• Venezuela After Maduro: Trump’s Bold Move and Its Historic Impact on Latin America

  The arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, is more than a headline—it’s a seismic shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Western Hemisphere. In the latest episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson unpack the operation, its legal foundation, and its far-reaching consequences for U.S. national security and Latin America’s future.

  The Operation That Changed Everything

  “This was a military operation to execute an arrest warrant,” Cruz explained. “It was the military supporting the FBI and arresting indicted narco-terrorists, and it took a couple of hours and was over.”

  Contrary to media hysteria, this was not an invasion or a “forever war.” Delta Force executed the mission with surgical precision, landing in a major metropolitan area, neutralizing threats—including 32 Cuban soldiers guarding Maduro—and extracting the targets without losing a single U.S. serviceman. As Cruz noted:

  “They went in, they got them, and they left. That was the conclusion of the military conflict. It was about a two-hour war—and I wouldn’t even call it a war.”

  This level of success underscores the importance of strong leadership and a military unshackled from bureaucratic constraints. “President Trump showed so much courage by ordering this attack because these things can go wrong a thousand different ways,” Cruz said.

  Who Is Cilia Flores? The ‘Latin Lady Macbeth’

  The mainstream media’s portrayal of Cilia Flores as a harmless spouse is laughable. Cruz dismantled that narrative:

  “She is Maduro’s wife. She is also a lawyer. She’s a long-time Hugo Chávez loyalist. She’s a communist, she’s a Marxist, she is viciously anti-American. She was intimately involved in the narco-trafficking that Maduro was engaged in.”

  Flores earned the nickname Latin Lady Macbeth for her behind-the-scenes influence. A former Venezuelan prosecutor described her as “a fundamental figure in corruption in Venezuela, absolutely fundamental, and especially in the structure of power.” Her nephews—dubbed the “narco nephews”—were convicted in the U.S. for cocaine trafficking intended to fund her political ambitions.

  As Cruz put it bluntly:

  “Sweet little old lady Attorney General narco-terrorist, drug trafficker. Other than that, she’s a sweet little old lady.”

  The Monroe Doctrine Reborn: The ‘Donro Doctrine’

  Why does Venezuela matter so much? Because hostile powers—Russia, China, Iran, and even Hezbollah—have used it as a beachhead in America’s backyard. Cruz explained:

  “Going back to the earliest days of America, the Monroe Doctrine laid out that we are going to protect the Western Hemisphere. Donald Trump believes very much in the Monroe Doctrine—so much so that it’s now being widely referred to as the Donro Doctrine.”

  This doctrine isn’t just historical—it’s vital for modern security. By removing Maduro, Trump sent a clear message: America will not tolerate Marxist regimes destabilizing our hemisphere.

  The Ripple Effect: Cuba, Nicaragua, and Beyond

  Maduro’s fall reverberates across Latin America. Cuba, long propped up by Venezuelan oil, now faces economic collapse. “The communist leadership there is looking around,” Cruz said. “They had 32 soldiers guarding Maduro. All 32 Cuban soldiers are dead. Not a single U.S. soldier lost his life. They’re sitting there going, ‘Okay, our days are numbered.’”

  This could trigger a domino effect:

  • Cuba: Facing oil shortages and military humiliation.
  • Nicaragua & Colombia: Leftist regimes weakened.
  • Brazil: Lula’s socialist government under pressure.

  As Cruz predicted:

  “Every leftist in Latin America who hates America and hates President Trump is materially weaker.”

  Mexico and the Cartel Crisis: A New Leverage Point

  While Mexico isn’t a failed state, its cartel problem is undeniable. Trump’s success in Venezuela strengthens his hand in pressuring Mexico to act. Cruz shared a revealing anecdote:

  “When Trump came in, I went to him directly and asked him to enforce the water treaty. He threatened Mexico with tariffs, and that night Claudi

Poor Choices and Chaos

the fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis that has sparked nationwide controversy. Clay and Buck dissect the incident where a 37-year-old woman allegedly used her vehicle to obstruct federal immigration enforcement, resulting in her death. They emphasize video evidence showing the ICE officer acted in self-defense, countering claims from Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, who labeled the shooting as excessive force and called for protests. The hosts argue this tragedy reflects a deeper problem within the Democratic Party’s anti-law enforcement rhetoric, which encourages dangerous confrontations with federal officers.

VP Vance Calls Out the Left

Live White House briefing featuring Vice President JD Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who deliver a fiery defense of ICE and condemn the media for spreading “lies” about the incident. Vance asserts that the woman killed was part of a broader left-wing network aimed at obstructing immigration enforcement through doxxing, harassment, and even domestic terrorism tactics. He vows tougher federal action, including a new Assistant Attorney General role to prosecute those inciting violence against law enforcement. The briefing underscores the administration’s stance: enforcing immigration law is non-negotiable, and Democrats must stop rallying mobs against federal officers.

Good News for MAHA Moms

Guest Katie Zacharia joins to weigh in on the political fallout and broader implications. She highlights how sanctuary city policies and anti-ICE activism have fueled violence and fraud, citing California’s staggering $72 billion fraud scandal under Gavin Newsom and systemic failures in oversight. Katie calls for federal action, including suspending aid to jurisdictions violating the Supremacy Clause. The conversation shifts to California’s ongoing crises: wildfire recovery delays in Malibu and Pacific Palisades, where red tape and environmental regulations have stalled rebuilding efforts, leaving homeowners with plummeting property values. Katie also breaks down the proposed 5% billionaire wealth tax, warning it will accelerate the exodus of tech moguls and entrepreneurs from California while funding Medi-Cal programs strained by free healthcare for illegal immigrants. The hour also touches on RFK Jr.’s food pyramid overhaul and vaccine schedule changes, which have energized “Maha Moms” and even some liberal parents seeking reform in children’s health standards. Katie praises Trump for empowering RFK Jr. to challenge Big Pharma and promote healthier policies.

Audience Talkbacks!

Clay and Buck then pivot to lighter—but fiery—cultural debates, including regional cuisine hot takes and the “most overrated foods” in America. From Philly cheesesteaks and mint juleps to Puerto Rican Mofongo, the hosts don’t hold back, sparking laughs and listener engagement. They also revisit the nostalgia (and regret) of Jägermeister shots and Jägerbombs, contrasting them with underrated drinks like espresso martinis and sangria. The segment closes with talkbacks from listeners proposing which states or territories to “sell off,” adding humor to an otherwise intense news cycle.

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 -

Hour 1 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show dives into breaking news and cultural analysis, starting with the fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis that has sparked nationwide controversy. Clay and Buck dissect the incident where a 37-year-old woman allegedly used her vehicle to obstruct federal immigration enforcement, resulting in her death. They emphasize video evidence showing the ICE officer acted in self-defense, countering claims from Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, who labeled the shooting as excessive force and called for protests. The hosts argue this tragedy reflects a deeper problem within the Democratic Party’s anti-law enforcement rhetoric, which encourages dangerous confrontations with federal officers.

The discussion expands to the woke mindset driving these protests, questioning why individuals feel entitled to nullify immigration law. Clay and Buck highlight how Democrats selectively respect law enforcement—only when referencing January 6th—while vilifying ICE agents performing lawful duties. They warn that left-wing activists and media outlets are exploiting the shooting to inflame tensions, comparing it to efforts to create a “George Floyd 2.0” moment. The hosts also expose how mainstream networks like MSNBC and CNN omit critical video evidence showing the officer was struck by the vehicle, fueling a misleading narrative.

Beyond the shooting, Hour 1 explores Minnesota’s political landscape, noting its shift from a reliably blue state to a potential battleground. Clay and Buck analyze past election data, pointing out that Donald Trump lost Minnesota by only 44,000 votes in 2016 and narrowed the gap further in 2024. They argue Minnesota’s radical policies and scandals—such as the Somali daycare fraud—could open the door for Republican gains, despite the state’s progressive leadership. The conversation underscores how teachers’ unions and activist networks amplify unrest, with schools shutting down in Minneapolis as protests escalate.

The hour frames the ICE shooting as a flashpoint in America’s broader debate over immigration enforcement, rule of law, and political accountability, while spotlighting Minnesota as a microcosm of the cultural and electoral battles ahead.

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 -

Hour 2 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show delivers a deep dive into two major storylines: the political future of Minnesota and the escalating controversy surrounding the ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis. The hour begins with an analysis from Ryan Girdusky, host of It’s a Numbers Game, who breaks down whether Minnesota—a state Democrats have dominated for decades—could flip red in 2026. Ryan explains the historical dynamics: strong organized labor roots, rural counties not fully maxed out for Republicans, and suburban voters trending left. He notes that while GOP gains in rural areas have grown, Democrats have offset this by importing new voters and consolidating progressive power in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The discussion highlights key figures like Amy Klobuchar, who remains a formidable potential gubernatorial candidate, and Keith Ellison, whose progressive record and past controversies could make him vulnerable if he runs. Clay and Buck stress that Minnesota is not a lost cause, citing Trump’s near-win in 2016 and the state’s independent streak.

The conversation then pivots to the ICE shooting fallout, which has triggered massive protests in Minneapolis and wall-to-wall media coverage. Clay and Buck blast headlines from outlets like The Washington Post and CNN for framing the incident as an unjustified killing, while ignoring video evidence showing the ICE officer acted in self-defense after being targeted by a vehicle. They call out Governor Tim Walz for his inflammatory rhetoric, including a bizarre comparison of the situation to the Battle of Gettysburg, and argue Democrats are weaponizing the tragedy to stoke unrest and distract from scandals like the Somali daycare fraud.

The hour crescendos with a live White House briefing featuring Vice President JD Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who deliver a fiery defense of ICE and condemn the media for spreading “lies” about the incident. Vance asserts that the woman killed was part of a broader left-wing network aimed at obstructing immigration enforcement through doxxing, harassment, and even domestic terrorism tactics. He vows tougher federal action, including a new Assistant Attorney General role to prosecute those inciting violence against law enforcement. The briefing underscores the administration’s stance: enforcing immigration law is non-negotiable, and Democrats must stop rallying mobs against federal officers.

Hour 2 frames these developments as a collision of law enforcement, media bias, and political opportunism, while spotlighting Minnesota as a critical battleground in the fight over immigration, sovereignty, and the rule of law.

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 -

Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show delivers a packed discussion blending breaking news, political analysis, and cultural commentary. The hour opens with new revelations about the ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis, including DHS confirmation that the same ICE officer who fired the fatal shot had previously been dragged 50 yards by a fleeing suspect during a 2025 enforcement action. Clay and Buck argue this context underscores the officer’s self-defense claim and dismantles the narrative pushed by Democrats and mainstream media portraying the shooting as murder. They blast Hillary Clinton’s tweet and Democrat rhetoric, accusing party leaders of encouraging dangerous confrontations with federal law enforcement and normalizing obstruction of immigration raids.

Guest Katie Zacharia joins to weigh in on the political fallout and broader implications. She highlights how sanctuary city policies and anti-ICE activism have fueled violence and fraud, citing California’s staggering $72 billion fraud scandal under Gavin Newsom and systemic failures in oversight. Katie calls for federal action, including suspending aid to jurisdictions violating the Supremacy Clause. The conversation shifts to California’s ongoing crises: wildfire recovery delays in Malibu and Pacific Palisades, where red tape and environmental regulations have stalled rebuilding efforts, leaving homeowners with plummeting property values. Katie also breaks down the proposed 5% billionaire wealth tax, warning it will accelerate the exodus of tech moguls and entrepreneurs from California while funding Medi-Cal programs strained by free healthcare for illegal immigrants.

The hour also touches on RFK Jr.’s food pyramid overhaul and vaccine schedule changes, which have energized “Maha Moms” and even some liberal parents seeking reform in children’s health standards. Katie praises Trump for empowering RFK Jr. to challenge Big Pharma and promote healthier policies.

Clay and Buck then pivot to lighter—but fiery—cultural debates, including regional cuisine hot takes and the “most overrated foods” in America. From Philly cheesesteaks and mint juleps to Puerto Rican Mofongo, the hosts don’t hold back, sparking laughs and listener engagement. They also revisit the nostalgia (and regret) of Jägermeister shots and Jägerbombs, contrasting them with underrated drinks like espresso martinis and sangria. The segment closes with talkbacks from listeners proposing which states or territories to “sell off,” adding humor to an otherwise intense news cycle.

Hour 3 frames the Minneapolis shooting as a flashpoint in America’s immigration enforcement debate while exposing California’s policy failures and cultural contradictions—all with Clay and Buck’s signature mix of sharp analysis and entertaining banter.

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 -

Riots erupt in Minneapolis following an ICE-involved shooting as Buck examines the fallout from anti-ICE protests and Mayor Jacob Frey’s response. New York Post columnist Lydia Moynihan joins the show to discuss law enforcement double standards, unrest in Minnesota, alleged fraud, and why chaos is increasingly being excused. 

Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! 

Connect with Buck Sexton:
Facebook –   / bucksexton 
X –  @bucksexton 
Instagram –   @bucksexton

TikTok - @BuckSexton                                                                                  

YouTube - @BuckSexton  

Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/

Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riots erupt in Minneapolis following an ICE-involved shooting as Buck examines the fallout from anti-ICE protests and Mayor Jacob Frey’s response. New York Post columnist Lydia Moynihan joins the show to discuss law enforcement double standards, unrest in Minnesota, alleged fraud, and why chaos is increasingly being excused. 

Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! 

Connect with Buck Sexton:
Facebook –   / bucksexton 
X –  @bucksexton 
Instagram –   @bucksexton

TikTok - @BuckSexton                                                                                  

YouTube - @BuckSexton  

Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Nicole Saphier breaks down the CDC’s major overhaul of childhood vaccine recommendations and what these changes mean for families and healthcare providers. She explains which childhood vaccines remain recommended, highlights significant updates to the HPV vaccine schedule, and reviews revised guidance for RSV, hepatitis, and flu vaccines. Dr. Saphier also discusses why individualized healthcare decisions matter more than ever and calls for clearer communication from public health agencies so parents can make informed choices.

Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the political shockwaves following Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City mayor and what it reveals about the growing influence of socialism in America’s largest cities. The conversation also reflects on the anniversary of the devastating California fires and examines how Governor Gavin Newsom continues to 'navigate' crises while positioning himself for a larger national role.

EMAIL THE SHOW

Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.