S9 Ep23: Espresso Martini | Trump Targets Cartels, NSA’s Word Purge, and Iran’s Drone Carrier

In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt unpack the latest intelligence, national security, and espionage stories shaping current affairs. First, they examine Trump’s push to classify Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, the spike in U.S. surveillance flights over Mexico, and whether covert military action is on the table. Then, they break down the NSA’s sweeping deletion of 27 “banned words,” including “bias” and “inclusion,” raising serious concerns about politicized intelligence failures. They also dig into Trump’s demand for Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for U.S. aid and what it signals for Kyiv’s future. Finally, they assess Iran’s unconventional new drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri—a floating experiment in asymmetric warfare or just a high-risk PR stunt?Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of espionage, geopolitics, and global affairs.Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/hofbhGOk21oArticles discussed in today’s episode"How Trump Could Use Military Force Against Cartels In Mexico" by Howard Altman | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/news-features/how-trump-could-use-military-force-against-cartels-in-mexico"RC-135 Rivet Joint Surveillance Jet Just Flew Unprecedented Mission Off Mexico" by Joseph Trevithick | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/air/rc-135-rivet-joint-surveillance-jet-just-flew-unprecedented-mission-off-mexico"US spy planes hunt for intel on Mexican drug cartels as surveillance flights surge near border" by Avery Schmitz, Katie Bo Lillis, Priscilla Alvarez & Natasha Bertrand | CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/10/politics/us-spy-planes-mexican-drug-cartels/index.html"The NSA's "Big Delete" by Judd Legum & Rebecca Crosby | Popular Information Substack: https://popular.info/p/the-nsas-big-delete"Trump says he wants Ukraine’s rare earth elements as a condition of further support" by Zeke Miller | Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-europe-rare-earth-russia-war-9af06a9f17dbaa49a05dcba3a3363977"Iran’s Wacky Aircraft Carrier Has Entered Service" by Joseph Trevithick | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/sea/irans-wacky-aircraft-carrier-has-entered-serviceGood News: Secrets & Spies is no. 3 in Feedspot's top ten spy podcasts!https://podcast.feedspot.com/spy_podcasts/Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.comConnect with us on social mediaBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspiesFacebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspiesSpoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesFollow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.socialSecrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.Music by Andrew R. BirdSecrets and Spies is an enthralling spy podcast that guides listeners on an immersive journey into the hidden realm of espionage, terrorism, geopolitics, and international intrigue. Expect insight into the world of news, politics, and current affairs through the lens of espionage & geopolitics. Guests include former spies, authors, and experts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.