3 Martini Lunch

Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch as they assess apparent progress on multiple issues with Panama and Mexico, escalating trade tensions with Canada, and Democrats looking unserious as they choose new leadership.First, they cheer Panama’s decision not to renew its Belt & Road partnership with China, signaling reduced Chinese influence at the Panama Canal. They’re also pleased to see Secretary of State Marco Rubio secure commitments to curb illegal immigration coming our way through Latin America. Plus, they highlight Trump envoy Ric Grenell’s successful trip to Venezuela, where he secured the release of six American hostages and a pledge—however dubious—from Venezuela to accept deported criminals. They also welcome the U.S. decision to pause tariffs on Mexico after Mexico agreed to strengthen border security.Next, they analyze the deepening U.S.-Canada trade dispute as Trump imposes 25% tariffs and Canada retaliates. Will the two nations move towards a deal like the U.S. and Mexico, or will tensions persist? Jim also explains how tariffs and trade wars impact American consumers.Finally, Democrats elect new party leaders, with Minnesota’s Ken Martin leading the DNC and gun control activist David Hogg securing a vice-chair role. Jim argues these choices show Democrats have no plans to change course despite last year’s electoral setbacks.Please visit our great sponsors:Netsuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINISee what is next for your business with the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning free when you go to NetSuite.com/MARTINI.   Omaha Steaks https://www.OmahaSteaks.com/3MLGo to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com/3ML to subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF for the life of your subscription. Minimum purchase may apply. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!

Join Jim and Greg on this episode of the 3 Martini Lunch as they dive into a chaotic Democratic National Committee chairman debate, the political finger-pointing following the deadly Potomac crash, and Tulsi Gabbard’s contentious confirmation hearings to become Director of National Intelligence.First, they analyze the delightfully disastrous DNC chairman debate, where every candidate seems to have missed the lessons of the 2024 election. Each candidate for DNC chairman agreed that racism and misogyny were key factors in Kamala Harris losing the election. If that weren't enough, the forum was also repeatedly interrupted by demonstrators accusing Democrats of being too cozy with Big Oil. Next, they discuss the immediate blame game following the tragic midair collision between a regional airliner and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter. Jim and Greg express frustration as both sides of the aisle politicize the disaster—Democrats blame Trump for firing the head of TSA and other officials, while Trump points to Biden-era DEI policies at the FAA. Jim and Greg agree that prioritizing DEI for those positions is dangerous but wonder why Trump was pushing that issue right away without public evidence that it was a factor in this case.Finally, they examine Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence. Jim highlights her recent shift on several key issues, ranging from Trump's strike on Soleimani to Edward Snowden. However, they agree that significant changes are necessary in U.S. intelligence leadership after years of partisanship and disinformation, particularly from figures like James Clapper and John Brennan.

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim in this episode of the 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they discuss the tragic midair collision between an airliner and a military helicopter over the Potomac River, President Trump’s new executive order on school choice, and how the far left's attacks on Detroit's mayor might end up helping him get elected governor.First, they discuss the deadly crash between a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter and a commercial airliner near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Tragically, all 64 passengers and crew aboard the plane, as well as all three soldiers on the helicopter, lost their lives. Scot and Greg explore the details of the disaster, try to resist jumping to conclusions, and reflect on the bravery of the first responders who worked tirelessly in search of survivors.Next, they dive into President Trump’s newly signed executive order aimed at expanding school choice across the nation. This executive order directs various cabinet departments to provide grants to states, empowering parents with the financial means to send their children to schools of their choice. Scot and Greg discuss how this order increases educational freedom for families but also whether this movement might come with some unintended consequences.Finally, Scot and Greg consider Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s response to attacks from far-left groups over his use of the term "illegal immigrants." Duggan, who says he welcomes immigrants while cooperating with federal authorities on illegal immigration enforcement, is defending his words and actions. Duggan is also running as an independent for Governor of Michigan in 2026, and Scot says this absurd criticism can only help Duggan's campaign.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they dive into three key issues: the debut of the new White House Press Secretary, the manipulative tactics of anti-Trump bureaucrats, and California Democrats' wanting to let people sue energy companies for natural disasters.First, they praise new White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for her polished performance, sharp policy explanations, and ability to spar with reporters without heavy reliance on notes—offering a sharp contrast to Karine Jean-Pierre. Jim and Greg also highlight how many in the press corps immediately shift from lapdogs to pit bulls when a Republican administration comes in.Next, they expose how left-wing bureaucrats intentionally misinterpret Trump’s executive orders to generate bad press or force policy reversals. Examples include the U.S. Air Force claiming it would stop teaching about the Tuskegee Airmen due to Trump's DEI directives and the confusion over the  federal spending freeze.Finally, they analyze California Democrats’ push to let residents sue energy companies for damages from natural disasters, blaming fossil fuels for climate change. Jim explains why this legislation is more about political scapegoating than addressing the root causes of disasters.

Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch as they analyze three critical topics: the GOP's chances of flipping a Michigan Senate seat, whether China now has a significant lead in AI development, and bold predictions about AI's impact on society.First, they break down the implications of Michigan Senator Gary Peters' decision not to seek re-election in 2026. With Republicans narrowly missing a Senate seat there last cycle, could this be their best shot at a pickup in decades? Jim and Greg explore the political landscape and speculate on potential contenders for the open seat.Next, they scrutinize DeepSeek, a Chinese-linked artificial intelligence reportedly more advanced than U.S.-developed AI. Jim questions the company's claims about its development timeline and costs, while both hosts express frustration over Americans willingly embracing more Chinese-made tech that could compromise privacy and security.Finally, they react to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's provocative assertion that artificial intelligence may lead to significant societal restructuring. While they acknowledge the transformative power of technological breakthroughs, Jim and Greg can’t help but roll their eyes at the dramatic, Bond villain-esque rhetoric surrounding AI's potential influence.

Join Jim and Greg for all good martinis on the 3 Martini Lunch podcast as they dive into Colombia’s brief resistance to the U.S. returning criminal illegals, the CIA's admission about COVID-19’s likely lab leak origin, and President Trump’s push to speed up recovery efforts for California wildfire victims.First, Jim and Greg recap the short-lived trade war with Colombia. Tensions flared when Colombia’s president initially refused to allow repatriation flights carrying criminal illegals to land in the country. In response, President Trump swiftly threatened major tariffs and other diplomatic penalties. Colombia quickly reversed course, agreeing to Trump’s demands and allowing the flights to proceed.Next, Jim celebrates the CIA’s acknowledgment of what many had suspected all along: that the most likely cause of the COVID-19 pandemic was a lab leak from Wuhan, China. Most of us have known this for a long time, but the Biden-era CIA infamously decided it was unclear how it all started. But that doesn't mean this is over. Jim says these new conclusions should lead to important new questions.Finally, Jim and Greg discuss Trump’s recent call for faster action to help Los Angeles-area residents who lost their homes in wildfires. During a public forum with LA Mayor Karen Bass, Trump urged local officials to streamline bureaucracy, allowing fire victims to access their property and begin debris removal to make way for rebuilding.

Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss the increasing deportations of criminal illegal immigrants to Larry Ellison's alarming vision of a surveillance state to Barack Obama's latest condescending remarks on democracy and political alliances.First, Jim and Greg express their approval of the Trump administration's swift action to apprehend and deport more than a thousand criminal illegals, with deportation flights already underway. They emphasize the importance of political leaders addressing issues head-on rather than just running on them.Next, they react to Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s disturbing suggestion that a nationwide surveillance system will soon track police and civilians through cameras everywhere, supposedly keeping everyone on their best behavior through AI monitoring. Jim and Greg strongly prefer letting Americans retain the freedoms they still have. Ellison also visited the White House recently for the announcement of a $500 billion AI infrastructure project, leading to public backlash from Elon Musk. Jim analyzes the potential impact on the Trump-Musk relationship.Finally, Jim and Greg groan as Barack Obama addresses the Democracy Forum, complaining about voters not prioritizing democracy in the 2024 election. Obama implies that the left should focus on getting more people to agree with him, rather than engaging in self-reflection. It's an arrogance that's unlikely to win him many new friends.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch, as they discuss Senate Majority Leader John Thune vowing to make Democrats pay for holding up President Trump’s cabinet nominations, President Trump’s decision to designate the Houthis as terrorists once again, and former CIA Director John Brennan’s attempt to cover up his previous laptop lie with more falsehoods.First, Jim and Greg commend Senate Republicans for standing firm against Democratic attempts to delay the confirmation of President Trump’s cabinet nominees. With Democrats blocking quick consideration on the Senate floor, they may find themselves stuck in Washington over the weekend when the final votes take place.Next, they cheer President Trump’s decision to reclassify the Iran-backed Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. After Joe Biden removed the Houthis from the list upon taking office, he later imposed much lighter sanctions on the group. This move was widely viewed as an attempt to appease Iran, even as the Houthis continued to create chaos for shipping in the Red Sea and throughout the region.Finally, they get a good laugh as former CIA Director John Brennan whines to MSNBC about Trump rescinding his security clearance. Brennan, along with dozens of others, falsely claimed in 2020 that the Hunter Biden laptop was part of a Russian disinformation campaign. Now, he tries to backpedal, claiming he never said it was disinformation, but rather a “Russian information operation.” Jim and Greg are having none of it.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they dive into Trump’s tough border measures, the curious dates of Anthony Fauci’s pardon, and Trump’s freelancing on TikTok policy.First, they cheer a report from Border Czar Tom Homan that fewer than 800 people illegally crossed our southwestern border on Trump’s first day, the Coast Guard stepping up against sea-based migration, and once-defiant Democrats now supporting ICE deportations of criminal illegals.Next, they react to The Spectator’s reporting on Fauci’s pardon, which protects him from prosecution dating back to the start of 2014. Why? The answer seems to be connected to Fauci's defiance of an Obama administration order against further gain of function research.Finally, they discuss Trump’s public push for a TikTok sale, including his suggestion that the "United States of America" should control 50 percent of it. Does he want the government to have significant control over the app or is this merely a negotiating tactic? Either way, Jim says TikTok remains a national security threat and Trump needs to enforce the ban until a sale is actually imminent.Please visit our great sponsors: BetterHelphttps://Betterhelp.com/3MLThank you to our sponsor Betterhelp.  Visit today for 10% off your first month of online therapy.  Write your story with Betterhelp.

Join Jim and Greg for the 3 Martini Lunch podcast as they discuss the likely confirmation of all of President Trump’s remaining cabinet picks, Trump’s decision to free everyone convicted of January 6th crimes, and Jim’s strong reaction to Joe Biden’s controversial final-day pardons. First, they break down the unanimous confirmation of Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and delve into the prospects for Trump’s other cabinet nominees. Even the most controversial picks are expected to be confirmed, but Jim and Greg also mention nominees who may face the toughest challenges. They also highlight the common trend in presidential administrations where not every nominee gets confirmed, offering historical perspective on the confirmation process.Then they turn to Trump’s sweeping pardons and commutations for everyone convicted in connection with the January 6th Capitol riot. They agree with comments from Vice President Vance just days ago suggesting there's a significant difference between the violent and non-violent offenders that day. And while they understand defenders of Trump's decision pointing out a massive double standard in the Justice Department ignoring or going easy on rioters in the summer of 2020 or during Trump's first inaugural, Jim details why he believes pardons or commutations for everyone for the unrest at the U.S. Capitol is not the right call.Finally, Jim shares his thoughts on Joe Biden’s actions in his final days in office, including a series of controversial pardons for family members, Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Milley, and members of the January 6th committee. Jim critiques these pardons as an overreach of executive power, arguing that such actions betray the intentions of the Founding Fathers.Please visit our great sponsors: BetterHelphttps://Betterhelp.com/3MLThank you to our sponsor Betterhelp.  Visit today for 10% off your first month of online therapy.  Write your story with Betterhelp.