VINCE Podcast Episode 239: "Trump Pushes SAVE Act as Middle East Conflict Escalates"

Host: Vince Coglianese
Date: March 5, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Vince Coglianese dives into the current political maelstrom, focusing on the status of the SAVE Act—a legislative push for secure elections—amid the escalating Middle East conflict, particularly the U.S. operation “Epic Fury” in Iran. Topics branch out to cover election integrity, redistricting controversies in Virginia, Republican primary battles in Texas, allegations of widespread fraud in Minnesota, and headline-grabbing crimes by illegal immigrants. Vince weaves in sharp commentary, listener feedback, and the latest poll data, closing the episode with a tribute to the late football coach Lou Holtz.

Main Segments & Key Discussion Points

1. The SAVE Act: Status and Public Sentiment

[03:26 – 12:00]

• White House Update: White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt assures the SAVE Act remains a top priority for President Trump, even amidst focus on “Operation Epic Fury.”

  • “The President can walk and chew gum at the same time, and he’s very much continuing to focus on the issues that matter here at home for the American people, including the passage of the SAVE Act.” – Caroline Levitt [03:26]

• Poll Data:

  • 71% of Americans support the SAVE Act, including 69% of independents and half of Democrats.
  • Voter ID requirements are favored by 81% overall, with strong cross-party support.
  • 80% want states to purge non-citizens from voter rolls—a significant feature of the Act.
  • 75% support citizenship proof to vote, and 61% support sharing voting rolls with DHS.

• Vince’s Commentary:

  • “Let’s de-dupe the voting rolls. Keep them clean, credible, obviously. If it’s a dead person on the rolls, remove them. Keep our elections secure.” [05:12]
  • Critiques establishment Republicans’ lack of urgency and calls for sustained grassroots pressure.

2. Virginia’s Redistricting Controversy

[12:00 – 17:30]

• Context: Vince warns that a referendum on redistricting in Virginia threatens to flip congressional representation in Democrats’ favor (“stealing the entire House”).

• Governor Spanberger’s Video:

  • “Our approach is different. First, it’s temporary. Second, it’s directly in response to what other states decide to do. Third,… it preserves Virginia’s fair redistricting process into the future.” – Gov. Abigail Spanberger [13:29]
  • Vince counters the governor’s message, urging Virginians to vote “NO”:
    “Vote no for rigging Virginia’s elections and rigging the entire United States House of Representatives. This is not just a Virginia story—it’s a national fight.” [15:17]

• Action Call: Early voting begins March 6th; Vince rallies his audience to get out the “No” vote.

3. Texas Republican Primary & Trump’s “Pending” Endorsement

[17:30 – 29:30]

• Primary Breakdown:

  • President Trump signals imminent endorsement in the heated Cornyn vs. Paxton runoff.

  • Establishment Republicans, represented by Sen. John Thune, urge Trump to back Cornyn.

  • Vince showcases overwhelming pro-Paxton feedback on Truth Social.

  • “I’m interested to know whether or not President Trump is using this Truth Social post as a straw poll… He pays attention to the feedback he gets.” [22:10]

• Paxton Interview:

  • Paxton pledges to stay in the race regardless of Trump’s endorsement.
  • “I owe it to the people of Texas… Cornyn has not represented the people of Texas well.” – Ken Paxton [28:39]

• Strategic Speculation: Vince theorizes Trump might trade a Cornyn endorsement for Senate movement on the SAVE Act, but warns against trusting establishment promises.

4. Montana Senate Shakeup

[34:15 – 36:56]

• Sen. Steve Daines’ “Last-Minute” Retirement:

  • Daines withdraws seconds before the filing deadline; hand-picks Kurt Almi (U.S. Attorney) as his replacement.

  • Trump instantly endorses Almi.

  • “If you’re gonna run for office… give people the opportunity to throw their hat in the ring too. It shouldn’t be a backdoor handoff.” [35:50]

5. Minnesota Fraud Hearings & Whistleblower Retaliation

[39:40 – 49:36]

• Oversight Committee:

  • Widespread fraud schemes in Minnesota’s welfare programs highlighted.
  • Democratic officials accused of suppressing whistleblowers with accusations of racism/Islamophobia.
  • Outrageous spikes in autism funding:
    • $1M (2017) to $343M (2024): a 34,200% increase.
    • “Did you prepare for this hearing today?” – Rep. Nancy Mace grilling Gov. Tim Walz [46:39]
  • Hostility and evasiveness from Gov. Walz, who refuses substantive answers.

• Memorable Zinger:

  • “The talent pool is just shallow, brother. We have hit the shore.” – Rep. Pat Fallon to Gov. Walz [50:08]

6. Crime & Immigration: The Virginia Case

[52:17 – 54:11]

• Tragic Crime:

  • Vince covers the murder of Stephanie Minter by an illegal immigrant with dozens of arrests—repeatedly released by Fairfax Co. DA Steve Descano.

  • Local police repeatedly warned DA’s office; Vince reads email excerpts indicating they foresaw imminent violence.

  • “It is not a question of if, but rather when he will maliciously wound or worse again.” – Fairfax County Police in email, shared by Nick Minock [53:00]

• Political Response:

  • Democratic officials dodge questions about the crime and ICE cooperation.

  • “They just laugh, say they’re too busy, and walk away. They treat all the voters who care about this issue with utter contempt.” [54:13]

7. Remembering Lou Holtz

[59:00 – 61:56]

• Tribute: Vince memorializes Lou Holtz, legendary coach and motivational speaker.

  • “The two most important days of your life: the day you’re born and the day you discover why you were born.” – Lou Holtz [61:31]

• Inspirational Note: Holtz’s legacy as a self-made man, leader, and Trump supporter (recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 2020).

  • Vince: “What an amazing, impressive life. Pray that you figure out why you were born. That’s a big one.” [61:56]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Caroline Levitt:

  • “The President can walk and chew gum at the same time… continuing to focus on the SAVE Act.” [03:26]

• Vince:

  • “Let’s de-dupe the voting rolls. Remove duplicates, the dead, noncitizens—keep elections credible.” [05:12]
  • “Vote no for rigging Virginia’s elections…” [15:17]
  • “My instincts tell me Trump is likely to pick Cornyn, but the base wants Paxton.” [23:06]

• Rep. Nancy Mace (re: autism fraud):

  • “Do you know the math? The math is a 34,200% increase… Are you governor or not?” [47:49]

• Rep. Pat Fallon:

  • “The talent pool is just shallow, brother. We have hit the shore.” [50:08]

• Nick Minock (via Vince):

  • “It is not a question of if but when he will maliciously wound or worse again.” [53:00]

• Lou Holtz:

  • “The two most important days of your life: one’s the day you’re born, the other—today—you discover why you’re born.” [61:31]

Segment Timestamps

• [03:26] – White House SAVE Act response (Caroline Levitt)
• [05:12] – SAVE Act polling and features
• [12:00] – Virginia redistricting rant
• [13:29] – Governor Spanberger’s video
• [17:30] – Texas primary results & Trump’s Truth Social post
• [22:10] – Is Trump crowd-testing his endorsement?
• [28:39] – Ken Paxton vows to stay in race
• [34:15] – Montana Senate shakeup
• [39:40] – Minnesota fraud testimony begins
• [46:31] – Autism spending grilling by Nancy Mace
• [50:08] – Pat Fallon’s viral zinger
• [52:17] – Virginia bus stop murder & DA scandal
• [59:00] – Lou Holtz tribute
• [61:31] – “Two most important days” quote

Final Thoughts

This episode blends deep-dive analysis with Vince’s signature humor and hard-hitting commentary. With firsthand reporting and vivid polling, listeners are equipped with data, context, and a clear sense of what’s at stake—both in Washington and around the country. Vince concludes with a tone of resolve and inspiration, urging listeners to stay engaged in political battles and to seek purpose and excellence, as embodied by Lou Holtz.

For more, stream the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Rumble.