

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
iHeartPodcasts
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 13, 2026 • 37min
Hour 3- Sen. Ron Johnson Fireworks
Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show delivers a deep dive into immigration enforcement, sanctuary city conflicts, federal authority, election integrity, and a lively cultural debate comparing Taylor Swift to The Beatles, all set within the political environment of February 2026 under President Donald Trump. The hour begins with Senator Ron Johnson joining the program to discuss his tense exchange with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison during a recent hearing. Johnson argues that sanctuary cities—which he says now cover roughly a third of the country—are defying federal law and undermining ICE’s ability to enforce immigration policy. He describes an organized, well funded activist movement that obstructs federal officers, including incidents of doxing, threats, and physical interference. Clay and Buck echo concerns about the constitutional issues surrounding states resisting federal immigration authority. The conversation expands to what Johnson sees as a broader network of NGOs, transnational criminal groups, and adversarial foreign actors facilitating migrant flows into the United States. He cites examples of activists being trained to interfere with arrests and notes that some individuals involved have carried weapons. The hosts emphasize how sanctuary policies can lead to criminals being released back into communities, increasing risks for citizens and law enforcement alike. The show then shifts to the impending partial government shutdown, with Johnson explaining that most of DHS—including TSA and FEMA—will continue operating because they are classified as essential. He argues that Democrats face little political pressure due to media support, leaving Republicans in difficult negotiating positions, even though the practical impact on the public will be minimal in the early weeks of a shutdown. Next, the hosts delve into election security and the Save America Act, which includes nationwide voter ID provisions. Johnson calls it an existential priority for the Republican Party and the country, saying the House has passed it but the Senate faces steep procedural obstacles. He discusses the filibuster, the challenge of rule changes, and the need for public pressure—especially since polling shows more than 80% of Americans support voter ID. The second half of Hour 3 turns sharply into pop culture as Clay revisits his claim that Taylor Swift is “this generation’s Beatles.” The debate explodes when clips are played of Ringo Starr suggesting Swift’s cultural momentum resembles modern Beatlemania, followed by Gene Simmons comparing Swift’s fanbase to a generational “tribal” movement. Buck challenges whether Swift’s influence can truly match the Beatles’ long-term artistic legacy, sparking generational back and forth and listener calls weighing in. Callers highlight the age divide in music familiarity, debate the Beatles’ vs. Swift’s demographic reach, discuss post Beatles solo careers, and even revisit historical moments like John Lennon’s death being announced during Monday Night Football. The hosts blend humor, nostalgia, and cultural analysis throughout the segment. Finally, the show wraps with a humorous discussion of Valentine’s Day, which falls the next day. Clay and Buck joke about the pressures men face, the pitfalls of overpriced prix fixe menus, impossible dinner reservations, and the difference between childhood Valentine’s card exchanges and adult expectations. They offer tongue in cheek advice on celebrating earlier or later to avoid what they call the annual “Valentine’s Day scam.” Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 2026 • 39min
David Rutherford Show: America’s Citizen Disaster-Response Team: The United Cajun Navy
When disaster strikes, seconds matter — and sometimes the first help doesn’t come from official agencies. In this episode of The David Rutherford Show, Brian Trascher of the United Cajun Navy explains how a volunteer disaster-response network grew from Hurricane Katrina rescues into a nationwide force capable of deploying helicopters, logistics networks, and rapid response supply chains. From search-and-rescue missions to delivering communication systems into isolated disaster zones, this episode breaks down how modern volunteer response operations work — and why speed, logistics, and communication determine survival in crisis scenarios. The United Cajun Navy was built on the idea that ordinary Americans can mobilize to help each other when systems move too slowly. Their operations now include nationwide volunteer networks, pre-positioned supply logistics, and rapid deployment rescue operations. Sponsors: Black Rifle Coffee: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Preview 02:13 - Hurricane Katrina & The Birth of The United Cajun Navy 05:04 - The Danger of Disaster Rescue Missions 07:32 - How Brian Got Involved 12:24 - Sponsor: Black Rifle Coffee Company 14:18 - The 2 Biggest Challenges Of Disaster Rescue 20:28 - FEMA, Hurricane Helene & The Challenge of Bureaucracy 31:34 - Staying Independent and Refusing Government Money 34:17 - Missing Children Rescue Missions 36:28 - How To Support Next Steps: 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/ 📕 Get David's novel, The Poet Warrior: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/the-poet-warrior 📰 Sign up for David's weekly newsletter for free coaching tips, updates, and more: https://davidrutherfordletter.substack.com/ Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 2026 • 33min
It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Starmer’s Collapse, Farage’s Rise & Labour’s Leadership Crisis
Is UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer running out of time? In this data-driven breakdown, pollster James Johnson of J&L Partners joins Ryan to unpack the numbers shaping Britain’s political future—and the warning signs flashing for Labour. From collapsing approval ratings to rising support for Nigel Farage, the polling tells a story of a leader losing authority, a party struggling to unify, and an electorate shifting in unpredictable ways. Johnson explains why Starmer may survive in the short term—but faces mounting pressure from within his own party, especially as key allies exit and potential rivals position themselves. The conversation dives into the real power dynamics inside Labour, including the influence of figures like Peter Mandelson, the fallout from Morgan McSweeney’s departure, and the contenders quietly preparing leadership bids. Plus, what do upcoming by-elections and local races reveal about Labour’s vulnerability? And perhaps most importantly—how does Farage factor into all of this? With Reform UK holding steady in the polls, Labour voters may be forced to choose between sticking with Starmer or rallying behind a new leader who can actually win. EMAIL RYANFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 2026 • 33min
The Tudor Dixon Podcast: Big Tech on Trial, Section 230 & Social Media Harm Debate
Big Tech is finally facing a major legal reckoning—and the outcome could reshape the internet as we know it. On this episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor is joined by Media Research Center VP Dan Schneider to break down the landmark lawsuits targeting social media giants over alleged harm to teens and children. They dive into the legal battle unfolding in California and New Mexico, the limits of Section 230, and whether tech platforms can still claim immunity while controlling content. Is social media truly “addictive by design”? Where does personal responsibility end and corporate accountability begin? And could new evidence expose Big Tech companies for knowingly allowing harmful or even illegal content? Plus, Tudor and Dan explore media bias in platforms like Apple News and Wikipedia, raising serious questions about information control, censorship, and the future of free speech in America.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 2026 • 14min
The Truth with Lisa Boothe: SAVE Act Showdown: Voter ID Battle, 2030 Census Fight & DHS Funding Standoff
The fight over election integrity is back in the spotlight. In this episode, Lisa sits down with Congressman Abe Hamadeh to break down the renewed push for the SAVE Act—now backed by President Trump and expanded to include voter ID requirements. With polling showing overwhelming public support for voter ID, why has the issue become so politically explosive? We dive into: What the SAVE (Save America) Act actually does Why Democrats are calling it “voter suppression” The 2030 Census battle and whether illegal immigrants should be counted Redistricting, Electoral College shifts, and the future political map Deportation efforts and the broader immigration debate Midterm messaging challenges for Republicans Affordability, economic polling, and perception vs. policy The DHS funding fight and what a shutdown could mean for ICE, TSA, and the Coast Guard From election security to census power plays and federal funding brinkmanship, this episode unpacks the high-stakes battles shaping the road to the midterms—and beyond.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 2026 • 36min
Verdict with Ted Cruz: Detailed Prediction: Trump's Tariffs before the Supreme Court-What's Going to Happen
In the latest episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson provide a comprehensive analysis of Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, the Supreme Court case examining whether President Trump lawfully imposed tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The decision—expected soon—has significant implications for executive power, congressional authority, and U.S. trade policy. How the Tariff Dispute Reached the Supreme Court President Trump imposed over $133 billion in tariffs after invoking IEEPA, which authorizes the President to regulate importation during a declared national emergency. However, the statute never explicitly mentions “tariffs,” prompting small‑business plaintiffs to challenge Trump’s interpretation. Two major legal doctrines frame the dispute: 1. The Non‑Delegation Principle This constitutional principle limits how much lawmaking power Congress can delegate to the executive branch. The plaintiffs argue that Congress cannot silently pass tariff‑imposing power to the President without explicit, narrow instructions—especially since tariffs constitute taxation. 2. The Major Questions Doctrine Under this doctrine, the Supreme Court requires clear authorization from Congress whenever the executive branch seeks to act on issues of vast economic or political significance. Because tariffs reshape international trade, markets, and consumer costs, plaintiffs contend that IEEPA lacks the specificity required for such sweeping action. Cruz emphasizes that the core tension lies between Congress’s Article I taxing authority and the President’s Article II foreign‑policy powers. How the Supreme Court Approached the Case During Oral Arguments Senator Cruz provides a justice‑by‑justice breakdown, interpreting each line of questioning based on long‑observed judicial patterns. Chief Justice John Roberts Roberts framed the issue squarely around taxation, questioning who bears the cost of tariffs and whether the executive can impose them without undermining Congress’s constitutional role. Cruz notes Roberts’ skepticism but predicts institutional caution will guide his final vote. Justice Elena Kagan Kagan centered her analysis on delegation and raised concerns about granting the President unlimited tariff authority without explicit statutory limits. She argued that tariffs are “quintessential taxing powers,” reserved for Congress. Justices Neil Gorsuch & Amy Coney Barrett Both raised concerns about the breadth of presidential emergency authority: Gorsuch asked what limits would remain if the President could impose tariffs for virtually any asserted foreign threat. Barrett questioned why Congress did not explicitly authorize tariffs if it intended to delegate that power. Cruz suggests these two justices represent the most likely conservative defections. Justice Brett Kavanaugh Kavanaugh emphasized historical precedent supporting broad congressional delegations in foreign affairs. He pointed to cases affirming significant executive discretion in regulating foreign commerce. Justices Clarence Thomas & Samuel Alito Thomas focused on historical practice, noting that tariffs have long been tools of regulating foreign trade. Alito highlighted reliance interests, questioning what would happen to the billions already collected if the Court invalidated the tariffs. Cruz’s Prediction: A 5–4 Decision Upholding Trump’s Tariffs Cruz predicts the Supreme Court will uphold Trump’s authority by a 5–4 margin, with Chief Justice Roberts likely writing the majority opinion. Probable majority coalition: Chief Justice Roberts Justice Thomas Justice Alito Justice Kavanaugh Justice Barrett or Justice Gorsuch Cruz argues that the Court will ultimately avoid upending foreign policy mechanisms that are already deeply embedded in U.S. diplomacy. He compares this to Roberts’ decision in the Affordable Care Act case, where institutional stability outweighed abstract legal objections. What the Ruling Means for Presidential Power and Trade Policy A ruling upholding Trump’s tariffs would expand the President’s practical leverage in trade negotiations. Cruz highlights several successful examples of Trump’s tariff strategy, including forcing Mexico to honor a decades‑old water‑treaty obligation critical to Texas. Even if the Court rules against Trump under IEEPA, Cruz notes that the President could rely on alternative statutory authorities: Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 Thus, the decision will shape—but not eliminate—the President’s ability to influence trade policy. Political and Strategic Implications Ben Ferguson stresses the political stakes: A win would validate Trump’s trade strategy and undercut critics who predicted economic harm. A loss, though a legal setback, would not cut off the administration’s ability to impose tariffs using other statutory tools. Cruz concludes that this ruling could set a significant precedent defining presidential authority, trade leverage, and the balance of constitutional power for years to come. 👉 Listen and Subscribe to Verdict with Ted Cruz Want to hear the full discussion and stay informed on the issues that matter most? Subscribe to the Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast today on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 2026 • 58min
Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Feb 12 2026
Melting ICE? The Trump administration’s announcement—reinforced by Tom Homan—that Minnesota’s ICE surge operation is being scaled down after a “mission accomplished” style success. Clay and Buck outline how Minneapolis quietly reached a handshake agreement to reverse sanctuary style resistance and begin alerting ICE when violent illegal immigrants are taken into custody, a major policy pivot after years of non cooperation. The hosts warn that activist “street harpies,” Antifa aligned groups, and left wing organizers may try to replicate Minneapolis’s obstruction tactics in other liberal cities. They also dive deep into the political consequences, arguing that Tim Walz’s political career is effectively over, and preview competitive 2026 races—especially the Minnesota Senate race, where Michelle Tafoya trails by just a few points. MASA: Make America Smart Again A major interview featuring U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who outlines several key initiatives aimed at reshaping American education during the lead up to America’s 250th anniversary. A major focus of the conversation is the newly launched Presidential 1776 Award, a national civics and history competition created to reverse declining historical literacy among young Americans. McMahon explains that students will take a 90 minute “Impossible Test” of 4,000 rapid fire questions, advancing through three rounds for scholarships of up to $150,000. Clay and Buck enthusiastically offer to take the test themselves—joking about challenging media figures—and highlight how this effort aligns with a broader push to revive foundational American history. The interview expands into President Trump’s education reform strategy, which aims to return educational authority to the states by dismantling federal bureaucracy and moving Department of Education functions to other agencies. McMahon emphasizes that despite more than $3 trillion spent since the Department’s creation in 1980, national test scores have declined—proving that centralized control has failed. She highlights the “Mississippi Miracle,” where the state dramatically boosted literacy by reinstating phonics based “science of reading” instruction, prompting other states to adopt similar reforms. She also discusses school innovation across the country—from classical academies to AI driven models like Austin’s Alpha School—and her goal of producing a best practices toolkit for all fifty states. The hour then pivots sharply to controversial school protests in Minneapolis, where staff and administrators walked out during political demonstrations, prompting criticism that public schools behave as “shock troops” for far left activism. McMahon signals that such closures could invite federal investigation or funding consequences, especially given Minnesota’s already weak academic performance. Clay and Buck follow with a broader critique of America’s K–12 system—calling it a glorified daycare model that prioritizes union demands over student outcomes—while advocating for parental empowerment, school choice, and more flexible education pathways. Another Trans Shooter A major conversation on rising violence involving transgender-identifying shooters, sparked by news of a British Columbia mass shooting. The hosts link this to previous attacks in Minneapolis and Nashville, arguing that the media and police distort facts by prioritizing preferred pronouns over biological accuracy. The transcript includes an extended critique of mental health issues, hormonal drugs, and the cultural narrative that non affirmation constitutes “genocide,” which the hosts argue contributes to radicalization among vulnerable individuals. They highlight the police’s admission that the Canadian shooter was biologically male, despite earlier claims of “female,” and examine concerns about public safety, media bias, and political correctness. Jesse Kelly Hangs With Us Jesse Kelly, host of The Jesse Kelly Show and author of the newly released Jesse’s Little Red Book opens the hour with their signature banter—roasting each other’s haircuts, mustaches, and Super Bowl party choices—before diving into deeper political and cultural issues shaping the country under President Donald Trump. A major segment centers on Jesse Kelly’s new book, which he describes as a free, 93 page collection of his insights on politics, culture, party dynamics, and even food. From there, the hosts pivot into a fiery discussion of the Jeffrey Epstein hearings, expressing frustration that self identified victims continue holding press events without naming alleged abusers. The conversation compares the situation to the trajectory of the Me Too movement, arguing that legitimate victim advocacy has been diluted by performative claims, opportunism, and media manipulation. The political analysis intensifies as the hosts look ahead to Election 2026, with Jesse predicting that Republicans may lose the House but retain the Senate, depending largely on the strength of the economy and whether “normie voters” feel financial relief in their everyday lives. The hour also features a humorous cultural debate after Clay proposes that Taylor Swift may be evolving into the “21st century Beatles,” prompting Jesse’s mock therapeutic concern and Buck’s acknowledgment of Swift’s global cultural dominance. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 2026 • 37min
Hour 1 - Melting ICE?
Hour 1 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show delivers a fast moving mix of breaking immigration news, political analysis, cultural commentary, media criticism, sports talk, and developing crime stories, all framed through Clay and Buck’s signature back and forth. This hour centers on the Minneapolis ICE enforcement drawdown, fallout from sanctuary city policies, a Canadian school shooting, the political collapse of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and national debates surrounding illegal immigration under President Donald Trump. It also touches on the Super Bowl halftime controversy, radicalization narratives, media coverage battles, and trending sports topics as March Madness approaches. Major Topic: Minneapolis ICE Operation Drawdown & Immigration Enforcement The biggest story of Hour 1 is the administration’s announcement—reinforced by Tom Homan—that Minnesota’s ICE surge operation is being scaled down after a “mission accomplished” style success. Clay and Buck outline how Minneapolis quietly reached a handshake agreement to reverse sanctuary style resistance and begin alerting ICE when violent illegal immigrants are taken into custody, a major policy pivot after years of non cooperation. The hosts warn that activist “street harpies,” Antifa aligned groups, and left wing organizers may try to replicate Minneapolis’s obstruction tactics in other liberal cities. They also dive deep into the political consequences, arguing that Tim Walz’s political career is effectively over, and preview competitive 2026 races—especially the Minnesota Senate race, where Michelle Tafoya trails by just a few points. Sanctuary Cities, Crime, and National Consequences The hosts revisit the Laken Riley murder, using it as a chilling example of sanctuary city failures—highlighting how New York authorities repeatedly released the suspect without notifying ICE. Buck offers an emotional reflection on how police officers must feel when bureaucrats prevent them from doing the right thing, only to watch tragedies unfold later. This leads into a broader critique of the Democratic Party’s ideological shift, where long standard immigration enforcement is now portrayed as “fascism,” “Nazism,” or “SS like,” despite being routine under President Obama. Viral Moments: Alex Preti & Canadian School Shooting The show revisits the Alex Preti incident, examining how a viral video of him kicking a taillight and spitting on ICE agents shattered media narratives that initially framed him as a sympathetic victim. They also correct earlier geography confusion while discussing a horrific school shooting in British Columbia, noting the Canadian media’s refusal to accurately describe the shooter’s transgender identity. Media Critique: MSNBC, Morning Joe & Manufactured Narratives Clay and Buck dissect hostile coverage from Morning Joe and Mika Brzezinski, who accuse ICE of “point blank executions” and “murdering people in the streets.” Buck mocks the disconnect between elite media personalities and reality, tying it back to arguments from his forthcoming book Manufacturing Delusion. They also humorously speculate about Joe Scarborough running for President as a centrist Democrat. Cultural Commentary: Super Bowl Halftime, Jay Z, and Entertainment Politics One of the most animated segments in Hour 1 is the takedown of the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show, where nearly 10 million viewers tuned out, making it the most abandoned halftime show in NFL history. Clay points out that sports media elites pretended to love it, despite hard data indicating mass audience rejection. The hosts argue the NFL should remove Jay Z’s control over halftime selections and return to performers that reflect the tastes of average football fans. This transitions into a broader discussion about celebrity culture and double standards, highlighting how figures like Jay Z and Snoop Dogg have been embraced despite controversial pasts, while others like Morgan Wallen remain “canceled” for far less. Sports Talk: March Madness, College Basketball, and Post Super Bowl Energy After the NFL conversation, Clay switches gears into sports mode, excitedly previewing college basketball season and March Madness. He shares a lighthearted personal story about demolishing his 11 year old son in nightly basketball “HORSE” competitions. National Crime Stories & Public Safety The hour touches on the Savannah Guthrie kidnapping case, where a retired law enforcement caller argues the suspect was sloppy and amateurish. The hosts also examine crime trends linked to illegal immigration, including DUI fatalities, assaults, sexual violence, and homicides—framing these as preventable if federal laws were enforced consistently. Listener Backlash & Debate: Marijuana, Vice, and Moderation Clay and Buck field listener criticism—especially from one Hawaii caller—over their stance on marijuana legalization. Both emphasize moderation and warn that society cannot ignore the long term impacts of widespread cannabis use, drawing parallels to the decades long misinformation about cigarettes. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 2026 • 37min
Hour 2 - Make America Smart Again
Hour 2 of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show delivers a wide ranging and high energy conversation centered on education reform, historical literacy, school policy under President Donald Trump, and a later deep dive into violence linked to transgender-identifying shooters and media misreporting. The hour begins with a major interview featuring U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who outlines several key initiatives aimed at reshaping American education during the lead up to America’s 250th anniversary. A major focus of the conversation is the newly launched Presidential 1776 Award, a national civics and history competition created to reverse declining historical literacy among young Americans. McMahon explains that students will take a 90 minute “Impossible Test” of 4,000 rapid fire questions, advancing through three rounds for scholarships of up to $150,000. Clay and Buck enthusiastically offer to take the test themselves—joking about challenging media figures—and highlight how this effort aligns with a broader push to revive foundational American history. The interview expands into President Trump’s education reform strategy, which aims to return educational authority to the states by dismantling federal bureaucracy and moving Department of Education functions to other agencies. McMahon emphasizes that despite more than $3 trillion spent since the Department’s creation in 1980, national test scores have declined—proving that centralized control has failed. She highlights the “Mississippi Miracle,” where the state dramatically boosted literacy by reinstating phonics based “science of reading” instruction, prompting other states to adopt similar reforms. She also discusses school innovation across the country—from classical academies to AI driven models like Austin’s Alpha School—and her goal of producing a best practices toolkit for all fifty states. The hour then pivots sharply to controversial school protests in Minneapolis, where staff and administrators walked out during political demonstrations, prompting criticism that public schools behave as “shock troops” for far left activism. McMahon signals that such closures could invite federal investigation or funding consequences, especially given Minnesota’s already weak academic performance. Clay and Buck follow with a broader critique of America’s K–12 system—calling it a glorified daycare model that prioritizes union demands over student outcomes—while advocating for parental empowerment, school choice, and more flexible education pathways. The last third of Hour 2 becomes a major conversation on rising violence involving transgender-identifying shooters, sparked by news of a British Columbia mass shooting. The hosts link this to previous attacks in Minneapolis and Nashville, arguing that the media and police distort facts by prioritizing preferred pronouns over biological accuracy. The transcript includes an extended critique of mental health issues, hormonal drugs, and the cultural narrative that non affirmation constitutes “genocide,” which the hosts argue contributes to radicalization among vulnerable individuals. They highlight the police’s admission that the Canadian shooter was biologically male, despite earlier claims of “female,” and examine concerns about public safety, media bias, and political correctness. The hour closes with personal banter, a preview of guest Jesse Kelly for Hour 3, and reflections on the show’s expanding multimedia presence—including satellite radio and YouTube—before circling back to the importance of restoring educational excellence ahead of America’s semi-quincentennial. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 2026 • 37min
Hour 3 - Jesse Kelly Hangs With Us
Hour 3 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show delivers a fast moving mix of politics, culture, humor, and audience interaction, highlighted by the return of guest Jesse Kelly, host of The Jesse Kelly Show and author of the newly released Jesse’s Little Red Book. The trio opens the hour with their signature banter—roasting each other’s haircuts, mustaches, and Super Bowl party choices—before diving into deeper political and cultural issues shaping the country under President Donald Trump. A major segment centers on Jesse Kelly’s new book, which he describes as a free, 93 page collection of his insights on politics, culture, party dynamics, and even food. From there, the hosts pivot into a fiery discussion of the Jeffrey Epstein hearings, expressing frustration that self identified victims continue holding press events without naming alleged abusers. The conversation compares the situation to the trajectory of the Me Too movement, arguing that legitimate victim advocacy has been diluted by performative claims, opportunism, and media manipulation. The political analysis intensifies as the hosts look ahead to Election 2026, with Jesse predicting that Republicans may lose the House but retain the Senate, depending largely on the strength of the economy and whether “normie voters” feel financial relief in their everyday lives. The hour also features a humorous cultural debate after Clay proposes that Taylor Swift may be evolving into the “21st century Beatles,” prompting Jesse’s mock therapeutic concern and Buck’s acknowledgment of Swift’s global cultural dominance. Listeners play a major role in Hour 3, with talkback messages fueling conversations about mustaches, beards, and the supposed “discipline” required for proper grooming. Callers also react to the hosts’ musical knowledge—especially Buck’s unfamiliarity with the cult classic song “Mexican Radio”—and praise the show’s bumper music choices. The final portion shifts to education as a North Carolina teacher details the loss of classroom autonomy, mandatory College Board crafted curriculum, and rising historical illiteracy among students. She claims students increasingly lack the ability to engage with long form texts, rely heavily on AI summaries, and are being funneled into ideologically slanted content. The hour closes with wide ranging cultural commentary, including issues facing public schools, the state of American cities, and audience requests for more interactive show elements. As always, Hour 3 showcases the show’s blend of political insight, cultural critique, listener engagement, and irreverent humor—making it a standout installment for podcast listeners catching up on the entire program. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


