VINCE Podcast Episode 83 Summary: "BUTLER: Where Are We One Year After The Assassination Attempt?"

Released on July 11, 2025, by the Cumulus Podcast Network, VINCE is hosted by Vince Coglianese. Known for his sharp political acumen and unfiltered perspectives, Vince delves deep into pressing political issues with authenticity and wit. In Episode 83, Vince revisits the assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump that occurred a year prior in Butler, Pennsylvania, featuring insightful commentary from author and journalist Selena Zito.

1. ICE Raids on California Marijuana Farms

Timestamp: [00:00] – [06:25]

Vince opens the episode by addressing recent ICE raids on marijuana farms in California, specifically targeting operations allegedly employing undocumented workers and even children. He criticizes the left's attempts to defend these actions and underscores the legality issues surrounding these farms.

• Vince: “No, you shouldn't have child labor on your marijuana farm in California. No. And no, you should not have illegals all over the place… that’s exactly what happened in the last 24 hours.” ([02:15])

He references Jennifer Van Laar from Red State, highlighting the severity of violations at the Glass House farm and denouncing the involvement of various left-leaning groups in orchestrating riots against federal enforcement.

• Vince: “This is all gigantic astroturf, riot insurrection garbage.” ([04:50])

2. Left-Wing Defense and Political Reactions

Vince critiques Democratic figures for misleading the public about the nature of these raids, accusing them of downplaying the severity by mischaracterizing the farms as part of the food supply rather than illegal marijuana operations.

• Vince: “So that’s what they’re rooting on. Hakeem Jeffries has been rooting on… hoping to unmask ICE as the real enemy.” ([05:40])

He also mocks Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez and Arizona's Ruben Gallego for misrepresenting President Trump's stance on deportations.

• Vince: “They’re not picking strawberries. This is a massive marijuana grow operation.” ([07:10])

3. Firing of DOJ and FBI Officials

Timestamp: [26:30] – [27:21]

The conversation shifts to the recent firings within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI under Attorney General Pam Bondi. Vince highlights the dismissal of Patricia Hartman, a public relations administrator involved in promoting the January 6th prosecutions.

• Vince: “Her firing should only be part of the price she pays.” ([27:00])

Selena Zito adds context about the erosion of the traditional separation between the DOJ and the White House, emphasizing the constitutional implications.

• Selena Zito: “That line is very definitely gone.” ([27:17])

Vince counters by reinforcing the DOJ's executive branch status, critiquing Bondi's understanding and actions.

• Vince: “You work for the President. You don't like it, get out.” ([27:19])

4. Interview with Selena Zito on the Butler Incident

Timestamp: [33:25] – [57:10]

Vince introduces Selena Zito, author of the new book "Butler," which chronicles the assassination attempt on President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Selena provides a firsthand account of the events, offering a vivid portrayal of the chaos and heroism witnessed.

a. Selena's Eyewitness Account

• Selena Zito: “I was just a few feet away. I had just spoken to the President six minutes before he was shot.” ([35:37])

She describes the moment President Trump was shot, his immediate reaction, and the ensuing chaos, highlighting the professionalism of the Secret Service and the calmness of the crowd.

• Selena Zito: “He doesn't say it out loud, but he at least mouths it. And they're trying to get him up, not because he's unable to get up.” ([40:10])

b. Conversation with President Trump

Selena recounts a personal conversation with President Trump the day after the attack, where he explained his directive to "fight, fight, fight" as a response to the assassination attempt.

• President Trump: “I was representing the entirety of our country… we never back down.” ([45:53])

She emphasizes his acknowledgment of divine intervention and his renewed sense of purpose following the incident.

• Selena Zito: “He totals… he just knows that this is our obligation.” ([50:37])

c. Impact and Aftermath

The discussion delves into how the Butler incident has shaped both Selena's perspective and President Trump's leadership approach. Selena highlights the unity and resilience of the Butler community and its role in preventing further chaos.

• Selena Zito: “To see that moral clarity and that being part of something bigger than self… goosebumps.” ([43:26])

Vince shares his personal admiration for Trump's courage during the incident, noting how it deepened his respect for the former president.

• Vince: “I learned something that under no other circumstance would I have been able to learn, which is he has immense courage under fire.” ([49:22])

d. The Book "Butler"

Selena Zito discusses her book, which not only recounts the events of that day but also analyzes their lasting impact on American politics and society. She expresses optimism about ongoing investigations into the security failures that allowed the assassination attempt.

• Selena Zito: “I think we're closer… it was criminal that they're not talking to the sheriffs and the cops.” ([54:04])

She draws parallels between the Butler incident and lessons from 9/11, emphasizing the need for better inter-agency communication to prevent future tragedies.

5. Closing Remarks

Vince wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the Butler incident anniversary, honoring the victims, and expressing gratitude towards the listeners and guests.

• Vince: “Keep your loved ones close… my prayers also to the Comparator family.” ([57:09])

He encourages listeners to reflect on the resilience displayed during the Butler event and to remain vigilant in safeguarding the nation's security and integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Vince on Child Labor Raids: “No, you shouldn't have child labor on your marijuana farm in California.” ([02:15])

• Selena on Being Close to the Incident: “I was just a few feet away… I have my recorder on.” ([35:37])

• President Trump's Directive: “We never back down, no matter how much we get kicked.” ([45:53])

• Vince on DOJ Firings: “You work for the President. You don't like it, get out.” ([27:19])

Conclusion

In this compelling episode, VINCE offers a critical examination of recent ICE actions against marijuana farms, exposes left-wing defensive tactics, scrutinizes the DOJ and FBI's internal changes, and provides an in-depth, personal perspective on the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Through the insightful interview with Selena Zito, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the event's immediate impact and its broader implications for American politics and security.