The Truth with Lisa Boothe

Elise Stefanik, U.S. Congresswoman and author of Poisoned Ivies, is a national security and higher education reform advocate. She discusses viewing Iran through a long-term security lens. She highlights campus radicalism, foreign funding, DEI influence, and rising antisemitism. She also talks about why Americans are leaving high-tax blue states and her book on elite university failures.

Chris Rufo, investigative journalist and Manhattan Institute senior fellow focused on government spending and cultural policy. He exposes alleged large-scale California waste and fraud, unpacks a $114M wildlife overpass controversy, and critiques DEI spending diverted from public safety. He also links political donors to funding flows and examines media blind spots around accountability.

In this episode, newly confirmed U.S. Drug Czar Sara Carter joins Lisa to discuss America’s escalating fight against fentanyl, cartel violence, and the global drug trade. Carter shares behind-the-scenes insight into her confirmation process and her current role leading the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Trump. She details a coordinated “whole-of-government” strategy aimed at cutting off drug supply chains, dismantling cartel networks, and saving American lives. The conversation dives deep into the takedown of cartel leader El Mencho, revealing how U.S. and Mexican forces collaborated on one of the most significant operations against organized crime in recent years—and what it signals moving forward. Carter also breaks down: How fentanyl is entering the U.S. through borders, ports, and mail systems The role of China in supplying precursor chemicals Why cartel networks are becoming more sophisticated and dangerous The connection between drug trafficking, national security, and terrorism The reported drop in fentanyl flow and overdose deaths How the administration is targeting both supply AND demand She also delivers a passionate message about unity, urging Americans to come together across political lines to combat addiction and protect future generations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence isn’t just a technological breakthrough—it’s a global power struggle shaping the future of jobs, politics, and national security. In this episode, Wynton Hall joins the show to discuss his new book Code Red: The Left, The Right, China, and the Race to Control AI, breaking down why AI is no longer just a tool—but a form of political and economic power. From the rapid rise of ChatGPT and transformer technology to the growing concerns over bias in large language models, Hall explains how AI is already embedded in everyday life—even when most Americans don’t realize it. He also outlines the biggest risks ahead, including job displacement, misinformation, AI “hallucinations,” and the erosion of critical thinking. The conversation dives deep into the geopolitical stakes, exploring why the U.S.-China AI race could rival the nuclear arms race—and how technologies like recursive self-improvement could reshape military dominance. Plus, a closer look at data privacy, surveillance concerns, and how governments and tech companies may influence what information users see. Key topics include: The hidden political bias inside AI systems AI’s impact on jobs, education, and society The growing threat of deepfakes and misinformation China’s AI ambitions vs. U.S. innovation Data privacy, surveillance, and security risks Why AI could redefine the global balance of power As AI continues to accelerate, this episode offers a critical look at what’s coming next—and what it means for individuals, families, and the future of freedom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do the fall of Venezuela’s Maduro regime and the war with Iran mean for China? On this episode of The Truth with Lisa Boothe, Lisa is joined by China expert and bestselling author Gordon Chang to break down the geopolitical ripple effects of Operation Epic Fury and President Trump’s foreign policy moves. Chang explains how China has relied on Iran and Venezuela as strategic proxies, why Chinese weapons and defense systems have failed against U.S. and Israeli forces, and how losing discounted oil from those regimes could hit China’s struggling economy. They also dive into the biggest question: Does this make China more or less likely to invade Taiwan? Chang analyzes Xi Jinping’s political vulnerabilities, the turmoil inside China’s military leadership, and the growing risk of conflict with the United States. Plus, they discuss China’s surveillance state, potential internal unrest, and why this moment could be a turning point in the global balance of power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is the war with Iran impacting global oil prices—and could the Strait of Hormuz trigger the next energy crisis? In this episode, Lisa sits down with former U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette to break down the extreme volatility in the oil markets, the risks facing global shipping, and how energy traders are trying to price uncertainty during a geopolitical conflict. Brouillette explains why oil prices surged from the mid-$70s to $120 in just hours, how the Trump administration’s proposed $20 billion tanker insurance backstop could stabilize shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, and why the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is at a dangerously low level. He also reflects on how deregulation during the Trump administration helped make the United States a net energy exporter and what that means for energy security today. The conversation also explores the global implications of bringing Venezuelan oil back into the market, China’s reliance on discounted energy, and how geopolitical shifts could reshape the world’s energy supply. Plus, Brouillette discusses the massive power demand coming from AI and data centers, why nuclear energy may be the key to meeting future electricity needs, and how cybersecurity and quantum computing could transform energy infrastructure. Topics covered include: Why oil prices are swinging wildly during the Iran conflict The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz Trump’s tanker insurance plan and global shipping risks The state of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Energy independence and deregulation under the Trump administration Venezuelan oil and China’s discounted energy supply The massive energy demand from AI and data centers Why nuclear power could be critical for America’s energy future A must-listen for anyone following energy markets, geopolitics, oil prices, and the future of global energy security.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Lisa Boothe speaks with FOX News Contributor & former FBI Agent, Nicole Parker about rising security concerns in the United States as tensions escalate with Iran and instability grows in the Middle East. Parker breaks down the suspected terrorist attack in Austin, Texas, explaining why “lone offender” attacks are among the most difficult threats for law enforcement to detect and stop. She also explains how individuals can be radicalized online, why soft targets like bars, concerts, and sporting events are often chosen, and what Americans should do in an active shooter situation using the FBI’s “Run, Hide, Fight” guidance. The conversation also dives into national security concerns tied to immigration and border policy, including reports of individuals on terror watch lists entering the United States. Parker discusses the challenges facing the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security, and how joint terrorism task forces work with local law enforcement to stop threats before they happen. Finally, Parker warns that future attacks may not resemble September 11 attacks, emphasizing that cyber attacks on critical infrastructure—such as power grids, water systems, or emergency services—may pose an even greater risk. Topics covered include: The suspected terror attack in Austin and the rise of lone offender violence Radicalization and recruitment through social media and online networks Concerns over sleeper cells and unvetted border crossings Why cyber warfare may be the next major battlefield How the FBI and local police work together to stop attacks before they happen Parker also shares her perspective on reforms inside the FBI and the renewed focus on national security threats as the U.S. navigates an increasingly volatile global environment. Purchase Nicole's NEW Book HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Half of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, New York Times bestselling author and former CIA officer Buck Sexton joins Lisa to break down the escalating conflict with Iran, the strategic realities behind “Operation Epic Fury,” and what regime change would actually require. Drawing from his time in the CIA’s Iraq office after the WMD intelligence failure, Buck explains why wars in the Middle East are never simple—and why Iran presents unique challenges. Is there a viable ground partner inside Iran? Can air power alone force regime change? And how does jihadist ideology impact internal power struggles within the regime? Buck also details the tactical intelligence successes under President Trump—from joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program to high-level capture operations—and why he believes renewed American resolve has reshaped global deterrence. Then the conversation shifts to his New York Times bestselling book, Manufacturing Delusion. Buck outlines how radical movements—whether jihadist, communist, or modern leftist—use psychological tactics like public confession, identity coercion, and collective pressure to enforce ideological conformity. How do these methods compare to Stalinist regimes? What role does social media play in amplifying modern-day mass delusion? And why are moral binaries of “oppressor vs. victim” so effective at mobilizing movements? This episode covers: The real strategic stakes of the Iran conflict Lessons from Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan Why regime durability often surprises policymakers How radical ideologies build loyalty and suppress dissent The dangers of mass delusion in the digital age Purchase Buck's NEW Book HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How close is Iran to building a nuclear weapon—and has the U.S. actually set their program back? In this episode, Lisa sits down with Vice Admiral John W. Miller, a leading expert on Iran and military strategy, to break down the reality behind the headlines. From uranium enrichment levels to the aftermath of recent U.S. strikes, this conversation cuts through the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The Vice Admiral explains why Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium is so concerning, how quickly it could potentially be turned into weapons-grade material, and what we still don’t know about the location of that nuclear stockpile following recent military action. They also dive into: Whether U.S. bunker-buster strikes actually crippled Iran’s nuclear program How close Iran really is to nuclear breakout Why verification—not just negotiation—is the key to any deal Whether Iran is negotiating in good faith or simply buying time How internal unrest inside Iran could impact the regime’s behavior What happens if diplomacy fails—and whether more military action is coming How countries like Israel, China, and Russia factor into the equation Plus, a candid assessment of President Trump’s Iran strategy—and whether it’s working. With tensions rising and uncertainty still high, this episode gives you a clear, expert-level understanding of one of the most dangerous geopolitical flashpoints in the world today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the Supreme Court’s decision on IEEPA actually mean for President Trump’s tariff strategy—and the future of the U.S. economy? In this episode, Lisa is joined by International Law Attorney, Nazak Nikakhtar who breaks down the high-stakes ruling that limits the president’s ability to impose tariffs under emergency powers—and explains why it may not slow Trump down at all. From Sections 232, 301, and 338 to national security-based trade actions, the administration still has powerful tools to reshape global trade. We dive into: Why the Supreme Court blocked IEEPA tariffs—and what comes next How Trump can still impose sweeping tariffs using other legal authorities The real goal behind tariffs: reducing debt, boosting U.S. manufacturing, and countering China Whether tariffs are actually a “tax” on American consumers What CPI and inflation data reveal about the real economic impact The growing decoupling between U.S. businesses and China How global supply chains—and national security—are driving trade policy The long road to rebuilding American manufacturing Nazak also explains why critics may be missing the bigger picture—and why tariffs could play a central role in reversing decades of wage stagnation and industrial decline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.