Anthropic Stands Up to Hegseth. Arrest in NYPD Snowstorm Attack. More ICE Carnage. Movers Save Abducted 3-Year Old. Epstein Files Missing Claims Against Trump. Hegseth Attacks…The Boy Scouts.

War with Iran could happen this weekend — and that's not hyperbole. In Episode 451 of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff brings in nuclear policy expert Joe Cirincione to break down what U.S. intelligence actually says about the Iran threat (spoiler: it doesn't back Trump's claims), the terrifying intersection of AI and nuclear weapons, and why removing humans from the kill-decision chain isn't just bad policy — it's existential. Plus: the jaw-dropping standoff between Anthropic and the Pentagon, where one of America's top AI companies is refusing to let the government use its technology for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.

This episode also covers Pakistan declaring open war on Afghanistan, a U.S. military laser accidentally shooting down a CBP drone in El Paso, Hegseth's culture war on the Boy Scouts while real wars loom, a draft executive order seeking expanded presidential control over elections, and ICE's continued lawless rampage — including the death of a blind Buffalo refugee abandoned in the cold. Episode 451 is essential listening for anyone trying to understand the most dangerous national security moment since the Cold War. Subscribe, share, and stay vigilant.

-WATCH full video of this episode here.

-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

-Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here.

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Paul Rieckhoff is stuck in Florida — airports shut down, snowstorm paralyzing the Northeast — but he's not going quiet. In this special episode, Paul breaks down Trump's State of the Union address in real time, delivering the sharpest analysis you won't hear anywhere else. The speech clocked in as the longest State of the Union ever delivered. Trump spent exactly three minutes on Iran — roughly 90 minutes in. Paul calls it what it is: a missed opportunity, a half-made case, and a failure of presidential responsibility.

The core issue isn't whether military action against Iran is on the table — it clearly is. The pieces are in place. The forces are arrayed. Paul knows what that looks like firsthand; he was in Iraq when the U.S. went to war in 2003. What's missing from Trump's address is the one thing every commander-in-chief owes the American people before pulling the trigger: an honest accounting of the cost. No mention of consulting Congress. No coalition of allies. No preparation for what a long conflict — with real American casualties — could mean. Trump's approval rating among independents sits at 26%, down ten points from last year. That number tells the story.

Then there's Ukraine. The United States just abstained from a United Nations vote affirming support for Ukraine — standing alongside Saudi Arabia. On the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. Paul, who founded American Veterans for Ukraine, doesn't mince words: it's a black mark on America's record, a moment that demanded moral clarity, and a president who chose silence instead.

Finally, New York City. Paul weighs in on the viral NYPD snowball incident — where officers were pelted with ice by a mob — and the new mayor's stunning failure to stand with his police department. Paul breaks down why this moment matters far beyond one incident, and what it signals about a mayor who came into office with the lowest trust from the NYPD in recent memory. This is Independent Americans: straight talk, no party loyalty, and the five I's to keep you connected. Stay vigilant.

-WATCH full video of this episode here.

-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

-Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here.

Connect with Independent Americans:

• Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms
• Read more at Substack
• Support ad-free episodes at Patreon
• Connect: Instagram • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook

-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.

-And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.

Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.

And now part of the BLEAV network!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.