The Daily Show: Ears Edition Replay | Donald Trump Runs the Military & The Role of Militias | Jordan Klepper Fingers the Conspiracy
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Aug 18, 2025 Paul Szoldra, a veteran and editor at The Ruck, dives into the wild world of conspiracy theories surrounding military control and the impact of figures like Michael Flynn. He’s joined by Dr. Amy Cooter, a Middlebury College professor researching militias, who sheds light on the motivations behind groups like the Oath Keepers. Together, they unpack how misinformation can intertwine with military life and explore the complex identities of militia members, revealing their connections to broader American beliefs amidst rising extremism.
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The Military Is Mostly Boring Work
- Public ignorance about how the military actually works fuels romanticized conspiracy thinking.
- Most military life is routine and bureaucratic, not cinematic or secretive.
Researcher Nicknamed 'Renegade'
- Amy Cooter was nicknamed "renegade" by some militia members while researching them.
- Many militia leaders or members have prior military experience and see militias as a service extension.
Militias' Paradoxical View Of The Military
- Militias revere veterans and distrust military leadership as an institution.
- Members often see themselves as defending the Constitution against corrupt leadership.
