Shaheen's Retirement & Sununu's Decision, USAID's Shred & Burn Order, GOP Spending Clash

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss badly needed regulatory relief coming soon from the EPA, Russia rejecting a ceasefire with Ukraine while demanding more concessions, and Pete Buttigieg’s decision to skip a U.S. Senate run to focus on a 2028 presidential bid.First, after clarifying a point from Wednesday’s podcast, they cheer EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for targeting several of the most burdensome environmental regulations. Zeldin maintains that these rollbacks will cut costs and ease restrictions on businesses and families without compromising environmental standards.Next, they analyze Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine and insisting on more concessions before any serious negotiations. Jim argues that Vladimir Putin wouldn’t honor any deal he signs, while Greg asks how President Trump could pressure Russia into reconsidering its position.Finally, they react to reports that former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg won’t run for U.S. Senate in Michigan and is instead eyeing a 2028 White House bid. They highlight his lack of achievements and Jim explains why he thinks the Democrats need a very different type of candidate in the next campaign.Please visit our great sponsors:This show is sponsored by BetterHelp.Build your support system, with Betterhelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month.Oracle will cut your cloud bill in half—new US customers only, offer ends March 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINI

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they break down another Senate Democrat retirement that has Republicans eyeing a pickup, a suspicious document destruction order at USAID, and the GOP debate over federal spending.First, they react to New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s decision not to seek a fourth term, making her the third Senate Democrat to retire this cycle. This creates a prime GOP pickup opportunity in 2026, especially if former Gov. Chris Sununu enters the race. They also take a peek at key Senate races in North Carolina and Minnesota.Next, they react to a troubling directive at USAID, where employees were urgently ordered to shred or burn sensitive documents. The acting executive secretary’s directive raises alarms, and Jim questions why USAID would even possess so many classified materials. They argue this incident further fuels public skepticism about government waste and secrecy.Finally, they tackle the clash between President Trump and Republican Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie over federal spending. Massie opposes the GOP-backed bill to fund the government at current levels through September, prompting Trump to denounce him and vow that Massie will face a tough primary next year. Jim and Greg ask when Republicans will finally enforce fiscal discipline—and whether it will happen later this year.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in half—new US customers only, offer ends March 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants plus an extra 15% off your first purchase at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTIN at https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch as they actually find a couple of good martinis today! They break down why voters still deeply distrust Democrats, assess the fallout from Monday’s market selloff, and examine the Pentagon cutting some very questionable projects.First, they dive into a revealing poll from the Democrats’ own data, showing that a strong majority of Americans believe the left doesn’t care about them, disrespects hard work, and is overly obsessed with political correctness. With the 2026 midterms approaching, Democrats face a steep uphill battle to regain voter trust.Next, they analyze the sharp declines in the Dow Jones, NASDAQ, and S&P 500 on Monday. Even more concerning, experts warn that continued selling could be ahead due to uncertainty over tariffs and recession fears. With wildly varying economic forecasts, Jim and Greg discuss what this could mean in the coming months.Finally, they shake their heads—and share a few laughs—at the 91 Pentagon programs just slashed by the Defense Department. From climate change to time itself, the bizarre and often absurd project names highlight just how much waste was lurking in the budget.Please visit our great sponsors:This show is sponsored by BetterHelp.Build your support system, with Betterhelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month.Oracle will cut your cloud bill in half—new US customers only, offer ends March 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINI

Join Jim and Greg as they break down three major developments in the Middle East, from the slaughter of Christians and other minorities in Syria to the U.S. administration’s mixed messaging on Hamas, and Tucker Carlson trying to convince us that Iran should not be one of America's major concerns.First, they react to the horrific sectarian violence erupting in Syria just days after Jim’s departure. Reports confirm that over a thousand Christians, Alawites, and Druze were killed by forces aligned with HTS—the Islamist group that toppled Assad and had pledged not to persecute minorities. Jim rejects the claim that Assad was a better protector for them while Greg stresses that HTS is proving to be just another radical faction wielding power through oppression.Next, they analyze the Trump administration’s contradictory approach to Hamas. Just last week, Trump warned of death and destruction for the terror group if all hostages were not released. Yet by Sunday, his envoy was meeting directly with Hamas officials and even suggesting they might be “pretty nice guys.”Finally, they sigh as Tucker Carlson suggests Fox News and others are trying to foment a war with Iran and that if you look at the number of Americans Iran has killed "on American soil," we have far bigger concerns in our own country. Jim and Greg reject Carlson's terms for judging Iran and do not want a war with Tehran. But they do stress the importance of keeping Iran in check as it reportedly nears deployable nuclear weapons.Please visit our great sponsors"This show is sponsored by BetterHelp.Build your support system, with Betterhelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month.Oracle will cut your cloud bill in half—new US customers only, offer ends March 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINI

Join Jim and Greg for this special edition of the 3 Martini Lunch as Jim shares why he returned to Ukraine and made his first visit to Syria, the mindset of Ukrainians entering the fourth year of war, and what he observed in Syria just months after the fall of the Assad regime.First, Jim explains what led to his third trip to Ukraine, how he got closer to the front lines than ever before, and how his travel companions persuaded him to add Syria to his itinerary. He also describes some of the tense moments he experienced in both countries, more than on his previous visits to Ukraine.Next, Jim recounts his time in Ukraine, detailing how locals reacted to major headlines from the Trump administration while he was there. He describes what he saw near—but not at—the front lines, including elderly Russian women wounded by their own country’s bombing yet receiving care in Ukraine. He also introduces us to “Twitch,” an American who overcame his own reluctance to follow God’s call and is now making a profound impact by helping injured Ukrainians.Finally, Jim takes us to Syria, where he witnessed life just months after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December and after many years of a brutal civil war. He explains the cautious optimism in parts of the country, including among Christian and Jewish minorities. And Jim offers us a verbal glimpse of Idlib, which he calls “jihad metropolis.” Join us for all this and more from Jim’s on-the-ground reporting in Ukraine and Syria.Please visit our great sponsors:Download the FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at https://Netsuite.com/MartiniThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants with code MARTINI https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Join Jim and Greg for the 3 Martini Lunch as they applaud President Trump’s push for a stronger Navy, question Gavin Newsom’s sudden shift on a major cultural issue, and react to Rep. Maxine Waters’ wild accusations against Elon Musk.First, they welcome Trump’s renewed focus on expanding the Navy with more warships and submarines to strengthen deterrence and project U.S. power globally. With America’s naval capabilities lagging, Jim notes that allied cooperation will be crucial to rebuilding dominance on the seas.Next, they analyze why California Gov. Gavin Newsom is now admitting that allowing males in girls’ sports is unfair. Is this a genuine policy shift, or just political posturing towards a likely presidential bid? Jim wonders whether the Democrats are finally ready to drop this losing issue and whether they will try to make the public forget they were ever in favor of allowing men to compete against women.Finally, they react as Rep. Maxine Waters claims Elon Musk somehow manipulated the 2024 election and suggests he should be deported. Jim dismantles her conspiracy theories and highlights the irony of targeting a legal immigrant while ignoring other border issues.Please visit our great sponsors:Download the FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at https://Netsuite.com/MartiniNever run out of MEAT go to https://omahasteaks.com/3ML subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF. Minimum purchase may apply

Jim Geraghty is back! Join Jim and Greg as they analyze President Trump’s speech to Congress, focusing most intently on immigration, tariffs, and the Democrats’ antics.First, they argue that Trump has every right to highlight his swift success in restoring order at the southern border after just six weeks in office. While Democrats scoffed at Trump’s claim that the U.S. didn’t need a new law but a new president to stop illegal immigration, the results speak for themselves.Next, they critique Trump’s plan to impose reciprocal tariffs worldwide in April. Jim warns that these tariffs could drive up prices for American consumers and contradict Trump’s own promise to curb the inflation that defined the Biden years.Finally, they dissect the Democrats’ antics, from refusing to stand for Trump’s entrance to heckling and ignoring even bipartisan moments. And when MSNBC weighed in, it became clear the left is still reeling from November’s election results—something Tuesday night made undeniable.Please visit our great sponsors:Download the FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at https://Netsuite.com/MartiniNever run out of MEAT go to https://omahasteaks.com/3ML subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF. Minimum purchase may apply

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy joins Greg for today’s 3 Martini Lunch. They break down Senate Democrats blocking a ban on males in women's sports, Andy’s argument that Trump is most to blame for the Oval Office confrontation with Zelensky, and Andrew Cuomo’s political comeback as he runs for mayor of New York City.First, they highlight how every Senate Democrat voted against legislation barring men from competing in women’s sports, preventing the bill from advancing. They explain why Democrats refuse to change course, even as they keep handing Republicans a potent campaign issue.Next, Andy asserts that the biggest problem in Friday’s heated Oval Office exchange was Trump himself—allowing the photo-op to drag on, failing to grasp the Russian threat, and positioning himself as neutral between Russia and Ukraine. He also argues against the type of war resolution Trump appears to support.Finally, they react as disgraced former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo officially launches his mayoral bid. While Cuomo correctly identifies many of New York City’s biggest issues, Andy reminds listeners that Cuomo’s own policies are largely responsible for the city’s decline.Please visit our great sponsors:Download the FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at https://Netsuite.com/MartiniNever run out of MEAT go to https://omahasteaks.com/3ML subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF. Minimum purchase may apply

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they analyze the stunning border numbers from February, the fiery Trump-Zelensky-Vance exchange in the Oval Office, and yet another example of how an excessively high minimum wage backfires on businesses and employees.First, they break down the incredible news that just 8,326 people attempted to illegally cross the southern border in all of February—far below the daily figures often seen under the Biden administration. They explain how the shift in border policy sent a clear message to would-be Next, they dissect Friday’s tense Oval Office exchange between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. While major issues remain before a meaningful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war can take shape, Scot argues that Friday’s visit was primarily about finalizing the minerals deal as a stepping stone toward a broader agreement—something Zelensky mishandled. Greg outlines the key disagreements between the two sides but suggests the incident doesn't have to derail U.S.-Ukraine relations. Meanwhile, Jim Geraghty, writing from overseas, strongly disagrees.Finally, they discuss a new study confirming that California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers has led to job losses, higher prices, and increased automation. It’s a predictable outcome that progressives continue to ignore despite clear economic realities.Please visit our great sponsors:Download the FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at https://Netsuite.com/MartiniNever run out of MEAT go to https://omahasteaks.com/3ML subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF. Minimum purchase may apply

Before heading out on his trip, Jim and Greg recorded a special episode analyzing the Trump administration’s early weeks, covering key issues from the economy to foreign policy and cultural battles.First, they break down the economy. Jim highlights Trump’s positive moves on taxes and deregulation but warns that tariffs, particularly against Canada and Mexico, could backfire. Greg focuses on DOGE’s efforts to track government spending and the Democrats’ unhinged reaction to the audit. But will it lead to real fiscal responsibility? He’s skeptical.Next, they assess foreign affairs. Jim notes that Iran and its proxies have curbed their aggression under Trump, and decisive action is being taken against terrorists. However, he criticizes Trump’s habit of publicly chastising U.S. allies. Greg argues that Trump’s unpredictability is a strength but warns he must be ready for the consequences of issuing ultimatums.Finally, they tackle cultural issues. Jim praises Trump for rooting out DEI from the federal government but cautions that some newfound conservative allies—like those opposing men in women’s sports—won’t align on other issues. Greg agrees Trump has handled the major cultural fights well but stresses that he must stay focused on core voter concerns: inflation and immigration.Oh, and if you hear Jim and Greg joking about a calamity prompting this episode, don’t worry—they’re both fine! Jim is set to return for regular episodes early next week.Please visit out great sponsors:If I needed to find a doctor quickly, Zocdoc is what I’d use. Stop putting off those doctor’s appointments and head to https://zocdoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.