361. Will Hurricane Trump Hit Venezuela Next? Barbara Starr. Trump’s Destructive Troop Speech. Melissa Hits Jamaica. Hegseth Hits More Boats. Is NYC’s Election a Flashpoint? WTF: Billionaire Gives $130M to Pay Troops!? Ohtani’s World Class Leadership. 

Everything is about national security. Especially right now. From troops in US streets, to strikes on boats in the Caribbean, to Ukraine and Putin, to Trump’s crazy and now regular speeches to military audiences. There’s lots of chaos and drama. But the chaos and drama about war and conflict are most important. And it sounds like Trump and Hegseth want more.  Former CNN National Security reporter and veteran Pentagon press leader Barbara Starr is a highly-respected and wise legend in journalism. For decades, she’s covered the military, Secretaries of Defense and Presidents. She’s seen it all. But like Ohatani last night, or the magnitude of Hurricane Melissa slamming into Jamaica right now, nobody’s seen the stuff we’re seeing now from Trump and Hegseth focused in and around our military. And it may be coming to your city or two next.  Barbara returns to break down an America at the tipping point on the latest daily episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff). They tackle the new threats facing the U.S. military, the politicization of the armed forces, attacks on the Pentagon press corps, lessons from Venezuela, and the importance of defending the Constitution and press freedom amid chaos. Barbara also shares the vital importance of the First Amendment as the constitutional backbone of democracy, and why mentorship, courage, and vigilance are essential for journalists, troops, and citizens alike. Topped with uplifting reflections on Shohei Ohtani’s sportsmanship, the lessons of Sandy Kofax, and the enduring strength of the Constitution, this is a must-listen for anyone invested in America’s future who wants to stay ahead of the news. And understand what’s most important.  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. Its 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. -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates.  -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.  -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: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices