Trump, Iran, And The Draft: Independent Veterans, Young Voters, And The Cost Of Another Middle East War.​

In this all‑new episode of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff takes you behind the scenes of his latest appearances on MSNBC’s Katy Tur Reports and NewsNation with Connell McShane to break down Trump’s Iran war, talk of a draft, and what it all means for a new generation raised in the shadow of Iraq and Afghanistan. From rising gas prices and billion‑dollar‑a‑day war spending to the specter of regime change and who would actually secure a post‑war Iran, Rieckhoff brings the blunt, experience‑driven analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Drawing on decades of work with veterans and independents, Rieckhoff explains why young Americans feel duped, why Trump’s own family won’t see the front lines, and why the MAGA base is splintering as the war’s popularity drops by the minute. He digs into Tulsi Gabbard’s dramatic reversal on “no regime‑change wars,” the growing risk of regional spillover through the Strait of Hormuz, and the unanswered question at the heart of this conflict: who will be the boots on the ground when the bombs stop. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans, and the trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope that helps you stay ahead of the curve—and stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars. -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. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. 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  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -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.