325. Lindsay Church. It’s Not a Trans Ban. It’s a Trans Purge. Trump’s Attack On Trans Troops. Russia’s Great Deal. More Vets Firings. Kids Are Leading. Always Forget. Dems Reach New Low. I Will Teach My Boys to be Dangerous Men. IA’s March Madness Pool.

From Steve Bannon stating that Trump will run again in 2028 (yes, really), to 60,000 more people fired at the Pentagon, to Trump’s horrible deal with Putin on Ukraine—a whole new kind of March madness is here. And if you’re not angry you’re not paying attention. It’s been another week of shocking new lows and political chaos. But we’re starting to see pushback—-and some signs of a resistance forming. But not from the Democrats. And definitely not from the Democrat leadership. But from veterans, 9/11 First Responders, military kids and trans activists. And as Trump continues his culture war and purge on the federal government, trans people are being uniquely, specifically, and dangerously targeted. The issue made headlines again this week as a federal judge blocked Trump’s radical move to purge all trans troops from the military.  And in this episode, we’ve got the smartest and most effective voice in America on these issues. A legendary activist, veterans advocate and real life superhero: Lindsay Church. Lindsay is here with a brilliant and detailed breakdown of the policies, the players, the consequences, the stakes and how it all impacts real human beings–including themself and their child.  This is the single best and smartest conversation you will hear or see on these issues.  This a time of chaos and fear and uncertainty. But leaders continue to rise to the moment. Especially Lindsay Church. Lindsay is an American badass. A fighter. An organizer. A patriot. A parent. And a nationally-recognized expert on military, veterans and LGBTQ issues.  Church (they/them) is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Minority Veterans of America, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an equitable and just world for the minority veteran community – veterans of color, women, LGBTQ, and (non)religious minorities. Lindsay has nearly a decade of experience rooted in veteran’s advocacy and grassroots organizing. They have facilitated agency-wide cultural competency trainings, provided Congressional testimonies, and speaks on myriad issues related to the equity and inclusion for minority  and underrepresented communities. Lindsay is a leader for the people. Their people. Your people. Our people. ALL PEOPLE. They represent the best of what our country is—and what it can be.  Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon.  –And join the Independent Americans March Madness bracket challenge here. –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. –Check out Minority Veterans of America here. – Watch Lindsay Church’s powerful congressional testimony here. And follow them on social media.  -Watch Lucas Jones share his powerful poem, I Will Teach My Boys to be Dangerous Men.  -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

324. Commander Scott Kelly. Musk Called His Brother a Traitor. The Brothers Hit Back. Choose Your Fighter: Elon vs Kelly x2. SpaceX’s Big “Rescue” Mission. Trump Wants Zelensky Out. More Vets Fired. Now They’re Coming for Teachers. VA Sec’s Manipulation.

They’ve faced some of the most extreme challenges human beings have ever faced. They’ve gone through trainings that are specifically designed to make people fail–and they succeeded. They’ve watched the sun rise from the stratosphere and have spent more time in outer space than most people spend outside.  And now they’re being attacked by a deranged billionaire. For bravely visiting Ukraine to get a first hand assessment of the situation. In last week’s episode you heard from Navy vet, Astronaut and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Immediately after appearing on the podcast, he and his brother and fellow American hero, Scott courageously went to Ukraine to show American support. Even as Trump pulled our intelligence sharing and blasted Zelensky. It was a dangerous and historic trip that created a huge political fight and a roar of reactions.  And now you can hear about all of it in our EXCLUSIVE interview with American hero, Navy vet and legendary NASA Commander Scott Kelly.  Hear what it’s like on the ground in Ukraine, what it’s like in space, and what it’s like to be called a traitor by the world’s richest man. And hear what the non-political Kelly brother thinks about politics–and why he’s an independent American.  It’s another high impact episode you can’t afford to miss. Host Paul Rieckhoff is bringing the heat, as he rips through all of the latest national security headlines. From DOGE’s attacks on veterans, to teachers being next up in the crosshairs, to March Madness basketball, when times are as crazy as these, you can’t afford to miss a minute. Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon.  –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. –Watch Paul’s conversation on Instagram with fellow veteran and former Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg.  -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.  –Check out Paul’s written piece from last year on why Senator Mark Kelly would have attracted independent voters for the Democrats on their ticket for President.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company.  Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News–Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/ Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

323. Senator Mark Kelly. Trump Sells Out Ukraine. The Blitzkrieg is Here—Stay Frosty. Europe Can’t Count on US. Dear Canada: He Not Like Us. If This is How They Treat Vets. F&#K Elon Musk! Bonus March 2025? It’s Ft Benning Again. Weather The Storm.

This is the real March Madness. Donald Trump has continued to disgrace America—underscored most vividly by his White House meeting with Zelensky last week. And in the tumultuous days of betrayal that have followed. And it’s been one crazy hit after another from fights with Canada to the firing of veterans nationwide. While the Democrats continue to scramble and scatter. As your newsfeed overflows, and your stomach turns, we’re here to help you prioritize, analyze and make sense of it. Cutting through the partisan chatter and cable news monotony. With a cool-headed, no BS view of all the chaos.  And a powerful guest that brings an honorable and clear voice to all of it. He’s a Navy combat veteran, former fighter pilot, former Astronaut, and senior Senator from Arizona, Mark Kelly. He’s a Democrat. But he doesn’t sound like other Democrats. And he’s hitting back hard on Elon Musk’s plan for space, Trump’s selling out of Ukraine, DOGE’s new focus on firing vets and more. Maybe most importantly, he’s a respectful and respected leader that our kids can look up. He’s also the guy our host, Paul Rieckhoff, suggested Kamala Harris pick for VP if she wanted to capture more independent voters. And he’s finally here on Independent Americans.  Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. 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 content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. 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.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon.  –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch.  –Check out Paul’s piece from last year on why Kelly would have attracted independent voters for the Democrats on their ticket for President.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company.  Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News–Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/ Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

322. Adam Kinzinger. The DoD Purge is Here. General CQ Brown is Out. Are The Purged The New Resistance? Patel: Another Disgusting Confirmation. Dems Get No Take-Back on Collins at VA. Veterans Cuts Are Here. Senator Redneck, WTF is a Trigon?

March isn’t even here yet and we have already had more madness than the country can handle. From DOGE’s cuts to government services to Trump’s random brain farts masking as ideas, to Kash Patel being sworn in as the head of the FBI, there is a lot to be angry about and there are a lot of villains to be angry at. But there are also heroes that will arise. Heroes like the Kelly brothers, the famous astronaut twins who are now locked in battle with Elon who can’t seem to make enough money or people mad. It’s a ridiculous time in Washington and it will only get worse. And Paul’s digging into all of it. And our guest this episode is another hero that is stepping up. A man who put it all on the line for his country and sacrificed a successful career in Congress to stand up against Trump and to do what was required of him. He might be a former Congressman, but Adam Kinzinger made a massive impact in his time in Congress and he showed the world what integrity and commitment to country over part really looks like. And now that Trump is back in office he’s back on the show for a fourth time—and he’s got a few thoughts to share. And, he’ll show us his tattoo! It’s another epic conversation that you can’t get anywhere else. Welcome to Independent Americans. Check out Adam’s previous appearances: Episode 194 – Oct. 17, 2022 Episode 159 – March 10, 2022 Episode 149 – January 13, 2022 All of them are excellent. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon. – Watch video of Paul and Adam’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. – NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. –Check out Adam’s Substack here. –Check out Country First and the great work they’re doing here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch. -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company. Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News–Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/ Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

321. Governor Wes Moore. Can This Young Governor Save Us? Musk Cuts The 9/11 Health Registry. Trump’s Victim Shaming Zelensky. VP Lightweight. Vance & Hegseth Wrong on Ukraine: They Not Like Us. RFK Jr Confirmed. The Transban is Back. VA Cuts Are Here.

It’s been one month of Trump 2.0.  One month of drama. One month of chaos. One month of pain. And Trump continues to roll unimpeded. The Democrats have put up little to no resistance and there are no saviors in sight. But we’ve got a glimmer of hope. A leader who could emerge as the one to take the helm and restore honor (and sanity) to the office. Maybe one day soon.  We’ve got Maryland Governor Wes Moore back on the show for the fourth time—and for an exclusive one-on-one that’s the kind of frank and honest deep dive you can’t get anywhere else. Our host, Paul Rieckhoff and Governor Moore go way back. And they’re not holding back.  This one is special. And it’s the perfect time for it. It’s a candid conversation between two friends about what it’s like to lead when the world is on fire. And who can lead us out of that fire. And how you can help.  Every episode of Independent Americans breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America.  Check out the past Wes Moore appearances: Episode 10 – June 6, 2019 • Episode 105 – March 11, 2021 • Episode 212 – March 2, 2023 All of them are excellent.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon.  – Watch video of Paul and Wes’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. – NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company.  Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News–Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/ Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

320. Bob Kerrey. Trump Abandons Ukraine. Gabbard is Confirmed. Trump Guts USAID. Hegseth Bans Books at DoD Schools, Attacks Press. Heroism is Not Efficient. CFPB Under Attack. WTF, Fetterman. Mayor Adams is Crooked. Rating Kendrick’s Super Bowl.

Happy Valentine’s Day, America. Tulsi Gabbard is confirmed, Elon Musk is ransacking our government, the FBI is being purged, Trump and Hegseth are abandoning Ukraine. And Putin is coming to visit America.  What a great time for our enemies. The doors are wide open for them everywhere. Putin must be smiling from ear to ear.  We really need that upside down American flag emoji right about now. And we also need truly patriotic, candid, courageous and unafraid voices of reason. And we’ve got one of the best.  Bob Kerrey (@KerreyBob) is a Navy SEAL Vietnam Veteran, Medal of Honor Recipient, former Governor and Senator from Nebraska, member of The 9/11 Commission and constant voice of conscience for America. Lots of people talk tough. Bob Kerrey’s lived tough. And he’s not holding back on Elon Musk, Trump, Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard and what we’re facing as a nation. He’s got advice for Democrats on how to connect with real Americans and explains why he went against his own party to support Independent Navy Veteran Dan Osborn for Senate last year in Nebraska.  He also shares his heroic journey of overcoming adversity, having part of his leg amputated, why he chooses happiness every day and what it’s like to have a Navy ship named after him. He’s a brilliant, honest, funny and inspiring American hero. And this is an episode you’re not gonna wanna miss.  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 content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. 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.  Be sure to check out the show now on our YouTube page here. –Watch the full conversation here. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.

319. Asha Rangappa. This is Flooding the Zone. Don’t Comply in Advance. How an FBI Background Check Works. CARLA F. BAD. Super Bowl Security. A Radical VA Sec Confirmed. Another J6 Criminal Dies. Stop the Chop. Luca to Lakers.

Whew. This week is what Trump flooding the zone really looks like. He’s throwing political flash-bang after political flash-bang. And everyone feels unbalanced and like they have whiplash. While his opponents are overwhelmed, disorganized, leaderless and demoralized. While he continues to gather more and more levers of power. And gain even more momentum. This is political shock and awe. And it’s working. Because the Democrats are nowhere to be found. They’re old and lost and powerless to stop Trump and his hoard from doing whatever they want. Powerless to stop themselves from appointing radical election deniers like new VA Secretary Doug Collins to cabinet positions. That’s right. 22 Democrat senators voted along with the Republicans to put Collins in charge of the VA. They won’t save you. They can’t even save themselves. But don’t despair fully. Because we’re gonna help you rise above the flood and look upstream to what’s next. Especially around the FBI—which is now under political attack from Trump, Musk and the extreme right. And Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) is our guest. A true American badass, she is an Assistant Dean and Senior Lecturer at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs and a former Associate Dean at Yale Law School is back. She served as a Special Agent in the New York Division of the FBI, specializing in counterintelligence investigations. Her work involved assessing threats to national security, conducting classified investigations on suspected foreign agents, and performing undercover work. She’s the perfect guest to break it all down to get you caught up and up to speed on all things Trump, national security and FBI. She gives her straight and often sobering assessment of the situation ahead and how and when it will unfold. While also taking you through what’s actually involved in an FBI background, how many agents worked on the Jan 6 investigation and how the FBI has its hands full this weekend with the Super Bowl. It’s a lot. But we’ll cut through it fast and fiercely. 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 content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. 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. Past appearances: Episode 267 and Episode 225. Be sure to check out the show now on our YouTube page here. –Watch the full conversation here. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know. –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.

318. Dan Lamothe. Hegseth is Confirmed. J6 Insurrections Go Free & Commit Crimes. Trump’s Hiring Freeze Slams Vets at VA. 82nd and 10th Mtn Troops to the Border. Hamas Releases More Hostages. Trump and Hegseth Target Gen Milley. RFK is Still Ridiculous.

  This is what blowing things up looks like. Radical, damaging and confusing for millions. With so much unnecessary stress on regular Americans. This is what chaos looks like. This is what mayhem looks like. This is what Trump 2.0 looks like. As the country struggles to grapple with the chaotic transition your host Paul Rieckhoff rips into all of it. From Pete Hegseth’s confirmation and the lack of resistance from the Democrats to the next on the chopping block, resident kook RFK Jr. and his antivax nonsense. None of it is normal and none of it makes us safer. And with the military and the pentagon squarely in the crosshairs, we’ve got the perfect guest to help break it all down. The Washington Post’s Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) is one of the best military and Pentagon reporters in America. He has written about the US Armed Forces for more than a decade, traveling extensively, embedding with each service, and covering combat in Afghanistan numerous times. He’s a voice of clarity in the turbulent times and this conversation will leave you smarter, better informed and there’s no spin, no agenda, no bullshit.  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 content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. 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.  Past appearances by Dan Lamothe: Episode 96, Episode 154, Episode 185, Episode 206, and Episode 245  Be sure to check out the show now on our YouTube page here. –Watch the full episode here. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.

317. Trump 2.0 Is Here. President Mayhem is Back. 1600 Pardons for Insurrectionists. 1500 Troops to the Border. TikTok Should be Banned. Biden Says Goodbye. New Hegseth Allegations. Independents Hit a New High. Goodness is Viral. NFL Divisional Playoffs.

  He’s President now. Again. And he’s wasting no time. With national security and the debate over the Hegseth nomination for Secretary of Defense front and center, this show is rising to meet this trying and perilous moment. In the hard-hitting and independent way that defines this show.  Our Paul Rieckhoff has decades of experience in many related areas and is gonna take you through it all fast and fiercely. And, dig into the TikTok ban, Trump sending active duty troops to the border, and a huge weekend of NFL playoffs coming up. It’s a 30 minute download of all the things you need to know, without the corporate and partisan spin, and with a healthy dose of good patriotism and a dash of inspiration. It’s tough, smart and real.  Be sure to check out the show now on our YouTube page here. 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 content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. 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 the full episode here. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.

316. Kevin Baron. Hegseth Grossly Rolls On. The Critical Defense Questions That Weren’t Asked. The Trump Steamroller Is Accelerating. The Democrats Will Not Save You. Congestion Pricing Is Working, CFB National Championship and NFL Playoffs.

  It’s been a massive, cold and painful week. And he hasn’t even been inaugurated yet. We’re hurtling towards more and more massive and painful weeks. And massive impacts. And this week the most consequential news revolved around the hearings for SECDEF and the cowardice of Republican Senators and their inability to stand up to Trump and deny Pete Hegseth. But the other party continues to be weak and feckless and sucks in its own unique ways. The Democrats put up a paltry attack. Again. They got rolled. Again. And now it looks as if Hegseth is inevitable and has set the tone for a January of bizarro world cabinet nominees and Trump momentum.  None of it is normal, none of it is acceptable and none of it is preordained. But the Democrats continue to lose. Lose power, lose control, lose the narrative, and lose whatever semblance of cohesion they had. It’s time to stop investing in failure, America. The parties are the problem, and independents like you can be an important part of the solution.  Leave the herds. Declare your independence. And watch or listen up. Rieckhoff’s got your weekly dose.  And another awesome, smart and unique guest. Kevin Baron is a highly experienced Pentagon and defense reporter with decades of experience in and around the Defense Department and almost a dozen Defense Secretaries. He’s seen em all, and been part of the press corps that traveled with them around the world. He was the founding Executive Editor of Defense One, and a national security staff writer for National Journal, and a reporter for Stars and Stripes, the Boston Globe Washington bureau, and the Center for Public Integrity. If you haven’t seen it yet, we’ve changed our format and we’ve now got full video episodes available on our YouTube page here. While you’re there, like it, subscribe. All the stuff. You know what to do. –WATCH video of Paul and Kevin’s conversation on our YouTube channel. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.