Newt describes the complex process of reconciliation in the United States Congress. Reconciliation, established by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, is a crucial tool for managing government spending, allowing certain tax, spending, and debt limit legislation to bypass the Senate filibuster with a simple majority vote. Newt discusses the intricacies of the reconciliation process, the challenges of passing appropriations bills, and the frequent use of continuing resolutions to prevent government shutdowns. He highlights the political dynamics and strategic maneuvers involved in passing a budget and reconciliation bill, emphasizing the importance of these legislative actions for the current administration and the Republican Party's future electoral prospects. He also describes public sentiment towards government spending and the need for significant reforms to address perceived corruption and inefficiency in the federal bureaucracy.

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Newt talks with Christian Datoc, White House Reporter for the Washington Examiner. They discuss the significant changes in the White House Press pool under the Trump administration, including the Associated Press's removal and the White House taking over the management of the press pool. Datoc highlights the tension between legacy media outlets and new media entrants, as well as the challenges faced by the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA). They also delve into the differences between the Trump and Biden administrations' media strategies, the impact of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, and the ongoing tariff disputes with Canada and Mexico. Their conversation touches on the effectiveness of Trump's cabinet appointments and the administration's ambitious agenda.

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Newt talks with Kevin Czinger, lead inventor, Founder, and Executive Chairman of Czinger Vehicles and its parent company, Divergent Technologies about his recent visit to the Divergent 3D factory in Torrance, California. They discuss Czinger's impressive background, from his working-class roots in Ohio to his achievements in football, military service, and law. Czinger shares his journey from Yale Law School to becoming a Deputy US Attorney and later joining Goldman Sachs. He explains his transition to founding Coda Automotive and eventually Divergent Technologies, focusing on sustainable production systems. Their conversation highlights Divergent's innovative manufacturing process, which integrates AI, 3D printing, and robotics to create advanced, lightweight structures for various industries, including automotive and aerospace. Czinger also discusses the development of the Czinger 21C, the world's fastest street-legal hypercar, and the potential of Divergent's technology to revolutionize the aerospace and defense industries.

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Newt talks with Ambassador Gregory Slayton about his new book, "Portraits of Ukraine: A Nation at War," which provides an in-depth analysis of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The book explores Ukraine's history, culture, and the resilience of its people, complemented by hundreds of images. Slayton, a former US Consul General and Chief of Mission to Bermuda, shares his experiences from Kyiv and Washington, emphasizing the importance of peace through strength and the critical role of US support for Ukraine. He highlights the challenges posed by Russian disinformation and the necessity of continued Western aid. Their conversation underscores the significance of supporting Ukraine's fight for democracy and freedom.

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Newt talks about his experience attending President Donald J. Trump's address to the joint session of Congress. He describes the atmosphere, interactions, and preparations leading up to the event, including a reception at Speaker Mike Johnson's office. Newt highlights the strategic seating arrangements and the anticipation of potential disruptions by Democrats, which were effectively managed by Speaker Johnson and the Sergeant at Arms. The address itself is detailed, noting Trump's extensive coverage of various topics, his engagement with the audience, and the contrasting reactions from Republicans and Democrats. Newt emphasizes the positive reception of Trump's speech, its impact on his agenda, and the stark division between the supportive Republicans and the unresponsive "Zombie Democrats."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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