War with Iran could happen this weekend — and that’s not hyperbole. In Episode 451 of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff brings in nuclear policy expert Joe Cirincione to break down what U.S. intelligence actually says about the Iran threat (spoiler: it doesn’t back Trump’s claims), the terrifying intersection of AI and nuclear weapons, and why removing humans from the kill-decision chain isn’t just bad policy — it’s existential. Plus: the jaw-dropping standoff between Anthropic and the Pentagon, where one of America’s top AI companies is refusing to let the government use its technology for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.
This episode also covers Pakistan declaring open war on Afghanistan, a U.S. military laser accidentally shooting down a CBP drone in El Paso, Hegseth’s culture war on the Boy Scouts while real wars loom, a draft executive order seeking expanded presidential control over elections, and ICE’s continued lawless rampage — including the death of a blind Buffalo refugee abandoned in the cold. Episode 451 is essential listening for anyone trying to understand the most dangerous national security moment since the Cold War. Subscribe, share, and stay vigilant.
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-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.
-Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here.
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