UnFiltered 015 | The "Boar War" and UFC on the White House Lawn — How Trump Channels Teddy Roosevelt

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit riveraandreeves.substack.comJoin Rachel and Meseidy for an UnFiltered dive into American history meets modern politics. From the bizarre 1859 Pig War between the US and Britain over the San Juan Islands to Trump’s controversial UFC fight plans on the White House lawn for America’s 250th birthday, we explore how presidential populism has evolved from Teddy Roosevelt’s boxing ring to today’s political spectacle. Plus: our hot takes on Venezuela policy, the White House ballroom drama, and why the first female president will likely be Republican. No topic is off limits in this wide-ranging conversation about tradition, spectacle, and what “presidential” really means in 2025.Warning: You might leave this episode with a serious case of tool envy and a sudden urge to organize your entire news consumption system.Episode Highlights* The Pig War of 1859: How one dead pig nearly sparked an international conflict that lasted 14 years with zero casualties* UFC on the White House Lawn: Making the case for Trump’s controversial July 4th fight plan through the lens of Teddy Roosevelt’s White House boxing ring* Venezuela Policy Concerns: Why Trump’s Latin America strategy might be good geopolitics but terrible political messaging heading into midterms* The First Female President: Why both Democrat and Republican strategists agree it will be a Republican woman—and Sarah Huckabee Sanders tops the list* White House Ballroom Battle: The real story behind Trump’s demolition plans, donor funding, and Elizabeth Warren’s legal threatsHey Friend!If you’re a free subscriber and enjoyed this preview, why not take the next step?Becoming a paid supporter helps keep independent journalism alive and ensures we can keep bringing you real talk, real news, and real accountability—without the media spin.As a paid subscriber, you’ll get:* 🔥 Exclusive Content – Access to premium posts, deep-dive analysis, and subscriber-only podcasts.* 🎙 Unfiltered Episodes – Bonus conversations that go beyond the headlines.* 💬 Community Engagement – Join discussions, comment on posts, and be part of the conversation shaping our coverage.* 🚀 Support the Mission – Help us grow and continue challenging the narratives the mainstream media wants you to believe.If you love what we do, upgrading to a paid subscription is the best way to keep independent media thriving while getting more of the content you already enjoy.Thank you for being here and supporting our mission!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Location Changes05:10 DIY Projects and Home Improvements16:00 The Pig War: A Historical Overview21:40 Discussion on the San Juan Islands21:59 The Pig War: A Historical Anecdote24:23 Political Reflections on Leadership and Legacy27:33 Spectacle and Populism in Modern Politics35:31 Connecting Historical Figures: Trump and Roosevelt39:42 The UFC Fight on the White House Lawn: A Controversial Event40:16 Trump’s Birthday and the New Ballroom44:43 Controversies Surrounding the White House Renovations50:49 Political Messaging and Latin America56:25 The Future of Female Leadership in Politics