NEW EPISODE · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 · EP 629
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Vol. V · No. 629Tuesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 290

A Marine Sniper’s Perspective on the Trump Assassination Attempt

Former President Trump narrowly avoided an assassin’s bullet. And it feels like we’re all dodging news bullets every day.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Andrew Yang’s CNBC warning that AI researchers are freaked o. Andrew Yang’s CNBC warning that AI researchers are freaked out because models are “breaking containment” — and Congress is gone until November

02

Why Trump makes his biggest moves when Congress is on break. Why Trump makes his biggest moves when Congress is on break and his poll numbers are underwater

03

Reaper drones being repositioned to Southern Command and why. Reaper drones being repositioned to Southern Command and why Cuba is still on Trump and Rubio’s vision board

04

Joint Chiefs chair Dan Cain telling troops to prepare to wag. Joint Chiefs chair Dan Cain telling troops to prepare to wage and win wars “on and around the moon”

Former President Trump narrowly avoided an assassin’s bullet. America is on edge. And it feels like we’re all dodging news bullets every day. These are incomparably trying times in America, many are divided, and everyone is concerned. Biden’s campaign continues to disintegrate—and so does international confidence in US leadership and American morale. The most important, most violent and most divisive election of our lifetime rolls on. And we’re all starved for leadership and inspiration. 

Paul Rieckhoff breaks down this moment, and the most important and latest news, including the evolution of American support for Ukraine, what real American toughness looks like, and what’s coming next. 

And, he tears into all of it with a powerful and inspiring conversation with the smart, impressive and dynamic Jake Wood (@JakeWoodTR). Jake’s a social entrepreneur, Marine Corps combat veteran, author and CEO of Groundswell, an innovative new company that democratizes corporate philanthropy and empowers employees to take action. He’s also the co-founder of the disaster relief powerhouse non-profit Team Rubicon. And, he’s a former sniper and he breaks down the assassination attempt and the catastrophic chain of events that allowed it to happen.  

He’s giving you a sniper’s eye view into the Trump shooting, the latest from the campaign trail, the national competition between profit and values, and what’s to come this summer and fall environmentally that will require more disaster relief than any time before. 

Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that now call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. 

Previous Appearances:

Episode 107 – March 25, 2021

Episode 54 – April 9, 2020

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-Watch video of Paul and Jake’s full conversation.

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