Next Leader of Iran? Clay and Buck explore the strategic vacuum emerging as Iranian leadership is targeted. They debate who could run Iran in a post regime environment, discussing exiled Persian figures, potential caretaker governments, and the historic role of ethnic minorities. A long section of the hour examines the role of the Kurds, their reliability as fighting partners, and their limits—especially outside Kurdish regions. Buck, drawing on CIA experience, compares the current situation to operations in Iraq, explaining how Kurdish forces were critical in some areas but could not govern Sunni or mixed ethnic cities. Clay adds an unexpected angle by noting that Nashville has the largest Kurdish population in the United States, shaping the domestic connection to Middle Eastern geopolitics. The hosts also address whether the Iranian people themselves have the will to rise up, citing messages from inside Tehran indicating support for U.S. and Israeli strikes. The big question, Buck says, is whether ordinary Iranians will seize the opportunity for a “Persian Spring” once the regime’s command-and-control structure collapses. Additional topics in Hour 1 include: The U.S. jobs report, which shows a loss of 92,000 jobs—a development Buck argues the media frames selectively depending on whether the news is favorable or unfavorable to President Trump. Gov't Spending Porn Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana joins the show to talk about the controversial DHS advertising scandal, the future of the Department of Homeland Security, the SAVE Act debate, crime and prosecutorial studies, geopolitical listener insights, and signature Clay & Buck pop culture banter. Clay and Buck ask him about the $250 million DHS advertising campaign featuring Noem, which Kennedy calls “spending porn.” Senator Kennedy talks about confronting Noem on questionable management decisions. Noem falsely claimed under oath that President Trump approved the ad campaign. President Trump called Kennedy personally, furious and insisting he never approved the spending or related no bid contracts. Kennedy signals major red flags involving: Newly formed companies receiving taxpayer-funded ad contracts. Potential ties between contractors and Noem’s associates. Possible obstruction of the department’s Inspector General investigations. Senator Kennedy on Noem’s Ouster, Perjury Concerns & DHS Corruption Questions. Kennedy suggests the firing was inevitable given mounting signs of: Misleading testimony under oath, improperly bid contracts, excessive self-promotional spending, internal dysfunction and IG obstruction. Although he avoids claiming outright perjury, Kennedy strongly implies a credibility crisis for Noem and confirms ongoing congressional scrutiny. The Future of DHS: Senator Markwayne Mullin considered for leadership. Clay and Buck explore potential successors with Kennedy, who praises Senator Markwayne Mullin as: Tough, experienced, and smart, a strong manager with real-world business experience - someone likely to be confirmed easily. This segment highlights Trump administration personnel decisions and the future trajectory of DHS under new leadership. Kennedy also discusses his bestselling book “How to Test Negative for Stupid and Why Washington Never Will”, which has spent more than 20 weeks on the New York Times list. Securing Our Elections Brianna Lyman of The Federalist also joins as a guest to discuss the SAVE Act, legislation aimed at requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections. Key points include: The current federal voter registration system runs largely on the “honor system.” Examples of non citizens voting due to lax safeguards, including cases in Georgia. North Carolina and 2020 House races decided by just a handful of votes, showing how even small numbers of illegal ballots matter. Approximately 80% of voters support the SAVE Act. DOJ lawsuits against states attempting to tighten citizenship verification. Procedural battles in the Senate over filibuster rules. Trump’s comments on potential negotiations surrounding the bill. Future of College Sports Clay is in Washington, DC today to participate in a White House college sports panel alongside Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Senator Ted Cruz, Governor Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio, and others to address chaos in college athletics, player compensation, and the urgent need for congressional action. They discuss the booming world of youth sports academies, NIL money, and the future of competitive balance. The hour closes with listener messages about the Alamo anniversary, yard work etiquette in Texas, movie recommendations, and the promise of more updates on the developing conflict with Iran on Monday.
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