The Warning with Steve Schmidt Steve Schmidt, Malcolm Nance & Denver Riggleman: Weekend Iran War Update: Day 30
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Mar 29, 2026 
Denver Riggleman, former congressman and intelligence professional, and Malcolm Nance, ex-Navy intelligence specialist and author, offer sharp analysis on Day 30 of the Iran war. They discuss Strait of Hormuz vulnerabilities, gaps in naval readiness, politicized military leadership, profiteering ties, and the risk of major ground escalation. Short, urgent takes on who really controls the region and what comes next.
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Strait Of Hormuz Control Is Not Just Air Power
- The U.S. approach to the Strait of Hormuz is ad hoc and reactive, lacking a coherent plan to secure islands or high ground.
- Malcolm Nance warned air power alone can't control the narrow strait and described historical minefields, naval battles, and the risk Iran can close it at will.
War Creates Profit Incentives For Linked Defense Firms
- The war benefits a network of Trump-linked investments in defense and drone companies, creating perverse incentives for escalation.
- Denver Riggleman traced investments and contracts linking the Trump family to firms like Xtend, Unusual Machines, and PowerUs that win Pentagon money.
Make Ethics The Central Response To War Profiteering
- Democrats should prioritize an ethics-first cleanup focused on military-industrial corruption, using investigations and withholding funds to root out self-dealing.
- Steve Schmidt recommended making the party the 'ethics party' with strict rules on trading and post-office lobbying.