In this must-hear breaking news episode, host Paul Rieckhoff and Washington Post Pentagon reporter and returning guest Dan Lamothe dig into the shocking September 2 “drug boat” strike that allegedly included a second “double tap” hit on survivors in the water—and why this may become the first real legal and political test of Trump’s controversial boat strike campaign. They unpack who gave which orders, what Congress can demand, how video evidence could change everything, and why the Navy and Pentagon leadership are under new scrutiny from all sides.​ Paul and Dan also break down the pre-Thanksgiving targeted shooting of West Virginia National Guard soldiers in Washington, DC—one killed, one critically wounded—and what it reveals about domestic security, vetting, immigration politics, and the dangerous rush to be first instead of right when governors and politicians post about casualties. The conversation then zooms out to looming US strikes on Venezuela, ongoing war in Ukraine, and what happens if American aircraft go down on foreign soil in the middle of a fragile, hyper-partisan environment of misinformation. The guys also dig into negotiations and fault lines in Ukraine, how China may be quietly benefiting from America’s distractions, and how a potential Venezuela operation could spin out politically and militarily without clear, credible communication.​ In one of the most jaw-dropping segments, Paul and Dan dig into the collapse of the traditional Pentagon press corps: CNN, The New York Times, Fox, and The Washington Post have now been fully pushed out of the building–and radical conspiracy-pusher Laura Loomer, MyPillow-linked outlets, and fringe “truth tellers” have taken over their access–and their desks. And they’re talking junk about it.  Dan and Paul also drill down on Trump’s plans to attend the Army–Navy game later this month, what to look for, how that once-unifying event is now becoming a hyper-political stage, and why announcements and personnel moves tied to the game have mattered before—and could again.  Plus, Dan shares why time with teachers, cops, and old classmates far from DC can be grounding in a moment of national whiplash. Paul gives a shoutout to the unifying Detroit Lions Thanksgiving halftime show with Eminem and Jack White—and why small cultural moments like that matter when the news is this heavy. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories--and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. Past appearances by Dan Lamothe: Episode 96, Episode 154, Episode 185, Episode 206, Episode 245, Episode 318, Episode 332 and Episode 357. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the holidays.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts  Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram  X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices