Newt's World

Newt talks with Dr. Eric Cole, a renowned cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and author of “Cyber Crisis: Protecting Your Business from Real Threats in the Virtual World.” Dr. Cole discusses the pervasive issue of cybersecurity threats, highlighting the frequent breaches by foreign entities such as Chinese, Russian, and Iranian hackers. He emphasizes the need for federal cybersecurity laws in the U.S. and the importance of redesigning systems to protect against vulnerabilities. Their conversation covers the global nature of cyber warfare, the inadequacy of current U.S. cybersecurity measures, and the necessity for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's cyber infrastructure. Dr. Cole provides practical advice for individuals to enhance their own cybersecurity, such as using two-factor authentication, minimizing the use of free apps, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump met separately this week with President Emmanuel Macron of France and Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom to discuss potential terms for a ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russia war. Trump highlighted significant progress in talks with Russia and other parties, aiming to end the conflict. The Trump administration is also negotiating the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Victoria Coates, former Deputy National Security Advisor and current vice president at The Heritage Foundation joins Newt emphasizing the importance of diplomatic progress and criticizing the Biden administration's approach. Coates highlights the need for a strategic and decisive resolution to the war, the significance of defense spending in Europe, and the potential benefits of the US-Ukraine mineral deal. Their conversation also covers the broader implications of US foreign policy and the evolving political landscape in Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with bestselling author Robert D. Kaplan about his new book, “Waste Land: A World in Permanent Crisis,” which explores the current global landscape marked by war, climate change, technological advancements, and geopolitical tensions. Kaplan argues that the interconnectedness of today's world, driven by technology and urbanization, means that crises in one country can quickly become global issues. He suggests that prioritizing order and stable governance over mass democracy could prevent future chaos. Their conversation also delves into historical parallels with the Weimar Republic, the impact of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan on global perceptions, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kaplan emphasizes the importance of constructive pessimism in foreign policy and highlights the unique challenges faced by Israel in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses federal budget spending priorities and the budget reconciliation process with Richard Stern, Director of the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget at The Heritage Foundation. They explore the complexities of the reconciliation bill versus regular spending bills, the historical context and evolution of the reconciliation process, and the challenges of passing significant legislative changes in a divided Congress. Stern emphasizes the importance of bold leadership and public education on fiscal issues, drawing parallels between current political dynamics and historical figures like Andrew Jackson. Their conversation also touches on the impact of pork barrel spending and the need for a cultural shift towards fiscal responsibility and transparency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of opponents to Iran's authorities rallied in Paris, organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), to call for the fall of the government in Tehran. The protest coincides with President Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Iran. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of NCRI, discusses the Iranian resistance, highlighting the regime's use of its space program to camouflage nuclear weapons development and the importance of international support for the Iranian opposition. Their conversation covers the history of Iran's political landscape, the role of the NCRI in exposing the regime's activities, and the potential for significant change in Iran through internal resistance and external pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt’s guest is former U.S. Attorney William Kolibash. They discuss his extensive career in the Northern District of West Virginia, where he prosecuted a wide range of criminals, from moonshiners and drug dealers to sex traffickers and violent gangs. Kolibash shares insights from his new book, “Justice Never Rests: A U.S. Attorney’s Battle Against Murderers, Drug Lords, Mob Kingpins & Cults,” detailing his pioneering use of the RICO statute and multi-jurisdictional task forces. He recounts his journey from a history major at Brown University to a law career influenced by the Vietnam War draft, his experiences in the military's Judge Advocate General Corps, and his eventual appointment as U.S. Attorney by President Reagan. Kolibash also reflects on the importance of collaboration with law enforcement and the challenges of combating organized crime and drug cartels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vice President JD Vance attended an AI summit in France, where he emphasized the Trump administration's commitment to American technological leadership in AI. Newt’s guest is Neil Chilson, head of AI policy at the Abundance Institute. They discuss various emergent technologies, including quantum computing, biotechnology, and small modular reactors. Chilson highlights the shift in focus at the AI Summit from safety concerns to ensuring global competitiveness and inclusion in AI advancements. Their discussion also addresses the regulatory landscape in the US and Europe, the global AI race, and the rivalry between Elon Musk and Sam Altman over OpenAI. Chilson emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pro-innovation environment in the US to stay ahead in the AI race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Anson Frericks, former president of Anheuser-Busch Sales and Distribution, about the significant backlash faced by Bud Light following the controversial partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in 2023. The partnership, which included a $15,000 giveaway during March Madness, led to a boycott and a notable decline in Bud Light sales. Frericks discusses the impact of the partnership, the historical marketing success of Bud Light, and the cultural shift within the company following its acquisition by InBev. He also highlights the company's failure to effectively manage the crisis and suggests that selling the U.S. business could be a potential solution for recovery. Their conversation also covers the broader implications of corporate decisions influenced by ESG and DEI policies and the importance of understanding and maintaining brand identity. His new book is, “LAST CALL FOR BUD LIGHT: The Fall and Future of America’s Favorite Beer.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House to discuss a second phase of a ceasefire deal with Hamas and the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza. The meeting also highlighted Trump's controversial proposal for the U.S. to take over and "own" the Gaza Strip. Newt’s guest is Israel Ellis, author of "The Wake Up Call: Global Jihad and the Rise of Antisemitism in a World Gone MAD." They discuss the significance of Netanyahu's visit, Trump's unwavering support for Israel, and the broader implications for peace and security in the Middle East. Ellis emphasizes the need for a tough stance against terrorism, the importance of education in eradicating hate, and the potential for Gaza to become a prosperous region. They also discuss the alarming rise of antisemitism on American campuses and the broader geopolitical challenges facing Israel and the Jewish community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with former CIA operative, J. Michael Waller about his new book, "Big Intel: How the CIA and FBI Went from Cold War Heroes to Deep State Villains." Waller explains how the FBI and CIA have shifted from their original missions to becoming tools of political correctness and propaganda. He highlights the politicization and bureaucratization of these agencies, particularly under the Obama administration, and the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Waller also critiques the intelligence community's failure to adapt to modern threats and suggests a fundamental redesign of the CIA and FBI, including splitting the CIA into separate entities for intelligence gathering and covert operations, and decentralizing the FBI's power. Their discussion also covers the need for a strategic overhaul to restore the effectiveness and integrity of America's intelligence and law enforcement agencies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.