Background Briefing with Ian Masters February 25, 2026 - Rick Wilson | Angela Stent | Nick Schwellenbach
Feb 25, 2026
Rick Wilson, conservative strategist known for co-founding the Lincoln Project. Angela Stent, scholar of Russia and Eurasia, former National Intelligence Officer. Nick Schwellenbach, investigator of DHS and Justice Department contracts. They dissect Trump’s State of the Union theatrics and political effects. They unpack U.S.-Russia negotiation postures and Putin’s playbook. They reveal who profits from immigration enforcement contracts.
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Beat Trump At The Ballot Box
- Don't engage Trump on his terms; defeat him at the ballot box instead of getting into performative fights.
- Wilson advised that beating Trump in the 2026 elections is a more effective defense of dignity than on-stage confrontations.
Voter ID Can Backfire Politically
- The SAVE Act and voter ID push polls well superficially but risks backfiring because many target voters lack required IDs.
- Wilson warned strict ID requirements could disenfranchise lower-income and older voters and hurt Republicans' turnout in key districts.
Epstein Files Are Damaging Trump's Base
- The handling and apparent cover-up of Epstein-related FBI 302s has eroded confidence in Trump among his own base.
- Wilson cited survey data showing Republicans increasingly suspect Trump is hiding culpability, making the scandal a lasting political liability.
