Hour 2 - Manipulating the System

On this episode of The Truth with Lisa Boothe, Lisa sits down with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for a wide-ranging and hard-hitting conversation on national security, higher education, and the future of the American economy. Stefanik explains why the Iran conflict should be viewed through a national security lens—not public opinion polls—and outlines the long-term threat posed by Iran’s military ambitions. She also addresses concerns about rising energy costs and how the administration plans to stabilize the economy. The conversation then shifts to the growing “moral and academic rot” inside elite universities, including explosive claims about foreign funding, DEI influence, and rising antisemitism on campus. Stefanik breaks down what she believes is driving these trends—and what policymakers can do to fix them. 📚 Plus: Stefanik discusses her new book, Poison Ivy: Inside the Collapse of America’s Elite Institutions — offering an insider account of how top universities lost their way, what’s fueling campus radicalism, and how the next generation can reclaim academic excellence. She also weighs in on New York’s economic decline, high taxes, and the continued exodus of residents from blue states.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preventable Crime Deaths Trump pauses the cabinet meeting to reference the killing of Sheridan Gorman, the 18‑year‑old college student murdered in Chicago by an illegal immigrant. Clay and Buck then detail another shocking case out of New York City involving 83‑year‑old Air Force veteran Richard Williams, who was shoved to his death on subway tracks by an illegal immigrant who had been deported multiple times and had an extensive criminal record. The hosts stress that both crimes were entirely preventable and argue that sanctuary policies are directly responsible. Buck explains that these incidents are not happening in high‑crime zones but in places traditionally considered safe—such as the Upper East Side of Manhattan—demonstrating how far the problem has spread. Clay and Buck argue Democrats refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities even when dealing with violent repeat offenders, choosing ideology over public safety. They stress that illegal immigrants who commit crimes should never be shielded from deportation and that the murder rate of Americans by illegal immigrants should be zero. Manipulating the System Investigative journalist Alex Berenson, who joins the program to discuss what Clay calls one of the most enraging crime stories of the year: a horrific Seattle case involving a repeat violent offender who allegedly murdered an elderly woman during a carjacking and then stabbed her dog to death, only to have his prosecution delayed indefinitely due to claims of mental incompetence. Berenson explains how the suspect, an eight‑time convicted felon with a long criminal record, is now repeatedly cycling between jail and a forensic psychiatric hospital, allegedly stopping his medication to claim incompetency and avoid trial. Berenson contrasts this with another highly publicized Seattle murder in which a man allegedly executed a pregnant woman in her car and was later allowed to plead not guilty by reason of insanity—potentially avoiding permanent incarceration altogether. The discussion highlights what Berenson and the hosts see as a broken system that fails to permanently remove clearly dangerous individuals from society, even when guilt is not meaningfully disputed. The Only Sane Democrat Clay and Buck play audio from a pro‑Iran and pro‑Hamas rally in Philadelphia, where speakers openly cheered the deaths of U.S. soldiers. They contrast that rhetoric with comments from Senator John Fetterman, who sharply criticizes his own party for being “held hostage by the far left,” condemns the DHS shutdown, and highlights the real‑world suffering of TSA agents who have gone six weeks without paychecks. The hosts discuss how devastating such a pay gap would be for most American families and argue that Democrats are deliberately inflicting airport chaos and financial pain on federal workers as leverage to block immigration enforcement. The conversation grows more urgent with breaking news that an improvised explosive device was discovered at MacDill Air Force Base, home to U.S. Central Command and Special Operations Command. Authorities link the incident to Iran‑inspired extremism, adding to a string of recent attempted terror attacks across the country. Clay and Buck argue that this makes the DHS shutdown—and weakened airport security—especially indefensible at a moment of elevated threat. Kennedy Murder/Suicide?  Journalist and New York Times bestselling author Maureen Callahan dishes on the explosive popularity of the Ryan Murphy‑produced JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Hulu series, questioning why the show has captured such a large audience—particularly women—and whether its depiction of the Kennedy legacy is fundamentally dishonest. Maureen Callahan, author of Ask Not and host of The Nerve, offers a blistering critique of the Kennedy mythology, arguing that the series whitewashes a deeply dysfunctional family history and obscures decades of documented abuses, narcissism, and media manipulation. She traces how the “Camelot” myth persists despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary and explains why Hollywood continues to rehabilitate the Kennedy brand. The conversation intensifies when Callahan lays out her controversial theory regarding the death of John F. Kennedy Jr., asserting—based on official investigation records and well‑documented circumstances—that the fatal plane crash may have been a murder‑suicide driven by personal collapse, recklessness, substance use, and untreated psychological distress. She details Kennedy’s lack of qualification for the flight, warnings from other pilots, his failure to follow aviation protocol, near‑collision with a commercial jet, and the broader context of his unraveling marriage, failing business, and collapsing relationships. Clay and Buck emphasize that, provocative as the theory may sound, Callahan’s claims rely on facts contained in official reports rather than speculation. From there, the hosts and Callahan explore why the show resonates so powerfully, pointing to ’90s nostalgia, pre‑internet media culture, and the enduring Cinderella fantasy. They argue that audiences are drawn to a mythologized version of elite romantic tragedy rather than the far darker and more unsettling reality. The discussion compares the Kennedy myth machine to the fascination Americans have with the British royal family, arguing that modern audiences crave comforting narratives even when they are demonstrably false. 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 begins with breaking news from a live White House cabinet meeting, setting the tone for a fast‑moving hour focused on the war with Iran, the DHS shutdown, airport chaos, immigration enforcement, and violent crime linked to illegal immigration. Clay and Buck carry extended remarks from President Donald Trump as he answers questions from reporters in real time, touching on foreign policy, domestic security, and Democratic opposition. President Trump states that the U.S. military operation in Iran is well ahead of schedule, saying the campaign was expected to take four to six weeks but has already crippled the Iranian regime just 26 days in. He argues that Iran’s leadership knows it has been decisively defeated, that U.S. forces have freedom of movement over Iranian territory, and that Tehran is only negotiating because it has no other viable option. Trump emphasizes that the United States will not telegraph military strategy, repeatedly mocking reporters for asking detailed tactical questions. Clay and Buck highlight Trump’s negotiating style, noting that his refusal to tip his hand is part of why Iranian leaders are nervous after being caught off guard multiple times.Trump also addresses oil prices and the stock market, saying both have remained far more stable than expected during wartime conditions, which he attributes to confidence in U.S. leadership. The hosts underscore this point as evidence that markets believe the conflict is being managed effectively and is unlikely to spiral into global economic disruption. A major portion of Hour 1 is devoted to the ongoing DHS shutdown, which Trump describes as a “disgraceful Democrat shutdown” that has now lasted more than 40 days. He directly blames Senate Democrats, particularly Chuck Schumer, for refusing to fund DHS unless ICE deportations are curtailed. Trump says travelers are increasingly angry at Democrats as massive TSA backlogs continue to plague airports during spring break travel. Clay and Buck argue this shutdown is a deliberate strategy to protect illegal immigrants from removal, even at the expense of American citizens. The discussion turns to airport conditions nationwide, including severe disruptions in Atlanta, Houston, New York City, and New Orleans. A caller from Fort Myers Airport reports arriving four hours early, clearing TSA quickly, but then encountering a five‑hour flight delay—illustrating the unpredictability travelers now face. Clay emphasizes that arriving early no longer guarantees smooth travel, reinforcing public frustration with the shutdown. Immigration and crime dominate the latter half of Hour 1. Trump pauses the cabinet meeting to reference the killing of Sheridan Gorman, the 18‑year‑old college student murdered in Chicago by an illegal immigrant. Clay and Buck then detail another shocking case out of New York City involving 83‑year‑old Air Force veteran Richard Williams, who was shoved to his death on subway tracks by an illegal immigrant who had been deported multiple times and had an extensive criminal record. The hosts stress that both crimes were entirely preventable and argue that sanctuary policies are directly responsible. Buck explains that these incidents are not happening in high‑crime zones but in places traditionally considered safe—such as the Upper East Side of Manhattan—demonstrating how far the problem has spread. Clay and Buck argue Democrats refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities even when dealing with violent repeat offenders, choosing ideology over public safety. They stress that illegal immigrants who commit crimes should never be shielded from deportation and that the murder rate of Americans by illegal immigrants should be zero. The hour also touches on Europe moving toward tougher deportation policies, which Trump praises as common sense, contrasting it with what he calls Democratic “open border insanity.” Trump uses the moment to criticize Democratic leaders broadly, including Gavin Newsom, arguing that the party is politically unified but detached from reality. Internationally, Clay and Buck highlight comments from cabinet officials about Venezuela, noting a dramatic increase in oil production and improved conditions following U.S. involvement. They argue that Venezuela’s progress is being ignored by the media because it contradicts the preferred narrative of American decline. Hour 1 closes with Clay and Buck teasing upcoming guests and promising continued coverage of Iran, DHS funding, airport disruptions, and violent crime. They frame the hour as a clear snapshot of the central issues dominating the Trump administration: national security abroad, law enforcement at home, and growing public backlash to Democratic policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens. 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 is a wide‑ranging, intense discussion centered on violent crime, criminal justice policy, mental illness, repeat offenders, and what Clay and Buck argue is a systemic failure of progressive governance—especially in major Democrat‑run cities. The hour opens with investigative journalist Alex Berenson, who joins the program to discuss what Clay calls one of the most enraging crime stories of the year: a horrific Seattle case involving a repeat violent offender who allegedly murdered an elderly woman during a carjacking and then stabbed her dog to death, only to have his prosecution delayed indefinitely due to claims of mental incompetence. Berenson explains how the suspect, an eight‑time convicted felon with a long criminal record, is now repeatedly cycling between jail and a forensic psychiatric hospital, allegedly stopping his medication to claim incompetency and avoid trial. Berenson contrasts this with another highly publicized Seattle murder in which a man allegedly executed a pregnant woman in her car and was later allowed to plead not guilty by reason of insanity—potentially avoiding permanent incarceration altogether. The discussion highlights what Berenson and the hosts see as a broken system that fails to permanently remove clearly dangerous individuals from society, even when guilt is not meaningfully disputed. From there, Clay and Buck expand the conversation into broader crime trends, noting that while overall murder statistics may be declining nationally, public fear and violent random attacks on innocent people are rising. They argue that crimes such as random stabbings, unprovoked shootings, and assaults on elderly people or women in public spaces are what most deeply destabilize society. Buck contrasts this with the crime patterns of the 1980s and early 1990s, when most homicides were concentrated among known criminals and gangs, rather than random victims going about daily life. The hosts argue that law enforcement already knows who is most likely to commit violent crime, because almost every murderer has an extensive criminal history before their worst offense. They propose that keeping repeat violent offenders incarcerated—rather than recycling them through the system—is the single most effective way to reduce crime. Clay calls for serious three‑strikes or long‑sentence laws focused on violent felonies, criticizing libertarian opposition to such policies as naïve and dangerous. A major portion of Hour 2 centers on how mental illness, drug addiction, and homelessness intersect with violent crime, especially in cities like Seattle, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Berenson and Buck both argue that civil commitment laws—allowing dangerous individuals experiencing psychosis to be removed from the streets against their will—are necessary to protect the public, even if politically controversial. The hosts stress that compassion cannot come at the cost of public safety. As the discussion continues, Clay introduces a controversial but extended analogy comparing repeat violent criminals to dangerous animals released into public spaces. This evolves into an unexpectedly long debate about dog breeds, risk, genetics, and responsibility, sparked by a “pit bull analogy” used to illustrate how society knowingly releases high‑risk individuals back into communities. While emphasizing that not all pit bulls—or people—are dangerous, Clay and Buck argue that risk profiles matter, and pretending they do not increases the likelihood of innocent people being harmed. Listeners call in from around the country to weigh in, including a retired Army lieutenant colonel who provides statistics comparing population share to violent outcomes, reinforcing the hosts’ point about disproportionate risk and denialism. Other callers push back, defending pit bulls and emphasizing environment over genetics, which leads Clay and Buck into a broader discussion about nature versus nurture, accountability, and how ignoring inherent risk doesn’t eliminate it. Buck shares a personal story about being severely mauled by a dog as a child, reinforcing the emotional side of the debate and underscoring why the issue resonates so deeply. The hosts repeatedly return to their core argument: society knowingly allows a small number of highly dangerous individuals to repeatedly harm innocent people because admitting hard truths is politically uncomfortable. Late in the hour, the conversation turns briefly to data, AI, and predictive analysis, with Clay floating the idea that modern analytics could dramatically reduce murders if used honestly—by identifying high‑risk individuals early and keeping them behind bars once convicted of serious crimes. Hour 2 closes with two noteworthy updates: breaking news of a thwarted Iran‑inspired terror plot involving an IED at MacDill Air Force Base, and a cultural shift announcement that the Olympics will now explicitly bar biological males from competing in women’s events, which Clay and Buck describe as a long‑overdue return to reality likely influenced by the political climate and the upcoming Los Angeles Games. 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 delivers a wide‑ranging and highly engaging final hour that blends culture, politics, national security, and the ongoing DHS shutdown, highlighted by a headline‑making interview with journalist and bestselling author Maureen Callahan. The hour begins with Clay and Buck discussing the explosive popularity of the Ryan Murphy‑produced JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Hulu series, questioning why the show has captured such a large audience—particularly women—and whether its depiction of the Kennedy legacy is fundamentally dishonest. Maureen Callahan, author of Ask Not and host of The Nerve, offers a blistering critique of the Kennedy mythology, arguing that the series whitewashes a deeply dysfunctional family history and obscures decades of documented abuses, narcissism, and media manipulation. She traces how the “Camelot” myth persists despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary and explains why Hollywood continues to rehabilitate the Kennedy brand. The conversation intensifies when Callahan lays out her controversial theory regarding the death of John F. Kennedy Jr., asserting—based on official investigation records and well‑documented circumstances—that the fatal plane crash may have been a murder‑suicide driven by personal collapse, recklessness, substance use, and untreated psychological distress. She details Kennedy’s lack of qualification for the flight, warnings from other pilots, his failure to follow aviation protocol, near‑collision with a commercial jet, and the broader context of his unraveling marriage, failing business, and collapsing relationships. Clay and Buck emphasize that, provocative as the theory may sound, Callahan’s claims rely on facts contained in official reports rather than speculation. From there, the hosts and Callahan explore why the show resonates so powerfully, pointing to ’90s nostalgia, pre‑internet media culture, and the enduring Cinderella fantasy. They argue that audiences are drawn to a mythologized version of elite romantic tragedy rather than the far darker and more unsettling reality. The discussion compares the Kennedy myth machine to the fascination Americans have with the British royal family, arguing that modern audiences crave comforting narratives even when they are demonstrably false. The hour then pivots sharply to politics and national security. Clay and Buck play audio from a pro‑Iran and pro‑Hamas rally in Philadelphia, where speakers openly cheered the deaths of U.S. soldiers. They contrast that rhetoric with comments from Senator John Fetterman, who sharply criticizes his own party for being “held hostage by the far left,” condemns the DHS shutdown, and highlights the real‑world suffering of TSA agents who have gone six weeks without paychecks. The hosts discuss how devastating such a pay gap would be for most American families and argue that Democrats are deliberately inflicting airport chaos and financial pain on federal workers as leverage to block immigration enforcement. The conversation grows more urgent with breaking news that an improvised explosive device was discovered at MacDill Air Force Base, home to U.S. Central Command and Special Operations Command. Authorities link the incident to Iran‑inspired extremism, adding to a string of recent attempted terror attacks across the country. Clay and Buck argue that this makes the DHS shutdown—and weakened airport security—especially indefensible at a moment of elevated threat. Listeners call in to discuss the Iran conflict, including whether the U.S. should arm internal resistance to overthrow the regime. While sympathetic to the sentiment, Buck explains why the lack of reliable networks on the ground makes such a strategy risky. Other callers raise creative ideas such as privately fundraising to pay TSA agents, which the hosts break down mathematically and legally, concluding that while well‑intentioned, such efforts are impractical and inappropriate for a core government responsibility. The hour closes with listener reactions to earlier crime and public‑safety discussions, including continued debate over Buck’s now‑infamous “pit bull versus Chihuahua” analogy used to explain predictable risk and responsibility. Callers both challenge and support the analogy, reinforcing the broader theme of the day: that refusing to acknowledge risk—whether in crime policy, aviation safety, or national security—does not make the danger disappear. 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.

Buck is joined by Justine Brooke Murray to break down how The Pitt is blending entertainment with politics, focusing on a controversial episode portraying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as villains in a hospital setting. They argue the show reflects a broader trend in Hollywood and media, including outlets like CNN, of pushing ideological narratives on immigration, law enforcement, and global issues like Iran. Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!    Connect with Buck Sexton:Facebook –   / bucksexton  X –  @bucksexton  Instagram –   @bucksexton TikTok - @BuckSexton                                                                                   YouTube - @BuckSexton   Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are weight loss drugs really the breakthrough they’re being sold as—or is there a hidden catch? On this episode of Wellness Unmasked, Dr. Nicole Saphier breaks down two major health stories making headlines—and what they reveal about the state of modern medicine. First, a meningitis B outbreak in the UK raises serious concerns about vaccine awareness, public health response, and why college students remain at higher risk. Dr. Saphier explains what’s actually happening, why early intervention matters, and what Americans should be watching for next. Then, a deep dive into the exploding popularity of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. While these medications are delivering dramatic results, new research shows what happens when patients stop taking them—and it’s not good. From rapid weight regain to declining heart health, the long-term reality may be far more complicated than advertised. In this episode: The truth about meningitis outbreaks and who’s most at risk Why vaccine decisions are becoming more individualized The real benefits—and risks—of GLP-1 weight loss drugs What happens to your body after stopping these medications Why sustainable health still comes down to lifestyle, not shortcuts If you’re trying to make smarter decisions about your health in a world full of quick fixes and conflicting advice, this episode is essential listening.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When politics turns into policy, everyday Americans feel the consequences. On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the real-world impact of the ongoing DHS funding standoff—why TSA agents aren’t getting paid, how airport chaos unfolded during peak travel season, and why the blame game in Washington isn’t telling the full story. They also dive into: The truth behind TSA delays, airport security breakdowns, and ICE deployments How political gridlock is directly affecting travelers and federal workers Why Boston’s “record” graduation rates may not be what they seem The growing trend of lowering academic standards instead of improving outcomes School shutdown culture, remote learning fallout, and rising absenteeism Plus, a lighter (but important) conversation on reclaiming normal life in a hyper-online world—why logging off, reading more, and staying grounded might be the most radical thing you can do today.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trey’s Law: Ending the Silence Around Child Sexual Abuse A Verdict with Senator Ted Cruz Podcast Special In one of the most important and emotionally powerful episodes of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson dedicate the program to confronting what they describe as a national epidemic: child sexual abuse and the systemic silencing of its victims. The episode centers on newly introduced federal legislation—Trey’s Law—and features the courageous testimony of survivors and advocates who are fighting to ensure that children are never again forced into silence through legally binding non‑disclosure agreements (NDAs). This is not a theoretical discussion. It is a deeply personal, urgent conversation about real lives, real trauma, and a legal system that, for too long, has allowed abusers and institutions to protect themselves at the expense of children. As Senator Cruz makes clear throughout the episode, Trey’s Law is about stopping the second victimization of children who have already endured the unimaginable. The Scope of the Crisis: Child Sexual Abuse in America Early in the episode, Senator Cruz lays out sobering statistics that frame the urgency of the legislation. A child in America is sexually abused every nine minutes. One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of eighteen. These are not isolated incidents—they represent a widespread and deeply entrenched crisis. Yet despite the scale of the problem, many victims never come forward. The episode repeatedly highlights the phenomenon of delayed disclosure, explaining that children often do not report abuse for years—or even decades—because of fear, shame, and manipulation by their abusers. This silence is not accidental; it is frequently enforced through legal mechanisms that benefit perpetrators and the institutions that shield them. What Is Trey’s Law? Trey’s Law is a federal bill introduced by Senator Ted Cruz with broad bipartisan support. Its purpose is straightforward but powerful: to prohibit non‑disclosure agreements that bind victims of child sexual abuse and force them into silence. NDAs were originally designed to protect intellectual property—trade secrets like formulas or proprietary business information. Over time, however, they have been misused to silence victims of abuse, including children who cannot legally consent to such agreements. Trey’s Law establishes that this practice is unacceptable as a matter of public policy. Importantly, the bill is written to protect victims—not to compel them to speak. Survivors may still choose confidentiality if that is what they want. What Trey’s Law eliminates is the ability of abusers, institutions, or even legal representatives to force silence as a condition of settlement. Ownership of the story belongs to the survivor. The Story Behind the Law: Trey’s Tragic Legacy Trey’s Law is named after Trey Carlock, a Texan who was sexually abused as a child at a summer camp in Missouri. Trey’s abuser was ultimately convicted and sentenced to three consecutive life terms in prison. But the damage did not end there. During subsequent civil litigation, Trey was pressured into signing a non‑disclosure agreement that prevented him from speaking openly about what had happened to him. According to his family, that enforced silence haunted him for years. At the age of twenty‑eight, Trey died by suicide. Trey’s sister, Elizabeth Phillips, joins the podcast to share his story and explain how NDAs robbed her brother of the ability to heal. She describes how she learned more about Trey’s trauma after his death than she ever knew while he was alive—because the NDA prevented him from speaking, even in therapeutic settings. Her grief became purpose. Since Trey’s death, Elizabeth Phillips has devoted thousands of hours to advocating for Trey’s Law, helping it pass in multiple states, including Texas and Missouri, and now pushing for federal adoption. Institutional Abuse and the Role of NDAs A central theme of the episode is what Elizabeth Phillips describes as institutional abuse—the compounding harm that occurs when organizations prioritize reputation and revenue over accountability and child safety. NDAs have been used not only to silence individual victims but to enable long‑term cover‑ups that allow predators to continue abusing children. The discussion also exposes how civil settlements, particularly in personal injury law, create perverse incentives. Attorneys working on contingency fees may pressure victims to settle quickly and quietly, minimizing public exposure while maximizing financial resolution. Trey’s Law removes NDAs from the negotiating table entirely, eliminating those incentives. As Senator Cruz explains, settlements cannot require illegal conduct—and once NDAs in child sexual abuse cases are deemed unlawful, they can no longer be demanded as a condition of compensation. A Survivor’s Voice: Jaden Harris One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes with the testimony of Jaden Harris, a nineteen‑year‑old survivor from Missouri. Because Trey’s Law had already passed in her state, she was legally protected from being forced into silence—and able to speak publicly for the first time. Jaden recounts how both her abuser and her own lawyer attempted to pressure her into signing an NDA during mediation. Trey’s Law changed the balance of power, allowing her to reach a settlement without surrendering her voice. Standing at the press conference, she named her abuser publicly for the first time and warned of ongoing danger to others. Her message is clear: a survivor’s freedom of speech should not depend on geography. Whether a child lives in Missouri, Texas, or anywhere else in America, the right to speak the truth about abuse must be protected nationally. Bipartisan Momentum and a National Call to Action Trey’s Law was introduced in the U.S. Senate with a bipartisan group of co‑sponsors spanning the political spectrum. Senator Cruz emphasizes that this is not a partisan issue—it is a moral one. Throughout the episode, listeners are urged to take action: Share the podcast episode and video Educate others about Trey’s Law Call senators and members of Congress to urge support As Senator Cruz notes, those calls matter. Lawmakers track them daily, and public engagement can accelerate passage. Ending the Second Victimization At its core, Trey’s Law is about dignity, truth, and public safety. While no law can undo the trauma of abuse, this legislation ensures that survivors are not harmed again by a system that profits from their silence. It affirms that children cannot be bound by secrecy agreements that strip them of their voices for life. As Elizabeth Phillips explains, nothing will bring her brother back. But preventing another child from suffering the same fate gives meaning to his legacy. The episode closes with a message of hope—that through courage, truth‑telling, and decisive legislative action, this era of enforced silence can finally end. For more information and resources referenced in this episode: Trey’s Law advocacy and survivor resources   This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz stands as a powerful reminder: Every survivor’s voice matters—and no child should ever be forced into silence. 👉 Listen and Subscribe to Verdict with Ted Cruz If you haven’t already, hit Subscribe, leave a five‑star review, and share this episode with a friend. You can find Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest threat to democracy isn’t politics—but information itself? On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with journalist and author Jacob Siegel to unpack his new book The Information State: Politics in the Age of Total Control. Together, they explore how “disinformation” evolved from a Cold War concept into a dominant force in modern politics—and how it’s being used to shape public opinion at scale. Siegel breaks down the rise of algorithmic power, the role of media narratives in shaping reality, and why AI could accelerate the shift away from individual sovereignty toward centralized information control. Drawing on his experience as a U.S. Army intelligence officer, he connects modern information warfare tactics to what we’re seeing today in America’s political and digital landscape. They also discuss: The origins and evolution of the “disinformation” narrative How media, tech platforms, and algorithms influence what we believe Why AI may make truth harder—not easier—to find The long-term risks to democratic systems and individual freedom A surprising prediction about how culture and technology may become more “medieval” in the coming years Plus, Siegel shares personal insights on resilience, fatherhood, and how to stay grounded in an age of constant information overload.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.