9/18/24 Max Blumenthal on the Second Trump Assassination Attempt
Sep 20, 2024
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Max Blumenthal, a prominent journalist known for his provocative investigations, returns to discuss Ryan Routh, a man with a dubious criminal history linked to an alleged assassination attempt on Trump. The conversation uncovers Routh's unusual activities tied to the Ukraine conflict and examines the radical ideologies that may have fueled his actions. They also critique media narratives around political violence, explore the implications of U.S. foreign policy, and highlight the importance of investigative journalism in revealing the truth behind national security issues.
Ryan Routh's extensive criminal history and alarming recruitment in Ukraine highlight the troubling intersections between individual extremism and international conflict.
Routh's manifesto underscores the potential influence of US political rhetoric on radicalization, raising critical questions about the consequences of foreign policy narratives.
Deep dives
Profile of a Disturbed Individual
Ryan Ralph, the individual who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, had a lengthy criminal history with 74 arrests, including incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. His notable actions included barricading himself with an assault weapon in a standoff with authorities in 2002. Despite his troubling past, he was able to travel to Ukraine during the conflict and positioned himself as a recruiter for the international legion with alarming ease. He published a 291-page manifesto on Amazon, revealing extremist views that echoed neoconservative sentiments and expressed intentions to incite violence against both Trump and Putin.
Connections to US Intelligence
There are significant concerns regarding Ralph's connections to US intelligence and law enforcement, as he had been under the FBI's radar for illegal weapon possession. Following his activities in Ukraine, he maintained a visible presence and reportedly had interactions with various international mercenaries and questionable individuals. The potential for him to have been groomed by an intelligence agency raises questions about the degree of monitoring he experienced. This scenario parallels historical cases where the FBI has been accused of instigating criminal acts, warranting a deeper investigation into Ralph's background and motivations.
Impact of Rhetoric and Foreign Policy
Ralph's actions have sparked a wider dialogue about the implications of US foreign policy, especially concerning Ukraine. His manifesto reveals a dangerous alignment with expressed sentiments in US political discourse that advocate for aggressive action against Russia and domestic figures opposing military involvement. Observers suggest that rising tensions and inflammatory rhetoric might have contributed to radicalizing individuals like Ralph. As discussions surrounding violent extremism and political impact evolve, questions remain about how such narratives contribute to actions deemed as blowback against US policies.
Scott brings Max Blumenthal back on the show to discuss everything he’s learned about the second would-be Trump assassin, Ryan Routh. Blumenthal lays out Routh’s extensive criminal background and explains all the strange details about his activities in Ukraine.
Discussed on the show:
“Alleged would-be Trump assassin recruited for Ukraine’s International Legion” (The Grayzone)