The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Feb 23 2026

Team USA Buck celebrates Team USA’s historic Olympic triumph in men’s ice hockey, defeating Canada to win the gold medal for the first time since 1980. He plays audio from star player Jack Hughes, whose comments about loving the United States set the patriotic vibe of the hour. Buck brings in the show’s two hockey‑obsessed producers to offer expert commentary, recap the game, and revel in both the men's and women’s U.S. hockey teams winning gold. The crew recalls fan reactions and the cultural significance of a rare Olympic sweep over Canada in a sport the Canadians are known to dominate. Cost of Illegal Immigration President Trump’s Angel Families remembrance event at the White House. Buck opens the hour by describing the ceremony honoring families whose loved ones were killed by individuals in the country illegally, highlighting Trump’s commitment to giving these families a national voice despite media outlets and Democratic politicians who routinely downplay or ignore the connection between illegal immigration and violent crime. Buck explains how political rhetoric has shifted from referring to “illegal aliens” to softer, euphemistic terms like “undocumented immigrants,” which he argues is intentional linguistic manipulation designed to weaken border‑security arguments. Buck plays and analyzes Trump’s remarks, including his criticism of politicians who prioritize the comfort of foreign criminals over the safety of American citizens. Trump tells the families that their pain has been censored and suppressed for political purposes, and Buck emphasizes that mainstream media has long focused exclusively on sympathetic narratives about DREAMers while burying the far more numerous cases involving repeat‑offender illegal immigrants responsible for homicide, DUIs, assaults, and other serious crimes. Buck revisits the longstanding political debate around illegal immigration, arguing that many immigration advocates refuse to admit any downsides at all—and that Trump, unlike his predecessors, is openly confronting the reality of violent crimes committed by those who should not be in the country. Let Him Cook Buck revisits the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling from the prior week, explaining how the Court said the president could not use IEEPA to raise tariff revenue, prompting Trump to pivot immediately to other legal authorities. He outlines Trump’s response: a temporary global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (10% and then 15%) and continued enforcement via existing Section 232 and Section 301 measures. The discussion highlights Treasury Secretary Scott Besson’s defense of the program—arguing tariffs have helped rebalance trade, reduce the goods deficit, and catalyze factory reshoring—while Buck notes the broader economy’s resilience despite dire predictions from establishment economists. Men vs. Women Buck critiques CA Governor Gavin Newsom’s appeal to a largely Black audience by calling himself a “960 SAT” guy who “can’t read,” calling it clumsy identity‑politics pandering. He also breaks down Newsom’s CNN comments on trans athletes, where Newsom urges Democrats to be more “culturally normal” and to find “nuance” in competitive sports—Buck argues this hedging won’t resolve the core fairness issue of biological males competing in women’s sports, which he says remains electorally damaging for Democrats. He situates that debate within a larger critique of gender ideology, contending that enforced denial of basic biology becomes a political loyalty test the Left uses to consolidate power. 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 - Bring Back Old School Books!

Hour 1 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show opens with Buck hosting solo while Clay is out, and the program immediately dives into a packed news cycle. The hour begins with international coverage as Buck explains rising tensions in Mexico after a major cartel leader was killed during a joint U.S.–Mexico operation. He emphasizes that the cartel conflict is escalating and sets the stage for deeper analysis later in the program. The tone quickly shifts to a patriotic highlight as Buck celebrates Team USA’s historic Olympic triumph in men’s ice hockey, defeating Canada to win the gold medal for the first time since 1980. He plays audio from star player Jack Hughes, whose comments about loving the United States set the patriotic vibe of the hour. Buck brings in the show’s two hockey‑obsessed producers to offer expert commentary, recap the game, and revel in both the men's and women’s U.S. hockey teams winning gold. The crew recalls fan reactions and the cultural significance of a rare Olympic sweep over Canada in a sport the Canadians are known to dominate. The hour then pivots sharply to breaking domestic news: an armed intruder was shot and killed at Mar‑a‑Lago after reportedly scaling a fence while carrying a shotgun and gasoline. Buck notes that the president was not present at the time but expresses deep frustration at the escalating pattern of assassination attempts and threats against President Trump. He recounts how Trump has survived previous attempts, including being shot in the ear in a prior incident, and highlights that the press does not give enough attention to the bravery, composure, and risk Trump continues to face. Buck also warns that the country should expect continued threats and urges listeners to “say a prayer” for the president and those responsible for his protection. Buck transitions to a lighter segment celebrating sports moments from the past year, including Indiana University’s football national championship, and shares humorous stories about his own childhood attempts at hockey and the challenges of wearing oversized helmets. He reflects on the iconic toughness of hockey players, joking about players losing teeth and cheerfully continuing the game. The show then revisits the topic of U.S.–Israel relations, with Buck discussing recent interviews and rising global antisemitism. He encourages listeners—particularly Christian supporters of Israel—to reaffirm their commitment to standing against hostility and supporting Jewish communities worldwide. From there, Buck focuses on a viral political story involving California governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom, speaking to a predominantly Black audience in Georgia, claimed he was “like them” because he scored a 960 on the SAT and “can’t read” due to dyslexia. Buck argues this was a transparent attempt to play identity politics and victimhood for political gain, calling the comments condescending and politically clumsy. He explains why Democrats rarely face consequences for such missteps, emphasizing that party loyalty and ideology overshadow personal gaffes. The hour includes Buck’s extended critique of Newsom’s new book tour, his presidential ambitions, and the hypocrisy of ghost‑written political memoirs. The hour closes with listener call‑ins about Buck’s book Manufacturing Delusion and a discussion of the psychological concept of “menticide,” explored in the book. Buck explains how modern society is vulnerable to mass manipulation—citing COVID responses, climate rhetoric, and gender ideology as examples of collective delusion shaped by institutional power. He emphasizes that maintaining mental freedom is essential to preserving democracy and rule of law. 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 - Cost of Illegal Immigration 

Hour 2 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show focuses heavily on immigration, cartel violence, national security, and the human cost of illegal immigration, anchored by President Trump’s Angel Families remembrance event at the White House. Buck opens the hour by describing the ceremony honoring families whose loved ones were killed by individuals in the country illegally, highlighting Trump’s commitment to giving these families a national voice despite media outlets and Democratic politicians who routinely downplay or ignore the connection between illegal immigration and violent crime. Buck explains how political rhetoric has shifted from referring to “illegal aliens” to softer, euphemistic terms like “undocumented immigrants,” which he argues is intentional linguistic manipulation designed to weaken border‑security arguments. Buck plays and analyzes Trump’s remarks, including his criticism of politicians who prioritize the comfort of foreign criminals over the safety of American citizens. Trump tells the families that their pain has been censored and suppressed for political purposes, and Buck emphasizes that mainstream media has long focused exclusively on sympathetic narratives about DREAMers while burying the far more numerous cases involving repeat‑offender illegal immigrants responsible for homicide, DUIs, assaults, and other serious crimes. Buck revisits the longstanding political debate around illegal immigration, arguing that many immigration advocates refuse to admit any downsides at all—and that Trump, unlike his predecessors, is openly confronting the reality of violent crimes committed by those who should not be in the country. The discussion expands into broader immigration policy history, including failures by both Republican and Democratic administrations, the border surge under Biden, and the strain illegal immigration places on city budgets, social‑service systems, and local communities. Buck points out that Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s relocation of migrants to sanctuary cities effectively exposed the myth that illegal immigrants are an unambiguous benefit, noting how quickly cities like New York and Chicago became overwhelmed when confronted with the consequences of their own pro‑migrant policies. Midway through the hour, Buck shifts to another major national‑security story: the dramatic takedown of a top Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader known as “El Chopo.” He explains that the U.S. and Mexican governments jointly targeted the cartel boss—who carried a staggering $15 million bounty—and that his killing triggered extreme retaliation across Mexico. Buck walks through the subsequent wave of violence, including torched buses, blocked highways, burning storefronts, and canceled flights as cartel gunmen flooded the streets in Guadalajara and major resort regions. He describes CJNG as one of the most ultraviolent criminal organizations in the world, involved in everything from fentanyl smuggling and human trafficking to extortion, oil theft, and mass murder. Buck draws parallels between CJNG’s brutality and terrorist networks like ISIS or Al‑Qaeda, arguing that cartels operate as hybrid criminal‑terrorist armies with soldiers, command structures, and paramilitary capabilities. He stresses that their primary revenue stream is fentanyl sold in the United States—and that tens of thousands of Americans die each year as a direct result. He praises the Trump administration’s aggressive posture against cartels, speculating that the U.S. may be preparing to escalate direct action against cartel leadership, including covert strikes similar to counterterrorism operations in Pakistan’s tribal regions. Buck also questions the Mexican government’s willingness or ability to fight the cartels, noting widespread corruption, the cartels’ financial influence, and a political climate that often prioritizes avoiding confrontation. The hour concludes with listener talk‑backs, including comments about Buck’s book Manufacturing Delusion, frustrations with bookstores burying it, and questions about paperback availability. Buck circles back to America’s Olympic hockey victories, the broader fight against cartels, and Trump’s ongoing national‑security efforts, setting the stage for a busy final hour. 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 - Let Him Cook 

Hour 3 opens with Buck Sexton solo‑hosting and hitting rapid‑fire headlines before a deeper dive into law, national security, and 2026 election politics. He leads with a patriotic recap of Team USA’s Olympic men’s hockey gold, praising Jack Hughes and the grit of a player who finished the game with a broken front tooth—framing the win as a unifying, USA‑first sports moment. From there, the tone shifts to security: Buck details the armed intruder shot and killed at Mar‑a‑Lago, emphasizing the persistent, elevated threats against President Trump and crediting the Secret Service’s swift response. Buck then revisits the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling from the prior week, explaining how the Court said the president could not use IEEPA to raise tariff revenue, prompting Trump to pivot immediately to other legal authorities. He outlines Trump’s response: a temporary global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (10% and then 15%) and continued enforcement via existing Section 232 and Section 301 measures. The discussion highlights Treasury Secretary Scott Besson’s defense of the program—arguing tariffs have helped rebalance trade, reduce the goods deficit, and catalyze factory reshoring—while Buck notes the broader economy’s resilience despite dire predictions from establishment economists. Staying on national security, Buck tracks breaking developments in the war on cartels. After reviewing the weekend operation that killed a top Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) boss with a $15 million bounty, he reports a same‑day kinetic strike destroying a narco‑terrorist boat in the Caribbean, with no U.S. casualties. He describes CJNG as a hybrid criminal‑terrorist organization driving fentanyl trafficking into U.S. cities and warns that, under Trump, expect more direct and persistent counter‑cartel action—covert and overt—to disrupt supply chains that fuel overdoses, gang violence, and corruption. On the legal front at home, Buck highlights a win for Trump in the classified documents case: Judge Aileen Cannon blocked public release of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s extensive report, citing grand jury secrecy and the presumption of innocence. Buck frames it as part of a broader pattern where legal efforts aimed at stopping Trump have “backfired,” noting the former president’s durability—from surviving multiple indictments to resuming campaigning after being shot. The hour turns to 2026 election messaging and culture war dynamics through the lens of Gavin Newsom. Buck critiques Newsom’s appeal to a largely Black audience by calling himself a “960 SAT” guy who “can’t read,” calling it clumsy identity‑politics pandering. He also breaks down Newsom’s CNN comments on trans athletes, where Newsom urges Democrats to be more “culturally normal” and to find “nuance” in competitive sports—Buck argues this hedging won’t resolve the core fairness issue of biological males competing in women’s sports, which he says remains electorally damaging for Democrats. He situates that debate within a larger critique of gender ideology, contending that enforced denial of basic biology becomes a political loyalty test the Left uses to consolidate power. Throughout, Buck weaves audience engagement and light personal moments—mentioning he’s recovering from a bug, joking about Pedialyte, and closing with a warm story about his dog “Ginger Spice” staying by his side—before previewing Clay’s return tomorrow. In sum, Hour 3 blends tariff policy, Supreme Court fallout, border and cartel warfare, Trump legal battles, election‑year culture fights, and patriotic Olympic victories—a full‑spectrum snapshot of the show’s politics‑plus‑culture formula. 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.

It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind America’s Transgender Debate: New Polls Reveal a Growing Political Divide

On this episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the latest polling data shaking up the political landscape—and exposing deep divisions within the Democratic coalition and the broader American public. Drawing on a national survey of over 3,000 registered voters, Ryan walks through the numbers on key transgender-related policies, including youth medical treatments, school sports participation, and bathroom access laws. The data tells a striking story: while Republican voters remain largely unified, Democratic voters are increasingly split—raising serious questions about messaging, priorities, and the future of the culture war. Ryan explores why public opinion appears to be shifting, how activists and media figures are responding to inconvenient data, and what this means for upcoming elections. Plus, Ryan offers a strategic warning to Republicans: even when the numbers are on your side, winning campaigns require more than a single issue. From polling insights to political strategy, this episode delivers a data-driven look at one of the most contentious debates in America today. EMAIL RYANFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.