Cartel Violence and Fentanyl Crisis

Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, guest-hosted by David Rutherford, retired Navy SEAL, CIA contractor, and motivational speaker, delivers a dynamic blend of national security analysis, leadership insights, and holiday inspiration. Rutherford kicks off the hour with an exclusive interview featuring Jared Hudson, fellow Navy SEAL, elite firearms instructor, anti-human trafficking advocate, and candidate for U.S. Senate in Alabama. Their conversation centers on critical global and domestic issues, beginning with President Trump’s recent directive for precision strikes against ISIS affiliates in Nigeria to protect persecuted Christians. Hudson strongly supports the move, calling it a moral and strategic necessity to defend freedom and counter terrorism in partnership with allied governments.

The discussion then shifts to America’s battle against fentanyl and cartel violence, highlighting Senator Mike Lee’s proposed Cartel Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act, which would authorize private citizens to target cartel assets abroad. Hudson draws on his law enforcement and counter-trafficking experience to underscore the devastating impact of fentanyl on U.S. communities and advocates for proactive measures beyond U.S. borders to stop the flow of drugs before they reach American streets. He outlines his vision for governance rooted in constitutional principles, pledging to fight for lower costs, infrastructure development, and codification of Trump’s policies if elected to the Senate. Hudson emphasizes restoring accountability, protecting sovereignty, and strengthening America’s free-market foundation while standing firmly with President Trump.

From policy to culture, Rutherford and Hudson explore the importance of authentic leadership, praising JD Vance for his recent SEAL-style physical training in Coronado as a morale booster for service members. Hudson vows to go even further—training alongside troops and even joining operations if permitted—symbolizing a hands-on approach to leadership rarely seen in Washington.

The hour transitions into interactive listener segments, featuring two call-in challenges:

“What kit and crew would you choose for cartel raids under the Marque and Reprisal Act?” Callers respond with creative, humorous scenarios, from assembling teams with JD Vance, Pete Hegseth, and Hulk Hogan to deploying Elon Musk’s drone technology for precision strikes.

“What act of kindness did you witness or perform this holiday season?” Stories range from paying forward at drive-thrus to covering for an embarrassed mother in public, and a touching account of a caller tipping fast-food workers $40 on Christmas Day. Rutherford uses these examples to reinforce his core message: small gestures of compassion can transform lives and restore hope.

Closing the hour, Rutherford delivers an impassioned monologue on living a Christ-like life through service, sacrifice, and kindness. He urges listeners to embrace empathy amid societal division, citing his nonprofit work with the Operator Syndrome Foundation and his mission to help veterans and first responders overcome mental health challenges. He emphasizes that kindness costs nothing yet yields immeasurable impact, aligning with the true spirit of Christmas and the values that sustain America’s strength.

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