Verdict with Ted Cruz

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.

Preventable Crime Deaths

Trump pauses the cabinet meeting to reference the killing of Sheridan Gorman, the 18‑year‑old college student murdered in Chicago by an illegal immigrant. Clay and Buck then detail another shocking case out of New York City involving 83‑year‑old Air Force veteran Richard Williams, who was shoved to his death on subway tracks by an illegal immigrant who had been deported multiple times and had an extensive criminal record. The hosts stress that both crimes were entirely preventable and argue that sanctuary policies are directly responsible.

Buck explains that these incidents are not happening in high‑crime zones but in places traditionally considered safe—such as the Upper East Side of Manhattan—demonstrating how far the problem has spread. Clay and Buck argue Democrats refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities even when dealing with violent repeat offenders, choosing ideology over public safety. They stress that illegal immigrants who commit crimes should never be shielded from deportation and that the murder rate of Americans by illegal immigrants should be zero.

Manipulating the System

Investigative journalist Alex Berenson, who joins the program to discuss what Clay calls one of the most enraging crime stories of the year: a horrific Seattle case involving a repeat violent offender who allegedly murdered an elderly woman during a carjacking and then stabbed her dog to death, only to have his prosecution delayed indefinitely due to claims of mental incompetence.

Berenson explains how the suspect, an eight‑time convicted felon with a long criminal record, is now repeatedly cycling between jail and a forensic psychiatric hospital, allegedly stopping his medication to claim incompetency and avoid trial. Berenson contrasts this with another highly publicized Seattle murder in which a man allegedly executed a pregnant woman in her car and was later allowed to plead not guilty by reason of insanity—potentially avoiding permanent incarceration altogether. The discussion highlights what Berenson and the hosts see as a broken system that fails to permanently remove clearly dangerous individuals from society, even when guilt is not meaningfully disputed.

The Only Sane Democrat

Clay and Buck play audio from a pro‑Iran and pro‑Hamas rally in Philadelphia, where speakers openly cheered the deaths of U.S. soldiers. They contrast that rhetoric with comments from Senator John Fetterman, who sharply criticizes his own party for being “held hostage by the far left,” condemns the DHS shutdown, and highlights the real‑world suffering of TSA agents who have gone six weeks without paychecks. The hosts discuss how devastating such a pay gap would be for most American families and argue that Democrats are deliberately inflicting airport chaos and financial pain on federal workers as leverage to block immigration enforcement.

The conversation grows more urgent with breaking news that an improvised explosive device was discovered at MacDill Air Force Base, home to U.S. Central Command and Special Operations Command. Authorities link the incident to Iran‑inspired extremism, adding to a string of recent attempted terror attacks across the country. Clay and Buck argue that this makes the DHS shutdown—and weakened airport security—especially indefensible at a moment of elevated threat.

Kennedy Murder/Suicide?

Journalist and New York Times bestselling author Maureen Callahan dishes on the explosive popularity of the Ryan Murphy‑produced JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Hulu series, questioning why the show has captured such a large audience—particularly women—and whether its depiction of the Kennedy legacy is fundamentally dishonest. Maureen Callahan, author of Ask Not and host of The Nerve, offers a blistering critique of the Kennedy mythology, arguing that the series whitewashes a deeply dysfunctional family history and obscures decades of documented abuses, narcissism, and media manipulation. She traces how the “Camelot” myth persists despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary and explains why Hollywood continues to rehabilitate the Kennedy brand.

The conversation intensifies when Callahan lays out her controversial theory regarding the death of John F. Kennedy Jr., asserting—based on official investigation records and well‑documented circumstances—that the fatal plane crash may have been a murder‑suicide driven by personal collapse, recklessness, substance use, and untreated psychological distress. She details Kennedy’s lack of qualification for the flight, warnings from other pilots, his failure to follow aviation protocol, near‑collision with a commercial jet, and the broader context of his unraveling marriage, failing business, and collapsing relationships. Clay and Buck emphasize that, provocative as the theory may sound, Callahan’s claims rely on facts contained in official reports rather than speculation.

From there, the hosts and Callahan explore why the show resonates so powerfully, pointing to ’90s nostalgia, pre‑internet media culture, and the enduring Cinderella fantasy. They argue that audiences are drawn to a mythologized version of elite romantic tragedy rather than the far darker and more unsettling reality. The discussion compares the Kennedy myth machine to the fascination Americans have with the British royal family, arguing that modern audiences crave comforting narratives even when they are demonstrably false.

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1. What “Arctic Frost” Is Claimed to Be
“Arctic Frost” is an internal DOJ investigation allegedly launched during the Biden administration.
It is a national security and domestic extremism initiative, but allegedly functioned as political surveillance targeting Donald Trump, his allies, and conservative organizations.
2. Role Attributed to Special Counsel Jack Smith
Jack Smith is accused of: Pushing for expanded subpoena authority beyond direct suspects.
Advocating aggressive timelines outside traditional prosecutorial standards.
Supporting material witness warrants even when no charges were filed.
Encouraging a “target‑first, crime‑later” investigative approach.

3. Alleged Scope of Surveillance
Nearly 200 subpoenas were issued, affecting 400+ Republican individuals and organizations.
Some entities targeted did not exist on January 6, suggesting lack of direct relevance.
Surveillance allegedly included: Phone toll records
Emails
Bank and donor records
Internal organizational communications


4. Constitutional and Legal Violations Alleged
The violations are:
First Amendment (free speech and freedom of association)
Speech and Debate Clause (subpoenaing members of Congress)
Attorney‑client privilege (wiretapping alleged privileged calls)
Probable cause standards
highlights are:
AT&T reportedly refused to comply with certain subpoenas due to constitutional concerns.
Jack Smith allegedly did not pursue court enforcement, suggesting awareness of legal vulnerability.
5. Senate Judiciary Hearing Depictions
Republican senators characterize Arctic Frost as: A “weaponized pipeline” inside DOJ.
A system to test legal theories against political opponents.

Testimony allegedly confirmed: No identifiable crimes were uncovered.
Targets might never have learned they were surveilled without later disclosures.

6. Comparison to Watergate
Surpassed Watergate in scale and intrusiveness.
Impacted tens of thousands of communications vs. one office break‑in.

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1. Purpose of Trey’s Law
Federal legislation introduced to prohibit Non‑Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) from silencing child victims of sexual abuse.
Ensures victims cannot be legally barred from speaking about their own abuse.
Victims may choose confidentiality, but it cannot be forced on them.
2. The Story Behind the Law
Trey was abused for years at a Missouri summer camp.
As an adult, during civil litigation, he was pressured to sign an NDA, which deeply harmed his ability to heal.
Trey died by suicide at age 28.
His sister, Elizabeth Phillips, has become a leading national advocate, pushing to change the law so no child experiences this again.
3. Widespread Problem of NDAs in Child Abuse Cases
Across the country, predators and institutions use NDAs to: Silence victims.
Protect institutions from reputational damage.
Delay exposure long enough for statutes of limitations to expire.

Children often do not disclose abuse until decades later due to delayed disclosure, grooming, and shame.
4. Systemic Issues at Certain Institutions
Kanakuk Kamps (Missouri) highlighted as a major example: Numerous allegations and confirmed cases of abuse over decades.
Accusations of institutional cover‑ups, pressure on victims, and secrecy agreements.
Advocacy groups maintain public databases of known or alleged abusers.
Some perpetrators remained in leadership roles or were moved to other ministries.

5. Survivor Testimony Impact
A 19‑year‑old survivor, Jayden Harris, spoke publicly for the first time after being protected by Missouri’s version of Trey’s Law.
She described being pressured by both her abuser and her own attorney to sign an NDA.
Her testimony emphasized the power shift that occurs when victims know they cannot be silenced by law.
6. Bipartisan Support
Trey’s Law has broad, bipartisan backing in the U.S. Senate:
Lead sponsors: Sen. Ted Cruz (R) & Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D)
Additional bipartisan co‑sponsors from both parties.
Strong expectation the bill will pass.
7. The Harm of Shame & Silence
Shame is a powerful reason victims—especially children—do not come forward.
Survivors speaking out helps: Their own healing,
Other victims feel less alone,
Expose predators still active.

8. Call to Action for the Public
Sharing the information widely on social media to raise awareness.
Calling senators and representatives to urge passage of Trey’s Law.
Supporting survivor advocacy organizations: FactsAboutKanakuk.com
TreysLaw.org
NMVAlliance.org

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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.

Dems Are Political Insurgents

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton discuss the ongoing TSA crisis and the extraordinary impact of Linda from Arizona, whose idea to deploy ICE agents to assist overwhelmed TSA checkpoints has now become a nationwide policy. Clay describes how the Washington Post is seeking interviews about Linda’s call, emphasizing how rare it is for a single radio listener to spark a national policy shift. President Trump even personally signed a “Trump Was Right About Everything” hat for Linda aboard Air Force One, underscoring how responsive he has been to voter-generated ideas.

Clay details his own recent airport experiences, noting that TSA lines appear to be improving in some locations, partially due to ICE agents stepping in to handle non‑screening duties such as monitoring exits and assisting with crowd control—exactly the scenario Linda envisioned. Both hosts emphasize that Democrats created this crisis by refusing to fund TSA workers as part of their shutdown strategy targeting immigration policy. They argue that Democratic leaders are intentionally generating travel misery to create political backlash against Trump, even though Republican voters overwhelmingly understand the source of the problem.

Iran Deep Dive

National‑security expert Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, explaining why the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically dangerous chokepoints in the world. Yates details how Iran’s geography, its control over key oil‑processing islands like Karg Island, and the narrow waterway’s global energy importance complicate any U.S. military response. He clarifies that while much of the oil shipped through the strait supplies China and India—not the U.S. directly—any disruption still pushes global prices upward because oil is a fungible commodity.

The hosts and Yates examine President Donald Trump’s evolving strategy toward Iran, including deadlines for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, targeted strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, and the possibility of limited U.S. troop movement—such as the deployment of elements of the 82nd Airborne—to support or execute rapid, high‑value operations. Yates explains the logic of Trump’s “sledgehammer diplomacy,” where overwhelming force is paired with opportunities for Iran to deescalate. The discussion also covers the likely endgame: preventing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, ensuring long‑term regional stability, empowering Gulf‑state partners, and identifying a credible post‑conflict governing figure within Iran. Clay and Buck emphasize that Arab nations—including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar—are quietly encouraging the pressure campaign on Iran, undermining media narratives that the conflict is solely the result of U.S.–Israel coordination. Yates stresses that regional actors have long viewed Iran as a destabilizing force and are now publicly aligning against Tehran.

Walkin' in Memphis, Safely

Clay and Buck then welcome Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who offers a detailed look at Memphis’s historic collapse in violent crime, a result of President Donald Trump’s federal law‑enforcement surge. Blackburn explains how coordinated efforts across local police, federal agencies, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and newly confirmed federal officials have produced a 50% reduction in violent crime in under six months. The senator calls Memphis a national model—contrasting it sharply with Minneapolis and other Democrat‑run cities that have resisted federal assistance. She highlights thousands of arrests, the dismantling of gang networks, hundreds of recovered weapons and stolen cars, and over 150 missing children rescued.

The program shifts to the ongoing airport crisis created by the TSA funding shutdown, where ICE agents—deployed after a listener’s now‑famous idea—have dramatically improved screening efficiency. Clay and Buck play clips from Fox News and CNN showing astonishingly short lines at Atlanta’s airport, a night‑and‑day difference from the hours‑long waits plaguing travelers just days earlier. Senator Blackburn confirms that ICE’s presence is significantly easing congestion and reinforces that Congress continues working on public‑safety funding solutions.

Think Like Linda

Clay and Buck break down the swearing‑in of new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, confirmed 54–45, making him the first Cherokee Nation member to hold a Cabinet position. Clay jokes that he expected Trump to make an Elizabeth Warren comment, while Buck praises Mullin as a major leadership upgrade at DHS. Security and travel issues return to focus as Clay reports that Delta Airlines has suspended special travel privileges for members of Congress until TSA staff are funded—forcing lawmakers to stand in the same lines as the public. Clay and Buck strongly support this move, arguing that members of Congress should share the consequences of the shutdown they helped create.

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1. Airport Delays as a National Crisis
Extreme airport wait times (2–5 hours) across major U.S. airports.
Travelers missed flights, funerals, and medical emergencies.
This is a system-wide breakdown, not isolated incidents.
2. Cause of the Crisis: DHS Funding Dispute
Democrats are withholding DHS funding, despite taxes already being paid.
TSA agents are working without pay, leading to: Mass call-outs
Resignations (thousands allegedly absent; hundreds quitting)

3. TSA Staffing Shortages
TSA absenteeism (up to 40% in some locations) is the primary bottleneck.
TSA agents are heroes forced to work under unfair conditions.
Potential financial bonuses are a reward for those continuing to work.
4. Trump’s Response and Leadership
Trump is acting decisively while others argue.
He orders ICE agents deployed to major airports.
ICE roles are: Crowd control
ID checks
Line management
Securing exits

ICE is not replacing TSA, but supporting them.
5. Early Results from ICE Deployment
Wait times dropped from hours to minutes at some airports.
This is evidence of effective leadership and rapid crisis response.
Acknowledges the problem is not fully resolved.
6. Broader Political Agenda Linked to the Crisis
The airport issue is tied to: Voter ID laws
Proof of citizenship for voting
Opposition to mail-in voting
Border security

The SAVE America Act as a condition for DHS funding.
Includes unrelated cultural issues (e.g., transgender policies, women’s sports).
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