VINCE – Episode 27: "Something Suspicious Is Happening At The Pentagon"
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: VINCE (Cumulus Podcast Network)

1. Introduction

In this special edition of VINCE, host Vince Coglianese delves into significant political developments, including insights from a recent Washington Free Beacon report, escalating tensions within the Pentagon, the passing of Pope Francis, internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, and a heated public exchange involving Congresswoman Nancy Mace. Vince also teases upcoming exclusive interviews from the White House with key Trump administration officials.

2. Washington Free Beacon Report on Kamala Harris's Campaign Spending

Vince begins by highlighting a Washington Free Beacon report that scrutinizes Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign expenditures. The report alleges substantial financial transfers from Harris's campaign to various Democratic celebrities and organizations, suggesting potential money laundering activities.

Key Points:

• LeBron James: Harris's campaign reportedly paid LeBron James's production company $50,000 following his endorsement, contradicting his claim it was a personal decision for his children (Timestamp: [03:15]).
• Oprah Winfrey & Beyoncé:
  • $1 million was allocated to Oprah's company for a high-profile but criticized interview.
  • $165,000 was paid to Beyoncé's team for a brief rally appearance that disappointed attendees (Timestamp: [04:40]).
• Cardi B & Al Sharpton:
  • $58,000 was directed to Cardi B, who previously denied receiving compensation.
  • Half a million dollars went to Al Sharpton's nonprofit, raising concerns about potential coercion (Timestamp: [05:55]).
• Other Expenditures: Funds were also routed to Jennifer Garner for event production and the Obamas' shell company for campaign appearances (Timestamp: [07:22]).

Notable Quote:

"Kamala Harris's campaign quietly paid LeBron's production company $50,000 after his declared personal endorsement." – Vince ([03:15])

3. Turmoil at the Pentagon and Pete Hegseth’s Position

Vince transitions to discussing the escalating chaos within the Pentagon, focusing on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's precarious position amid staff resignations and public criticism.

Key Points:

• Resignations: Three senior staffers—Dan Caldwell, Darren Selnick, and Colin Carroll—have resigned amid accusations of leaking sensitive information, which the Pentagon denies (Timestamp: [09:10]).
• John Oyat's Op-Ed: A former Pentagon spokesperson, John Oyat, resigned and publicly criticized the department's dysfunction and Hegseth's leadership, implicitly calling for his removal (Timestamp: [10:45]).
• Hegseth's Response: At the White House Easter Egg Roll, Hegseth attributes the staff departures to media "hit pieces" and defends his efforts to reform the Pentagon (Timestamp: [12:24]).
• Vince’s Analysis: Suggests deeper, undisclosed issues within the Pentagon and urges listeners to maintain cautious skepticism regarding media reports (Timestamp: [13:30]).

Notable Quotes:

"President Trump has a strong record of holding his top officials to account." – John Oyat ([10:45])
"This is what the media does. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees..." – Pete Hegseth ([12:24])

4. Interview with Teresa Tomeo on the Passing of Pope Francis

Vince interviews Teresa Tomeo, a Catholic talk show host and Italy expert, to discuss the recent passing of Pope Francis and its implications for the Catholic Church.

Key Points:

• Pope Francis’s Passing: Teresa expresses sadness but not surprise due to the Pope's health issues, highlighting his final public appearance during Easter celebrations (Timestamp: [19:44]).
• Church Leadership Transition: Discusses the role of Cardinal Farrell and the Roman Curia in managing the Vatican's affairs post-Pope Francis (Timestamp: [20:26]).
• Future of the Church: Anticipates the conclave process to elect the next pope, emphasizing trust in the Church's traditions and apostolic succession (Timestamp: [24:36]).
• Divergent Views Within the Church: Teresa and co-host J.D. Vance acknowledge internal debates regarding the Church’s direction, particularly on issues like immigration and charitable giving, while maintaining confidence in unified Church teachings (Timestamp: [25:46]).

Notable Quotes:

"The Church is His. It was founded by Christ Jesus on the rock, St. Peter." – Teresa Tomeo ([21:13])
"There is nothing to separate the Church’s teachings; they work in unison to balance each other out." – J.D. Vance ([26:37])

5. Internal Conflicts Within the Democratic Party

Vince addresses the emerging conflicts within the Democratic Party, particularly focusing on the animosity between strategist James Carville and activist David Hogg.

Key Points:

• James Carville vs. David Hogg: Carville criticizes Hogg’s strategy to primary Democrats, referring to him as a "contemptible little twerp," while Hogg advocates for aggressive measures to challenge Democratic opponents (Timestamp: [35:44]).
• Party Strategy Disputes: Highlights the lack of leadership and effective strategies within the Democratic Party, suggesting the infighting detracts from their electoral success (Timestamp: [36:32]).
• Vince’s Take: Emphasizes the detrimental impact of internal strife on the party’s cohesion and voter support, reinforcing the need for accountability and stronger leadership (Timestamp: [37:41]).

Notable Quote:

"The Democratic Party is actively trying to subvert their political opponents from even appearing on the ballot for electoral contests." – Vince ([37:41])

6. Nancy Mace’s Confrontation in a Makeup Store

Vince recounts a viral incident involving Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who faced a hostile confrontation in a makeup store with a Democratic customer.

Key Points:

• The Incident: Nancy Mace was approached by a visibly upset individual who criticized her support for gay marriage and attendance at town halls (Timestamp: [46:10]).
• Exchange Highlights: Mace responded assertively, challenging the individual to attend her town halls and firmly stating her stance on gay marriage (Timestamp: [47:05]).
• Vince’s Commentary: Uses the exchange to illustrate the growing polarization and confrontational tactics within political discourse (Timestamp: [48:07]).

Notable Quote:

"You are a disgrace. You voted for gay marriage twice. It absolutely has everything to do with you." – Nancy Mace ([49:00])

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Content

Vince wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the discussed topics and teasing forthcoming exclusive interviews from the White House, promising deeper insights into the Trump administration's strategies and responses to current political challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Vince on LeBron James Payment:
  "Kamala Harris's campaign quietly paid LeBron's production company $50,000 after his declared personal endorsement." ([03:15])

• John Oyat Criticizing the Pentagon:
  "President Trump has a strong record of holding his top officials to account." ([10:45])

• Pet Hegseth Defending Against Media Attacks:
  "This is what the media does. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees..." ([12:24])

• Teresa on Church Leadership:
  "The Church is His. It was founded by Christ Jesus on the rock, St. Peter." ([21:13])

• J.D. Vance on Church Unity:
  "There is nothing to separate the Church’s teachings; they work in unison to balance each other out." ([26:37])

• Vince on Democratic Party Infighting:
  "The Democratic Party is actively trying to subvert their political opponents from even appearing on the ballot for electoral contests." ([37:41])

• Nancy Mace’s Confrontation:
  "You are a disgrace. You voted for gay marriage twice. It absolutely has everything to do with you." ([49:00])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Episode 27 of VINCE, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the episode's critical topics and the nuanced perspectives shared by host Vince and his guests.