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.

Are We Going to Strike Iran?

In‑depth foreign policy analysis featuring Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former White House national security official, who breaks down the intensifying risk of U.S. military strikes against Iran. Yates outlines how the administration is negotiating over Iran’s nuclear program even as it positions F‑35s, F‑22s, and other assets for what he describes as a “high likelihood” of targeted military action within the next two weeks. He explains that any strike would be aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities—not launching a full‑scale war—while regional powers aligned under the Abraham Accords weigh their own interests in the potential collapse of the Iranian regime.

The conversation then turns to the complex geopolitical landscape involving Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba, where Yates argues that the U.S. is using “smart power”—economic, political, and strategic pressure—to create conditions for gradual regime transformation without repeating the mistakes of Iraq. Clay and Buck press Yates on possible successors inside Iran, the role of the Iranian diaspora, and whether Gulf nations secretly prefer the current Ayatollah in power as a known, contained adversary. This leads into a moment of levity as they mock Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez’s widely panned appearance at the Munich Security Conference, where she struggled to answer a basic question about China–Taiwan tensions. Yates jokes that even a quick AI search would have prepared her better.

Dirty Dem Playbook

The James Talarico–Stephen Colbert controversy, which Clay and Buck argue has massively backfired on Democrats. They trace how CBS refused to air the Talarico interview over potential FCC equal‑time violations involving Texas Senate candidate Jasmine Crockett, but the decision instead triggered a “Streisand Effect”, catapulting Talarico to viral fame. CNN’s election data analyst Harry Enten confirms that Google searches for Talarico skyrocketed nationally and especially in Texas—over 1,100%—dramatically shifting prediction markets toward him in the upcoming Democratic primary. Clay argues that the real political victim is Jasmine Crockett, likening the situation to the Democratic Party “rigging” the 2016 primary against Bernie Sanders.

The Trans Trend

Karol Markowicz, co‑host in the Clay & Buck Podcast Network, who joins to analyze two high‑profile transgender‑related family mass murders—one in British Columbia and one in Rhode Island. The hosts argue that political activism and online rhetoric have normalized delusional thinking while discouraging honest discussions about mental health. Markowicz highlights the sudden spike in youth identifying as transgender as a “social contagion,” noting huge differences in rates between states like New York and Florida. The segment also covers a groundbreaking legal development: NYU Langone halting gender-transition procedures for minors amid growing malpractice lawsuits, including a recent multimillion‑dollar jury award to a detransitioner.

The show then pivots to cultural commentary, including Markowicz's evaluation of Taylor Swift’s cultural power, where she agrees that Swift is comparable in scale to global icons like the Beatles and Madonna. Clay and Buck debate Swift’s influence across generations and joke about Clay’s much‑discussed mustache. The hosts also highlight uplifting Olympic news as Team USA men’s hockey star Quinn Hughes goes viral for calling America “the greatest country in the world” after scoring a sudden‑death goal over Sweden—one of the few unapologetically patriotic moments they say mainstream media rarely promotes anymore.

Pro-Trump Granny

Clay and Buck spotlight a powerful moment from President Trump’s Black History Month event at the White House, where an impassioned grandmother, Floresia Cook, went viral for defending Trump’s record on crime and public safety. They note Trump’s warm statements about Jesse Jackson following his passing. The hosts wrap with an economic update: 30‑year mortgage rates have hit a four‑year low, edging just above 6%, which they say may begin to thaw the frozen housing market locked up by years of Biden‑era inflation. They end on a light note about a typo discovered in Buck’s bestselling book Manufacturing Delusion.

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1. White House Event & Grandmother’s Testimony
A Washington, D.C. grandmother who lost her grandson in 2017 praised Donald Trump during a Black History Month event.
She credited his administration for focusing on crime reduction and supporting her advocacy after her grandson’s murder.
She expressed frustration with previous local responses and argued for harsher sentencing.
The mainstream media is intentionally avoided showing this White House moment because it is portraying Trump positively.
2. Kash Patel's Earlier Statements (From White House Remarks)
Kash Patel emphasized the FBI was “following the money” to combat violent groups, including Antifa.
He described Antifa as part of organized criminal activity and domestic terrorism.
Patel credited Trump and DOJ leadership for enabling aggressive investigations.
He claimed the FBI was mapping financial networks tied to criminal conduct.
Patel states investigators have now uncovered major Antifa funding streams.
He discussed ongoing financial investigations into demonstrations linked to Antifa.
He suggested details about donors and organizations might be released later.
3. Arrests and Prosecutions Mentioned
Patel cites: Over two dozen federal arrests related to “Portland”-type events.
Nineteen convictions for violent acts linked to Antifa.
A Texas federal trial involving nine defendants accused of attacking ICE personnel.
A 2023 Georgia case tied to the “Cop City” protests.

4. Funding Investigations
The FBI is examining whether Antifa-related funding: Flows through U.S.-based nonprofit groups.
Potentially involves foreign sources.
May include tax‑exempt organizations.

Patel stresses the focus is strictly on violence-related support, not peaceful protest.
5. Organizational Discussions
Although Antifa is widely described as decentralized, Patel says the FBI sees signs of structure such as: Conferences
Local chapters
National networking

He contrasts this with past officials who described Antifa as merely an “idea.”
6. Internal FBI Actions
Patel says the FBI created a dedicated program to track financial backing of violent activity tied to Antifa.
He describes using counterterrorism-style financial tracing techniques.
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1. Tribute to Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall passed away at 95 years old.
Hosts discuss his most iconic roles, including: To Kill a Mockingbird (as Boo Radley)
The Godfather (as Tom Hagen)
Lonesome Dove
Apocalypse Now
Gone in 60 Seconds
Secondhand Lions

Emphasis on Duvall’s legacy as one of the greatest American actors.
Noted that Duvall chose not to have a funeral, instead asking people to enjoy a good movie.
2. Gavin Newsom Controversy
A previous podcast episode involving Gavin Newsom.
Newsom responded on social media, accusing Ted Cruz of attacking his dyslexia.
Ted Cruz replied stating he called Newsom “historically illiterate,” not unable to read.
Cruz references President Eisenhower federalizing the National Guard in 1957 as historical evidence contradicting Newsom's claim.
We poke fun at Newsom’s reaction and discuss how social media posts performed online.
Referenced AOC, Gretchen Whitmer, and Gavin Newsom attending a meeting in Munich
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Buck's Book Launch!
Clay Travis & Buck Sexton give a reflective and emotional acknowledgment of the five‑year anniversary of Rush Limbaugh’s passing, honoring the legacy of the man whose influence built the foundation of the show’s audience. Clay and Buck describe the day as meaningful for longtime listeners and express gratitude for the community that followed Rush and now follows them. Producers Ali and Greg created a podcast honoring Rush in the Clay and Buck feed that features clips going back to the 90s and highlights many callers to the program.
From there, the hour transitions into a major milestone: the release of Buck Sexton’s first book, Manufacturing Delusion. Buck explains the book’s themes—how the political left uses indoctrination, psychological manipulation, and propaganda to reshape public thinking—and shares insight into his CIA‑related experiences that informed several chapters. Clay encourages listeners to buy the book, noting its relevance to current political and cultural battles, especially surrounding issues of mental health, identity, and media manipulation.
The conversation pivots sharply into breaking national news: yet another mass shooting carried out by a transgender‑identifying individual. Clay details the disturbing pattern of recent trans‑identified shooters—in Nashville, Minneapolis, British Columbia, and now Rhode Island—and highlights what he calls alarming media dishonesty, such as outlets refusing to identify perpetrators by biological sex. The hosts describe the Rhode Island shooter, a biological male who transitioned late in life, abandoned his family, and ultimately murdered relatives at a public hockey event before killing others. Clay and Buck argue that cultural messaging about “affirmation” has normalized delusion rather than treating mental illness, and they question whether hormone‑related medications, untreated psychological disorders, or ideological extremism contribute to the rising violence. They emphasize that society would never affirm the hallucinations of someone with schizophrenia, so affirming gender‑identity delusions is not compassionate—it’s dangerous.
The Crazy Left
Congressman Jim Jordan, who joins to discuss the latest on Capitol Hill. Jordan outlines ongoing border‑security battles, sanctuary‑city policies, and potential legislation that would allow local law‑enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities even when state governments attempt to block them. He highlights the staggering number of criminal migrants released by sanctuary jurisdictions and the urgent need for federal preemption in immigration enforcement. Jordan also offers a broad strategic look at the upcoming midterms, arguing that Republicans must contrast their record of border security, economic growth, and school‑choice initiatives with what he calls the Democratic Party’s “normal versus crazy” policy agenda.
Before closing the interview, Clay and Buck ask Jordan about other trending issues, including the Winter Olympics and the viral curling controversy, which he humorously weighs in on. The hosts then return to a high‑profile national mystery: the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. They discuss the latest update—that a glove found near her home did not match DNA inside the house—and reflect on the outsized media attention the case continues to attract despite minimal new information. Clay suggests that America’s fascination with true‑crime storytelling, especially among female viewers, is driving the intense coverage even as actionable developments remain scarce.
It's Hard to Hate the Guy
Clay and Buck preview their upcoming trip to Texas for the first major primary of the 2026 cycle. They examine the high‑stakes Texas Senate race, noting the competitive three‑way Republican contest among John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and Wesley Hunt, as well as a brewing controversy on the Democratic side. The hosts break down the explosive dispute surrounding Democratic candidate James Talarico’s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—an interview CBS declined to air over equal‑time concerns. Colbert publicly blasted CBS executives on his show, turning the incident into a political moment. Clay argues that this conveniently boosts Talarico’s visibility while sidelining rival Jasmine Crockett, suggesting Democratic power players may be orchestrating a soft‑landing for their preferred candidate just as Texans begin early voting.
Honoring Rush Limbaugh
Clay and Buck give Rush Limbaugh a hat tip and honor him on the five-year anniversary of his passing. They also discuss the FCC’s scrutiny of political favoritism in late‑night TV, referencing FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s challenges to the idea that partisan talk shows should remain exempt from equal‑time rules. Buck notes that corporate media dominance by left‑leaning networks is finally being openly acknowledged after decades of pretending neutrality. The hosts compare the current era to the “Daily Show effect,” where comedy was long used as a shield to disguise political messaging. They argue that Colbert’s outrage reflects the media’s desire to maintain partisan influence without regulatory scrutiny.
The hour expands into a wider election-season conversation—including the national implications of control of the House and Senate in 2026. Clay emphasizes that the Senate may hold greater long‑term stakes than the House due to aging Supreme Court justices and the potential for major judicial vacancies. They discuss prior examples, such as Justice Anthony Kennedy’s strategically timed retirement versus Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s decision to stay on the bench, underscoring how elections shape the judiciary for generations.
Clay and Buck also take VIP listener emails and talkback messages, fielding questions about potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders—including Mark Kelly, Josh Shapiro, and Gretchen Whitmer—and the role of intelligence, competence, and electability within the field. This segues into broader reflections on generational language (“back in the day”), the cultural reference points of the 1980s and 1990s, and how political memory shifts across age groups.
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1. Claims about U.S. immigration and corruption
The U.S. has historically admitted immigrants from countries labeled as “highly corrupt” by Transparency International.
Examples mentioned include South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, among others.
Vetting immigrants from these countries is “nearly impossible” due to poor record‑keeping, bribery, and document fraud.
2. Reference to Trump administration policies
Donald Trump previously restricted immigration from certain nations via executive orders.
These restrictions were due to corruption concerns and an inability to verify documents from those regions.
3. Criticism of the Biden administration
The Biden administration continued issuing visas to individuals from these “corrupt” nations, citing specific visa numbers (e.g., Venezuelan admissions).
Allowing potentially unvetted migrants into the U.S.
4. Concerns about fraudulent documents
Applicants in corrupt nations can obtain fake documents—birth certificates, police records, passports, diplomas—via bribes.
This is presented as a major risk to U.S. vetting systems.
5. Political commentary on Democratic leaders
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Gavin Newsom are criticized for acknowledging migration problems while also condemning Trump’s approach.
Democrats are both: admitting migration has become “destabilizing”
and simultaneously criticizing U.S. border enforcement agencies.

6. Claims of “chaos” caused by Democratic policies
The narrative argues that Democrats created disorder at the border and in U.S. cities.
The author asserts Trump is “cleaning up the mess” and that this angers political opponents.
7. Accusations of unfair comparisons to authoritarian regimes
Democrats comparing U.S. immigration enforcement agencies to authoritarian “secret police” or Nazi‑like forces.
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