NEW EPISODE · JULY 23, 2026 · EP 581
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Vol. V · No. 581Thursday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 387

Independent Senator Angus King

  In this urgent episode ripped from the top political and national security headlines, host Paul Rieckhoff talks with the only truly Independent Senator and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee: Maine’s Angus King.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

The human cost first. Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, killed in Iraq, and two more service members killed in Jordan

02

50,000 US troops in harm's way and 40% of the Navy committed. 50,000 US troops in harm's way and 40% of the Navy committed to a war Congress never declared

03

Hegseth on the Hill with his hat in hand. after insisting he didn't need Congress in the first place

04

'First you commit the country, then you commit the troops'. the doctrine Trump inverted



In this urgent episode ripped from the top political and national security headlines, host Paul Rieckhoff talks with the only truly Independent Senator and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee: Maine’s Angus King. King returns to the show to answer tough questions, share the latest from inside the Senate, and break down Hegseth’s “kill everybody” directive amid shifting stories on the strikes that killed dozens, including survivors in the water—explicitly cited as illegal in the DoD Law of War Manual. 

Paul presses King on the need for public hearings, Admiral Bradley’s pending testimony about strike orders, the mysterious resignation of Southern Command Commander, Navy Admiral Holsey—and Hegseth’s calendar at the time of the strikes, questioning his leadership as Venezuela tensions escalate with U.S. naval buildup. King slams Congress’s abdication of war powers, Trump’s “garbage” insults toward Somalis, and the purge of Pentagon legal experts, urging independents to hold the line for accountability.

This is a conversation with a powerful, honorable and pivotal Senator that is at the center of all it. The lone independent Senator that can be a unique bridge to real bi-partisan accountability. 

Millions of Americans—and especially Independent Americans—are looking to King now to meet this moment. Will he? Watch or listen and find out. 

Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant.

WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now.