Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is being accused of war crimes after allegedly making a so-called “double-tap” strike against Venezuelan drug traffickers. But it may just be a double distraction, allowing critics of Trump both to avoid more serious questions about immigration policy and to pull attention from the tragic shooting of two National Guards in DC by an Afghani national. This week, the guys are joined again by Matthew Peterson to discuss US operations in South America and the Left’s unsubtle hints that soldiers might need to disobey orders. Plus: Kash Patel as FBI Director: the right man for the wrong job?Recommended:“What Brought the Trump Administration to the Brink with the Venezuelan Regime,” by Joshua Treviño & Melissa FordNever Enough: America’s Limitless Welfare State, by William VoegeliOur American Queen: The Rise and Ruin of Kate Chase, by Thomas Klingenstein This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
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1:05:35
Friends and Frenemies
A recent White House meeting between Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani gave the president a chance to flip the script while publicly debasing the rhetorical currency of the “anti-fascist” Left. In this special holiday episode, the guys are joined by Matthew Peterson to discuss the president’s latest strategy, and answer listener questions. On the docket are emerging factions within the conservative movement, federal leniency on Antifa post-domestic-terrorist designation, and more. Plus: The crew gives thanks and share holiday plans, antics, eats—and cultural recommendations!Recommended reading:A House for the Word, by Richard Hooker This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
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1:14:10
I Will Be Your Tootsie-Nuzzi
In the wake of a bad election for Republicans, the Trump Administration seems to be reeling a bit as it looks for a new direction heading into Trump’s second year of this term. Yet time remains to step away from the ledge, button up and course correct before midterms. This week, Matthew Peterson joins the guys as they unravel dissatisfactions on the right and note potential MAGA comebacks. Meanwhile, Vanity Fair West Coast editor Olivia Nuzzi’s memoir generates a seedy sort of buzz as alleged details emerge about her sexts to RFK Jr., in case you were worried there might be depths to which journalists would not sink. Plus: Another round of cultural recommendations!Reading recommendations:"Part 1: How I Found Out," by Ryan Lizza“Ulysses,” by Alfred, Lord TennysonKing of Dogs, by Andrew EdwardsProject Hail Mary, by Andy WeirTreatise on Justification, by John Davenant This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
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1:04:54
Kondo for Congress
A bill to reopen the government has at last passed the Senate. It includes major concessions from Democrats on health care subsidies, earning moderate Democrats the ire of progressives. As the shutdown reaches its forty-second day, hosts Spencer and Mike sit down with guest Matthew Peterson to discuss the government’s perennial inability to form a budget. Elsewhere, election tallies are in: Zohran Mamdani won the NYC mayoral race, the election for Virginia AG went to Jay Jones, and California voters approved Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan. The tide of political battle remains yet uncertain as midterms loom. Plus: who planted the January 6 pipe bombs? And more cultural recommendations!Recommended Reading:Former Capitol Police Officer a Forensic Match for Jan. 6 Pipe Bomber, Sources Say2025’s Message to the GOP: Get Back to BasicsA Brief History of the Samurai, by Jonathan ClementsStatus and Culture, by W. David Marx This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
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1:12:58
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1:12:58
Groy Polloi
Tucker Carlson hosted Nick Fuentes, an antisemitic broadcaster, for a friendly interview, causing divisions to erupt on the Right. This week, as socialist Zohran Mamdani is forecast to take New York City’s mayorship, the guys appraise the influence of Fuentes on the mainstream and discuss the Right’s alternatives to curry favor with the middle. Plus: details have emerged about an FBI operation, “Arctic Frost,” aimed at targeting GOP officials’ comms to delegitimize Trump and his supporters post-2020 election. And more cultural recommendations!Recommended media:True DetectiveSlow HorsesWhat We Can KnowBrothers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
The American Mind Podcast uncovers the ideas and principles that drive American political life. The hosts engage Claremont scholars and critics in thought-provoking discussions about the real causes of our current political and cultural reality. claremontinstitute.substack.com
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