Hold These Truths with Dan Crenshaw

The Situation Report for December 13, 2025. Rep. Dan Crenshaw covers the latest in global conflicts driving U.S. foreign policy — from an escalating showdown with Venezuela, to Ukraine's counter-proposal in talks with Russia, to the Pentagon's push to break China's grip on critical military materials. U.S. seizes oil tanker off Venezuelan coast Advice for would-be smugglers Kyiv makes a peace offer The U.S. military is getting into the refinery business War again in South Asia President Trump's Gold Card Visa The Fed cuts interest rates If you read nothing else: "How long Britain could really fight for if war broke out tomorrow" by Frank Gardner

Manhattan Institute's Rob Henderson shares his extraordinary journey from the chaos of the foster care system to becoming one of the leading voices on human nature, social class, and culture. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to break down the roots of America's growing crisis of meaning—especially among young men—and explore why childhood instability, not poverty, drives so many social outcomes. They dig into the failures of the foster system, the erosion of family structure, the search for purpose, and how discipline, responsibility, and strong values can rebuild the foundation of American society. Rob Henderson is the best-selling author of "Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class." He is a Senior Fellow at Manhattan Institute. Find him on X at @robkhenderson.

The Situation Report for December 4, 2025. The latest on what Congress has been up to since Democrats finally ended their 43-day shutdown. Rep. Crenshaw covers the much talked about Epstein vote, as well as the most recent developments in our standoff with Venezuela and the Ukraine-Russia negotiations. And he brings the receipts on Punchbowl New's "Mexico scandal" – which turns out to be the most boring story ever. 43 days lost and Democrats flat out lied to you Get ready for the Obamacare subsidies debate About that Epstein vote A fun fact about Epstein's buddy Larry Summers Aftermath of the attack on DC's National Guard Governor Tim Walz (remember him?) has a $1 billion+ fraud scandal How hawala networks are possibly using taxpayer dollars to support terrorism President Trump gives Maduro an ultimatum Jared Kushner is back! The latest on Ukraine-Russia negotiations MEDIA BIAS ALERT: Lies, damned lies, and Punchbowl News (about that "alcohol-related incident" in Mexico) A new tariff deal between U.S. and Britain TRAVEL ALERT: Get your REAL ID ready for TSA Read more debunking of the Punchbowl News story here Listen to my podcast with Dr. Ge Bai on the healthcare debate here

Since Democrats decided to shut down the government over Affordable Care Act subsidies, now's a good time for a deep dive into what they're even talking about. John Hopkins professor Dr. Ge Bai walks us through the ACA subsidies, the hidden mechanics behind the Affordable Care Act, and its illusion of "affordability." Dr. Bai shows us how regulations and subsidies have quietly reshaped the healthcare market - and how the free market can make it work for patients again. Ge Bai, PhD, CPA is a Professor of Accounting at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and Professor of Health Policy & Management (joint) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. An expert on health care accounting, finance, and policy, Dr. Bai has testified before the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate HELP Committee, written for the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, and published her studies in leading academic journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and Health Affairs. Find her on X at @GeBaiDC and read her recent WSJ oped here: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/let-the-obamacare-enhanced-premium-subsidies-expire-16ef7e1b

What really happens to your plastic after it leaves the recycling bin? There's a massive industry trying to turn that trash into something useful in the cleanest, most efficient way possible – and it's one of the toughest economic puzzles of our time. Recycling expert Ross Eisenberg joins us to unpack the strange economics, the breakthrough chemistry, and the big misconceptions behind plastic waste and production. Ross Eisenberg is the President of America's Plastic Makers at the American Chemistry Council. Find him on X at @eisenberg_ross.

Cato Institute's Travis Fisher joins Rep. Crenshaw to cover the current state of climate science vs climate alarmism. They unpack the new Department of Energy climate report that surveys the latest climate models, the impact of CO₂, ocean acidification, and hurricane trends. They look at the impact of a 2009 EPA regulation called the "Endangerment Finding," which has had a massively negative impact on American innovation and prosperity. They also discuss the path forward towards energy realism: reliable, affordable, and secure energy paired with innovation-driven, commonsense environmental progress. Travis Fisher is the director of energy and environmental policy studies at the Cato Institute. He has nearly 20 years of experience in energy policy, including leadership roles at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Institute for Energy Research, and the Department of Energy during the first Trump administration. He most recently served again on a detail to the Department of Energy under Secretary Chris Wright, where he managed the development of the new climate report. Find him on X at @ts_fisher and read his research at Cato Institute .

Rick Walker is an investor, author, and scholar of history and philosophy. He also happens to be Rep. Crenshaw's one-time opponent in his very first primary campaign – but no hard feelings about that. Get ready for a wide-ranging conversation about everything from Alexander the Great's quest for the Fountain of Youth to birthday shopping with Dennis Rodman to life lessons learned on the campaign trail. Within all of it, Rick finds the universal truths that can lead everyone to a life of meaning. Rick Walker is the author of "9 Steps to Build a Life of Meaning: How to Unlock Your Mind, Happiness, Power, and Your Enemy's Demise." Find him on X at @RickWalkerTX and listen to The Rick Walker Podcast.

The Situation Report for September 19, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw shares his thoughts on Charlie Kirk and the divisive, partisan reaction to his assassination. He analyzes what we know about the TikTok deal that could finally remove China's control over America's most popular social media app. And he covers the promising results of President Trump's historic second visit to the UK, the surprising reason Ilhan Omar's censure vote failed, and much more. Some thoughts on Charlie Kirk and the future of Turning Point Optimism on the Trump Administration's TikTok deal Venezuelan narco boats get the "steel on target" treatment President Trump goes to Windsor Castle Media Bias Alert: MSNBC whitewashes the Charlie Kirk assassination Israel launches major offensive on Gaza The charges against Luigi Mangioni Fed cuts interest rates So long, Kimmell US House fails to censure Ilhan Omar The latest effort by Sec. RFK to fix the U.S. organ transplant system Read of the week: WSJ's "Tyler Robinson and America's Lost Boys"

Episode Note: This week's SITREP was recorded a few hours before the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. At the end of the episode, we've included the initial thoughts Rep. Crenshaw shared in a video posted on social media after news broke of the assassination. The Situation Report for September 11, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers Poland's historic attack on Russian drones, President Trump's latest bold policy moves in the wars against cartels and violent crime, and more major developing headlines across America and the world. Russian drones downed over Poland Operation Midway Blitz – President Trump's latest crackdown on violent crime and illegal immigration Cartels, meet the F-35 Israel strikes Hamas leaders in Qatar Chaos in Nepal Bias Alert: The media's pathological compassion toward violent criminals Power struggle at News Corp. House of Cards – French Edition The Supreme Court takes on President Trump's tariff policy Troubling trends in education Cracker Barrel admits their rebrand was a bad idea Never forget the heroes of 9-11-2001 Prayers for Charlie Kirk and his family

After President Trump's federalization of DC law enforcement, attention is turning to the root causes of violent crime and the policies needed to restore safety in America's cities. Manhattan Institute's Charles Fain Lehman joins Rep. Crenshaw to break down the data, the myths, and the realities behind the crime waves in DC and other urban areas – from bail reform and policing shortages to homelessness, public disorder, and the social contagion of mass shootings. A hard look at what's working, what isn't, and what it will take to make our communities safe again. Charles Fain Lehman is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and senior editor of City Journal. He focuses primarily on the public policy of antisocial behavior, including issues of crime, drugs, and public disorder. Find him on X at @CharlesFLehman and read his research at Manhattan Institute.

The Situation Report for September 4, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw returns from August recess to cover major developments in the war against the cartels, the redistricting battle that is transforming the battleground makeup for the 2026 midterms, and President Trump's sweeping crackdown on crime in our nation's capitol. All this and much more in just 16 minutes. The Minneapolis school shooting - Democrats once again exploit a tragedy for political gain Mid-decade redistricting – Republicans start to even the score against wide-spread Democrat gerrymandering Plea deals and precision strikes - A very bad month for the cartels The legal precedent for President Trump's crackdown on DC crime Good news for American energy dominance "Rocket City" - Why Huntsville, Alabama is the perfect spot for U.S. Space Command MEDIA BIAS ALERT: The legacy media is ignoring paid leftist influencer campaigns If You Read Nothing Else: "The U.S. Is Not Prepared for a Drone Strike"

On the morning of November 4, 2019, a random act of cartel violence in Mexico sent shockwaves across the world. A convoy of Americans, in a chance encounter with the Juarez Cartel, were shot, burned alive, and left for dead in the road near their community. Nine American citizens died, and five of them were relatives of Adriana Jones: her sister Rhonita and four of her young nieces and nephews. Adriana joined Rep. Crenshaw to recount the sheer, inhumane brutality of that day, the aftermath, and the systemic failures within Mexico's police and government which allow tragedies like this to occur. Adriana Jones is the President of American Families Against Cartel Terrorism , an organization dedicated to advocating for justice and support for the victims of cartel violence and organized crime.

Jonathan Levin is the co-founder and CEO of Chainanalysis, a crypto investigations company that analyzes blockchain data to track down cartels, terror financiers, and cybercriminals. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to talk about how criminal networks and hostile regimes use crypto to finance operations, move drugs, and evade sanctions. They cover the crypto legislation which passed in Congress last week. And Jonathan gives a high-level overview of how blockchains and stablecoins work. A comprehensive episode for anyone interested in the promises and perils of digital assets like Bitcoin. Prior to starting Chainanaylsis, Jonathan was the CEO of Coinometrics, a company focused on blockchain intelligence. He also worked as a postgraduate economist researching cryptocurrencies at the University of Oxford. Find Jonathan on X at @jony_levin.

Andrew Guernsey is a senior advisor to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to share the Trump Administration's groundbreaking work to expose the flawed science and political bias behind gender-affirming treatments for minors. They dive into the recent HHS report that reveals just how weak the evidence is for these treatments—and how the Biden administration had quietly pushed them using taxpayer dollars, pressuring medical organizations, and spreading misleading information. Prior to serving under Secretary Kennedy, Andrew served as a Policy Advisor in the U.S. House and Senate, including for Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Read the full Gender Dysphoria Report from HHS here: https://opa.hhs.gov/gender-dysphoria-report

The Situation Report for July 24, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers the biggest story of the week: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's criminal referral to the Department of Justice over the Intelligence Community's "Russia collusion" claims from 2017 – laying out what Director Gabbard found and what happens next. He also covers new trade deals, defunding gender transition procedures, a disturbing report on America's organ transplant system, and much more. President Trump seals new trade deals with key Indo-Pacific allies Hospitals lose federal funding for gender transition procedures on minors DNI Tulsi Gabbard makes a criminal referral over the Russia collusion scandal An investigation into the organ transplant system reveals disturbing practices YouTube deletes thousands of propaganda accounts tied to China and Russia Get well soon, President Trump Classic Coca-Cola is coming to a shelf near you Read of the week: " The U.S. Is Not Prepared for a Drone Attack "

The Situation Report for July 17, 2025. President Trump brings the hammer down on Putin. Major developments in the race to make America the world's AI capitol AND self-sufficient on the critical minerals front. A radical protest movement brewing in Mexico to expel American nationals. And the Texas special session is about to have huge implications for national politics. All this and much more in less than 14 minutes. Deadlines and missile systems: President Trump escalates pressure on Russia The U.S. ramps up its critical mineral infrastructure How the Rust Belt is transforming into a high-tech AI hub Radical protestors tell Americans to get out of Mexico A quick note on the origins of "gringo" The Texas special session is coming, and it has national implications ICE cleans up Texas New developments in the Biden autopen scandal John Brennan could be in big trouble Media Bias Alert: the left mocks victims of the July 4 th floods Read of the week: Dan Crenshaw's "Heartbreak and Heroism in Hill Country, Texas" Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple , Spotify , and YouTube Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG , X , and Facebook

Want to get stronger, live longer, and actually Make America Healthy Again? Dr. Mike Israetel has the roadmap. He joined Rep. Crenshaw for a fun, wide-ranging conversation on scientifically backed methods to optimize your workouts, nutrition, and mindset. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to fine-tune your regimen, Dr. Mike has actionable advice and sharp insights to help you level up your health. Dr. Mike Israetel is a BJJ black belt and competitive bodybuilder with a PhD in Sport Physiology. He is the co-founder of RP Strength. Find him on Instagram at @drmikeisraetel. Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple , Spotify , and YouTube Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG , X , and Facebook

The Situation Report for June 27, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw explains why several key provisions of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill are in jeopardy because of one rogue Senate Parliamentarian. He covers the dishonest leak of a "low confidence" classified assessment of the bunker-buster strikes of Iranian nuclear sites. And he explains the legal reasoning behind a major Supreme Court ruling, and massive win for the Trump Administration, on deportations. The United States and Israel obliterate the Iranian nuclear program President Trump goes to Europe for NATO Summit Supreme Court upholds third country deportations New York City chooses socialism Senate Parliamentarian goes rogue on One Big Beautiful Bill If you read nothing else: "U.S. Credibility Returns to the Middle East" Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple , Spotify , and YouTube Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG , X , and Facebook

Former CIA station chief Ralph Goff returns to analyze the actions, likely outcomes, and fearmongering surrounding the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Regime change. World War 3. Tucker vs Cruz. Iranian civil war. America's role. With decades of experience running covert operations across the Middle East and beyond, Goff gives us a grounded assessment of the strategic risks and geopolitical implications as Israel pushes the Iranian regime closer to the brink of collapse. Ralph Goff is a 35-year veteran of the CIA and a 6-time station chief who served in Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South Asia. He also served as Chief of CIA's National Resources Division, working extensively with "C Suite" level US private sector executives in the financial, banking, and security sectors. Today he is a risk management consultant and contributor for The Cipher Brief. Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple , Spotify , and YouTube Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG , X , and Facebook

The Situation Report for June 12, 2025. A startling assassination attempt in Colombia. Iran's nuclear ambitions put the Middle East on the brink of chaos. And the Trump Administration closes a deal with China, shakes up the CDC, and cracks down on "mostly peaceful protests." All this and much more analysis from Rep. Dan Crenshaw in just 12 minutes. Political violence returns to Colombia Tension mounts with the Iran nuclear negotiations A new trade truce with China Secretary RFK Jr. shakes up a controversial CDC vaccine advisory committee The FBI busts hundreds of child sex predators President Trump reacts swiftly to the LA riots The media resurrects "mostly peaceful protests" Elon makes amends More good news for American energy dominance If you read nothing else: National Review's Rich Lowry on "This is Not What Authoritarianism Looks Like" Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple , Spotify , and YouTube Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG , X , and Facebook

The Situation Report for June 6, 2025. Ukraine launches a bold drone attack deep inside Russia. The Supreme Court weighs in on major cases involving firearms. And the Department of Justice investigates exactly who in the Biden Administration was behind the infamous autopen pardons. All this and much more analysis from Rep. Dan Crenshaw in less than 10 minutes. Ukraine + Russia trade hostages and escalate their drone attacks The Supreme Court declines to review states' weapons bans Department of Justice investigates Biden's autopen pardons The feds crackdown on cartel oil smuggling Why President Trump just banned travel for citizens of these 12 countries Chinese nationals caught smuggling a dangerous pathogen in the U.S. Mexico loses fight to sue American gun manufacturers The Boulder attack Washington Post earns four Pinocchios If you read nothing else: Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Chloe Cole: The Big Beautiful Bill Protects Children and Taxpayers from Radical Gender Ideology Subscribe to Hold These Truths on Apple , Spotify , and YouTube Follow Dan Crenshaw on IG , X , and Facebook

Civic knowledge in America is declining. AI is rapidly advancing. And the Iran-Russia-China alliance is pushing the world closer to the brink of global war. Dr. Condoleezza Rice joins Rep. Dan Crenshaw for a frank conversation about the greatest threats to the future of Western Civilization—and how Stanford's Hoover Institution is working to confront them. Dr. Condoleezza Rice is the Director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State (2005–2009) and National Security Advisor (2001–2005) to President George W. Bush. Follow her on X at @CondoleezzaRice and stay up to date on the Hoover Institution's research at @HooverInst .

The Situation Report for May 22, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw gives insight into what led up to the early morning House passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. He covers some of the Trump Administration's victories this week - including new talks between Russia and Ukraine, a Supreme Court ruling on deportations, and cleaning up America's food supply. And he breaks down the strategic benefits of a new missile defense shield for the United States. All this and much more in less than 20 minutes. One Big Beautiful Bill, and the conservative wins in it President Trump brokers new talks between Russia and Ukraine Democratic congresswoman charged with assault after storming ICE facility Supreme Court allows TPS deportations to continue The CBP Home App: a cheaper way to deport migrants The FDA cleans up America's food supply The Golden Dome: A new missile defense shield for the United States "Thanks for your lies, Daily Beast." If you read nothing else: "How to Stop Students from Cheating with AI"

America's defense industrial base is woefully behind production on new advanced weapons systems, and slow to deliver those systems to strategic allies like Taiwan. The axis of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea is shifting the global balance of military capabilities in their favor. All of this adds up to what defense expert Brad Bowman calls the most dangerous geostrategic threat for the United States since 1945. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to cover bureaucratic and legislative reforms that would reinvigorate America's defense industry and speed up weapons deliveries to our allies. He gives an analysis of the Chinese military's strengths and weaknesses in an invasion of Taiwan. And he discusses the policy options for arming Mexico against the drug cartels. Brad Bowman serves as senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he focuses on U.S. defense strategy and policy. He has served as a national security advisor to members of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, as well as an active duty U.S. Army officer, Black Hawk pilot, and assistant professor at West Point. Follow him on X at @Brad_L_Bowman .

The Situation Report for May 16, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers the major deals President Trump struck over the past week, from Chinese tariffs to historic partnerships with key Middle East countries to an India-Pakistan ceasefire. He explains House Energy & Commerce's contribution to the Big Beautiful Reconciliation Bill, including his own amendment banning taxpayer funded gender transition procedures on children. All that and much more significant developments you might have missed in under 14 minutes. The 90-day tariff rollback with China President Trump strikes historic deals with the Middle East House Energy & Commerce advances the Big Beautiful Bill…including Rep. Crenshaw's provision to prohibit taxpayer funded gender-transition procedures for minors! Democratic congressmen storm ICE facility in New Jersey Governor Newsom finally realizes California is a dystopian hellscape HABEMUS PAPAM – Where Pope Leo will lead the Catholic Church India and Pakistan reach a ceasefire agreement, thanks to President Trump If you read nothing else: "Thank a Cop This Police Week"