• Golden Fleet Announcement

  • Trump unveils plans for the construction of two massive battleships, described as:
    • The largest ever built.
    • “100 times more powerful” than previous Iowa-class ships.
    • Part of a new Golden Fleet to revitalize U.S. naval power.
  • Long-term vision: expand to 20–25 ships, boosting American shipbuilding and jobs.
  • Emphasis on national security, military supremacy, and economic benefits.

• Press Conference Highlights

  • Trump positions himself as “the most transparent president in modern history”, answering questions on:
    • China, Venezuela, Iran, and oil tanker seizures.
    • Drug trafficking from Colombia.
    • U.S. investment and tariffs.
    • Healthcare insurer meetings.
    • Epstein files and photos involving Bill Clinton.

• Epstein Files Discussion

  • Trump expresses discomfort with photos of Bill Clinton being released but frames the issue as a Democratic distraction from Republican successes.
  • Criticizes political opponents for using Epstein controversy to deflect from his administration’s achievements.

• Economic & Trade Themes

  • Claims trillions in foreign investment flowing into the U.S. due to tariffs and pro-business policies.
  • Projects $18 trillion in investments within 10 months, aiming for $20 trillion.

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1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies and Alleged Fraud

• Democrats intentionally designed ACA subsidies to expire, framing it as a political strategy to secure votes during elections.
• The ACA was never truly affordable and alleges systemic fraud, waste, and abuse within the program, including:
  • Insurance companies benefiting from guaranteed government payments.
  • Fraudulent enrollments and improper subsidies (citing a Washington Post report and GAO findings).
• The financial burden of extending enhanced subsidies, estimating costs up to $350 billion through 2035, and criticizes subsidies reaching households earning $160,000 annually.
• the expiration of subsidies could lead to premium hikes (up to 114%) and increased uninsured rates, framing this as a political weapon for Democrats.
• The ACA was a step toward socialized medicine and accuses Democrats of collusion with healthcare donors.

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2. Renaming and Revitalization of the Kennedy Center

• The second part is an interview with Rick Grenell about the transformation of the Kennedy Center under Donald Trump’s involvement.
• Key points include:
  • Severe deferred maintenance before Trump’s intervention (leaking roofs, broken elevators, collapsing infrastructure).
  • Trump allegedly secured $250 million for renovations and initiated fundraising for programming.
  • The center was renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, sparking controversy and accusations of partisanship.
  • Discussion of programming strategy: moving away from “woke” or niche content toward mainstream, “common sense” performances to attract corporate sponsors and donors.
  • Criticism of Democrats for boycotting the center despite advocating for arts funding.

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• Epstein File Release

  • The files include photos of former President Bill Clinton in compromising contexts:
    • On Epstein’s private plane with unidentified individuals.
    • In a pool with Ghislaine Maxwell and other women (faces redacted).
    • In a hot tub with a redacted woman.
  • The commentary argues that if these were photos of Donald Trump, media coverage would be relentless, but Clinton’s involvement is being downplayed.

• Media and Political Bias

  • The author claims mainstream media and Democrats are minimizing Clinton’s ties to Epstein while previously weaponizing the Epstein case against Trump.
  • Suggests hypocrisy: Democrats demanded accountability for Trump without evidence, but now dismiss Clinton despite photographic proof of association.

• Legal and Investigative Angle

  • Notes that the presence of photos does not prove criminal wrongdoing.
  • Mentions statements from legal experts and fact-checkers emphasizing no direct evidence of crimes by Clinton.
  • References Todd Blanche’s comments on Meet the Press, where he refused to confirm or deny an ongoing investigation into Clinton.

• Historical Context

  • Recalls Clinton’s documented flights on Epstein’s private jet, visits to the White House by Epstein, and social interactions spanning the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Highlights Clinton’s past scandals (e.g., Monica Lewinsky) to question credibility.

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To our listeners a GREAT THANK YOU! Without you this would not be possible. We thank EACH and every one of you for making Verdict what it is today and supporting this show. Much more to blow you away in 2026 so keep listening, and keep sharing!

                                        Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all of you!

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1. Fentanyl Classified as Weapon of Mass Destruction

• Action: President Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl as a WMD, equating its impact to nuclear or chemical weapons.
• Rationale: Trump cited overdose deaths (200k–300k annually) and national security threats from narco-terrorists.
• Military Measures:
  • U.S. strikes on drug-smuggling boats since September, killing ~90 people.
  • Deployment of the world’s largest aircraft carrier and warships in the Caribbean.
• Geopolitical Angle:
  • Venezuela’s leader Maduro accused the U.S. of using anti-drug operations as a pretext for regime change.
  • Trump offered a $50 million reward for Maduro’s capture.

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2. DOJ/FBI and Mar-a-Lago Raid Controversy

• New Revelations:
  • Internal FBI emails show doubts about probable cause for the 2022 raid.
  • Agents suggested alternative solutions and warned against optics; DOJ pushed forward regardless.
• Allegations:
  • Evidence tampering and staged photos admitted in court by Jack Smith’s team.
  • Merrick Garland personally approved the warrant despite internal objections.
• Narrative: Portrayed as political weaponization to prevent Trump’s return to office.

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3. Trump’s Prime-Time Address

• Tone: Optimistic, forward-looking, and celebratory.
• Key Announcements:
  • Tax Relief: No tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security starting 2026; projected largest refund season ever.
  • Military Bonus: $1,776 “Warrior Dividend” for 1.45 million service members as a patriotic gesture.
  • Economic Agenda:
    • Aggressive housing reforms to improve affordability.
    • Lower interest rates via new Fed leadership.
    • Expanded energy production to cut costs.
  • Healthcare: Plans to dismantle ACA, reduce drug prices, and redirect funds to individuals for better coverage.
  • Immigration: Framed Biden-era border policies as catastrophic; touted Trump’s enforcement as restoring law and order.
  • Foreign Policy: Claimed progress in reducing global tensions and restoring U.S. leadership.

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1. Crime Statistics Manipulation

• Allegations:
  • U.S. Attorney and House Oversight Committee report claim D.C. authorities and outgoing Police Chief Pamela Smith manipulated crime data to make the city appear safer.
  • Misclassification of crimes, pressure on commanders to report lower stats, and retaliation against those reporting accurately.
• Impact:
  • Trump’s crime reduction efforts were more significant than previously thought because actual crime was higher than reported.

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2. Affordable Care Act Fraud

• GAO Report Findings:
  • Widespread vulnerabilities and fraud in ACA subsidies.
  • Fake applicants approved for coverage; 23 out of 24 fraudulent applications succeeded.
  • $94 million paid for deceased individuals; 68,000 Social Security numbers reused for multiple people.
• Criticism:
  • ACA premiums have skyrocketed since inception, rising faster than employer coverage and inflation.
  • Insurance companies allegedly benefit from fraud and donate heavily to Democrats.
• Republican Response:
  • House Republicans propose legislation to lower premiums and fix systemic issues.

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3. Housing Affordability & Immigration

• Claims:
  • Housing costs surged under Biden due to influx of illegal immigrants competing for homes.
  • Trump administration’s mass deportations credited with lowering rents (−1.1% YoY, −5.2% vs. 2022 peak).
  • Wharton study cited: every 1% population increase → rents up 1%.
• Officials’ Statements:
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Besson and VP JD Vance emphasize deportations and housing reforms as key to affordability.
  • Criticism of Fed’s rate decisions and Democratic policies.

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• Operation Hawkeye

  • A large-scale U.S. military strike targeting ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites across more than 70 locations in Syria.
  • Ordered by President Trump in response to an ambush that killed two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter.
  • Objective: Deliver a “declaration of vengeance,” not a declaration of war.

• Military Details

  • Use of precision munitions and advanced aircraft (F-15s, A-10s, F-16s), helicopters, and artillery.
  • Over 100 precision strikes aimed at ISIS logistics, command centers, and storage depots to minimize collateral damage.
  • Coalition involvement: Jordanian jets participated, showing multinational cooperation.

• Casualties and Context

  • Attack followed the killing of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and a civilian translator during a meeting near Palmyra, Syria.
  • U.S. dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base attended by President Trump.

• Strategic Impact

  • Intended to degrade ISIS operational capabilities and deter future attacks.
  • Reinforces Trump’s doctrine: Any attack on U.S. personnel will be met with overwhelming force.
  • Broader campaign includes previous strikes in Somalia targeting ISIS leadership.

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1. Immigration and Housing

• Mass immigration under President Biden increased rental demand and housing prices.
• Trump’s deportations and border enforcement are lowering rents and home prices.
• Median age of first-time homebuyers is rising above 40 (highest since WWI).
• Wharton study: “Every 1% population increase → rents up 1%.”
• Recent rent declines (−1.1% YoY, −5.2% vs. 2022 peak).

   Tax Policy Changes (2026)

• Highlights upcoming measures:
  • No tax on tips
  • No tax on overtime
  • No tax on Social Security for seniors
• Suggests millions will receive IRS refunds starting January.

   HUD Report

• HUD finds that immigration significantly drove up housing demand and prices, especially for low-income Americans without assistance.

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2. DOJ/FBI and Mar-a-Lago Raid

• Newly released emails show FBI doubted probable cause for the 2022 raid but proceeded under pressure from Biden DOJ.
• There were political motives behind the raid, calling it “abuse of power.”
• Lack of whistleblowers and calls for congressional hearings.

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3. Last 3 BIG WINS of this past year

   Space

• Announces $10 billion investment in NASA and commercial space through the Working Families tax cut.
• Goal: U.S. lunar landing by 2028 (ahead of China’s 2030 target).
• Emphasizes jobs (50,000+ in Texas), national security, and inspiration for youth.

   Automotive Policy

• CAFE standards were “zeroed out” to reduce car costs and improve safety.
• Biden-era fuel economy rules are an attempt to ban internal combustion engines.

   Online Safety – “Take It Down Act”

• Makes posting non-consensual intimate imagery (including AI deepfakes) a felony.
• Grants victims a statutory right to demand immediate removal from platforms.
• Bipartisan passage and signing in the Rose Garden with First Lady Melania Trump.

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1. ACA Marketplace Fraud

• GAO (miswritten as “GOA”) found “significant fraud vulnerabilities” where fictitious applicants with “fake or invalid Social Security numbers” were still approved for subsidies. It says “nearly all of the fake applicants were accepted.”
• Duplicate subsidy payments, repeated payments tied to the same SSN, and “tens of thousands” of subsidies connected to deceased individuals.
• Brokers switched plans and enrolled people without sufficient verification, driven by commissions.
• Quantifies “billions” in improper payments annually, citing a figure of $27 billion, but admits “exact figures are hard to find.”

2. GOP Leaders & Policy

• Sen. John Thune describes the marketplace as “rife with waste, fraud, and abuse,” mention auto‑enrollment by insurers, and claim a “95% failure rate” (19 of 20 fictitious GAO applications approved).
• Speaker Mike Johnson is quoted arguing the COVID‑era premium tax credit affects “7% of Americans” and—if extended without reforms—would cut premiums for that group by “5.7%.” He promotes the “Lower Premiums for All Americans Act,” said to reduce premiums “by at least 11%” and save “tens of billions.”

3. Gender‑Affirming Care for Minors

• RFK Jr. and the Trump administration have “six decisive actions” to restrict gender‑affirming procedures for minors; claims CMS will propose barring hospitals from performing such procedures as a condition of Medicare/Medicaid participation.
• A “peer‑reviewed report” by HHS claims doctors violate the Hippocratic oath.
• Singles out Vanderbilt University’s TransBuddy program, implying monetary motives.

4. Economy & Inflation

• A “tumble” in inflation to 2.7%, is attributed to Trump’s energy expansion, tariffs, deregulation, renewed market confidence, and fiscal restraint. Democratic critics were wrong about inflation risks.

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