Verdict with Ted Cruz

1. Crime Statistics Under the Trump Administration (as claimed in the text)
Murder rates dropped ~20% nationwide from 2024 to 2025.
Cities cited with major decreases: Chicago: –30%
New York City: –20%
Birmingham: –49%
Albuquerque: –32%
Baltimore: –31%
Atlanta: –26%
Oakland: –33%
Washington, D.C.: –31% (after National Guard deployment)

Other crimes that have decreased in 2025: Motor vehicle theft: –25%
Robbery: –18%
Aggravated assaults: –8%

FBI Director’s reported statistics included: Violent crime arrests up 100%
Gang disruptions up 210%
Major increases in fentanyl seizures, child victim rescues, predator arrests, and espionage arrests.

2. Drug Overdose Deaths
A 21% drop in overdose deaths from 2024 to 2025: 2024: ~91,694 deaths
2025: ~72,836 deaths

Approx. 19,000 fewer overdose deaths attributed to: 99% reduction in illegal border crossings
Increased drug‑trafficker interdiction
Border and cartel enforcement operations

3. Media Coverage Criticism
Mainstream media downplays or avoids covering these crime and overdose statistics because they’re positive for Trump.
They argue media outlets attempt to disconnect improvements from administration policies.
4. Accusations Against Democrats
Democrats misreported or reclassified crime statistics to make numbers appear better before elections.
Democratic-led cities or governments artificially adjusted categories of crime.
5. Jack Smith & Abuse-of-Power Allegations
Conducting politically motivated prosecutions of Donald Trump.
Subpoenaing toll/phone records of: Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy
Nine U.S. Senators
Additional House members

Allegedly violating the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause.
Allegedly obtaining non-disclosure orders to hide his subpoenas from targets and the public.
Testifying poorly under questioning by Rep. Jim Jordan and Rep. Brandon Gill.
Accused of: Using unreliable witnesses (e.g., Cassidy Hutchinson)
Making false statements to obtain judicial approvals
Targeting political opponents in ways compared to abuses greater than Watergate.

6. January 6 Committee & Cassidy Hutchinson
Hutchinson is an unreliable witness whose testimony was: Second- or third-hand
Contradicted by Secret Service witnesses
Still heavily relied on (185 times in the Jan. 6 report)

She fabricated stories, including one involving Senator Ted Cruz
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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.

Church Protest Precedence

The arrest of an organizer tied to the anti‑ICE church disruption in Minnesota, announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The hosts react to DOJ confirmation that Nekima Levy-Armstrong (identified by Bondi as a key organizer) was arrested for allegedly coordinating an attack on a church service in St. Paul. Clay and Buck emphasize the speed and clarity of the DOJ’s action, praising the Department of Justice for responding quickly with a charge backed by evidence rather than performative outrage. They contrast the arrest with pre‑arrest media appearances in which the organizer claimed the church protest was “peaceful,” arguing that video evidence flatly contradicts that narrative.

Hour 1 of the program breaks down the legal foundation for the arrest, including laws protecting religious services from disruption. Buck explains that statutes originally designed to protect churches—historically justified by Democrats as safeguards against extremist interference—are now being enforced against left‑wing activists. Clay and Buck argue this represents an “open‑and‑shut” case where probable cause is clear, while cautioning that conviction still depends on a Minneapolis jury.

Black Lives Mattered to Trump

Clay points out one of the most underreported accomplishments of Trump’s second term: a historic drop in violent crime nationwide. Citing newly released data, the hosts highlight that the U.S. murder rate has fallen to its lowest level since 1900, with murders down 21% year‑over‑year, the largest single‑year decline ever recorded. They spotlight staggering city‑level declines, including Washington, D.C. and Omaha, both seeing murders drop by roughly 40%, and argue these results reflect a nationwide return to law‑and‑order policies.

Clay and Buck stress that these statistics carry particular significance for Black communities, noting that reductions in violent crime overwhelmingly translate into lives saved among populations most affected by homicide. Clay argues that Trump has, by policy outcomes rather than rhetoric, done more to save Black lives than any modern president—an assertion they say stands in direct contradiction to activist narratives that oppose enforcement‑focused policing.

FOFO

Multiple Minneapolis church protesters have now been arrested, with Attorney General Pam Bondi announcing additional suspects taken into custody. Clay and Buck focus on reports from CBS News and The Daily Wire that a federal judge refused to sign a criminal complaint allowing Don Lemon to be arrested, despite DOJ efforts. The hosts argue this judicial refusal underscores a growing concern about politicization within the courts, especially when contrasted with how aggressively Trump allies were previously prosecuted. They note that, despite early attempts to downplay the incident, Democrats appear to have abandoned public defense of the protesters due to the overwhelmingly negative optics of storming a church service.

A core discussion in Hour 2 of the program centers on sanctuary city policies and obstruction of immigration enforcement. Clay and Buck explain that Minneapolis leadership—including Mayor Jacob Frey—has openly refused to cooperate with ICE, even in cases involving violent offenders already in custody. The hosts argue this refusal forces federal agents into more visible enforcement actions and directly fuels unrest, while also potentially violating the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. They emphasize that refusing to enforce federal law is not passive resistance but deliberate obstruction.

Mayor Jacob Frey claims ICE operations exist solely to “terrorize” communities. Buck sharply disputes those claims, arguing the mayor is misrepresenting facts and ignoring his own refusal to cooperate with federal authorities. They contrast Frey’s statements with DOJ actions targeting protesters who openly challenged and taunted federal officials, including one individual who dared Attorney General Bondi to arrest him—only to be taken into custody hours later.

Davos Drama

Humor and commentary about California Governor Gavin Newsom’s failed Davos appearance, before welcoming Katie Zacharia, a California political and legal analyst, to unpack Newsom’s national ambitions and the state of Democratic politics on the West Coast. Zacharia explains that Newsom traveled to Davos largely to troll President Donald Trump, only to be politically sidelined as Trump advanced what she describes as a historic Greenland and Arctic security agreement. The discussion frames Newsom as the Democrats’ likely 2028 presidential front‑runner, despite what Zacharia characterizes as weak policy substance and declining credibility outside coastal blue states. Clay and Buck examine polling odds showing Newsom far ahead of other Democratic contenders and debate whether his polished media style could translate into national electability against potential Republican nominees such as J.D. Vance or Marco Rubio.

Hour 3 of the program also explores California’s deep internal struggles, including speculation around potential successors to Newsom such as Eric Swalwell, whom Zacharia argues is politically and legally unviable due to residency issues and extreme policy rhetoric toward ICE. The conversation expands into California’s broader political decline, including discussions of wealth taxes, billionaire flight to states like Florida, high energy costs, and voter identification laws. Zacharia emphasizes that voter ID reform is the most realistic path for Republicans to regain statewide competitiveness in California, calling it an overwhelmingly popular issue even among Democratic voters.

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1. Claimed Greenland/Arctic Framework Deal
President Trump announced a framework for a future agreement involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region, reached through discussions with NATO leadership and U.S. allies.
This is not a military action or invasion, but a diplomatic and security-oriented arrangement still under development.
The deal is framed as long‑term (“forever”), contrasting it with past time‑limited international agreements.
2. Focus on Arctic Security and Strategic Competition
The core justification presented is national and allied security, particularly limiting Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
China’s has a stated interest in Arctic dominance and the deal is preemptive containment.
Greenland is described as strategically important due to geography, security positioning, and mineral resources.
3. Denial of Military Intent
A central theme is the explicit rejection of military force as a means of acquiring Greenland.
Claims of potential invasion were misinformation spread by media and political opponents.
Trump is quoted as saying military action would not be necessary.
4. Use of Economic Leverage (Tariffs)
Trump used tariff threats against European allies as negotiating leverage.
The subsequent removal of tariff threats is evidence that diplomacy succeeded.
This approach is intentional pressure rather than economic aggression.
5. Rejection of Media and Democratic Narratives
Predicting war or invasion
Mischaracterizing Trump’s intentions
Ignoring diplomatic outcomes

6. Introduction of a “Board of Peace” Concept
Separate from Greenland, the document introduces Trump’s idea to create a “Board of Peace”.
This proposed body is an alternative or supplement to the United Nations, which is ineffective.
7. Critique of the United Nations
The UN has had historical failures in: Rwanda
Syria
China’s treatment of Uyghurs
Iran’s protest crackdowns
Myanmar
Sudan

Veto power and authoritarian influence render the UN ineffective.
We need a new peace mechanism under U.S. leadership.
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1. Portrayal of ICE Operations
ICE arrests in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul) are presented as targeting violent criminal offenders, including: Registered sex offenders
Individuals accused of rape
Individuals with histories of domestic violence, DUI, and sexual assault

These individuals were previously free due to local non‑cooperation with ICE.
ICE is described as fulfilling its intended mission of removing dangerous criminals from communities.
2. Criticism of Democratic Leadership
Minnesota Democratic officials (mayors, city council members, state leaders)
National Democratic figures (Chuck Schumer, Chris Van Hollen, Tina Smith, Stacey Abrams, Jon Ossoff)
Key accusations include:
Shielding criminal undocumented immigrants
Encouraging or excusing obstruction of ICE operations
Falsely portraying ICE as abusive or authoritarian
Refusing to condemn protests that allegedly crossed legal or ethical lines (e.g., disrupting church services)
3. Depiction of Internal Democratic Conflict
There is a “civil war” within the Democratic Party: One faction allegedly wants to abolish ICE outright
Another faction purportedly wants to soften rhetoric while effectively achieving the same outcome

Democrats are accused of strategically “humanizing criminals” and “dehumanizing ICE agents” to influence public perception.
4. Framing of Protests and Activism
Protesters opposing ICE are described as: “Far‑left,” “radical,” or “deranged”
Protecting criminals rather than communities

Protests at or inside churches are portrayed as violations of social and religious norms.
Democratic officials are criticized for characterizing these protests as mostly peaceful and justified.
5. Media and Narrative Control
Mainstream and local media underreport crimes committed by arrested undocumented immigrants
Media figures fail to challenge false or extreme claims made about ICE

ICE agents are framed as unfairly maligned while operating under hostile political conditions.
6. Broader Ideological Framing
The Democratic Party is portrayed as influenced by: Marxism, socialism, and communism
Anti‑police and anti‑law‑enforcement ideology

References to Hitler, Hugo Chávez, and authoritarianism are used to argue that left‑wing populism is dangerous and historically problematic.
7. Pro‑Trump and Law‑and‑Order Message
Donald Trump is: A defender of law enforcement
A counterweight to radical left activism

Voter support for Trump is driven by a desire for public safety, border enforcement, and accountability.
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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.

Going After Greenland

Reaction to the College Football National Championship, where Indiana defeated Miami in a game Clay Travis and Buck Sexton attended in person alongside President Donald Trump. The hosts describe the atmosphere as overwhelmingly pro‑Indiana despite Miami hosting, highlight Trump’s appearance during the national anthem, and reflect on what they characterize as a renewed sense of public patriotism at major American sporting events.

A deep dive into President Trump’s escalating push to acquire Greenland, which Clay and Buck frame as one of the most consequential and unexpected foreign‑policy stories of the moment. They analyze Trump’s comments asserting that Denmark cannot adequately defend the territory, his insistence that the U.S. “has to have it” for national security reasons, and prediction‑market odds placing roughly a 50‑50 chance on American control of at least part of Greenland in the near future. The hosts connect the potential acquisition to U.S. military strategy, Arctic dominance, rare‑earth minerals, long‑term resource access, and historical precedents like the Louisiana Purchase and the Alaska deal.

Exploring the U.S. military presence at Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) and NATO reactions, including symbolic European military drills. Clay and Buck argue these gestures have not deterred Trump, who has elevated Greenland as a headline issue ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos. They discuss Trump’s negotiating style—starting with seemingly outrageous positions to force concessions—and speculate on territorial status, sovereignty questions, and whether Greenland’s small population could eventually vote to become a U.S. territory under existing American territorial law.

Trump 2.0

An evaluation of President Donald Trump’s first year in his second term, marking the one‑year anniversary of Trump’s return to office and the official start of Trump 2.0 Year Two. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton frame this hour as a turning point—from executing the campaign agenda to actively selling Trump’s record ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, which the hosts describe as the final national referendum on Trump’s presidency.

Clay outlines eight major accomplishments of Trump’s second term so far, led by the most secure southern border in U.S. history, followed by record‑high stock prices, strong GDP growth, declining inflation despite tariffs, historic murder declines, collapsing fentanyl overdose deaths, falling mortgage rates, and four‑year‑low gas prices. Clay and Buck argue these metrics reflect decisive leadership and policy execution, even as they acknowledge lingering economic frustration among voters due to residual inflation from prior administrations. Listener polls and talkbacks show overwhelming support from Trump voters, with most grading the president’s first year an “A.”

Oppression Narratives

A major cultural segment in Hour 2 examines what Clay and Buck describe as modern left‑wing victimhood narratives, sparked by comments made on The View by actress Pam Grier claiming she witnessed lynchings as a child in Ohio. The hosts dissect historical data showing the claim is impossible given Grier’s birth year and Ohio’s documented history. They argue the story reflects a broader media failure to challenge false narratives that reinforce ideological grievance politics, highlighting how such claims go unchallenged on mainstream television. This discussion expands into a deeper breakdown of historical lynching data, including distinctions between frontier justice, mob violence, and formal definitions used by organizations like the NAACP. Buck emphasizes that lynching history is often misrepresented for political impact, while Clay argues objective reality and historical context must matter in public discourse.

Why Greenland Matters

A detailed discussion of Greenland and geopolitics, which Clay and Buck describe as one of the most important foreign‑policy themes emerging ahead of Davos. They respond to statements from European leaders, including the European Commission and Danish officials, rejecting any U.S. claim to Greenland. Clay and Buck outline Trump’s strategic rationale, focusing on Arctic security, resource access, emerging shipping lanes, and historical precedents such as the U.S. purchase of Alaska and the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark. They argue Trump envisions a negotiated, voluntary territorial arrangement rather than military action, potentially involving direct payments and a referendum among Greenland’s population.

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