Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Breaking Battleground, we tackle the biggest technological and geopolitical shifts shaping our future.
First, Aaron Zelinger, CEO of Closure Intelligence, and Dan Dow, District Attorney of San Luis Obispo County, join us to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming law enforcement and the legal system. From cartel investigations to protecting sensitive case data, they explain how AI tools are improving truth-finding, safeguarding privacy, and helping prosecutors make critical decisions — including in serious child exploitation cases. We also explore compliance concerns, government applications, and the future of AI in enterprise.
Next, congressional candidate John Trobaugh (AZ-01) breaks down how Arizona can win the AI revolution. He makes the case for embracing innovation to drive productivity and economic growth — not fearing it. The conversation dives into Arizona's water strategy, data centers, defense manufacturing, small modular reactors, uranium production, and smart regulatory reform to keep America competitive.
Finally, in a podcast-exclusive segment, Emilia James and Evan Firoozi of NetFreedom Pioneers share how they're delivering life-changing internet access to Iranians facing regime blackouts and censorship. From VPN networks to deploying over 300 Starlink terminals, they reveal how technology is empowering citizens, reconnecting the diaspora, and challenging authoritarian information control.
AI. Economic power. Internet freedom. This episode connects the dots between technology and liberty at home and abroad.

On today's episode of Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone tackle the issues driving today's headlines, from the economy and immigration fights to crime, culture, and the future of education.
First, Henry Olsen joins the show to break down Europe's political shocks, including ATM bombings in Switzerland and a coming vote that could cap the country's population. The conversation turns to why Epstein remains in the headlines, shifting Democratic messaging around ICE, and the economic showdown between Trump and Biden, plus why wages and inflation may decide control of Congress in 2026.
Then, Ashley Hayek, President of America First Works, discusses falling crime rates, the real consequences of a DHS shutdown, and how culture changes when people stay silent. She highlights Trump-era policy wins, ICE enforcement, the fentanyl crisis, and why many administration successes aren't breaking through in mainstream media coverage.
In a podcast-exclusive final segment, Tom Horne, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, lays out his push for stronger academics, AI readiness in schools, expanded school choice, and CTE programs that prepare students for real careers, while addressing teacher shortages, classroom discipline, and the debate over cellphones in schools.

Our first guest is Alex Swoyer, editor-at-large at The Washington Times, where she covers law and politics in Washington. Alex also hosts "The Sitdown with Alex Swoyer" and writes the popular column "Seen, Heard & Whispered." She joins us to break down how House Republicans are currently outpacing Democrats as the midterms approach. While Republicans do not hold a lead in the Senate, they face the challenge of defending their majority while also working to pick up additional seats. Growing frustration among Democratic voters is beginning to show up in fundraising numbers, with money shifting away from the party amid a widening leadership vacuum.
Alex also recently authored an article highlighting how Melania Trump has accomplished more in one year than Jill Biden did in four. Melania has focused her efforts on protecting children and working with international leaders to address global challenges, particularly the growing threat social media poses to young people. Her recent documentary underscores both the strength of her partnership with President Trump and the lasting impact of her work on behalf of American families.
Next, Jon Fleischman joins us to discuss new polling from the Pew Research Center showing Donald Trump struggling with middle-of-the-road voters. Among all voters, Trump's approval stands at 37 percent, with disapproval at 61 percent. More notably, some of the decline is coming from within the Republican base itself—Republican approval has dropped to 67 percent, with 18 percent of GOP voters now saying Trump is headed in the wrong direction. Jon also explains one of the core challenges facing any president: the Constitution deliberately divides power across branches of government, meaning a president cannot immediately fix issues like interest rates or consumer prices.
We also discuss how Trump-era policies are being implemented differently in red versus blue states. One key provision in the "Big Beautiful Bill" is an Education School Choice Scholarship program. Under the plan, taxpayers can direct up to $1,700 of their federal tax liability to a nonprofit that supports school choice, with that amount credited directly against their federal tax bill—creating a substantial new funding stream for school choice. Participation requires approval from a state's governor. So far, 27 states have signed on for the program beginning in 2027, including 25 states with Republican governors and one Democrat, Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
Finally, Jessica Millan Patterson joins us to discuss how Governor Gavin Newsom continues to "fail up," remaining fixated on his presidential ambitions rather than governing California. The consequences of Newsom's leadership are increasingly being felt not just within California, but in neighboring states as well. From energy policy to environmental regulations, California's approach is often counterproductive undermining its own goals by restricting access to cleaner domestic natural resources.
As Jessica lays out, Newsom has it wrong on:
1.     Housing
2.     Education
3.     Crime
4.     High-Speed Rail
5.     Water

Jessica Anderson joins Breaking Battlegrounds this week to discuss the Trump Accounts for Kids, an innovative public-private partnership included in the Big Beautiful Bill. The program focuses on saving today and investing in the future, with business leaders matching contributions to a modern version of "baby bonds." It represents a meaningful investment in the American Dream for the next generation. Jessica also breaks down the rapid and damaging shift under Abigail Spanberger. Spanberger campaigned as a moderate highlighting her background as a mom and former CIA officer and promising to prioritize affordability. Yet in less than 30 days in office, she has embraced the most extreme elements of the Democratic Party and pushed them into the mainstream. Jessica describes Spanberger as the female equivalent of Mamdani in Virginia. The agenda includes massive tax hikes, new taxes on lawn equipment, cutting off state and local cooperation with ICE and law enforcement, and introducing resolutions to roll back Governor Youngkin's changes to DEI policies—among many other proposals. As a result, business owners are already exploring options to leave the state, while many small businesses may be forced to shut their doors altogether.
Chairman Will O'Neill of the Republican Party of Orange County joins us to discuss the massive California fraud quickly unfolding and the staggering $31 billion in unemployment fraud that occurred in 2021 and 2022. During that period, states took out unemployment loans from the federal government to cover shortfalls. California still owes more than $20 billion and remains the only state that has not repaid its federal loan. Because the state has failed to pay it back, employers are now facing higher unemployment taxes—effectively a tax increase driven by Governor Newsom's refusal to retire California's own debt. O'Neill also highlights a recent case in which an individual living in a $7 million home was arrested for allegedly stealing $23 million in homelessness funds from a program overseen by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's department.
Gary Gygi joins us to discuss the Trump Accounts for Kids, a new initiative that provides every child with a $1,000 account at birth. The funds become accessible at age 18, though recipients can choose to leave the money invested and allow it to continue growing over time. These accounts will be primarily invested in the stock market, with the possibility of limited additional options. The goal is not only long-term growth, but education—introducing young people to capitalism, helping them understand that risk can be positive, and reinforcing the value of participating in the market.
Bess Byers joins us to discuss New York City's $65 million effort to house trans homeless people. When she first saw the story, she immediately thought of the women at a Los Angeles shelter where she previously volunteered women who were seeking refuge after fleeing abuse and domestic violence. Bess raises concerns that legislation affects these women-only shelters by housing women with males and whether it's trans homeless or any homeless shelter, the homeless industrial complex has so much fraud and waste.

Our first guest today is Josh Hammer, senior editor-at-large at Newsweek, host of The Josh Hammer Show, and author of Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West. Josh explores America's long-standing interest in Greenland, dating back to the Lincoln and Truman administrations. While Denmark maintains limited authority over the territory, NATO oversees much of Greenland's day-to-day security—and with the United States serving as the backbone of NATO, Josh explains how this history and reality help frame President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland.
Josh also weighs in on the war in Ukraine, examining possible timelines for its conclusion. He argues that it is in America's best interest for Ukraine to remain independent, and notes President Trump's consistent position that the priority must be reducing bloodshed while continuing to support Ukraine.
Our second guest is John Trobough, a candidate for Arizona's First Congressional District. John is running for Congress because he believes our nation is at a crossroads, and Arizona has a unique opportunity to lead—but only if we elect leaders who genuinely care. As the epicenter of the next-generation economy, Arizona may not replace Silicon Valley, but it has the potential to become the "Silicon Desert." John joins us to discuss the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, why it's critical that we get ahead of it, and how we can ensure innovation and economic growth truly benefit Arizona's economy.
Comedian and writer Lou Perez joins us to talk about his recent piece, "Police Bodycams: The Left's Biggest Self-Own." Lou explores the irony that police body cameras—originally demanded by anti-police activists—have ultimately done more to undermine that movement than anything else. He also discusses his book, "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore: On the Death and Rebirth of Comedy," where he examines how humor has been shaped by woke culture. Lou argues that for years, comedians trying to push back against Donald Trump often relied on the same recycled jokes, which ultimately opened the door for a new wave of comics willing to tackle topics others were afraid to touch.