "by simply requiring the removal of flags only, there is little preventing countless other displays..." (15:30).

• Potential Consequences: The governor warned that HB77 might lead to alternative political displays, like rainbow lights, and emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions.

Additional Utah Legislation

• Fluoride Ban: Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in water.
• App Store Age Verification: Utah enacted the first law requiring age verification for app store purchases to protect minors (14:10).

3. National News: President Trump's Comments and Legal Implications

Trump on a Third Term

• Interview Insights: In a phone interview with NBC's Kristen Welker, Trump didn’t rule out a third presidential term. He stated, "a lot of people want me to do it, but I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go..." (20:15).

• Legal Analysis:

  • 22nd Amendment: Limits presidents to two elected terms. Trump suggested methods to circumvent this, such as Vice President Vance running with Trump as his VP and then transferring the presidency (22:05).
  • Supreme Court Likelihood: Berman opines that the Supreme Court would likely reject attempts to bypass the Amendment based on historical precedent and constitutional intent.
  • Amendment Challenges: Proposing a new constitutional amendment to allow a third term would require overwhelming legislative and state support, making it virtually impossible (23:50).

Trump on Bombing Iran

• Comments: Trump threatened, "if they don't make a deal, there will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before" (27:10).

• Iran's Response:

  • Iran's President rejected direct negotiations but remained open to indirect talks.
  • Iran issued a warning against any U.S. "malicious acts," stating readiness to respond "[...] decisively and immediately to any threat" (28:35).

4. Declassified CIA Files: Project Sunstreak and the Ark of the Covenant

Project Sunstreak Overview

• Objective: In 1988, the CIA initiated Per Project Sunstreak to locate the Ark of the Covenant using remote viewers with extrasensory perception (ESP).

• Ark of the Covenant: An ancient sacred chest believed to hold the Ten Commandments, last recorded in the Hebrew Bible after the Babylonian conquest in 586 BCE.

Remote Viewing Session Details

• Session Summary (30:20):
  • Target Description: A wooden, gold, and silver container resembling a coffin, adorned with seraphim.
  • Location: Somewhere in the Middle East, indicated by Arabic language and mosque domes.
  • Environment: Hidden underground, dark, and wet.
  • Purpose of Ark: To unite people through ceremony, memory, homage, and spiritual lessons.
  • Security: Protected by entities; cannot be opened until the designated time. Unauthorized attempts to open it result in destruction by unknown powers.

Expert Opinions

• Joe McMonagle: A former remote viewer from the program, stated that the session was merely a training exercise and doesn't prove the Ark's existence (31:10).

Conclusion
While the CIA's involvement in Project Sunstreak is factual, the findings remain unverifiable and subjective, with experts cautioning against interpreting the session as concrete evidence of the Ark's location or existence.

5. Legal Updates: Trump Administration's Policies Under Scrutiny

A. Alien Enemies Act Case

• Executive Order: Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport Trende Aragua gang members, claiming they "invaded" the U.S.

• Legal Challenge: Plaintiffs argue the administration exceeded its authority.

• Judicial Rulings:

  • Lower Court: Blocked deportations pending litigation.
  • Appellate Court: Upheld the lower court's decision 2-1.

• Supreme Court: The administration has appealed, seeking to lift the block. The Court's historical stance on national security matters suggests a challenging path for the administration (35:50).

• Next Steps: Response from plaintiffs expected by tomorrow, with a decision anticipated within the next few weeks.

B. USAID Dismantling by Doge (Elon Musk)

• Background: Elon Musk's entity Doge attempted to cut US Aid (USAID) funding.

• Legal Proceedings:

  • District Court: Temporary block on Doge's actions, labeling them likely unconstitutional.
  • Appellate Court: Unanimously overturned the lower court's ruling, stating Doge's actions were largely influenced by the Trump administration and not solely Musk's overreach (38:25).

• Current Status: Doge can continue with USAID-related actions pending further appeals. Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to reorganize and fold USAID into the State Department by July 1.

C. Migrant Deportation Policies

• Executive Order: Trump administration sought to deport migrants to countries with which they have no prior ties.

• Court Ruling: A temporary restraining order was issued, blocking deportations unless migrants are given proper legal basis and opportunity to contest based on the Convention Against Torture (41:10).

• Implications: Slows down deportation processes and ensures migrants have avenues to challenge their removal.

D. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Dismantling

• Actions: Attempts to dissolve the CFPB, including firing employees and canceling contracts.

• Court Intervention: A temporary block was placed, citing risks of illegal dismantling before judicial review (43:00).

• Future: The administration may appeal the order, but currently, CFPB operations remain halted pending a final ruling.

E. Law Firms Targeted by Executive Orders

• Specific Case: Jenner & Block law firm faced an executive order stripping its security clearance due to rehiring a lawyer involved in the Mueller investigation.

• Judicial Response:

  • Judge John Bates blocked the executive order, highlighting its violation of First Amendment rights and due process.
  • Bates' Statement: The order was "retaliatory" and "chills speech and legal advocacy" (45:20).

• Other Firms Affected:

  • Covington & Burling: Targeted for assisting Special Counsel Jack Smith.
  • Perkins Coy and Wilmer Hale: Also faced clearance revocations.

• Negotiations: Some law firms negotiated deals to retain their clearances by offering pro bono legal services.

6. Quick Hitters: Brief News Updates

• Columbia University's Interim President Steps Down

  • Details: Katrina Armstrong resigned after a week as interim president, citing prior plans to return to the medical center, unrelated to federal funding negotiations with the Trump administration (46:30).
  • Succession: Claire Shipman appointed as acting president.

• Supreme Court Religious Tax Exemptions Case

  • Case Focus: Dispute between Wisconsin and Catholic Charities over tax exemptions for religious organizations not meeting state criteria.
  • Current Status: Oral arguments heard; decision expected in the coming months (48:00).

• Missing U.S. Soldiers in Lithuania Found

  • Incident: Three soldiers' bodies recovered from a submerged vehicle; one remains missing after military drills (49:15).

• Elon Musk Updates:

  • Company Merger: Xai acquired X in an all-stock deal valued at $80 billion and $33 billion respectively.
  • Wisconsin Voter Payouts: Musk distributed $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters amid a high-stakes Supreme Court race (50:25).

7. Good News: Positive Developments

• Reunification of Military Dog Frankie with Handler

  • Story: Frankie, a retired military dog, was reunited with Army Staff Sergeant Kristen van der Zanden after four years apart. Their bond, formed over Secret Service missions, was restored through the American Humane Society's efforts (51:45).

• Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Prevention Nets

  • Impact: Installation of stainless steel safety nets resulted in a 73% reduction in suicides. Monthly suicides dropped from 2.48 to 0.67, and third-party interventions increased significantly.
  • Details: Nets are situated 20 feet below sidewalks and extend outward to deter suicide attempts (52:30).

8. Critical Thinking Segment: Presidential Term Limits

Jordan Berman engages listeners in a reflective exercise on the possibility of extending presidential terms beyond two terms. He encourages self-assessment on personal feelings regarding a third term, potential term limit modifications, and the ethical implications of such changes. Berman emphasizes the importance of understanding and articulating the reasons behind one's stance on presidential term extensions (54:10).

9. Timestamps for Notable Quotes and Segments

• HB77 Controversy: 12:45
• Governor's Letter: 15:30
• Trump on a Third Term: 20:15
• Legal Analysis of Term Limits: 22:05
• Trump's Bombing Threat on Iran: 27:10
• Project Sunstreak Report: 30:20
• Alien Enemies Act Supreme Court Appeal: 35:50
• Doge's USAID Actions: 38:25
• Migrant Deportation Ruling: 41:10
• CFPB Dismantling Blocked: 43:00
• Law Firms Executive Order Blocked: 45:20
• Columbia University's Interim President: 46:30
• Supreme Court Religious Tax Exemptions: 48:00
• Missing U.S. Soldiers Found: 49:15
• Elon Musk's Activities: 50:25
• Frankie the Military Dog: 51:45
• Golden Gate Bridge Nets: 52:30
• Critical Thinking on Term Limits: 54:10

Conclusion

This episode of UNBIASED Politics offers a comprehensive overview of significant political events, legal battles, and intriguing historical projects. From Utah's controversial HB77 bill to President Trump's contentious remarks and legal maneuvers, Jordan Berman provides an impartial analysis aimed at informing listeners without bias. Additionally, the podcast highlights positive news stories, fostering a balanced perspective on current affairs.

For more details and access to source documents, listeners are encouraged to visit the Sources section linked in the episode description.

This summary aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights from the March 31, 2025 episode of UNBIASED Politics. For a deeper understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.