The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

On this episode of The Truth with Lisa Boothe, Lisa sits down with Senator Marsha Blackburn for a wide-ranging discussion on immigration enforcement, public safety, and government accountability.
Blackburn highlights the success of federal-local cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Memphis, while sharply criticizing Minnesota for refusing to support ICE operations. The conversation breaks down congressional funding battles surrounding the Department of Homeland Security, the push for body cameras on ICE agents, and the heightened risks agents face when protective masks are removed.
Blackburn also introduces her Fraud Accountability Act, aimed at holding fraudsters accountable through deportation or de-naturalization, arguing that law and order must be restored at every level of government.
The episode closes with a look at ongoing power outages across Tennessee, which Blackburn links to misguided budget cuts and failed governance—underscoring the real-world consequences of policy decisions.
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Islamist Terrorists, a Tipping Point in Iran, and Netflix’s Bid for Warner Brothers: Inside the Latest Episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz
In the latest episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and co‑host Ben Ferguson deliver one of the most comprehensive, hard‑hitting discussions of the year. From a newly exposed Iranian‑backed terrorist network in Africa, to the unraveling stability of the Iranian regime, to a massive entertainment‑industry merger that could reshape political and cultural influence in America—the episode covers major developments conservatives must understand.
Below is an expanded breakdown of the major themes from the episode, offering readers a clear look at the national‑security stakes, geopolitical shifts, and cultural ramifications highlighted in the discussion.
1. The Polisario Front: The Iranian‑Backed Terrorist Threat No One Is Talking About
One of the most striking revelations in the episode is Senator Cruz’s warning about the Polisario Front, a militant separatist group operating in Western Sahara. While the group has existed for decades, the Senator explains that it has recently evolved into a serious, Iranian‑funded terrorist threat—yet most Americans have never heard of it.
The Polisario Front, founded in 1973 and backed by Algeria, has historically positioned itself as a Cold War‑era independence movement. But Iran is now pouring money, weapons, and training into the group, transforming it into what Cruz describes as “the Houthis of West Africa.” The goal: create a new proxy force capable of destabilizing the Sahel, threatening American partners, and expanding Tehran’s influence far beyond the Middle East.
Senator Cruz recounts questioning State Department officials during a recent Senate hearing. When he pressed them to identify the Polisario Front as a source of terrorist activity in the region, they sidestepped the issue entirely. He suggests the administration is avoiding criticism of the group to protect ongoing diplomatic negotiations—an approach he argues is dangerously shortsighted.
Cruz is now leading a Senate effort to formally designate the Polisario Front as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, a move that would cut off funding, restrict support, and force U.S. allies to take a harder line. He warns that ignoring Iran‑backed militants invites greater danger and undermines American security.
2. Iran Is Near a Breaking Point—And the U.S. Could Influence the Outcome
A major portion of the episode focuses on Iran’s rapidly deteriorating internal situation. Senator Cruz argues that the ruling regime is closer to collapse than at any time in recent history. Public uprisings have spread across the country, the economy is in free fall, and the government is responding with extreme violence—killing tens of thousands of protesters by some estimates.
Cruz emphasizes that the United States must support the Iranian people at this pivotal moment. He argues that protesters should be armed—not by deploying U.S. troops, but by empowering Iranians to defend themselves against the regime’s brutality. Without the ability to fight back, he warns, citizens are being “gunned down like fish in a barrel.”
He also cautions against engaging in another prolonged nuclear negotiation with Tehran. In his view, Iran is pushing for talks to buy time: time to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure, time to suppress domestic dissent, and time to muddle global responses.
Beyond Iran, Cruz points out that authoritarian regimes in Cuba and Venezuela may also be nearing the brink of collapse. He argues that simultaneous democratic transitions in all three countries would represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall—if the U.S. doesn’t squander the moment.
The episode also highlights provocative actions by Iran’s military, including flying a drone toward a U.S. aircraft carrier and attempting to board a U.S.-linked oil tanker. Cruz sees these acts as desperation—efforts to provoke an American response that might unify Iran’s population against an external enemy.
3. Netflix’s Attempt to Buy Warner Brothers: A Cultural and National Security Flashpoint
The episode closes with a deep dive into Netflix’s proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Brothers—a merger that would reshape American entertainment and media. Senator Cruz participated in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing examining the deal, and he raises serious concerns about the implications.
Cruz argues that the merger would consolidate enormous cultural and ideological influence under one overwhelmingly left‑leaning corporate umbrella. Netflix’s founders and leadership have deep ties to Democratic politics, while Warner Brothers controls outlets like CNN and HBO, known for their liberal slants. A combined entity with vast market power, he warns, could further marginalize conservative creators, voices, and audiences.
One of Cruz’s most pointed criticisms is Hollywood’s ideological monoculture. He notes that conservative writers, actors, and directors are often blacklisted, while liberal programming dominates. During the hearing, neither Netflix nor Warner executives could name a single show specifically designed to appeal to conservatives—yet numerous left‑leaning programs were easy to identify.
Another major concern: foreign influence. The episode raises alarms about billions of dollars in potential investment from the Middle East, questioning how such financial involvement might shape content decisions. As an example, Ferguson cites Top Gun: Maverick, where a Taiwan patch was removed from a jacket to appease Chinese censors. If foreign money can dictate small details, he asks, what narratives might be suppressed entirely?
With the Department of Justice and possibly the FCC required to approve the merger, the process could take months or longer. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Cruz says he expects to scrutinize the deal closely.
Conclusion: Urgent National‑Security and Cultural Issues Converge
This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz delivers sweeping insight into emerging national‑security threats and major cultural turning points. From Iran’s potential collapse, to the rise of an Iranian‑backed terrorist group in Africa, to the dangers of a politically and internationally influenced media merger, Senator Cruz underscores the importance of American strength and vigilance.
From Africa to the Middle East to Hollywood, the decisions made in the coming months will shape U.S. security, cultural influence, and the future of democratic movements worldwide.
👉 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.
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Proof of Life in an AI Age
Clay Travis and Buck Sexton begin by highlighting President Donald Trump’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, where he addressed faith in public life, new Department of Education guidance reaffirming the right to prayer in public schools, and ongoing federal responses to unrest and crime in major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis. They preview Trump’s wide‑ranging interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, which becomes a central theme throughout the hour.
A major portion of Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show is devoted to the alarming and emotional kidnapping case involving the mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie. The hosts play audio from Guthrie’s public plea and analyze the unusual nature of a modern‑day ransom kidnapping in the United States. Clay and Buck discuss why the crime appears targeted rather than random, speculate on possible inside knowledge of the victim’s home and routines, and explore why this type of crime is now rare in America compared to other parts of the world. They also examine how advances in surveillance, DNA evidence, and digital tracking make successful ransom kidnappings increasingly difficult. Throughout the segment, they note that President Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel have committed significant federal resources to the case, underscoring its national visibility and seriousness.
Kamala Woofs?
A lively and humorous debate about the future of the Democratic Party, centered on Vice President Kamala Harris and the 2028 presidential race. Clay Travis sharply mocks what he characterizes as Kamala Harris’s inauthentic political style, using her recent “Kamala HQ” announcement as an example, and compares it to a famously absurd storyline from The Office. This sparks a prolonged back‑and‑forth between Clay and Buck over whether Harris will run for president again—and whether she could realistically become the Democratic nominee. Clay argues that Harris is likely to run and could benefit from changes to the Democratic primary calendar that elevate Southern states with large Black Democratic electorates, while Buck strongly disagrees, insisting that her past electoral failures and poor performance in swing states make her nomination politically disastrous.
The conversation broadens into a larger analysis of Democratic strategy, race, primary politics, and voter turnout. Clay suggests Democrats may once again make a risky strategic decision based on identity politics and narrow electoral margins, while Buck counters that party elites will ultimately coalesce around a different candidate, particularly California Governor Gavin Newsom. Throughout the hour, the hosts reference betting odds, past primary performances, and voter behavior to argue their competing cases, turning their disagreement into an ongoing bet that becomes a recurring and entertaining thread.
Clay's Needle and Poop Walk
Clay delivers an extended firsthand account of his morning walk through downtown San Francisco ahead of Super Bowl weekend. Broadcasting from the iHeartRadio studios in the city, he describes being advised not to walk for safety reasons and then encountering widespread homelessness, drug use, abandoned needles, and human feces along a short route in the city’s core. Clay uses the experience to argue that urban decay, public drug use, and lack of sanitation are policy failures, contending that visible filth and disorder directly correlate with higher crime rates and declining quality of life in major American cities like San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
A central segment of Hour 3 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show features a detailed live update from Daily Wire reporter Lynden Blake, who monitored the full Arizona press conference on the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping. Blake confirms that a single ransom note was sent to multiple outlets, demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin, with an initial deadline the same day and a secondary deadline the following Monday accompanied by explicit threats. She explains why authorities believe the notes are credible, citing accurate descriptions of the crime scene, and discusses lingering questions about security cameras, possible inside knowledge of the home, and inconsistencies regarding forced entry. The hosts also explore the family’s request for proof of life and the challenges posed by AI‑generated imagery, underscoring how modern technology complicates hostage negotiations.
Sen. Dave McCormick
A substantive interview with Senator Dave McCormick, who addresses major national and state policy concerns. McCormick discusses the growing national debt, massive federal deficits, and what he views as Washington’s unwillingness to enact even modest spending reforms. He criticizes resistance to work requirements for able‑bodied Medicaid recipients and warns that without structural changes, entitlement programs will collapse under their own weight. McCormick also speaks at length about bipartisan cooperation in Pennsylvania, highlighting his working relationship with Democratic Senator John Fetterman, their shared stance on issues like fentanyl, energy production, Israel, and government shutdowns, and his willingness to publicly defend Fetterman when he was attacked by his own party.
Election integrity and voting laws are another focal point, as McCormick strongly advocates for the SAVE Act and nationwide voter ID requirements. He argues that requiring proof of citizenship is a basic safeguard supported by overwhelming majorities of both Republicans and Democrats and says lawmakers must publicly justify opposition to voter ID to restore trust in U.S. elections. The conversation then shifts to the economy, where McCormick credits President Donald Trump’s tax cuts, deregulation, and energy policies with fueling major investment in Pennsylvania, including tens of billions of dollars committed to energy infrastructure and data centers. He frames U.S. energy dominance and AI development as critical components of global competition, particularly with China.
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In Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, the hosts open the program with a deep dive into the most urgent national news and political developments of the day, setting the tone for a wide-ranging and fast‑paced discussion. This hour places a heavy focus on breaking news, public safety, immigration policy, crime, and cultural conversation, while also weaving in Super Bowl week coverage and economic concerns. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton begin by highlighting President Donald Trump’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, where he addressed faith in public life, new Department of Education guidance reaffirming the right to prayer in public schools, and ongoing federal responses to unrest and crime in major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis. They preview Trump’s wide‑ranging interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, which becomes a central theme throughout the hour.
A major portion of Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show is devoted to the alarming and emotional kidnapping case involving the mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie. The hosts play audio from Guthrie’s public plea and analyze the unusual nature of a modern‑day ransom kidnapping in the United States. Clay and Buck discuss why the crime appears targeted rather than random, speculate on possible inside knowledge of the victim’s home and routines, and explore why this type of crime is now rare in America compared to other parts of the world. They also examine how advances in surveillance, DNA evidence, and digital tracking make successful ransom kidnappings increasingly difficult. Throughout the segment, they note that President Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel have committed significant federal resources to the case, underscoring its national visibility and seriousness.
The show then transitions into broader law‑and‑order themes, connecting the kidnapping story to a wider conversation about crime, policing, and political rhetoric. Clay Travis argues that attempts by Democrats and activist groups to label ICE agents as extremists or “Gestapo‑like” figures could ultimately lead to real‑world violence against federal law enforcement. Buck Sexton echoes concerns that escalating rhetoric surrounding immigration enforcement may inspire unstable individuals to act violently, and both hosts warn that such events would inevitably be politicized. This discussion ties directly into Trump’s immigration policies, deportations of violent offenders, and claims that the United States has reached a 125‑year low in murders.
Hour 1 also features extended analysis of President Trump’s comments about Minneapolis, where he suggests balancing toughness with a “softer touch” while still aggressively pursuing criminals and restoring order. Clay emphasizes the administration’s message that falling crime rates nationwide are a direct result of border security, deportation efforts, and stricter enforcement policies. The hosts debate whether Republicans are effectively communicating these statistics and suggest the White House should more aggressively market falling crime as one of the biggest success stories of Trump’s second term.
Beyond politics, the hour includes lighter cultural discussions tied to Super Bowl week. Clay reports live from San Francisco ahead of the Seahawks‑Patriots matchup in Santa Clara, offers a game prediction, and shares behind‑the‑scenes stories from Radio Row, including excitement over interviewing legendary athlete Bo Jackson. Clay and Buck reminisce about Bo Jackson’s iconic status in American sports culture, touching on Nike’s famous “Bo Knows” campaign and Jackson’s rare athletic versatility. This segment provides a break from hard news while keeping the show tied to major national events.
The final portion of Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show pivots to economic and financial concerns, with Clay raising alarms about a sharp Bitcoin price decline. The hosts debate whether cryptocurrency volatility could spill over into broader financial markets, particularly if leveraged investors are forced to sell other assets. Buck offers a skeptical view of Bitcoin as a long‑term currency while acknowledging potential value in blockchain technology, contrasting speculative crypto enthusiasm with traditional economic fundamentals.
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Hour 2 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show continues the program with a blend of breaking news updates, political analysis, media criticism, and audience interaction, maintaining a sharp focus on national politics and cultural narratives shaping the 2026 news cycle. This hour opens with live monitoring of a developing press conference in Arizona regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84‑year‑old mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton provide real‑time details emerging from law enforcement, including confirmation that the blood found at the scene belongs to Nancy Guthrie, the announcement of a $50,000 reward for information, the absence of named suspects, and authorities’ belief that she is still alive. The hosts analyze what the presence of blood suggests about a struggle and reiterate their belief that the kidnapping appears planned rather than random, while emphasizing hope for her safe return and promising continued coverage as new facts emerge.
A dominant portion of Hour 2 is devoted to an extended and often humorous but pointed debate about the future of the Democratic Party, centered on Vice President Kamala Harris and the 2028 presidential race. Clay Travis sharply mocks what he characterizes as Kamala Harris’s inauthentic political style, using her recent “Kamala HQ” announcement as an example, and compares it to a famously absurd storyline from The Office. This sparks a prolonged back‑and‑forth between Clay and Buck over whether Harris will run for president again—and whether she could realistically become the Democratic nominee. Clay argues that Harris is likely to run and could benefit from changes to the Democratic primary calendar that elevate Southern states with large Black Democratic electorates, while Buck strongly disagrees, insisting that her past electoral failures and poor performance in swing states make her nomination politically disastrous.
The conversation broadens into a larger analysis of Democratic strategy, race, primary politics, and voter turnout. Clay suggests Democrats may once again make a risky strategic decision based on identity politics and narrow electoral margins, while Buck counters that party elites will ultimately coalesce around a different candidate, particularly California Governor Gavin Newsom. Throughout the hour, the hosts reference betting odds, past primary performances, and voter behavior to argue their competing cases, turning their disagreement into an ongoing bet that becomes a recurring and entertaining thread.
Hour 2 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show also includes a media flashback segment that revisits past comments by MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Clay plays archival audio of Scarborough strongly opposing driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, highlighting how Democratic positions on immigration and national security have shifted over time. The hosts argue that many policies now labeled as “far‑right” or “racist” were once mainstream Democratic talking points, accusing today’s Democratic leadership of ideological inconsistency. This theme continues with discussion of voter ID laws, as Clay and Buck critique Schumer’s characterization of such measures as “Jim Crow 2.0,” citing polling showing broad bipartisan public support for voter ID requirements and arguing that election security does not suppress minority turnout.
The hour also features listener engagement through talkbacks and call‑ins, which reinforce the central debates of the segment. Callers weigh in on the Kamala Harris versus Gavin Newsom debate, with most siding with Buck’s skepticism, while others echo Clay’s belief that Harris still has a viable path within the Democratic primary system. Additional listener questions revisit the Nancy Guthrie case, including speculation about a possible cross‑border abduction into Mexico, which Clay and Buck discuss from a law‑enforcement and logistical perspective.
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