The Tudor Dixon Podcast: Maduro Captured, Venezuela’s Collapse & China’s Latin America Push

📍Rick de la Torre, former Chief of Station in Venezuela, joins David Rutherford to expose the hidden intelligence networks, communist expansion, and foreign power operations that turned Venezuela into a criminal state — and a global launchpad for America’s enemies. From Cuban intelligence control of Maduro, to Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah using Venezuela as a base, this conversation reveals the real shadow war shaping the Western Hemisphere. Rick explains:• How Cuba actually runs Venezuela• Why communism resurged across Latin America• How oil became a weapon of global power• Why the U.S. lost focus on the hemisphere• And why a new geopolitical shift is underway right now Next Steps: 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/ 📕 Get David's novel, The Poet Warrior: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/the-poet-warrior 📰 Sign up for David's weekly newsletter for free coaching tips, updates, and more: https://davidrutherfordletter.substack.com/ Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor is joined by Jorge Jraissati, Venezuelan native and president of the Economic Inclusion Group, to break down the stunning capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and what it means for the future of the region. They examine Venezuela’s economic collapse, the consequences of socialist government policies, and the devastating decline of the oil industry. The conversation also explores China’s growing influence in Latin America, the geopolitical stakes for the United States, and why strong U.S. foreign policy is critical to regional stability. Jorge shares his vision for rebuilding Venezuela, the obstacles ahead, and why economic freedom is key to restoring prosperity.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clay and Buck dive into the fallout from the historic Delta Force raid in Venezuela, which captured Nicolás Maduro and killed 32 Cuban bodyguards once considered elite. They explore the strategic implications of Operation Absolute Resolve, framing it as a modern reaffirmation of the Monroe Doctrine and a bold move by President Trump to reassert U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. The hosts discuss how this operation signals a shift in global power dynamics, undermining Chinese and Russian influence and exposing the weakness of authoritarian regimes like Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran. The conversation also examines why Maduro’s vice president may now cooperate with the U.S., speculating on backchannel intelligence ties and the leverage America holds through oil production. Clay and Buck contrast Trump’s decisive leadership with past foreign policy failures, emphasizing lessons learned from Iraq and the importance of working with existing power structures rather than dismantling them. They argue that Trump’s approach could accelerate the collapse of socialism and communism in Latin America, likening this moment to the geopolitical realignment after the fall of the Berlin Wall. An in-depth interview with David Rutherford (aka Rut) former Navy SEAL and host on the Clay & Buck Podcast Network. Rutherford calls the Maduro operation “one of the top five best ops ever,” detailing the complexity, flawless coordination, and elite performance of JSOC units, Delta Force, and the 160th SOAR pilots. He compares the raid’s scale and sophistication to the Osama bin Laden mission, arguing that this operation was even more impressive. Rutherford emphasizes its global implications, warning cartels and hostile regimes that America is “done playing games” and projecting power with precision. He predicts increased operational tempo against Mexican cartels and underscores how this mission reshapes global power dynamics. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OpenTable is turning the tables. Father-in-Laws. Buck despises speakerphones and does a PSA. What’s your position on tipping - has it gone too far? More dating advice from the guys. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show launches the first Tuesday of 2026 with major political and geopolitical analysis. Clay and Buck dive into the fallout from the historic Delta Force raid in Venezuela, which captured Nicolás Maduro and killed 32 Cuban bodyguards once considered elite. They explore the strategic implications of Operation Absolute Resolve, framing it as a modern reaffirmation of the Monroe Doctrine and a bold move by President Trump to reassert U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. The hosts discuss how this operation signals a shift in global power dynamics, undermining Chinese and Russian influence and exposing the weakness of authoritarian regimes like Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran. The conversation also examines why Maduro’s vice president may now cooperate with the U.S., speculating on backchannel intelligence ties and the leverage America holds through oil production. Clay and Buck contrast Trump’s decisive leadership with past foreign policy failures, emphasizing lessons learned from Iraq and the importance of working with existing power structures rather than dismantling them. They argue that Trump’s approach could accelerate the collapse of socialism and communism in Latin America, likening this moment to the geopolitical realignment after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Domestically, Hour 1 tackles the political implosion of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, whose career unraveled after his selection as Kamala Harris’s VP candidate brought national attention to the Somali daycare fraud scandal. Clay and Buck mock Democrats’ failed strategy to appeal to male voters by presenting Walz as an “avatar of masculinity,” calling him inauthentic and contrasting him with figures like Ron DeSantis. They speculate that Harris might have fared better with a different running mate, such as Gretchen Whitmer, and highlight how identity politics backfired spectacularly. The hour also features sharp commentary on Cuba’s role in Maduro’s security, the legacy of Cold War-era Cuban intelligence training by the KGB, and the stunning superiority of U.S. special forces. Clay and Buck discuss broader territorial ambitions, including provocative ideas about making Cuba or even Greenland U.S. protectorates, citing historical precedents like Ulysses Grant’s failed plan to annex the Dominican Republic. They underscore how Trump’s foreign policy strength contrasts with decades of indecision, positioning America as a global power willing to act decisively. Hour 1 closes with cultural and personal anecdotes, including Clay’s Caribbean holiday, Buck’s family updates, and playful banter about masculinity, home repair skills, and even hypothetical exile destinations for deposed dictators. The segment sets the tone for a year of bold analysis, humor, and unapologetic takes on politics, national security, and American strength. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show delivers sharp analysis on corporate accountability, U.S. foreign policy, and cultural trends shaping America in 2026. The hour opens with a breaking story about Hilton Hotels cutting ties with a franchisee after reports surfaced that ICE agents’ reservations were canceled. Clay and Buck frame this as a major shift in corporate behavior, contrasting today’s swift response with the era of performative activism during 2020. They credit the Bud Light backlash as a turning point, warning brands against alienating half the country and highlighting Michael Jordan’s timeless advice: “Republicans buy sneakers too.” From corporate culture, the discussion pivots to economic policy and tariffs, as Buck cites new research showing Trump’s tariff strategy did not fuel inflation, contrary to predictions by mainstream economists. Clay and Buck argue that tariffs, combined with strong GDP growth, could help balance the federal budget by 2026–2027 if upheld by the Supreme Court. They blast the failures of modern monetary theory and Biden-era spending, emphasizing common-sense economics and Trump’s vindication on trade policy. The hour also dives into foreign policy and sovereignty, sparked by listener questions about the Monroe Doctrine, Greenland, and America’s role in global power dynamics. Clay and Buck debate whether Greenland could become a U.S. protectorate, citing its strategic Arctic location, mineral wealth, and small population. They explore historical context—from the Treaty of Kiel to Viking settlements—and even joke about hypothetical state trades, like swapping New Mexico for Greenland, Cuba, and Venezuela. The conversation underscores Trump’s assertive approach to territorial influence compared to adversaries like Russia and China, while distinguishing U.S. actions from Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine. Listeners weigh in with talkbacks on international law, asking what gives America the right to seize Nicolás Maduro. Clay and Buck explain U.S. extraterritorial jurisdiction, noting Maduro’s alleged role in drug trafficking into the United States. They argue that power and realpolitik govern global enforcement, contrasting America’s operations with Russia’s aggression. The segment also touches on New York City’s new socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani, warning of the city’s decline under far-left leadership. Hour 2 blends serious geopolitical analysis with humor and cultural commentary, from Easter eggs referencing Office Space to debates about Viking history and climate shifts in Greenland. The hosts close by teasing more talkbacks and continuing their unapologetic critique of progressive policies, corporate virtue signaling, and global adversaries. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show dives into explosive political and cultural commentary, major economic shifts, and breaking developments in U.S. foreign policy. The hour opens with Clay and Buck discussing the decline of New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, warning that his radical socialist agenda—framed as replacing “rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism”—could devastate property rights and public safety. They highlight viral clips of Mamdani’s allies advocating for housing as a “collective good,” signaling a push toward shared equity models that undermine private ownership. The hosts argue this reflects the broader influence of unmarried progressive women on Democratic policy, calling them the driving force behind destructive cultural and political trends. The conversation shifts to economic migration and the future of financial hubs, citing predictions that Miami and South Florida could replace New York as America’s financial capital, while tech billionaires flock to Texas. Clay and Buck attribute this to post-COVID remote work flexibility and tax advantages in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, contrasting these environments with high-tax states such as New York and California. They warn that as wealthy residents flee, blue states will raise taxes further, accelerating the exodus. On foreign policy, the hour features an in-depth interview with Congressman Chip Roy, who praises President Trump’s bold leadership in Operation Absolute Resolve, the mission that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Roy explains the strategic importance of stabilizing Venezuela, restoring its oil production, and preventing resources from flowing to adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. He emphasizes that this is not “nation-building” but a critical move to secure the Western Hemisphere under the Trump Doctrine, strengthen U.S. energy independence, and protect national security. Roy also warns of challenges ahead, including corruption within Venezuela’s regime, and stresses the need for strong rule of law and economic recovery. The discussion then pivots to the Somali daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, which has rocked Governor Tim Walz’s political career. Clay and Buck play audio from Walz’s defiant press conference, where he vows not to resign despite mounting evidence of billions in fraudulent welfare payments. Roy underscores how grassroots investigations—like the viral exposé by a 23-year-old YouTuber—are filling the void left by legacy media, signaling a new era of citizen journalism and accountability. He calls for aggressive federal prosecutions, noting that fraud tied to federal funds warrants U.S. attorney involvement, and predicts that heads will roll as investigations expand nationwide. Hour 3 closes with sharp cultural commentary, humorous banter about movie Easter eggs (Dumb and Dumber references), and reflections on the importance of codifying Trump’s border security policies to prevent future reversals. Clay and Buck frame these stories as part of a larger battle for America’s future—against socialism, corruption, and media bias—while celebrating the rise of independent voices and decisive leadership. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Producers Ali and Greg unearth some of Rush Limbaugh's pearls of wisdom on the heels of Zohran Mamdani's swearing in speech where he talks about embracing the warmth of collectivism against the cold grip of rugged individualism. El Rushbo often repeated the importance of individualism and why freedom and optimism, not collectivism, made America Great.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Joel Berry, managing editor of The Babylon Bee and bestselling author, to discuss his unexpected journey from corporate sales to leading conservative satire. Berry shares how humor became a powerful tool to challenge wokeness and cultural absurdity, and why satire still matters in today’s polarized media landscape. The conversation explores Berry’s books, the challenges and rewards of raising a large family with traditional values, and the role of faith, discipline, and perseverance in both personal life and cultural engagement. They also dive into the current political climate, the risks and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence, and why integrity, family, and timeless conservative principles remain essential in a rapidly changing world. Follow Joel on XFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Money is Being Stolen The discussion opens with new details on the ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis, where a left-wing activist attempting to obstruct a federal immigration raid was fatally shot. Clay and Buck argue the shooting was justified, citing video evidence and the officer’s prior experience of being dragged by a suspect during a similar encounter. They criticize Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz for inflammatory rhetoric and highlight how Democrat leaders and activists are trying to replicate the chaos of the George Floyd era. The hosts underscore the hypocrisy of progressive narratives, noting that Minneapolis—once considered a safe city—saw its murder rate double during the height of BLM protests, with 94 murders in 2020 and 95 in 2021 compared to 48 in 2019.  On the Ground in Minneapolis The release of exclusive bodycam-style footage from the ICE officer’s perspective, published by Alpha News. Clay and Buck emphasize that the video confirms the officer acted lawfully in self-defense after the activist accelerated her vehicle toward him, refuting claims by Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz that the shooting was unjustified. The hosts argue that Democrat rhetoric and anti-ICE activism have created a dangerous environment where individuals obstruct federal law enforcement for social media clout, noting the partner’s audible command to “Drive baby drive” before the fatal moment. On-the-ground reporting from Brecca Stoll of The Daily Wire adds depth to the discussion. Brecca categorizes protesters into three groups: brainwashed activists parroting woke jargon like “white tears,” aggressive agitators hurling insults such as “Nazis” and “terrorists,” and paid organizers who appear to operate on a schedule. She describes scenes at protest hotspots, including ICE field offices and downtown Minneapolis intersections, and warns of potential escalation over the weekend despite frigid temperatures. Brecca also exposes business backlash, citing a McDonald’s franchise that posted a sign banning ICE agents—a move quickly disavowed by corporate—and reports of hotels refusing service to federal officers. Clay and Buck frame these incidents as evidence of corporate America’s hypersensitivity post-Bud Light controversy. Another Perspective on the ICE Shooting The conversation then shifts to legal standards for use of force, with Buck leveraging his law enforcement training to explain why the shooting meets the criteria for a “clean shoot.” He outlines key principles of self-defense law, including reasonable fear of imminent harm and lawful scope of duty, underscoring that bodycam footage has become a critical tool in debunking false narratives. The hosts argue that body cameras have defeated BLM-style propaganda, proving that most officers act appropriately under extreme circumstances. History Nerd-Out  In a historical pivot, Brianna Lyman of The Federalist joins to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, the revolutionary pamphlet that galvanized colonial support for independence. Lyman explains Paine’s unique ability to translate Enlightenment ideals into language accessible to everyday colonists, making Common Sense the best-selling publication of 1776 after the Bible. She also recommends resources for history enthusiasts, including primary documents from John Adams and Hamilton, Joseph Ellis’s The Cause, and films like The Patriot and Gettysburg. Her “Countdown to Freedom” series offers bite-sized historical insights leading up to America’s semi-quincentennial, reminding listeners of the intellectual depth and religious foundation that shaped the founding era—qualities she argues are absent in today’s political leadership. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.