The American Mind Podcast

This land is your land; this land is...Greenland? Following the recent arrest and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Trump has halted shipments of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, raising new speculations about efforts to acquire Greenland and solidify US control in the region. Meanwhile, Renée Good, egged by her wife to obstruct ICE officers in Minneapolis, was fatally shot while accelerating a vehicle toward an agent. To unravel the new “Donroe” Doctrine and twisted LARPing of progressive and Antifa activists, Kyle Shideler of the Center for Security Policy joins the hosts to throw light on recent events.Recommended:The Callous and Cynical Politics That Led to Renee Good’s DeathWho's to Blame in Minnesota? Five Cases Involving Police Shooting at CarsLiberals Think Antifa Isn’t Real. But It Is—and It Knows How to WinThe Regulars Are Coming!Thou Shalt Kill, by Anna Geifman Get full access to Claremont Digital Plus at claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

In this engaging discussion, Josh Treviño, a Latin American geopolitics expert, and R.J. Pestritto, a scholar on the administrative state, dive into Nicolás Maduro's capture and its implications for Venezuela and U.S. foreign policy. Treviño breaks down the complexity of narco-state dynamics, while critiquing past presidential approaches to drug-related regimes. Pestritto examines the administrative state's rise, emphasizing its impact during the COVID era and potential congressional reforms. The conversation blends geopolitics with governance, making for a thought-provoking listen.

This week, hosts Ryan and Spencer sit down as the year closes out to share their Christmas plans and recommendations: music, theater, food, drink, and more! Stay tuned in the new year!Recommendations:Adventures in Old English: The History and Meaning of Advent“Christmas Traditions,” by the CRB editorsEssentials of Classic Italian Cooking: 30th Anniversary EditionThe PDT Cocktail Book Get full access to Claremont Digital Plus at claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Australia has suffered its deadliest mass shooting in decades, allegedly perpetrated by father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, on the first night of Hannukah. Meanwhile in Germany, (yet another) planned attack at a Christmas market was foiled. This week, Spencer and Mike discuss problems that have finally gotten too overwhelming for even the BBC and the New York Times to ignore, from mass migration to the DEI crusade against young white men. Plus: Christmas recommendations!Recommendations:The Lost Generation, by Jacob SavageWhy “The Lost Generation” is a Lost Opportunity, by Jeremy CarlThe Christmas of the Quarter-Century Get full access to Claremont Digital Plus at claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

A scandal involving hundreds of millions in tax fraud has emerged in Minnesota, linked to Somali organizations and raising national security concerns. The hosts delve into the political implications, discussing how this situation might bolster Trump’s agenda on immigration. They explore cultural assimilation challenges within Somali communities and propose policies to curb fraud. The conversation also covers broader issues like COVID-era welfare abuses, housing affordability, and the new national security strategy’s priorities regarding China and the Middle East.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is being accused of war crimes after allegedly making a so-called “double-tap” strike against Venezuelan drug traffickers. But it may just be a double distraction, allowing critics of Trump both to avoid more serious questions about immigration policy and to pull attention from the tragic shooting of two National Guards in DC by an Afghani national. This week, the guys are joined again by Matthew Peterson to discuss US operations in South America and the Left’s unsubtle hints that soldiers might need to disobey orders. Plus: Kash Patel as FBI Director: the right man for the wrong job?Recommended:“What Brought the Trump Administration to the Brink with the Venezuelan Regime,” by Joshua Treviño & Melissa FordNever Enough: America’s Limitless Welfare State, by William VoegeliOur American Queen: The Rise and Ruin of Kate Chase, by Thomas Klingenstein Get full access to Claremont Digital Plus at claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

In this lively discussion, Matthew Peterson, a noted political analyst and cultural commentator, joins to dissect a recent meeting between Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani. They explore Trump's media-savvy strategy to appeal to younger voters, the dynamics within the conservative movement, and the challenges of addressing Antifa's actions post-domestic-terrorist designation. The conversation also covers the complexities of messaging in politics, the role of voters versus influencers, and the awkward state of intra-right factions. Plus, festive reflections and cultural recommendations round out the talk!

Matthew Peterson, a Washington fellow at the Claremont Institute, dives into the current political landscape following a disappointing election for Republicans. He discusses the Trump Administration's struggle for direction and the need for clear messaging to re-energize the MAGA base. The conversation turns to Olivia Nuzzi’s scandalous memoir, revealing a troubling side of media culture. They also explore the challenges facing the administration, such as internal divisions and voter confidence, alongside cultural recommendations ranging from sci-fi literature to films.

Matthew Peterson, a political commentator and journalist, joins the discussion on the ongoing government shutdown and its implications. He argues that the federal budgeting process is failing, necessitating major reforms. The conversation shifts to recent election outcomes, highlighting significant victories that may signal political trends leading up to the midterms. They also delve into the unresolved mystery of the January 6 pipe bombs, examining investigative leads and why the case remains open. Cultural recommendations wrap up this insightful dialogue.

The recent embrace of Nick Fuentes by Tucker Carlson stirs controversy and creates rifts on the Right. The hosts discuss the implications of Fuentes' influence and whether the movement should engage with rather than silence extremist views. They explore the alarming details of Operation Arctic Frost, an FBI probe targeting GOP communications. The show's debate also touches on the rising anti-Semitism in America and the importance of dismantling bureaucratic power to prevent a leftward drift. Tune in for recommended media and more!