Welcome to 2026!

Clay and Buck break down the historic Delta Force raid that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, comparing its complexity to the Osama bin Laden mission. They detail how elite U.S. special operations forces executed a flawless plan involving cyber warfare, blackout tactics, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, and intelligence precision—resulting in zero American casualties. The hosts emphasize the strategic implications for the Western Hemisphere, noting ripple effects on Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran, and how this bold move reinforces President Trump’s “mess around and find out” foreign policy.

Tim Walz Steps Down

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announces he will not seek reelection following a viral investigation into massive Somali daycare fraud. A 23-year-old YouTuber exposed empty storefronts posing as childcare centers, siphoning off millions in taxpayer funds. Clay and Buck detail how this scandal could involve up to $9 billion in fraudulent payments, nearly the GDP of Somalia, and note that over 100 indictments have already been filed. They question why U.S. taxpayers fund childcare for welfare recipients, arguing the program itself invites abuse. The segment explores cultural factors behind the fraud, the political fallout for Walz, and the growing power of independent media to topple entrenched politicians.

That Didn't Age Well, Chuck

The discussion explores Maduro’s arraignment in Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela post-Maduro, and contrasts Trump’s decisive action with prior Democratic administrations. Clay and Buck highlight the hypocrisy of critics like Chuck Schumer and newly elected NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who condemned the operation as “regime change,” sparking debate over international law and U.S. national security priorities.

Operation Absolute Resolve

David Rutherford (aka Rut) former Navy SEAL and host on the Clay & Buck Podcast Network. Rutherford calls the Maduro operation “one of the top five best ops ever,” detailing the complexity, flawless coordination, and elite performance of JSOC units, Delta Force, and the 160th SOAR pilots. He compares the raid’s scale and sophistication to the Osama bin Laden mission, arguing that this operation was even more impressive. Rutherford emphasizes its global implications, warning cartels and hostile regimes that America is “done playing games” and projecting power with precision. He predicts increased operational tempo against Mexican cartels and underscores how this mission reshapes global power dynamics.

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