EPISODE · Feb 12, 2026 · 1H 30M
How China Funds the American Left + Sen. Cornyn Joins The Progrum
from Ruthless Podcast · host Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan and John Ashbrook
The fellas discuss one of the biggest political stories flying under the radar: a State Department report identifying far-left activist groups as potential vectors of Chinese influence operation. That’s not just politics — that’s national security. Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook break down: • The State Department naming Code Pink and The People’s Forum in a report to Congress • How foreign influence exploits U.S. nonprofit networks • Why Minnesota protests and ICE clashes don’t look organic • The money trail behind radical “riot-on-demand” activism • Ways & Means Chairman Jason Smith launching investigations into foreign-backed nonprofits Then it’s media malpractice time. Axios had to delete a headline after reporting that crime plunged in major cities “despite” Trump’s crackdown. The fellas unpack what that framing says about the press — and why enforcing laws suddenly became controversial. Plus: • A liberal columnist admits broken windows policing might actually work • The SAVE Act panic — and why requiring ID to vote is suddenly “controversial” • Somalia requiring voter ID before Democrats can agree on it And it’s primary season. Senator John Cornyn joins the program to discuss: • His reelection fight in Texas • Border security and ICE enforcement • Texas securing $11 billion in federal reimbursement • Performance politics vs actual legislating • The stakes of a contentious Republican primary Texas voters have a big decision ahead — and the outcome could impact Senate races nationwide. Question of the Day: What’s the most obvious “revelation” a liberal has had during the Trump era? Drop your answer in the comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
The fellas discuss one of the biggest political stories flying under the radar: a State Department report identifying far-left activist groups as potential vectors of Chinese influence operation. That’s not just politics — that’s national security. Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook break down: • The State Department naming Code Pink and The People’s Forum in a report to Congress • How foreign influence exploits U.S. nonprofit networks • Why Minnesota protests and ICE clashes don’t look organic • The money trail behind radical “riot-on-demand” activism • Ways & Means Chairman Jason Smith launching investigations into foreign-backed nonprofits Then it’s media malpractice time. Axios had to delete a headline after reporting that crime plunged in major cities “despite” Trump’s crackdown. The fellas unpack what that framing says about the press — and why enforcing laws suddenly became controversial. Plus: • A liberal columnist admits broken windows policing might actually work • The SAVE Act panic — and why requiring ID to vote is suddenly “controversial” • Somalia requiring voter ID before Democrats can agree on it And it’s primary season. Senator John Cornyn joins the program to discuss: • His reelection fight in Texas • Border security and ICE enforcement • Texas securing $11 billion in federal reimbursement • Performance politics vs actual legislating • The stakes of a contentious Republican primary Texas voters have a big decision ahead — and the outcome could impact Senate races nationwide. Question of the Day: What’s the most obvious “revelation” a liberal has had during the Trump era? Drop your answer in the comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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How China Funds the American Left + Sen. Cornyn Joins The Progrum
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