U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt on The Last Line of Defense

Aug 22, 2025

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This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt to discuss his new book, The Last Line of Defense: How to Beat the Left in Court. Senator Schmitt also shares his perspective on President Trump bringing peace around the world and highlights his success in securing a historic FBI investment to combat violent crime in St. Louis. Next, Mariam Wahba of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies unpacks Egypt's war against the world's oldest Christian monastery, the country's record-setting gas deal with Israel, and the rising threat of antisemitic attacks to U.S. national security. Then, Matthew Putnam of the National Taxpayers Union joins to discuss his article, Don't Undermine 40 Years of Success with Tax Hikes. We wrap up with financial expert Gary Gygi, who breaks down today's markets and what comes next. It's an episode you won't want to miss.

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About our guest:

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt is a sixth-generation Missourian who grew up in a working-class family in Bridgeton, Missouri. Inspired by his father's work ethic and his son Stephen's health challenges, Schmitt entered public service to fight for families like his own. He has served as State Senator, State Treasurer, Attorney General, and now as U.S. Senator for Missouri. As Attorney General, he launched initiatives to combat violent crime, address the opioid crisis, and bring justice to victims of sexual assault. In the Senate, Schmitt serves on the Judiciary, Armed Services, and Commerce Committees, where he continues to focus on protecting free speech, securing the border, and strengthening American energy independence.

Mariam Wahba is a research analyst at FDD focused on Egypt and minorities in the Middle East. Previously, she served with FDD's communications team where she booked experts and helped stand up FDD's Arabic X and Instagram accounts. Before coming to FDD, Mariam was the associate director of advocacy with the Philos Project, a Hertog political science fellow, a Tikvah Fund journalism fellow, and a policy associate at In Defense of Christians. She graduated from Fordham University with a BA in Middle East studies, Arabic, and Jewish studies. Born and raised in Egypt, she is a Coptic Christian and an advocate for the persecuted church. Mariam is also the co-founder of American-ish, a digital platform aimed at highlighting ethno-religious minorities of the Middle East and promoting American values.

Matthew Putnam is an Associate of External Affairs with National Taxpayers Union and National Taxpayers Union Foundation. In this role, he works with donors and on strategic partnerships. Originally from Florida, Matthew attended Florida State University and graduated with bachelor's degrees in international affairs and history. Prior to working at NTU, Matthew worked with a small tech-startup based in Washington, DC. Outside of NTU, Matthew also works at the DC institution Red Derby. He enjoys cooking and both watching and playing soccer in DC and Virginia.

Mr. Gary Gygi was hired by the Investment firm Dean Witter (became Morgan Stanley) after college and worked for the firm for about 15 years. During this time he achieved the position of First Vice President, Investment and branch manager of the Midvale, Utah office. Mr. Gygi won numerous sales awards and held the position of Branch Managed Money Coordinator and Branch Insurance Coordinator. Mr. Gygi left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to join the Investment management firm of Smoot Miller Cheney (later became SMC Capital) as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Gygi holds a dual registration so while affiliating with Smoot Miller Cheney; he also was a registered rep with Independent broker/dealer WBB Securities, LLC. In 2008, Mr. Gygi left SMC Capital to found Gygi Capital Management as President and CEO. Gygi Capital serves the Institutional and individual marketplace with investment management solutions. Gygi Capital is a State regulated Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Cedar Hills, Utah. Gygi affiliates with Union Capital Co. which is an independent broker/dealer firm.