The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

In this episode, criminologist John Lott breaks down how crime statistics in the United States are being distorted — and why the public is being misled about the true state of public safety. Lott explains how major media outlets, the FBI, and local law enforcement agencies manipulate or underreport violent crime data, creating a false narrative that crime is declining even as communities experience rising violence. The conversation zeroes in on how crimes committed by illegal immigrants are frequently minimized or excluded from reporting, skewing national crime trends and masking the real impact of sanctuary city policies. Lott presents data showing elevated rates of violent crime among illegal aliens in places like New York, and explains how repeat offenders are often released back into the community despite serious criminal records. Lott also explores the demographic realities of violent crime — including how most crimes occur within similar racial and socioeconomic groups — and why ignoring these patterns leads to failed policy. He argues that political incentives, not public safety, now drive crime reporting and enforcement decisions. See more data from the Crime Prevention Research CenterFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bonus episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz s a must-listen for college basketball fans, sports policy enthusiasts, and anyone concerned about cultural trends in America. Senator Ted Cruz and podcast co-host Ben Ferguson sits down with Bruce Pearl, retired Auburn basketball coach and outspoken advocate for Israel, to tackle three major topics: NIL reform, the future of college athletics, and the troubling rise of anti-Semitism in America. From Coaching Legend to Advocate and Analyst Bruce Pearl is no stranger to success. With over 700 career wins, multiple Final Four appearances, and a reputation for building winning programs, Pearl’s insights into leadership and perseverance are invaluable. What makes his story even more compelling? He never played organized basketball beyond high school. Instead, Pearl worked his way up from team manager at Boston College to assistant coach at Stanford, eventually becoming one of the most respected figures in college hoops. His philosophy? “Make yourself indispensable.” Pearl shared how his relentless work ethic—showing up early, staying late, and doing whatever needed to be done—opened doors that talent alone couldn’t. It’s a lesson for athletes and professionals alike: success often comes down to effort and attitude. NIL and the Wild West of College Sports One of the hottest topics in college sports news today is Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Pearl didn’t mince words: the NCAA’s failure to adapt created chaos. For decades, student-athletes generated billions in revenue for universities while receiving little beyond scholarships. Pearl called it “modern-day slavery,” describing how families struggled to afford travel while schools cashed in on TV deals and ticket sales. Now, the pendulum has swung the other way. Top-tier college football rosters can cost $35–$40 million annually, and boosters are essentially running payrolls. Pearl warned that this model is unsustainable: smaller schools and non-revenue sports like tennis, golf, and swimming are at risk of extinction. Without reform, college athletics could shrink to 30–50 elite programs, leaving countless opportunities behind. Senator Cruz echoed the urgency, revealing he’s been working on bipartisan NIL legislation to stabilize the system. The goal? Protect student-athletes’ rights while preserving the diversity of college sports. Cruz emphasized that “if Congress doesn’t act, the college sports we grew up with will be unrecognizable.” Key NIL Takeaways: NCAA’s resistance to change led to today’s chaos. Current NIL deals create massive financial gaps between programs. Without reform, Olympic and non-revenue sports could disappear. Congress may need to grant limited antitrust protections to allow fair negotiations. The Rise of Anti-Semitism—and Why It Matters Beyond sports, Pearl spoke passionately about his Jewish heritage and the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in America. Drawing on his family’s history—his grandfather fled Europe in 1929—Pearl stressed that American Jews should be among the nation’s greatest patriots. He warned against divisive theology and urged unity, reminding listeners that “silence is complicity.” Senator Cruz added a powerful perspective, noting that anti-Semitism often stems from ignorance and bad theology. He highlighted the shared roots of Christianity and Judaism, calling out replacement theology as “garbage” and reaffirming that God does not break covenant. Both Cruz and Pearl agreed: combating anti-Semitism requires courage, education, and solidarity. And while the trend is troubling, Pearl remains optimistic: “You can still be anything you want to be in this country.” Why Israel’s Strength Matters The conversation also touched on geopolitics. Cruz and Pearl discussed Israel’s resilience in the face of existential threats, emphasizing that peace in the Middle East is built on strength. Cruz pointed to the Abraham Accords as proof that nations respect power—and that America’s own security depends on maintaining military superiority. Pearl framed it simply: “The best way to avoid war is to be strong enough that no one wants to fight you.” Life Lessons from a Coach Pearl’s insights weren’t limited to policy. He shared timeless advice for young athletes: Play multiple sports in high school before specializing. Develop a dimension—something you do exceptionally well. Mental and physical toughness wins. Show up early, stay late, and make yourself indispensable. He also underscored the value of hiring former student-athletes: they understand discipline, teamwork, and sacrifice—qualities that translate to success in any field. Final Thoughts—and a Prediction The episode wrapped with a lighter moment: Pearl’s prediction for the college football national championship game. He picked Indiana over Miami, 28–24, while Cruz boldly predicted a blowout. Time will tell who’s right, but one thing is clear: this conversation was about much more than sports. Why You Should Listen This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz is a masterclass in leadership, policy, and perseverance. Whether you care about college basketball, NIL reform, combating antisemitism, cultural trends, or America’s role in the world, you’ll walk away informed and inspired. 👉 Listen and Subscribe to Verdict with Ted Cruz Want to hear the full discussion and stay informed on the issues that matter most? Subscribe to the Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast today on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You're Fired! Clay and Buck open with breaking news of another ICE-involved shooting after agents were attacked during an arrest operation. The suspects—identified as Venezuelan illegal immigrants with final deportation orders—reportedly assaulted an officer, prompting him to fire in self-defense. This follows a string of violent confrontations and protests targeting federal agents, with ICE vehicles vandalized and weapons stolen from government vehicles. The hosts warn that Minneapolis has become the epicenter of Resistance 2.0, echoing the chaos of the 2020 BLM riots, and argue that President Trump must act decisively to prevent nationwide unrest. The conversation intensifies as Clay and Buck analyze Trump’s Truth Social post threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials fail to stop organized attacks on federal law enforcement. They frame this as a defining moment for Trump’s second term, contrasting his current posture with what they call the missed opportunity to crush BLM riots in 2020. Buck emphasizes that Democrats are weaponizing immigration enforcement as a political wedge, portraying ICE as “Gestapo” and encouraging obstruction—language that, they argue, incites violence against officers. Clay underscores the stakes: Trump cannot afford to break faith with voters on border security, making Minneapolis a “crucible decision” for his presidency. The Left Wants to Abolish ICE Clay and Buck open with sharp analysis of Rep. Shri Thanedar’s renewed call to abolish ICE, reviving a radical slogan first championed by AOC during Trump’s first term. They argue that Democrats’ strategy is clear: dismantle enforcement while keeping immigration laws on the books to avoid openly admitting their open borders agenda. This, they contend, is part of a long-term plan to reshape America’s demographics and political landscape. The hosts highlight Trump’s historic success in reversing decades of migration trends, noting that net migration turned negative in 2025 for the first time since the 1920s. Approximately 2.6 million illegal immigrants left the country through deportations and self-removal, a stark contrast to Biden’s border surge that saw monthly inflows soar to 200,000. Clay and Buck frame this as proof that Trump’s enforcement policies are working, even as Democrats and media allies attempt to undermine ICE operations by portraying agents as brutal and lawless. They warn that rhetoric from figures like Hakeem Jeffries—accusing ICE of “brutalizing American families”—is fueling hostility and setting the stage for violence against federal officers, echoing the chaos of 2020’s BLM riots. Gov't Makes Things Expensive The conversation then pivots to Trump’s new “Great Healthcare Plan,” unveiled by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, which emphasizes affordability and transparency. The plan aims to permanently lower prescription drug prices, redirect subsidies from insurers to consumers, mandate public price disclosures to eliminate surprise bills, and hold insurance companies accountable with clear rate comparisons. Clay and Buck stress that Trump learned from Republicans’ 2018 midterm losses over healthcare and is now positioning affordability—alongside housing and credit card interest reform—as a cornerstone of his economic message. They argue that Trump’s proactive approach on healthcare and cost-of-living issues could resonate deeply with voters, contrasting his market-driven solutions with Democrats’ push for government control. Should We Buy Greenland? Updates on President Trump’s Greenland acquisition push, following high-level meetings between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials at the White House. Clay and Buck explain Trump’s rationale for pursuing Greenland as a long-term national security asset, citing its strategic Arctic location, potential mineral wealth, and historical parallels to Seward’s purchase of Alaska and the Louisiana Purchase. They argue that Greenland could be critical for monitoring nuclear submarine activity and countering Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, framing Trump’s vision as a century-long play for American dominance rather than a short-term real estate flip. 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 & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show dives into one of the most explosive stories in America: escalating violence against ICE agents in Minneapolis and the political firestorm surrounding immigration enforcement. Clay and Buck open with breaking news of another ICE-involved shooting after agents were attacked during an arrest operation. The suspects—identified as Venezuelan illegal immigrants with final deportation orders—reportedly assaulted an officer, prompting him to fire in self-defense. This follows a string of violent confrontations and protests targeting federal agents, with ICE vehicles vandalized and weapons stolen from government vehicles. The hosts warn that Minneapolis has become the epicenter of Resistance 2.0, echoing the chaos of the 2020 BLM riots, and argue that President Trump must act decisively to prevent nationwide unrest. The conversation intensifies as Clay and Buck analyze Trump’s Truth Social post threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials fail to stop organized attacks on federal law enforcement. They frame this as a defining moment for Trump’s second term, contrasting his current posture with what they call the missed opportunity to crush BLM riots in 2020. Buck emphasizes that Democrats are weaponizing immigration enforcement as a political wedge, portraying ICE as “Gestapo” and encouraging obstruction—language that, they argue, incites violence against officers. Clay underscores the stakes: Trump cannot afford to break faith with voters on border security, making Minneapolis a “crucible decision” for his presidency. The hour also spotlights Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey’s inflammatory rhetoric, including calls for residents to film ICE operations and create a “database of atrocities” for future prosecutions. Clay and Buck dismantle this narrative, noting that ICE targets violent felons and repeat offenders, not law-abiding families. They blast the premise as “bonkers,” warning that such messaging emboldens agitators and risks deadly consequences. The hosts predict that if violence escalates, left-wing activists will celebrate attacks on law enforcement online, exposing the hypocrisy of those who claimed to champion “rule of law” during January 6. Beyond the immediate crisis, Clay and Buck explore broader cultural and political dynamics—from the collapse of the “defund police” movement after bodycam footage vindicated officers, to Democrats’ reliance on emotional manipulation over facts. They argue that bodycams have done more to restore public trust in policing than any reform since 9/11, while highlighting the left’s pivot to immigration as its new battleground. The hour closes with sharp commentary on Jacob Frey’s claim that ICE agents “don’t share our values,” which Buck calls classic crowd manipulation, and Clay counters with a blunt question: “Would you rather be invaded by federal agents enforcing the law or by illegal immigrants with criminal records?” 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 & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 focuses on the intensifying political clash over immigration enforcement and the broader affordability agenda shaping the 2026 midterms. Clay and Buck open with sharp analysis of Rep. Shri Thanedar’s renewed call to abolish ICE, reviving a radical slogan first championed by AOC during Trump’s first term. They argue that Democrats’ strategy is clear: dismantle enforcement while keeping immigration laws on the books to avoid openly admitting their open borders agenda. This, they contend, is part of a long-term plan to reshape America’s demographics and political landscape. The hosts highlight Trump’s historic success in reversing decades of migration trends, noting that net migration turned negative in 2025 for the first time since the 1920s. Approximately 2.6 million illegal immigrants left the country through deportations and self-removal, a stark contrast to Biden’s border surge that saw monthly inflows soar to 200,000. Clay and Buck frame this as proof that Trump’s enforcement policies are working, even as Democrats and media allies attempt to undermine ICE operations by portraying agents as brutal and lawless. They warn that rhetoric from figures like Hakeem Jeffries—accusing ICE of “brutalizing American families”—is fueling hostility and setting the stage for violence against federal officers, echoing the chaos of 2020’s BLM riots. The conversation then pivots to Trump’s new “Great Healthcare Plan,” unveiled by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, which emphasizes affordability and transparency. The plan aims to permanently lower prescription drug prices, redirect subsidies from insurers to consumers, mandate public price disclosures to eliminate surprise bills, and hold insurance companies accountable with clear rate comparisons. Clay and Buck stress that Trump learned from Republicans’ 2018 midterm losses over healthcare and is now positioning affordability—alongside housing and credit card interest reform—as a cornerstone of his economic message. They argue that Trump’s proactive approach on healthcare and cost-of-living issues could resonate deeply with voters, contrasting his market-driven solutions with Democrats’ push for government control. Hour 2 closes with commentary on media bias, progressive hypocrisy, and the stakes for 2026: immigration enforcement, economic relief, and healthcare reform are emerging as defining issues in a political landscape where Democrats appear increasingly committed to chaos and obstruction. 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 & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.