Tariffs and Markets Perspective, Exclusive Info From Nashville Shooter's Journals, and American Held in Russia, with Victor Davis Hanson and Chris van Heerden | Ep. 1043
Apr 7, 2025
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Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, shares insights on the Nashville shooter’s disturbing journals, reflecting on societal issues linked to gender identity. He discusses the economic disconnect between elites and the working class amid Trump's tariffs. Former boxing champion Chris van Heerden reveals the harrowing story of his girlfriend, Ksenia Karolina, wrongfully imprisoned in Russia for a small donation. He highlights the dire conditions she faces and advocates for her release amidst political frustrations.
The writings from the Nashville shooter's journals reveal deep obsessions with gender identity and race that were omitted from police reports.
Victor Davis Hanson highlights the disconnect between affluent conservatives and the working class's focus on trade fairness over market fluctuations.
Ksenia Karolina's case exemplifies the dangers of political repression in Russia, where a charitable act can lead to treason charges.
Chris Van Heerden underscores the importance of public advocacy for wrongful detentions, urging continued awareness and support for Ksenia's plight.
Deep dives
The Arrest of Ksenia Karolina
Ksenia Karolina, a 33-year-old dual Russian-American citizen, was arrested in Russia after making a $51 donation to a U.S. nonprofit that aids children and the elderly displaced by the Ukraine war. Upon her arrival in Yekaterinburg to visit family, she was interrogated for 16 hours at the airport, where authorities seized her phone and discovered her donation via Venmo. This led to her being falsely charged with treason, as Russian officials claimed her donation funded the enemy state. This drastic escalation from a simple charitable act to serious treason charges illustrates the severe political climate and the use of legal tactics to suppress dissent.
The Impact of Political Climate
The case of Ksenia highlights the broader implications of current Russian political repression, particularly since these treason laws were intensified in 2023. The Russian government, under Vladimir Putin, has been known to selectively enforce laws to stifle opposition, especially against dual citizens or those with ties to the West. Ksenia's treatment exemplifies how political motives can obscure the most basic human rights. Her situation reflects the harsh realities faced by many under authoritarian regimes where legal protections are often non-existent.
Legal Representation Challenges
Ksenia initially retained a lawyer in Russia whose advice resulted in her pleading guilty to treason to potentially receive a lighter sentence. However, this lawyer was reportedly more aligned with the Russian state's interests than with defending her rights. Faced with inadequate legal counsel and a biased judicial system, Ksenia's plea led to a 12-year sentence rather than the expected five years. This underscores how legal representation in oppressive political climates can compromise a defendant's chance for justice.
Detention Conditions
Conditions in the Russian penal system are notoriously harsh, and Ksenia is subjected to long hours of labor, often standing for extended periods and limited access to basic amenities. Reports indicate she works from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., enduring harsh physical demands and receiving inadequate medical care for developing health issues, including leg pain and possible seizures. Her ability to maintain her physical well-being is severely compromised, and she often resorts to makeshift hygiene methods due to limited facilities. This brutal environment is particularly distressing given that her only offense was a minor donation made in the United States.
Advocacy for Ksenia
Chris Van Yerden, Ksenia's partner, is actively advocating for her release and engaging with U.S. government officials to raise awareness about her wrongful detention. He emphasizes that Ksenia is a compassionate person who has always put others first, contrasting her character with the charges against her. Despite the complexity of the geopolitical situation, Chris maintains optimism, believing that various notable figures, including former President Trump, have the ability to influence her return. His efforts highlight the importance of public advocacy in cases of wrongful imprisonment and the need for continued pressure on governments to act.
U.S. Government Response
The U.S. government has designated Ksenia as wrongfully detained, a status that could facilitate diplomatic efforts for her release. Chris discusses the challenges of navigating the political landscape, as there are various criteria that need to be met for such a designation to be granted. He has expressed frustration with the slow response from the Biden administration but has found some support from individuals within it. The complexity of international negotiations around Russia requires patience and persistence, particularly as advocates work to ensure Ksenia's circumstances remain in the public eye.
The Need for Continuous Awareness
Awareness around Ksenia's predicament is vital in maintaining public pressure for her release. Chris urges supporters to visit the advocacy website, Free Ksenia, to help keep her story alive in the media and rally broader public support. The battle for her freedom highlights the intersection of personal tragedy and larger geopolitical issues, reminding us of the individual lives affected by political decisions. As Ksenia's health deteriorates in captivity, the urgency for action becomes increasingly pronounced.
Implications of a Changing Political Landscape
The overall state of Ksenia's situation illustrates the dangers posed by deteriorating international relations, particularly between the U.S. and Russia. As diplomatic tensions rise, individuals like Ksenia can become collateral damage in the political gamesmanship of nations. The hope is that with rising tensions, there is still a possibility for negotiation and release, demonstrating the potential influence of advocacy and international attention on the plight of wrongfully detained individuals. The ongoing discussion about her case highlights the need for global solidarity and action to protect human rights.
Megyn Kelly reveals exclusive new details from the Nashville school shooter’s journals, what we can learn about the killer's obsession with gender identity and race, why we believe it's in the public's interest to know what was written and what was left out of the final Nashville police report, and more. Plus Victor Davis Hanson, author of "The End of Everything," joins to discuss President Trump’s tariff plan and the volatile media and market reaction today, why it’s important to take a deep breath and gain some perspective, what the goal actually is and why it's a slow process, the disconnect between rich conservatives and the working class, why the working class is more focused on trade fairness and employment opportunities than what happens in the stock market, how the Democratic Party has shifted towards representing elite interests, unhinged, self-important leftists freaking out about Trump and Elon, their narcissistic speeches at the weekend rallies, George Conway crying over Trump and his relationship with law firms, and more. Then Chris van Heerden, whose girlfriend is wrongfully detained in Russia, joins to discuss what led to his girlfriend being stuck in Russian prison for a 12 year sentence, how it was all over a $51 donation, the horrible conditions she's living in now, how he's hopeful about the Trump administration and his frustrating experience with the Biden administration, how Peter Berg and Dana White are helping, and more.
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