Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Democrats vs. Law Enforcement

The show features a critical breakdown of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s MSNBC interview with Joe Scarborough, where Johnson repeatedly avoids answering whether adding 5,000 police officers would reduce crime. Clay and Buck argue this reflects a broader Democratic reluctance to support law enforcement, driven by ideological commitments rather than public safety. They cite crime statistics—such as Chicago’s 629 murders in 2022, exceeding the entire United Kingdom’s total—to underscore the urgency of the issue. 

Real-World Consequences

A gripping firsthand account from a young Asian-American reporter who was violently mugged in Washington, D.C., highlighting the real-world consequences of urban crime. This sets the stage for a broader conversation about President Trump’s aggressive crime-fighting strategy in the nation’s capital, which the hosts frame as both morally necessary and politically effective.

The show explores how Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and law enforcement has led to a notable drop in violent crime, including a 13-day streak without a homicide—an unprecedented development in a Democrat-run city. The hosts contrast this with Democratic messaging that downplays violent crime in favor of focusing on homelessness and mental health, arguing that Trump’s results-driven approach is resonating with everyday Americans.

Rep. Chip Roy

Congressman Chip Roy joins the program to discuss his campaign for Texas Attorney General, his push to ban congressional stock trading, and his support for raising the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67 to address pilot shortages. He also weighs in on the Texas vs. Ohio State football game, predicting a win for the Longhorns led by Arch Manning.

Anything to Not Thank Trump

The hosts dive into the political and cultural impact of President Trump’s crime-fighting strategy, particularly in Washington, D.C., where violent crime rates have dropped significantly following federal intervention. They frame Trump’s approach as a bold, results-driven solution that contrasts sharply with Democratic leadership in cities like Chicago and Baltimore. The segment emphasizes how Trump’s actions—such as deploying federal resources and supporting law enforcement—are reshaping the national conversation around urban safety, law and order, and public accountability.

The hosts also highlight Trump’s stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports, positioning it as a common-sense issue that resonates with a majority of Americans. They argue that Trump’s ability to solve real-world problems, from securing the border to reducing crime, is what sets him apart from traditional politicians. The discussion underscores how Democrats’ resistance to Trump’s policies—even when they improve public safety—reveals a deeper ideological divide, with some voters prioritizing political identity over personal security.

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• House GOP Probe

  • House Republicans, led by Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, launched an investigation into alleged manipulation of Washington, D.C. crime data.

  • Allegations claim Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officials intentionally downgraded charges to make crime statistics appear lower.

  • A whistleblower with knowledge of MPD operations confirmed the alleged manipulation.

  • One commander, Michael Pulliam, was suspended over the incident, but the issue may span all seven patrol districts.

• Justice Department & Federal Probe

  • The investigation follows the Justice Department announcing its own federal probe into D.C. crime statistics.

  • Discrepancy: official reports say crime is at a 30-year low, but residents and whistleblowers say otherwise.

• Donald Trump’s Position

  • Trump claims FBI crime stats are “fake” and is framing D.C. as a test case for federal intervention in U.S. cities.

  • He threatened to send troops to Baltimore, raising concerns among local officials.

  • Trump portrays himself as confronting “business as usual” in crime reporting and law enforcement.

• Cashless Bail Executive Order

  • Trump signed an executive order to end cashless bail, starting in Washington, D.C.

  • The order:

    • Directs federal law enforcement to prosecute arrestees federally where possible.

    • Seeks to prevent pretrial release without bail.

    • Threatens to withhold or revoke federal funding from jurisdictions with cashless bail policies.

    • Attorney General must identify such jurisdictions within 30 days.

• Political Reactions

  • Democrats:

    • Angry at Trump’s intervention.

    • Argue cashless bail gives judges discretion to detain or release based on risk, not wealth.

    • Say Trump is using the issue as a distraction from other policy failures (e.g., prices, economy).

  • Trump Allies & Conservatives:

    • Portray cashless bail as a failed liberal policy fueling crime.

    • Cite cities like Chicago as examples of negative consequences.

    • Miami’s

1. Dunking on Gavin Newsom

• Ted Cruz responds to a tweet by Newsom blaming Trump for rising electricity prices.
• Cruz uses AI (Grok) to highlight that the states with the highest electricity rates are Democrat-led with strong renewable energy mandates.
• He argues that liberal policies, not Trump, are responsible for high energy costs.
• The discussion includes a critique of renewable energy mandates and infrastructure challenges in blue states.

2. Democrats’ “Forbidden Words”

• The think tank Third Way released a memo listing 45 words/phrases Democrats should avoid, claiming they alienate everyday Americans.
• Examples include: “privilege,” “birthing person,” “microaggression,” “cisgender,” “food insecurity,” and “environmental violence.”
• Cruz and Ferguson mock the list, comparing it to George Carlin’s “seven dirty words” and argue that the problem isn’t just language but ideology.

3. SCOTUS Victory for Trump on DEI Grants

• The Supreme Court ruled 5–4 in favor of the Trump administration, allowing it to cancel $783 million in NIH grants tied to DEI and gender ideology.
• The ruling was based on jurisdictional grounds—plaintiffs filed in the wrong court.
• Justice Amy Coney Barrett was the swing vote, siding with conservatives on the funding issue but not on reversing DEI guidance.
• Cruz and Ferguson discuss the implications for future lawfare and judicial activism.

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1. Recognition of Somaliland

• The senator discusses efforts to urge President Trump to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation.
• Somaliland is portrayed as a stable, democratic ally of the U.S., strategically located near the Gulf of Aden.
• The senator criticizes China's influence in Africa, particularly its opposition to Somaliland's ties with Taiwan and the U.S.
• A letter to President Trump is read aloud, advocating for recognition based on Somaliland’s governance, military cooperation, and geopolitical importance.

2. Crime and Law Enforcement in Washington, D.C.

• The senator supports President Trump’s decision to deploy federal law enforcement in D.C., claiming it led to a significant drop in crime.
• Statistics are cited showing reductions in robbery, carjacking, and violent crime.
• The narrative criticizes Democratic leadership in D.C., alleging manipulation of crime data and failure to address public safety.
• The DC Police Union chairman is quoted, blaming legislative changes for the breakdown of the criminal justice system.

3. Criticism of Media and Democratic Leadership

• The hosts repeatedly accuse mainstream media of ignoring or misrepresenting stories that reflect positively on Trump or negatively on Democrats.
• There is a strong emphasis on the idea that Democrats prioritize political narratives over public safety, especially in high-crime urban areas.

4. Biden’s Use of the Autopen for Pardons

• The senator raises legal concerns about President Biden’s use of an autopen to sign pardons and executive orders.
• DOJ officials reportedly warned that some pardons were legally questionable and involved violent offenders, contradicting public claims.
• The discussion suggests that Biden may not have personally authorized some actions, potentially invalidating them.

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1. Trump's Legal Victory in New York

   • The New York Court of Appeals overturned a $500+ million judgment against Donald Trump.
   • The hosts argue this was a politically motivated case by NY Attorney General Letitia James.
   • They claim the penalty violated the Eighth Amendment (excessive fines) and due process.

2. Democratic Party Voter Registration Decline

   • Citing a New York Times analysis, the hosts discuss a significant drop in Democratic voter registration across all 30 states that track it.
   • They interpret this as a sign of disillusionment with Democratic policies and leadership.

3. Interview with Senator Eric Schmitt

   • Promoting his book The Last Line of Defense: How to Beat the Left in Court.
   • Discusses legal battles against COVID mandates, censorship, DEI/ESG policies, and the Biden administration.
   • Shares behind-the-scenes stories, including depositions of Anthony Fauci and FBI officials.

4. Biden’s Autopen Pardons Controversy

   • Allegations that President Biden delegated pardon decisions to staff using an autopen.
   • DOJ officials reportedly raised concerns about legality and transparency.
   • Hosts argue this undermines the constitutional authority of the presidency.

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Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Clay's Prediction Comes True

A breakdown of the New York Court of Appeals' unanimous decision to overturn the $500 million civil fraud fine levied against President Donald Trump by Attorney General Letitia James. The hosts frame this legal victory as a major turning point in the ongoing battle against politically motivated lawfare and judicial overreach. Clay Travis is credited for accurately predicting the case’s dismissal, reinforcing his credibility among listeners.

The episode dives deep into the origins of the case, which alleged Trump inflated asset values—most notably Mar-a-Lago—to secure favorable mortgage terms. However, the hosts emphasize that Trump repaid all loans with interest, and the banks involved expressed no concerns, even stating they’d gladly do business with him again. The legal theory behind the case is described as “harebrained,” with no actual victim, and the $600 million penalty (including interest) is portrayed as a product of Trump Derangement Syndrome infecting the courtroom.

Clay and Buck also explore the broader implications of this ruling, suggesting it signals the unraveling of other politically charged cases against Trump, including the E. Jean Carroll civil suit and the 34 felony counts related to bookkeeping. They argue these cases are built on weak legal foundations and will likely be tossed on appeal.

Yuge Trump Victory

Clay and Buck criticize Letitia James for her public statements promising to prosecute Trump, calling her actions disgraceful and politically motivated. They speculate she may face legal consequences herself for alleged mortgage fraud and call for her disbarment. The episode also features Trump’s reaction via Truth Social, where he celebrates the court’s courage and labels the case a “political witch hunt.”

Clay compares Trump to Neo from The Matrix, highlighting his growing popularity and influence. The hosts argue that Trump’s legacy will become even more iconic over time, especially as the public recognizes the extent of misinformation and partisan targeting.

Cracker Barrel Crackup?

Cracker Barrel’s rebranding backlash. The hosts criticize the removal of the iconic grandfather logo and the chain’s attempt to modernize its image, arguing that the move alienates its core Southern customer base. The rebrand is compared to Bud Light’s marketing missteps, with Clay and Buck warning that corporate identity crises often stem from executives disconnected from their consumers. The stock market agrees—Cracker Barrel’s shares dropped $8, wiping out $100 million in market cap.

In a humorous interlude, Producer Greg apologizes for ending a previous show with a somber suicide hotline story, coining the phrase “Meow Culpa” in reference to cat owners finding purpose in caring for their pets.

Rep. Byron Donalds

Congressman Byron Donalds, who shares his personal experience as a Cracker Barrel waiter, calls the show to slam the rebrand as unnecessary and culturally tone-deaf. He emphasizes the restaurant’s nostalgic value and calls for companies to embrace their roots rather than chase trends. The segment also features listener feedback from Virginia and North Carolina, echoing dissatisfaction with menu changes and declining food quality.

The hosts explore chain restaurant branding, comparing Cracker Barrel to Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, and Applebee’s, and discuss the cultural symbolism of Southern food. They also touch on beer branding myths, revealing that Foster’s is brewed in Texas and Budweiser is marketed as premium in Australia.

Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8

For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: 

1. Clemency Controversy Involving Joe Biden

• Sources allege that in his final days in office, former President Joe Biden issued mass clemency orders using an autopen (an automated signature device).
• These clemency orders reportedly affected ~2,500 inmates, and were described by the White House as targeting nonviolent drug offenders.
• However, internal DOJ emails (particularly from Bradley Weinsheimer, a senior DOJ official) suggest:
  • The language in the clemency warrants was vague and legally flawed.
  • Some recipients were violent offenders, contradicting the White House’s public narrative.
  • DOJ officials were confused and sought clarification from Biden, which they reportedly did not receive.

2. Examples of Alleged Violent Offenders

• The episode names individuals like Rushell Macintosh, Stephen Fowler, and Plays Anderson, claiming they committed violent crimes and were among those granted clemency.

3. Criticism of Biden’s Use of Autopen

• Biden defended the use of the autopen, saying he approved broad categories and left staff to apply them.
• The DOJ emails suggest uncertainty and disagreement within the administration about the legality and clarity of the orders.

4. Political Implications and Allegations

• The podcast connects this clemency issue to broader political themes:
  • Allegations of DOJ politicization.
  • Claims that Democrats are losing voter registration battles in 30 states.
  • Accusations that Democrats are considering gerrymandering, amnesty, and counting undocumented immigrants to regain political ground.

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📰 1. Foreign Policy: Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations

• Main Theme: The podcast claims that President Donald Trump has made significant progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.
• Key Events Discussed:
  • Trump’s meetings with Vladimir Putin in Alaska and Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington.
  • European leaders, including those from Finland and the UK, expressing optimism about peace talks.
  • Discussion of NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine, with emphasis on Europe taking the lead rather than the U.S.
  • Trump’s stance against Ukraine joining NATO and his push for energy agreements that favor U.S. exports over Russian oil and gas.
• Tone: Strongly supportive of Trump’s diplomatic efforts, critical of media portrayal and Democratic opposition.

🚓 2. Domestic Policy: Crime Reduction in Washington, D.C.

• Main Theme: The podcast praises Trump’s decision to federalize the D.C. police force, claiming it led to a sharp drop in crime.
• Key Points:
  • Cited statistics from the DC Police Union showing reductions in robbery, carjacking, and violent crime.
  • Criticism of the DC Council and Democratic leadership for allegedly enabling crime through legislation.
  • Mention of a Justice Department investigation into possible manipulation of crime data by DC police.
  • Anecdotes about rising crime in DC and praise for Trump’s intervention.

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• Media Criticism:

  • The episode begins with claims that the mainstream media and the Democratic Party have misled the public about Trump’s diplomatic efforts and intentions.
  • It portrays Trump as being unfairly criticized and underestimated.

• Diplomatic Developments:

  • Trump allegedly initiated direct contact with Putin and facilitated a potential trilateral peace summit involving himself, Zelensky, and Putin.
  • The meeting is described as historic, with improved tone and cooperation compared to previous encounters.

• Security Guarantees:

  • Trump and European leaders discussed NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine.
  • These guarantees are framed as essential for lasting peace and deterrence against future aggression.

• International Support:

  • Leaders from Italy, France, the UK, and NATO are said to have expressed strong support for Ukraine and the peace process.
  • The Italian Prime Minister is quoted praising Trump’s role in initiating dialogue.

• Humanitarian Focus:

  • Zelensky emphasizes the importance of prisoner exchanges and returning abducted children, referencing a letter from Melania Trump to Putin.

• Zelensky’s Remarks:

  • Zelensky is quoted expressing optimism and gratitude for the meeting, highlighting the importance of U.S. involvement and unity among allies.

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