The Trump administration kicks off the new year with a massive foreign policy move in Venezuela, seizing Nicolás Maduro and sending a shockwave through the region and beyond. Buck is joined by Steve Yates of the Heritage Foundation to break down what comes next, why this operation is fundamentally different from past U.S. interventions, and how adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are likely interpreting the message. They also discuss the implications for Cuba, Latin America, global energy markets, and what this signals about America’s willingness to exert power closer to home.

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In this episode of Wellness Unmasked, Dr. Nicole Saphier examines the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela through a medical and public health lens. She breaks down how political collapse has led to widespread shortages of medicine, food, and basic healthcare, putting millions of lives at risk. Dr. Saphier also discusses the health consequences of mass migration, the strain on regional healthcare systems, and why the United States and the international community play a critical role in Venezuela’s recovery. From rebuilding health infrastructure to restoring access to essential care, this episode explores what meaningful humanitarian leadership should look like—and why it matters.

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In this episode, Mary Katharine and Karol kick off the New Year with personal reflections and resolutions before diving into one of the most consequential foreign policy developments of the moment: President Trump’s bold move to apprehend Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro. They analyze the implications of Maduro’s capture, the legal questions surrounding the operation, and the explosive reaction from Venezuelans on social media.

The conversation then turns to a massive childcare fraud scandal in Minnesota, raising serious concerns about government accountability and taxpayer dollars. To close, they examine a growing shift in academia away from political activism in the classroom and the ongoing struggle of San Francisco leaders to confront rising crime. A wide-ranging, news-driven discussion to start the year.

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Welcome to 2026!

Clay and Buck break down the historic Delta Force raid that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, comparing its complexity to the Osama bin Laden mission. They detail how elite U.S. special operations forces executed a flawless plan involving cyber warfare, blackout tactics, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, and intelligence precision—resulting in zero American casualties. The hosts emphasize the strategic implications for the Western Hemisphere, noting ripple effects on Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran, and how this bold move reinforces President Trump’s “mess around and find out” foreign policy.

Tim Walz Steps Down

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announces he will not seek reelection following a viral investigation into massive Somali daycare fraud. A 23-year-old YouTuber exposed empty storefronts posing as childcare centers, siphoning off millions in taxpayer funds. Clay and Buck detail how this scandal could involve up to $9 billion in fraudulent payments, nearly the GDP of Somalia, and note that over 100 indictments have already been filed. They question why U.S. taxpayers fund childcare for welfare recipients, arguing the program itself invites abuse. The segment explores cultural factors behind the fraud, the political fallout for Walz, and the growing power of independent media to topple entrenched politicians.

That Didn't Age Well, Chuck

The discussion explores Maduro’s arraignment in Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela post-Maduro, and contrasts Trump’s decisive action with prior Democratic administrations. Clay and Buck highlight the hypocrisy of critics like Chuck Schumer and newly elected NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who condemned the operation as “regime change,” sparking debate over international law and U.S. national security priorities.

Operation Absolute Resolve

David Rutherford (aka Rut) former Navy SEAL and host on the Clay & Buck Podcast Network. Rutherford calls the Maduro operation “one of the top five best ops ever,” detailing the complexity, flawless coordination, and elite performance of JSOC units, Delta Force, and the 160th SOAR pilots. He compares the raid’s scale and sophistication to the Osama bin Laden mission, arguing that this operation was even more impressive. Rutherford emphasizes its global implications, warning cartels and hostile regimes that America is “done playing games” and projecting power with precision. He predicts increased operational tempo against Mexican cartels and underscores how this mission reshapes global power dynamics.

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The first hour of today’s show kicks off 2026 with explosive news and in-depth analysis of one of the most daring U.S. military operations in decades. Clay and Buck break down the historic Delta Force raid that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, comparing its complexity to the Osama bin Laden mission. They detail how elite U.S. special operations forces executed a flawless plan involving cyber warfare, blackout tactics, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, and intelligence precision—resulting in zero American casualties. The hosts emphasize the strategic implications for the Western Hemisphere, noting ripple effects on Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran, and how this bold move reinforces President Trump’s “mess around and find out” foreign policy.

The discussion explores Maduro’s arraignment in Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela post-Maduro, and contrasts Trump’s decisive action with prior Democratic administrations. Clay and Buck highlight the hypocrisy of critics like Chuck Schumer and newly elected NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who condemned the operation as “regime change,” sparking debate over international law and U.S. national security priorities.

Listeners also hear about the collapse of Cuba’s oil lifeline, Venezuela’s economic freefall under socialism, and the potential for renewed prosperity in Latin America. The hosts underscore Venezuela’s former status as the third wealthiest nation in the Western Hemisphere and how socialist policies destroyed its oil production—from 3 million barrels per day to barely 1 million. They connect this to broader themes of communism’s failures, refugee realities, and the overwhelming support among Venezuelan-Americans for Maduro’s removal.

Hour 1 also touches on major domestic wins: the largest one-year drop in U.S. homicide rates, Trump-era economic momentum with 4.3% GDP growth, falling inflation, and lower interest rates. The segment closes with speculation on the Monroe Doctrine’s modern relevance and what this bold foreign policy means for America’s role in global stability.

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Hour 2 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show dives into two major breaking stories shaping U.S. politics and foreign policy. The hour opens with analysis of the dramatic Delta Force raid in Venezuela that captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who have pled not guilty in a New York courtroom. Clay and Buck frame this operation as a modern extension of the Monroe Doctrine, dubbing it the “Donrow Doctrine,” emphasizing America’s strategic imperative to dominate the Western Hemisphere and block Chinese and Russian influence. They contrast Venezuela with Iraq, arguing that the situations are vastly different—no sectarian complexities, no jihadist backlash, and no plans for nation-building. Instead, the Trump administration’s decisive move signals an “America First” approach to security and energy, with backchannel negotiations suggesting Venezuela’s vice president may cooperate to boost oil production.

The hosts also spotlight the tactical brilliance of the raid, comparing it to the Bin Laden mission. They praise Trump’s national security team—including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, and Stephen Miller—for executing a high-risk operation without American casualties. Clay and Buck slam critics who invoke “international law” or predict catastrophe, noting similar failed predictions after Trump’s strike on Soleimani and Iran’s nuclear facilities. They also mock media figures like Margaret Brennan for questioning why the entire Maduro regime wasn’t removed, calling such criticism “absurd” given the complexity of the mission.

Shifting gears, Hour 2 tackles explosive domestic news: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announces he will not seek reelection following a viral investigation into massive Somali daycare fraud. A 23-year-old YouTuber exposed empty storefronts posing as childcare centers, siphoning off millions in taxpayer funds. Clay and Buck detail how this scandal could involve up to $9 billion in fraudulent payments, nearly the GDP of Somalia, and note that over 100 indictments have already been filed. They question why U.S. taxpayers fund childcare for welfare recipients, arguing the program itself invites abuse. The segment explores cultural factors behind the fraud, the political fallout for Walz, and the growing power of independent media to topple entrenched politicians.

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Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show kicks off 2026 with explosive analysis and breaking news. The hour begins with a major update from the Wall Street Journal: the CDC is revising its childhood vaccine recommendations, dropping universal guidance for shots like COVID-19, influenza, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and hepatitis A/B. Clay and Buck frame this as a “win for parental choice,” contrasting it with past mandates and the failures of COVID vaccine policy.

The discussion then pivots back to the biggest geopolitical story of the week: Operation Absolute Resolve, the daring Delta Force raid that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The hosts explain the legal framework behind the arrest, noting that Maduro is being prosecuted under U.S. criminal law in New York City—similar to the Manuel Noriega case—rather than as an enemy combatant. They highlight the strategic significance of this move as a modern application of the Monroe Doctrine, signaling America’s renewed dominance in the Western Hemisphere and a warning to adversaries like China and Russia.

Clay and Buck slam critics who oppose the raid, comparing the Trump administration’s precision and competence to the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal under Biden. They praise Trump’s national security team—Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio, JD Vance—for restoring U.S. credibility through tactical brilliance and disciplined execution.

The hour also features an in-depth interview with David Rutherford (aka Rut) former Navy SEAL and host on the Clay & Buck Podcast Network. Rutherford calls the Maduro operation “one of the top five best ops ever,” detailing the complexity, flawless coordination, and elite performance of JSOC units, Delta Force, and the 160th SOAR pilots. He compares the raid’s scale and sophistication to the Osama bin Laden mission, arguing that this operation was even more impressive. Rutherford emphasizes its global implications, warning cartels and hostile regimes that America is “done playing games” and projecting power with precision. He predicts increased operational tempo against Mexican cartels and underscores how this mission reshapes global power dynamics.

Clay and Buck also revisit the Tim Walz Somali daycare fraud scandal, reading Trump’s fiery statement accusing Walz and allies of stealing “tens of billions” in taxpayer funds. They debate whether Walz could face criminal charges and explore how his VP selection under Kamala Harris amplified scrutiny, ultimately ending his political career.

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In this milestone anniversary episode, Ryan reflects on one year behind the mic before diving into breaking global news: the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Ryan breaks down what the turmoil in Venezuela means for American foreign policy, the growing public debate over U.S. military intervention, and how international instability impacts the United States at home.

The episode also explores reasons for optimism as the new year begins, highlighting positive political and cultural trends across America. In an extended Ask Me Anything segment, Ryan tackles listener questions on today’s economic challenges, navigating career transitions in politics, and lessons learned from the world wars that continue to shape global affairs.

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📍MMA legend Bas Rutten sits down with David Rutherford to reveal the truth about fear, discipline, faith, and what it really means to become strong — mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Bas breaks down why modern comfort is destroying men, why discipline is the highest form of self-love, how fear actually creates courage, and how mastering your vices is the real path to freedom.

This episode isn’t about fighting — it’s about building a life you can respect, a mind you can control, and a body that obeys you.

If you feel like something is missing… this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

Next Steps:

• 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/
• 📕 Get David's novel, The Poet Warrior: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/the-poet-warrior
• 📰 Sign up for David's weekly newsletter for free coaching tips, updates, and more: https://davidrutherfordletter.substack.com/

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

01:20 - The Warrior’s Mindset

11:12 - How To Change Your Life & Sharpen Your Mind

15:56 - How Bas Embraced Fear & Built Courage For Fights

19:08 - The Physical & Mental Training For A Fight

23:52 - Common Mistakes In Training

28:40 - How Faith Improved Every Area of Life

33:04 - How Can You Be A Christian & Also Train For Fighting?

35:18 - How To Train To Fight & Build Discipline

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