Trump Tariffs Squeezing China, Kemp Won't Run for Senate, Taliban Selling U.S. Weapons to Terrorists

Join Jim and Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they cautiously welcome reports that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels will stop attacking ships in the Red Sea. They also dig into GOP concerns over the 2026 Senate map and expose the shocking costs and failures of President Biden’s Gaza pier project.First, they react to former President Trump announcing a suspension of U.S. military operations against the Houthis, after the group pledged to cease attacks on ships near Yemen.  Is this the result of overwhelming U.S. force, a concession by the Iranians in hopes of reaching a nuclear deal, both, or something else?Next, they examine growing Republican anxiety about the 2026 U.S. Senate midterms. Top GOP recruits in Georgia and New Hampshire say they will not run and things look a bit shakier than expected for incumbents in three other states. So, are Republicans just overreacting or is there cause for concern?Finally, they vent over reports that 62 U.S. service personnel were injured in various ways while assigned to construct the pier designed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Adding insult to those injuries, the pier was only operational for a short time and much of the aid was stolen by terrorists and never given to the people in need.Please visit our great sponsors:This spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniFuture-proof business operations with NetSuite by Oracle. Visit https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI to download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.

Join Jim and Greg for Wednesday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss the mounting economic pressure on China from President Trump’s new tariffs, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision not to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff, and explosive findings that the Taliban is making billions selling abandoned U.S. weapons and vehicles to terrorists.First, they welcome reports that Trump’s 145 percent tariffs are already hitting China hard—forcing many companies to pull out of the U.S. market, threatening millions of Chinese jobs, and sparking public protests over unpaid wages. But will this lead to any major concessions from the communist leaders in Beijing?Next, they react to Gov. Kemp’s announcement that he won’t run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. Kemp matched up far better against Ossoff than any other likely Republican candidate. They examine why Kemp decided not to run and what the Senate race will look like without him.Finally, they unload on new findings from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), revealing that the Taliban is making billions by selling the military equipment the U.S. abandoned in Afghanistan to terror groups, including Al Qaeda affiliates. Jim and Greg blast both the Biden administration’s epic failures and empty promises, warning that this predictable disaster now poses grave new threats.Please visit our great sponsors:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. We’re all better with help. Visithttps://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month.This spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus anextra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniFuture-proof business operations with NetSuite by Oracle. Visit https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI todownload the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.

Join Jim and Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they dig into the New York Times’ latest attempt to undermine President Trump and congressional Republicans, Trump’s push to reopen Alcatraz as a federal prison, and Michelle Obama’s newest, tiresome complaints about life in the White House.First, they tear into the New York Times for framing the Congressional Review Act (CRA) as an “obscure” tool possibly being misused by Republicans to undo Biden-era regulations. The article warns readers that opponents can’t filibuster CRA rollbacks—something the left suddenly finds troubling now that Republicans control Congress. Jim dismantles the Times’ arguments, defends Trump’s use of the CRA, and calls out the media’s hypocritical coverage of these tactics.Next, they react to President Trump’s call to reopen Alcatraz as a prison for the nation’s most dangerous criminals. He also hints at sending criminal illegals there, blaming judges "that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals." Jim and Greg aren't sure that specifically rebuilding Alcatraz is the answer, but they do like the like of sending our worst criminals to places that will be remote and will become synonymous with a thoroughly miserable experience for the inmates. And some of their ideas for how to do this are out of this world.Finally, they roll their eyes at Michelle Obama’s latest White House grievances—this time about paying for their own private meals and also travel for their children when the president wasn’t with them. Jim and Greg are tired of how the Obamas continue to portray themselves as victims while enjoying elite status—but are enjoy seeing how their political influence continues to fade within the Democratic Party.Please visit our great sponsors:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. We’re all better with help. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month.This spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniFuture-proof business operations with NetSuite by Oracle. Visit https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI to download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they break down the surprising friction between House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a New Jersey Democrat’s eyebrow-raising success in the stock market since arriving in Congress, and a disingenuous left-wing media attack on Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman.Jim and Greg begin with new details surrounding National Security Adviser Mike Waltz’s departure before thoroughly enjoying the growing divide between Hakeem Jeffries and Nancy Pelosi. Jeffries is reportedly distancing himself and no longer seeking Pelosi’s counsel. This story has many delicious layers, but it clearly highlights a Democratic party that's still not sure where it's going.Next, they dig into the Washington Free Beacon’s investigation of New Jersey Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s improbable financial gains since joining Congress. Jim emphasizes how these stories deepen public distrust in government, while Greg notes the media’s pattern of downplaying financial controversies involving Democrats, from Whitewater to campaign fundraising scandals.Finally, they tackle New York magazine’s hit piece on Sen. John Fetterman, which raises questions about his health and personal life. Jim points out that these same outlets once claimed Fetterman was fit to serve shortly after suffering a major stroke and argues that the real reason for the shift is Fetterman’s willingness to buck his party on a tiny number of issues.Please visit our great sponsors:It’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://Hillsdale.edu/MartiniFatty15 is on a mission to help you live healthier, longer.  Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://Fatty15.com/3ML and use code 3ML at checkout.  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.

Join Jim and Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss the sudden exit of National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, a revived U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal following weeks of political drama, and President Trump’s admission that his tariff policies could mean fewer choices and higher prices for American consumers—at least in the short term.First, they’re shocked by the abrupt departure of both National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong. The move comes just weeks after Trump publicly defended Waltz during the Signal messaging controversy. Jim questions why this shake-up is happening so early in the term and expresses concern over who might replace Waltz.After this recording, Trump announced Waltz is being nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim National Security Adviser.Next, they cheer the U.S.-Ukraine agreement on critical minerals, which had been in doubt after a tense episode involving Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and Vice President J.D. Vance. Jim also notes a new State Department commitment of $50 million in military aid to Ukraine.Finally, they react to President Trump saying that his tariffs and other economic policies will ultimately strengthen the economy but that consumers might see fewer options and higher prices in the short term. Using the example of children having “two dolls instead of thirty,” Trump conceded there may be fewer options and slightly higher prices. Jim agrees the tariffs are putting pressure on China, which is good, but he warns that voters may balk at paying more for less.Please visit our great sponsors:It’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://Hillsdale.edu/MartiniThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniFatty15 is on a mission to help you live healthier, longer.  Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://Fatty15.com/3ML and use code 3ML at checkout. 

Join Jim and Greg for Thursday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they react to a new climate report that undercuts years of doomsday predictions, economic numbers that show a slight contraction in the first quarter, and the Democratic National Committee using identity politics in an attempt to oust David Hogg from party leadership.First, they spotlight a new study from the University of Exeter revealing that polar ice levels have remained largely stable over the past 20 years. The report supports research suggesting climate patterns are cyclical, with polar ice naturally growing and receding. Jim and Greg contrast these findings with decades of dire climate forecasts from Al Gore and others.Next, they break down the U.S. GDP decline of 0.3 percent in the first quarter. They explain how the drop was mainly caused by a surge in imports ahead of President Trump's tariffs. Without the rush of incoming goods, GDP likely would have risen more than three percent. What does this say about the current state of the U.S. economy and where it is headed?Finally, they have a lot of fun watching the Democratic National Committee turn to identity politics in it's latest, obvious attempt to run David Hogg out of its leadership. There is now a challenge to Hogg's election back in February. One of the candidates he defeated says the election process was unfair to women of color. Jim and Greg have some fun imagining what the DNC will look like if this woke approach is followed to its natural conclusion.Please visit our great sponsors:It’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://Hillsdale.edu/MartiniThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniIf 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.

Join Jim and Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they dig into the left winning in Canada again, progress and setbacks in the fight against the Houthis, and a congressional effort to rein in stock trades with the bluntly named PELOSI Act.First, they groan as Canada’s liberals notch another win, despite earlier signs the Conservative Party might be poised for huge gains. Some on the right blame former President Trump, arguing his tariff threats and repeated jabs about Canada being America’s 51st state rallied voters towards the Liberals But others say Canadians have only themselves to blame for re-electing the same people who badly damaged their country just because Trump made them angry.Next, they react to troubling developments in the Red Sea, where an American FA/18 fighter jet was lost as the USS Harry S. Truman evaded a Houthi missile strike. While no personnel have been harmed, the U.S. has lost seven drones in the region. On the positive side, CENTCOM also reports significant damage to critical Houthi infrastructure and the deaths of many leaders and fighters. Still, Jim is alarmed by how little attention this ongoing conflict gets from both the media and the Trump administration.Finally, they cheer on a bill aimed at banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks — and revel in the fact it’s called the PELOSI Act, a not-so-subtle jab at former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial financial dealings. But they also wonder if the bill’s name might need tweaking to get enough Democrats on board.Please visit our great sponsors:It’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://Hillsdale.edu/MartiniFatty15 is on a mission to help you live healthier, longer.  Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://Fatty15.com/3ML and use code 3ML at checkout.  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.

Join Jim and Greg for the latest 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss the FBI arresting a Wisconsin judge for helping an illegal alien evade ICE, Colorado Democrats moving to criminalize cooperation with ICE, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signaling a likely but probably futile 2028 presidential campaign.First, they break down the shocking story of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, who allegedly allowed a criminal illegal alien defendant to escape her courtroom through the jury door to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from taking him into custody. Democrats and the media are trying to portray Dugan’s arrest as political retaliation for opposing former President Trump’s immigration policies. Jim and Greg explain why that narrative is completely false.Next, they dive into Colorado’s efforts to punish government employees, school officials, and others who cooperate with ICE agents. Jim finds it amusing how the left, after years of demanding federal supremacy on immigration, now embraces state power when it suits their agenda. Greg points out that these first two martinis highlight an inescapable conclusion about many Democrats.Finally, they preview the likely 2028 presidential campaign of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Jim and Greg note the irony of the multi-billionaire governor trying to position himself as a populist while urging Democrats not to give Republicans a moment's peace. But they see many reasons why Pritzker's likely campaign will be a dud.Please visit our great sponsors:It’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://Hillsdale.edu/MartiniThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniFatty15 is on a mission to help you live healthier, longer.  Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://Fatty15.com/3ML and use code 3ML at checkout.  

Join Jim and Greg for this especial edition of the 3 Martini Lunch as they assess the first 100 days of President Trump's new administration. What have been the biggest successes? Where has the administration stumbled? And which moments have stood out as the most crazy in these early months?First, they highlight what they see as Trump's top achievements so far. Jim praises Trump for dramatically reducing illegal immigration at the southern border, calling it a clear promise kept and evidence that the Biden administration could have done the same. The effort to deport criminal illegals is significant too. Greg agrees the border is the biggest win and also commends Trump for restoring cultural sanity in keeping men out of women's sports and private changing areas, and for generally slamming the brakes on the cultural madness the Democrats have been pushing.Next, they explain what they see as the low points of Trump's first few months. Jim takes aim at the tariffs, the inconsistent messaging on them coming from Trump's top advisers, and the market volatility that has ensued. Greg wants to know why Trump has signed only five bills into law when the GOP controls both the House and Senate. Why isn't Congress doing more to move bills along on issues that the American people clearly support.Finally, they break down the craziest moments of the first 100 days. Jim focuses on the unhinged backlash from Democrats after Chuck Schumer caved on the government funding bill. Greg notes Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center and gets creative in thinking about the type of show that would really please Trump. Please visit our great sponsors:Cut through political bias with Ground News’s Vantage Plan—visit https://GroundNews.com/MARTINI to get 40% off for a limited time!Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.comThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Join Jim and Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they enjoy a rare all-good-news episode! Today, they discuss Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin finally hanging it up, major progress against terrorists, and the escalating fight between the DNC and David Hogg.First, Jim and Greg are glad to see Sen. Durbin announcing his retirement after next year. He's been on the wrong side of almost every issue for 30 years and he may be best remembered for some very ugly comments on the Senate floor. The sour side of this good martini is that Democrats will be heavy favorites to hold the seat.Next, they applaud a major counterterrorism success. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz reports that U.S. forces have eliminated 74 terrorist leaders in the first three months of the Trump administration. Additionally, 45 American hostages have been freed. Jim calls these significant victories but urges the administration to release more specifics to the public.Finally, they relish the growing turmoil inside the DNC. Chairman Ed Martin is preparing to demand that Vice Chair David Hogg stop backing primary challengers to Democratic incumbents or resign. But with Hogg promising combative primaries regardless of his role, Jim and Greg look forward to costly, divisive battles in Democratic primaries across the country.Please visit our great sponsors:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first monthCut through political bias with Ground News’s Vantage Plan—visit https://GroundNews.com/MARTINI to get 40% off for a limited time!This spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini