On a freezing January day in New York City, host Paul Rieckhoff is back solo at the mic to get you ready for the next storm—literal and political. From ICE raids in Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Portland, to the assault on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and the still-unfolding fallout from the killing of VA nurse Alex Pretti, Paul connects the dots on America’s rapidly escalating crisis of political violence and unaccountable federal power. He breaks down the latest developments in the Minneapolis shooting, why the agents who killed Preti still haven’t been publicly identified, and why he believes ICE has become a runaway, unconstitutional menace that must be defunded and disbanded.
Paul also digs into the House Freedom Caucus’ shocking public support for Trump invoking the Insurrection Act, the 11th Airborne still on quiet standby for Minneapolis, and what that all means for democracy, dissent, and the 2026 landscape. He zooms out to the global picture—from the staggering casualty toll in Ukraine to the brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran and Trump’s saber-rattling toward Cuba—while sending a clear message to America’s allies that Trump does not speak for most Americans or most veterans.
In this episode, Paul highlights a new op-ed he co-wrote with John Opdycke about the rise of independent voters—now 45% of the country—and why independents are not “leaners” or “spoilers,” but the actual needle in American politics. He previews an exclusive upcoming conversation with former Minnesota Governor and Navy SEAL Jesse Ventura, teases a special Football Friday with Rachel Maddow, and even weighs in on why Bill Belichick being denied first-ballot Hall of Fame status is its own kind of outrage
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.
