The WallBuilders Show

What happens when forgotten laws are revived to solve modern problems? This eye-opening episode of WallBuilders' "Foundations of Freedom Thursday" reveals how President Trump's administration has masterfully employed decades-old legislation to implement policy without waiting for congressional gridlock to resolve.David and Tim Barton unpack the strategic genius behind using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 for tariffs and the 1798 Alien Enemies Act for immigration enforcement. Rather than creating new regulations in an already over-legislated system (where Americans unknowingly commit "three felonies a day"), this approach respects constitutional boundaries while cutting through bureaucratic tape.The conversation shifts to a California parent's struggle with a school board allowing biological males in female spaces. The Bartons deliver a masterclass in effective activism with their four-tier approach: first, "thinking biblically while speaking secularly" to communicate effectively in hostile environments; second, building diverse coalitions that can't be easily dismissed; third, organizing electoral challenges when necessary; and finally, protecting children through alternative educational options when systems fail.Perhaps most fascinating is their analysis of why powerful interests oppose America-first policies. Drawing biblical parallels, they illustrate how entrenched power structures naturally resist reforms that benefit average citizens while threatening established control systems. This spiritual dimension transcends traditional political categories and explains much of today's seemingly irrational opposition.Whether you're concerned about constitutional governance, parental rights, or effective civic engagement, this episode provides practical wisdom and historical perspective to navigate today's most challenging issues.Support the show

A stunning spiritual revival is sweeping across unexpected places—most notably in France, where over 10,000 people were baptized into the Catholic Church this past Easter Sunday. This remarkable phenomenon signals something profound happening in our cultural moment that transcends denominational and national boundaries.Father Frank Pavone joins us to unpack this global awakening, offering profound insight into why people are suddenly flocking to faith in unprecedented numbers. He explains what he calls "the dead end rule"—when people ignore warning signs and proceed down harmful ideological paths, they eventually learn through painful personal experience that these paths truly lead nowhere. We're witnessing the consequences of a culture that has explicitly rejected objective truth, leaving people desperately seeking meaning in their lives."We need meaning in life just as much as we need food, water, and oxygen," Father Frank observes. Our current cultural climate has placed an impossible burden on individuals: the responsibility to create their own truth rather than discover what's already written into the fabric of reality. This burden proves too heavy, especially as people witness the devastation caused by relativistic ideologies in their own lives and the lives of loved ones.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we discuss the future of the Catholic Church following Pope Francis's passing. Father Frank offers insider perspective on the upcoming conclave process and what it might mean for Catholic leadership moving forward. We draw compelling parallels between the Reagan/John Paul II era and the potential for similarly aligned leadership between a new U.S. president and pope in 2025.Whether you're interested in cultural trends, religious movements, or the search for truth in an increasingly confused world, this conversation offers hope and clarity about where our society might be heading. The spiritual hunger we're witnessing suggests that after years of wandering in relativity, many are rediscovering the liberty that comes from embracing timeless truths.Support the show

Spiritual Heritage Toursprovidencefoundation.comThe American Revolution didn't begin with a spontaneous uprising—it started with pastors who spent years teaching biblical principles of liberty. When the "shot heard round the world" rang out on April 19, 1775, it happened on the church lawn of Reverend Jonas Clark, whose congregation had been spiritually prepared for that pivotal moment.Walking the hallowed ground of Lexington Green takes on profound meaning when you understand that Captain Parker and his militia weren't just angry colonists—they were church members who had been drilled after Sunday services by their deacon. Their pastor had prepared them through years of sermons on just resistance to tyranny, drawing from theological traditions like St. Augustine's just war theory.This connection between faith and liberty forms the backbone of American independence. Colonial pastors preached sermons with titles like "A Defense of War in a Just Cause is Sinless Before God," providing the moral framework for resistance. When Jonas Clark was asked if his men would fight, he confidently responded that he had "prepared them for this very hour." Without this spiritual foundation, America's fight for independence might never have succeeded.As we approach the 250th anniversary of these momentous events, we have an unprecedented opportunity to rediscover our spiritual heritage. The pastors who provided the theological justification for resistance weren't peripheral figures—they were central architects of the moral framework that made our liberty possible. Their sermons and leadership remind us that America's founding wasn't merely about political ideals but deeply held spiritual convictions about God-given rights.The legacy of these faith-filled patriots continues today as God moves in remarkable ways around the world, igniting revivals in places like Colombia where Christianity has grown from 15,000 believers in the 1960s to 10 million today—20% of the nation's population. Join us in exploring how biblical principles of liberty continue to transform nations and shape history. The same God who kindled the flame of American independence is still at work today.Support the show

The revival of America's traditional values is happening right before our eyes, with sweeping changes restoring religious liberty, national security, and pro-life protections across the country.At the Merchant Marine Academy, a powerful symbol of faith has been resurrected. "Christ on the Water," a painting created during World War II by a Merchant Marine veteran, has returned to its rightful place after being banished to a leaky basement during the previous administration. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy's announcement was met with thunderous applause from cadets who had long drawn inspiration from this artwork during challenging times. This restoration represents more than just the relocation of a painting—it signals a renewed commitment to protecting religious expression in military institutions.America's strategic interests are once again taking priority on the world stage. A landmark security agreement with Panama has reestablished American military presence at key installations overlooking the Panama Canal, including Rodman Naval Station and Howard Air Force Base. This vital agreement ensures U.S. warships receive "first and free" passage through this critical waterway while diminishing Chinese influence in our hemisphere. As Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boldly declared, "The era of capitulating to coercion by the communist Chinese is over."Meanwhile, state legislatures are advancing pro-life protections despite opposition from the executive branch. In Kansas, lawmakers successfully overrode gubernatorial vetoes to pass two groundbreaking bills: one requiring courts to consider child support from the moment of conception and extending tax exemptions to preborn children, and another mandating scientifically accurate fetal development videos in school curricula. These victories demonstrate how determined representatives can overcome obstacles to protect life at all stages.From halting payments to illegal immigrants with criminal records to reinstating military service members discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusals, America is witnessing a return to common sense governance that prioritizes citizens' wellbeing and traditional values. These developments aren't just political victories—they represent a fundamental realignment with the principles that made our nation exceptional.Support the show

The restoration of America's moral and constitutional foundations is gaining remarkable momentum across multiple fronts. In Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed landmark legislation allowing the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools for the first time since 1980. This historic shift returns to a tradition that existed from America's founding until just four decades ago, recognizing the Decalogue as a foundational text that shaped our nation's legal and ethical framework.The so-called "Founding Fathers Bill" passed in Arkansas now requires students to study the philosophical and moral principles that guided America's founders, particularly their understanding that rights come from God rather than government. These Arkansas initiatives create a model that other states can follow to restore civic education rooted in historical truth rather than modern revisionism.Meanwhile, the Supreme Court continues to rein in activist lower courts, upholding a 1940 immigration law that requires self-reporting by individuals in the country illegally. This enforcement mechanism could lead to "self-deportation," where people return to their home countries and apply through proper legal channels rather than face penalties. The Court also prevented activist judges from forcing the federal government to continue funding university DEI programs.In the entertainment world, faith-based content is making a remarkable comeback. The animated film "King of Kings," based on Charles Dickens' story about Jesus, has claimed the number two spot at the box office with a $19 million opening weekend. This marks the most successful debut of a faith-based film since 1998's "The Prince of Egypt" and signals Hollywood's growing recognition of an underserved audience hungry for family-friendly entertainment that aligns with Biblical values.As we celebrate Easter, it's worth remembering that America's founders themselves wrote extensively about the significance of Christ's resurrection. From Benjamin Rush to Charles Carroll, these signers of the Declaration of Independence viewed Easter as central to their personal faith and the nation's moral foundation.Want to discover more about how faith shaped America's founding? Visit wallbuilders.com for historical documents, founding fathers' quotes about Easter, and resources to deepen your understanding of our nation's true heritage.Support the show

Our constitutional foundation gets challenged daily - not just by politicians, but now by artificial intelligence. When our podcast AI mistakenly labeled America a "democracy," it highlighted a disturbing trend of historical revision that threatens our understanding of what makes America unique.The WallBuilders team dives deep into why this seemingly small distinction matters enormously. The founding fathers rejected democracy more vehemently than dictatorships, monarchies, or socialism because they recognized its dangers. As David Barton explains, the Constitution's Article IV, Section 4 explicitly guarantees each state a republican form of government - making democracy constitutionally prohibited.We also tackle the fascinating history of Alexis de Tocqueville's famous work "Democracy in America," revealing how American translators altered the title to "The Republic of the United States of America" when publishing it in 1851 because they understood this crucial distinction.The conversation shifts to practical applications when exploring whether President Trump could eliminate the income tax without a constitutional amendment. Just because the 16th Amendment permits an income tax doesn't mean it must be implemented - similar to a speed limit sign that sets a maximum without requiring you to drive that speed.This episode serves as a powerful reminder that constitutional literacy remains our strongest defense against both human and technological misrepresentations of America's founding principles. Whether you're concerned about AI-generated misinformation or want to understand how constitutional constraints apply to taxation and judicial power, this conversation equips you with the historical and constitutional perspective to navigate today's complex political landscape.Support the show

The forgotten economic foundation of America lies hidden in plain sight - tariffs. For over 150 years, these import taxes funded 90-95% of the federal government while simultaneously protecting American industry and workers. This eye-opening exploration of tariff history challenges everything we've been taught about international trade and taxation.Bill Federer takes us on a constitutional journey beginning with George Washington's Tariff Act of 1789 and the creation of the Coast Guard specifically to enforce these vital revenue mechanisms. The narrative weaves through America's industrial revolution, where tariffs enabled northern factories to flourish, creating the fastest rise in living standards humanity had ever witnessed. Women were liberated from menial tasks as factory-made products transformed daily life with ready-made clothing, indoor plumbing, and modern conveniences.The prosperity of America's Gilded Age stands as testament to the effectiveness of tariff policies, with ornate public buildings and infrastructure developments showcasing the nation's wealth. Everything changed with Woodrow Wilson's introduction of income tax on the wealthiest 1%, later expanded by FDR during World War II through paycheck withholding - a clever mechanism that obscured the true tax burden from workers.Most surprising are John F. Kennedy's economic insights, which mirror today's tariff debates. Kennedy recognized that high taxation drove American capital overseas and advocated for tax cuts to stimulate economic activity. His assertion that "tax rates are too high, tax revenues are too low, and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut tax rates" offers a profound perspective on current economic policy discussions.Ready to challenge your assumptions about tariffs and discover how they shaped American prosperity? Dive into this provocative historical journey that reveals how returning to constitutional funding mechanisms might address today's economic challenges.Support the show

When a state legislator stands firm on principle, remarkable transformations become possible. Representative Barbara Ehardt from Idaho joins the WallBuilders Show to share the extraordinary legislative victories she's achieved defending families, women, and religious freedom.The conversation begins with a powerful acknowledgment of President Trump's Easter message – a refreshingly bold proclamation of Christian faith rarely seen from national leaders. This sets the stage for Ehart's discussion of her own courageous stances in Idaho's legislature.Ehart first rose to national prominence through her "Fairness in Women's Sports" legislation, which has now been replicated in 27 states. The movement gained tremendous momentum when female collegiate athletes began speaking out about the unfairness of competing against biological males. Most recently, Boise State women's volleyball team's refusal to compete against San Jose State (which had a male player) sparked similar stands from Utah State, University of Wyoming, and ultimately the entire Mountain West Conference.The conversation reveals how seemingly impossible legislative victories became reality through persistence and divine timing. After years of effort, Barbara Ehardt secured passage of mandatory "opt-in" requirements for human sexuality education, campus free speech protections, and comprehensive safety measures preventing biological males from entering women's prisons, shelters, and restroom facilities. In what Ehart describes as miraculous timing, the Ninth Circuit unanimously upheld Idaho's K-12 bathroom protections just as debates were heating up over her new legislation.Perhaps most compelling is Ehardt's passionate defense of these priorities against critics who dismiss them as mere "culture wars" distractions from "real issues." As she powerfully articulates, protecting children from inappropriate content and ensuring women's safety are precisely the issues families care most deeply about. When asked whether parents would prioritize infrastructure or their daughter's safety, there's simply no question.Want to join the movement to restore common sense and protect families in your state? Contact your legislators today and urge them to follow Idaho's lead. Together, we can seize this moment of opportunity and rebuild a culture that honors timeless values.Support the show

A masterclass in economic strategy unfolds as former Congressman Bob McEwen joins the WallBuilders Show to dissect President Trump's controversial tariff policies. McEwen cuts through the noise with clarity and historical perspective, revealing how these tariffs represent sophisticated negotiation tactics rather than permanent economic barriers."You can stand on any street corner in Europe and not see a single American car go by," McEwen observes, highlighting the 26% tariff European nations place on American vehicles while enjoying relatively unchallenged access to U.S. markets. This stark imbalance frames Trump's approach not as protectionism but as leverage to create genuine free trade through reciprocity.Drawing powerful parallels between the Carter administration of the 1970s and Biden's presidency (dubbing the latter "Carter 2.0"), McEwen reminds listeners how quickly economic fortunes can reverse under proper leadership. Just as Reagan's policies triggered an economic renaissance following Carter's malaise, Trump's America-first approach aims to restore manufacturing, energy production, and financial sovereignty.Perhaps most illuminating is McEwen's explanation of market transitions. When policies shift to favor Main Street over multinational corporations, markets initially react with uncertainty. This temporary turbulence ultimately leads to more balanced growth—if leaders have the backbone to weather criticism. "You can count politicians willing to endure this transition on one hand," McEwen notes, "and virtually with one finger."The conversation culminates with a sobering analysis of America's debt vulnerability. Having surged from a historically stable 30% of GDP to over 100% during COVID, this debt exposure invites exploitation from nations seeking alternatives to the dollar-based system. Trump's focus on eliminating waste and reducing debt emerges as essential to preserving American economic leadership.Support the show

The American constitutional system is showing remarkable resilience as the judicial branch returns to its proper role within our system of government. This episode breaks down several significant Supreme Court decisions that aren't merely victories for any particular administration but represent the restoration of constitutional order.We explore how lower courts have frequently overstepped their authority by issuing nationwide injunctions from district court benches, effectively making national policy decisions. The Supreme Court is now systematically reining in this judicial activism, sending a clear message about the importance of proper jurisdiction and constitutional boundaries.The conversation dives deep into federal employment reform, examining how government jobs have too often become permanent entitlements rather than positions of public service. We analyze court decisions that now allow the executive branch to appropriately manage its workforce, just as private sector employers must do. This shift represents a fundamental return to constitutional principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility.Perhaps most encouraging is the recent shuttering of USAID, a $40 billion agency that had strayed far from its original purpose. When taxpayer dollars fund transgender operas in Colombia and electric vehicles in Vietnam instead of genuine humanitarian needs, it's clear that bureaucratic mission creep has gone too far. The State Department's decision to close this agency while maintaining essential functions elsewhere exemplifies the kind of government reform many Americans have long demanded.These developments point to a broader restoration of constitutional governance where each branch respects its limitations and where government serves the people rather than entrenched bureaucratic interests. Join us as we celebrate these victories for limited government and the rule of law, and consider what further reforms might strengthen our constitutional republic.Support the show