Newt's World

Episode 944: America 250 – Jonathan Turley on “Rage and the Republic”

Newt talks with Jonathan Turley, a prominent legal scholar and author, about his new book, "Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution," Turley, who holds the Shapiro Chair for Public Interest Law at George Washington University Law School, explores the unique origins of American democracy and its potential to endure in the 21st century. His book delves into the American Revolution through the perspective of Thomas Paine, highlighting his transformation from a failed individual to a pivotal figure in the revolution. Turley contrasts the American and French Revolutions, emphasizing the role of rage in sparking revolutions and the importance of channeling that rage into productive outcomes, as seen in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Their discussion also touches on contemporary challenges, such as the rise of socialism and the impact of AI and robotics on employment, stressing the need to preserve the values that have historically underpinned American success. Turley expresses optimism about America's ability to navigate these challenges, contrasting it with the European Union's bureaucratic struggles. They conclude with reflections on America's continuous evolution and the enduring opportunities it offers for individual advancement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 943: MELANIA

Newt talks with Marc Beckman, producer of the new documentary film “Melania” and Melania Trump’s senior advisor and agent for more than 25 years. The film, directed by Brett Ratner, offers an intimate look into the life of Melania Trump, focusing on her role as First Lady and her relationship with President Trump. The film follows her for 20 days leading up to the inauguration on January 20, 2025, and has broken box office records in its first week in theaters. “Melania” aims to provide a groundbreaking visual and sonic experience, diverging from traditional documentary film formats. It features a first-class production team, including two Oscar-winning cinematographers, and a diverse soundtrack with artists like The Rolling Stones and Elvis. The film captures significant moments, such as Mrs. Trump reflecting on her immigrant experience during the inauguration, and her involvement in initiatives like the “Take It Down Act” and foster care reform. Mrs. Trump’s commitment to her family and work ethic is emphasized, with insights into her dedication to her role as First Lady and her involvement in various philanthropic efforts. The film’s success has led to plans for a docuseries to further explore her life, showcasing her as a figure who transcends the traditional role of First Lady.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 942: The New Fed Chair – Kevin Warsh

Newt talks with Thomas Hoenig, a former Federal Reserve official and Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Mercatus Center, about the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve. President Trump’s decision has sparked discussion on Warsh's economic policies. Warsh, known for his hawkish views, is concerned about national debt and quantitative easing, which may lead to tighter policies than President Trump desires. Hoenig believes Warsh is a good choice due to his understanding of markets and fiscal policies, although he will face pressure to implement rate cuts. The independence of the Federal Reserve is emphasized, with Warsh expected to maintain a balance between being friendly to the President and upholding the Fed's independence. His nomination has influenced market behavior, with significant drops in gold and silver prices, reflecting expectations of tighter monetary policy under Warsh. The political landscape is also affected, with discussions on the potential challenges Warsh might face in the Senate confirmation process and the implications of ongoing legal cases involving Federal Reserve officials. The role of the Federal Reserve in the economy is highlighted, with its policies significantly impacting inflation, interest rates, and overall economic stability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 941: Chad Wolf on ICE in Minneapolis

Newt talks with Chad Wolf, Chair of America First Policy Institute's Homeland Security and Immigration division, about the recent events in Minnesota, particularly focusing on immigration enforcement and the role of ICE. Their discussion highlights the challenges faced by ICE in Minneapolis due to local sanctuary policies and the rhetoric from local leaders, which have led to increased violence and danger for ICE officers. Tom Homan, a veteran with over 30 years of experience in immigration enforcement, has been deployed to Minnesota to address these issues. His efforts focus on reducing tensions and ensuring ICE can perform targeted operations to remove dangerous criminals. Their conversation also covers the political climate in Minnesota, where a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security has been filed, challenging ICE's operations. Wolf contrasts Minnesota's approach with that of Florida, where there is cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE, leading to more effective immigration enforcement. Wolf also covers the broader implications of immigration policies under different administrations, with a focus on the Trump administration's efforts to secure the border and reduce illegal entries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 940: Xi Van Fleet on “Made in America”

Newt talks with Xi Van Fleet about her new book, “Made in America: The Hidden History of How the U.S. Enabled Communist China and Created Our Greatest Threat” co-authored with Yu Jie. Her book explores the historical connections between the United States and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), emphasizing the role of the U.S. in enabling China's current global ambitions. Xi is a prominent anti-communist voice and gained national attention with a speech to the Loudoun County, Virginia school board comparing critical race theory to Mao's cultural revolution, highlighting the dangers of Marxist ideologies in America. They discuss the parallels between identity politics in the U.S, and class divisions in Maoist China, warning of the potential loss of freedom if these ideologies continue to spread. They also discuss the indoctrination occurring within American educational institutions. They conclude with concerns about the CCP's influence, and the internal threats posed by communist ideologies within the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.