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10 Minute Drill

Author: Matt Whitlock

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Your morning 10-minute rundown of the most important stories in news and politics, hosted by veteran political strategist Matt Whitlock. We’re keeping it fun, fast, and light because you’ve got enough going on. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
103 Episodes
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In today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, we break down a volatile news cycle that cuts across law enforcement, immigration, corruption, global unrest, the Supreme Court, and affordability. We start in Minneapolis, where the tragic death of Renee Good followed a confrontation between activists and ICE agents. With a 3000% increase in vehicular attacks on ICE, trained activist groups encouraging physical interference, and Minnesota officials fueling chaos, we ask the question the media won’t: Did the ICE agent have legitimate reason to fear for his life? We expose the ICE Watch playbook, the radical tactics being taught to activists, and who these groups are really protecting — including violent criminals with long-standing deportation orders. Next, we turn to Minnesota’s sprawling fraud scandal, as Congress and the FBI intensify their investigations. All eyes are on Keith Ellison, while Ilhan Omar’s comments, legislative history, and campaign ties to fraud defendants raise serious accountability questions. We then go global, as mass protests erupt across Iran in response to inflation, corruption, and regime brutality. With reports of thousands arrested — and possibly killed — this moment may represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for real change. We also break down a major Supreme Court case — Chevron v. Plaquemines Parish — that could determine whether blue states and cities can use local courts to punish energy companies for activities directed by the federal government, with massive implications for climate litigation. Finally, we examine President Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10%. While aimed at affordability, critics warn price controls could backfire — cutting off access to credit, slowing the economy, and harming the very consumers they’re meant to help. Fast. Focused. No spin.
In today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, we break down a volatile mix of crime, corruption, and political spin—starting in Minneapolis, where new video of an ICE-related shooting raises serious questions about public safety, leadership, and why Minnesota Democrats appear more interested in chaos than accountability. We dive into a House hearing on massive Minnesota fraud, where lawmakers warn that the scandal may only be “the tip of the iceberg.” Testimony reveals political incentives to ignore widespread abuse of taxpayer-funded programs, with state officials accusing the Walz administration and Democrats of blocking investigations and shutting down internal controls. Attorney General Keith Ellison responds by dismissing the scandal as political and claiming ignorance of key investigations—while simultaneously boasting about fraud prosecutions. We examine whether Ellison was deliberately sidelined, willfully blind, or simply distracted by partisan pursuits. Also in this episode: New polling shows rising support for Donald Trump taking action against Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro What the data reveals about Trump’s growing midterm momentum Why Democrats are heading into messy, destabilizing primary battles across the country The anniversary of California’s devastating wildfires—and the unanswered question: debris removal may be complete, but where is the rebuilding? Population flight trends as California, Illinois, and New York continue to lead the nation in outbound migration 10 Minute Drill delivers fast, focused analysis on the political stories shaping the country—without the media filter. Subscribe, rate, and share to keep the conversation going.
It’s January 6th, 2026, lock in for an action-packed episode of 10 Minute Drill!  10 Minute Drill hits a major milestone — our 100th episode!  Thanks to our audience, we’ve reached 58,000 subscribers and an audio audience that places us in the top 3% of podcasts. We couldn’t have done it without you. To mark the occasion, we break down one of the biggest geopolitical and political stories of the moment: Venezuela, the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, and the stunning display of American military competence — followed by a wave of Democratic contradictions. We walk through how prominent Democrats who once warned about Maduro as a national security threat are now dismissing the issue entirely, attacking the operation, and even framing it as an “illegal act of war.” From Chris Murphy to Chuck Schumer to Chris Van Hollen, the messaging whiplash is impossible to ignore. We also expose the American socialist ecosystem rushing to Maduro’s defense — coordinated protests, radical slogans, CCP-aligned funding networks, and organizations openly celebrating socialism while defending a totalitarian regime. Next, we turn to Zohran’s swearing-in, revisiting his record of praising collectivism, calling for the seizure of private property, and attacking home ownership — all while positioning himself as a moral authority. Finally, we break down the latest out of Minnesota, with Tim Walz stepping aside, what that means for the state, and why all eyes now turn to Keith Ellison amid ongoing fraud revelations. If Democrats truly cared about poor people and access to care, they would champion oversight — not attack those who expose corruption. 100 episodes in — and we’re just getting started.
President Trump’s Christmas phone calls with kids — including jokes about tracking Santa — open a packed December 30 episode of The 10 Minute Drill, before the conversation turns serious with fresh economic data, foreign policy realities, and massive government failures at home. We break down the latest GDP report showing continued economic strength, even as Democrats and much of the media insist Americans are stuck in an “affordability crisis.” The show then turns overseas, where Trump discusses his meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his push to end the killing — despite Russia’s continued bombing of Kyiv and Vladimir Putin showing little interest in peace. Back in Washington, the Biden administration’s EV charging plan collides with reality. After billions in taxpayer spending and promises of 500,000 charging stations by 2030, only 384 chargers have been built so far — a failure even the Washington Post editorial board has acknowledged. In Minnesota, a massive fraud scandal continues to unravel. We examine the “Feeding Our Future” case, troubling audio involving Attorney General Keith Ellison, political contributions that followed government intervention, and growing scrutiny of key Democratic figures including Tim Walz, Peggy Flanagan, and Ilhan Omar as federal authorities surge FBI resources to dismantle fraud schemes. California then takes center stage, as a new state audit reveals more than $70 billion in taxpayer money lost to homelessness programs, SNAP fraud, and a high-speed rail project where not a single track has been laid. We close with the 2026 political narratives to watch — Democratic infighting, shifting economic messaging, the fight over affordability, growing energy backlash, and widening divisions between the U.S. and Europe.
🎄 Christmas Special – December 23 🎄 On this holiday edition of The 10 Minute Drill, we break down the biggest political stories of the week — plus a little Christmas cheer to close things out. We start with some long-overdue good news on inflation, as new data shows the best inflation numbers in five years, despite the media continuing to push an “affordability crisis” narrative. Even CNN is forced to admit it’s “finally some good news” on the top economic issue for voters. Next, we dig into reporting from The New York Times revealing that Democrats are quietly shelving their 2024 election autopsy, convinced they’re winning again and don’t need to revisit past mistakes. That decision comes as congressional Democrats hit an all-time low net approval of -55, hemorrhaging support with independents and failing to regain momentum on the generic ballot. At the same time, Democrats are doubling down on the same radical positions that hurt them in 2024: 207 House Democrats oppose efforts to prevent sex-change treatments for minors Gavin Newsom says the quiet part out loud on “trans kids” Party leaders appear determined to learn no lessons at all We then turn to Kamala Harris, who is signaling a possible 2028 White House run with new branding and rhetoric — while still facing serious unanswered questions about the $1.5 billion spent in just 15 weeks during the 2024 campaign and lucrative payouts to top campaign insiders. We also provide a Minnesota fraud update, as new reporting suggests millions in fraudulent spending, with Medicaid costs ballooning into the tens of billions since 2018 — raising concerns about oversight, accountability, and who ultimately pays the price. Finally, we wrap up the Christmas Special with some fun: 🎬 Christmas movie recommendations 🎵 Favorite Christmas albums 🎄 A critical Christmas tradition 🍪 Best Christmas treats Thanks for listening all year — and Merry Christmas from The 10 Minute Drill.
President Trump outlines 11 months of accomplishments, from securing the border and killing narcoterrorists to peace in the Middle East—and we take time to mark the wins that dominated American concerns just a year ago. We then dig into serious unanswered questions at Brown University following a campus shooting: delayed clarity from leadership, limited and fuzzy images released to the public, and why authorities won’t address what multiple reports say the shooter yelled. Transparency matters—especially in moments like this. Next, we break down the growing NVIDIA–China controversy and the national security risks of selling advanced AI chips to companies linked to the CCP and PLA. Is the administration repeating past China policy mistakes, and could this become a turning point in the AI arms race? Also in today’s episode: • Chinese billionaires using U.S. surrogacy to build massive families and test citizenship laws • Amanda Seyfried calling socialism “gorgeous”—and why Americans still misunderstand what socialism actually means • Eric Swalwell’s attendance record, now trailing even a late member of Congress, plus his celebrity donor circuit and media tour priorities Fast, focused, and unapologetically direct—this is the December 18 episode of The 10 Minute Drill.
A tragic weekend, a health care showdown, and Democrats caught in their own charts — all in 10 minutes. In today’s December 16 episode of the Ten Minute Drill, we start with the devastating aftermath of Islamic terror attacks abroad, including the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia that left 16 innocent people dead — among them an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, a 10-year-old girl, and a young father of five. We also examine why a Democratic congressional candidate quietly deleted part of his condolences — and what that says about today’s political double standards. Next, we break down the escalating health care subsidy fight in Washington, as progressives admit they’d rather let ACA subsidies expire than maintain Hyde protections. Who actually receives these subsidies? Why do Democrats struggle to answer basic affordability questions? And how their own charts keep exposing the real drivers of rising costs. We also dive into an unexpected culture war: Bernie Sanders, RFK Jr., and the push to ban pharmaceutical ads — and why that could spell trouble for iconic Christmas commercials that have long been part of American holiday tradition. Plus: Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign runs headfirst into her own past remarks about farmers Democrats accidentally highlight their role in driving up prices Tim Walz, accountability, and yet another pivot to “white men”
Donald Trump takes his affordability message to Pennsylvania, Jasmine Crockett gets “astro-turfed” into a Senate run, and the EU’s escalating tech war on America is now spreading into South America. Plus, Congress races to act on health care, and the Woke Lightning Round delivers new hits from Randi Weingarten, Justice Jackson, the Chamber of Commerce, and Kamala Harris. On today’s episode: • Trump in PA — A sharper affordability pitch and why the message is resonating. • Jazzy Gets Tricked — New reporting reveals how national Republicans helped manufacture Crockett’s polling surge and pushed her into the Senate race. • Health Care Moves Fast — Both chambers in Congress look for a path forward on subsidies, reforms, and a growing push for price transparency. • EU Battle Goes Global — Europe fines X €120M while deepening ties with China — and now Latin America is adopting EU-style regulations targeting U.S. tech. • Woke Lightning Round — Randi Weingarten’s COVID amnesia, Justice Jackson’s expert-power worldview, the Chamber of Commerce’s leftward lurch, and Kamala Harris’s new Capitol bust. The 10 Minute Drill breaks down the biggest stories in politics, policy, and culture — fast, sharp, and every Tuesday and Thursday.
In this December 10 Special Edition of the 10 Minute Drill, we break down a jam-packed set of political and global stories shaping the week. Schumer’s Texas Headache: Rep. Jasmine Crockett launches a new ad and makes the wild claim that she’s “revoking all permissions” — something you simply can’t declare. She also dismisses the need for Trump voters, complicating Democrats’ strategy in a rapidly shifting Texas landscape. Greenpeace Appeals to Europe: After a North Dakota jury hit Greenpeace with a massive judgment over its campaign against the Dakota Access Pipeline, the group is now asking a Dutch court to overturn an American verdict. Instead of taking their ball and going home, they’re taking it to Europe and asking foreign judges to intervene in U.S. law. Interview: OH Skinner on Climate Lawfare: OH Skinner joins the show to unpack the growing wave of climate lawsuits pushed by blue states and cities — cases designed to impose policies that can’t win at the ballot box. We cover the latest developments in the Boulder and Louisiana cases and discuss the continued role of figures like Keith Ellison in driving this legal strategy. Subscribe for quick, sharp analysis every weekday on the 10 Minute Drill.
In today’s December 9th episode of The 10 Minute Drill, we break down the biggest political battles shaping the week — from the affordability debate to a major Supreme Court showdown. On the docket today: • Trump takes on the affordability crisis Trump brings his affordability message on the road, as Republicans outline three steps to regain voter trust: clarifying the economic mess they inherited, highlighting early wins, and showing creativity on new policy ideas — including price transparency. • The healthcare squabble intensifies A GAO report reveals 6.4 million improper Obamacare enrollments costing taxpayers $27 billion, while Democrats push for a clean extension of subsidies. Republicans float a compromise with income caps as new reporting shows Obamacare users may soon pay more for plans that cover less. • Minnesota latest: Keith Ellison & Ilhan Omar From Ellison saying he’d “do nothing differently,” to Ilhan Omar casting herself as the victim, the Minnesota fraud scandal — involving more than $1 billion in welfare abuse — continues to expand. Kim Strassel calls it a case study in a broken welfare state and failed political accountability. • Supreme Court preview A major week at SCOTUS with Trump v. Slaughter—challenging the power of independent agencies—plus FEC v. NRSC and new birthright citizenship arguments. Justice Gorsuch’s questioning signals big constitutional stakes for the administrative state. • Ruben Gallego’s “Glamour Report” The Arizona senator releases an energy plan filled with full-page glamour shots while blaming Republicans for rising utility bills. We walk through the real story: solar overinvestment, subsidy dependence, and Gallego’s close ties to alternative energy donors.
Tennessee Special Election, Affordability Offensive, Minnesota Fraud Fallout, and “Gender-Neutral” Climate Change On today’s episode of the 10 Minute Drill, we break down a revealing night in Tennessee, why affordability must become the GOP’s defining issue, new questions for Keith Ellison in the Minnesota fraud scandal, and the latest example of the left turning climate change into identity politics. In this episode: • Tennessee Special Election: Matt Van Epps wins by 9 in a race Republicans had to have—strong candidate, strong rural turnout, but a closer-than-expected margin that should serve as a midterm warning. • Affordability Crisis: Housing, transportation, food, utilities, healthcare—Americans are getting crushed, and Democrats have no plan beyond pandemic-era subsidies for the wealthy. GOP solutions are emerging: deregulation, lower energy costs, transparency, and competition. • Minnesota Fraud Scandal: New reporting shows red flags were ignored. Keith Ellison met with individuals later arrested in the Feeding Our Future scheme, and leaders are demanding answers. • First Choice: Justice Thomas exposes the shaky legal pretext behind New Jersey’s targeting of a pro-life pregnancy center. • Climate Change Goes Identity Politics: The UN declares climate change “not gender neutral,” tying it to gender-based violence. We break down what’s really happening.
On the December 2nd episode of the 10 Minute Drill, we break down a major weekend in politics — from a National Guard shooting just blocks from the White House to a suddenly competitive special election in deep-red Tennessee, and explosive new fraud revelations rocking Minnesota politics. • National Guard Shooting in D.C. An Afghan national brought to the U.S. after Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal opened fire on National Guard troops stationed in Washington, D.C. We walk through what happened, the political fallout, and the tragic deaths of Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe. • Tennessee’s 7th District Special Election A Trump +20 district is unexpectedly competitive as Democrat Aftyn Behn campaigns with AOC and faces resurfaced comments about Nashville and attacking law enforcement. A warning sign for Republicans heading into 2025. • Minnesota Fraud Scandal Escalates — Walz Accused New reporting reveals massive fraud inside Minnesota’s nutrition and autism programs, with funds allegedly ending up in luxury goods and even Al-Shabaab. DHS whistleblowers now directly accuse Gov. Tim Walz of ignoring fraud reports and retaliating against employees who raised concerns. • Supreme Court Preview: First Choice Women’s Resource Centers A major case heads to the Court amid New Jersey’s efforts to target pregnancy resource centers with “consumer alerts,” raising broader questions about whether states are using regulatory power to shut down alternatives to abortion. • Democrats Try to Do Charts (Again) From Amy Klobuchar’s misfired electricity-price graphic to Democrats’ earlier grocery-price chart fiasco, we close with the latest round of data-visualization self-owns.
In this special Thanksgiving edition of the 10 Minute Drill, we take a break from the usual chaos to highlight the five things in politics we’re actually thankful for this year — the moments that keep the news cycle entertaining, absurd, and occasionally hilarious. We kick things off with Trump’s turkey pardon, then move into the people, trends, and clips that made 2024 unforgettable: • Theater Kids From staged ICE-arrest performances to 80s-aerobics protests, DOGE dance routines, protest ballads, and full-on “resistance talent shows,” theater kids continue to deliver unmatched political entertainment. • Book Tours Kamala Harris provides instant classics: “Pass the baby,” rhetorical-question confusion, comments about Pete Buttigieg… and yes, she still picked Tim Walz. Karine Jean-Pierre adds her own moments with the now-famous “Do you have any regrets?” exchange and a tour theme built entirely around identity. • Identity Politics We break down the congressional “Two Spirit” hearing, including the viral explanation that the concept “has only existed since the 90s.” • The California Governor’s Race Katie Porter shouting “Get out of my shot,” Eric Swalwell’s weightlifting videos and awkward greetings — the race is pure political theater, and we’re grateful for every minute. • Tim Walz From his energetic dancing and dramatic gesturing to the “go bully someone” soundbite, Walz rounds out our list of Thanksgiving blessings. If you enjoy fast, funny, sharp political commentary, you’ll love this holiday special.New episodes of the 10 Minute Drill drop twice a week. Subscribe and stay caught up.
In today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, we cover a rapid-fire rundown of the biggest political, economic, and foreign policy stories shaping the week. We start with the shifting momentum in the Russia–Ukraine war, new polling showing rising support for Trump’s foreign policy, and Rubio’s unexpectedly productive meetings in Geneva. Trump publicly criticizes Putin for making “zero effort” toward peace, while Americans increasingly favor concessions to end the conflict. Then we break down Trump’s surprising meeting with Zohran — from calling him a “communist” earlier this year to now saying they “agree on a lot more than expected,” even joking that Zohran can “call me a fascist.” Zohran still calls Trump a fascist afterward. Next, Democrats launch a new “illegal orders” message aimed directly at the military, citing Nuremberg and A Few Good Men — but when pressed, they can’t name a single illegal order. We also look at their revived threats toward ICE agents and warnings that police may “start shooting people.” With Thanksgiving behind us, we review why holiday meals were significantly cheaper this year — turkey prices dropped 16% and major retailers rolled out bundles that feed 4–10 people for under $40. We also cover a new Soros-backed boycott targeting Home Depot, Amazon, and Target, plus Becky Quick’s viral on-air eyeroll during a heated exchange with Hakeem Jeffries.
In today’s November 20 episode of The 10 Minute Drill, we dive into a rapid-fire rundown of the biggest political stories breaking across the country — from Epstein revelations blowing back on top Democrats to a California wildfire cover-up that undercuts the climate narrative. Epstein Political Football Stacey Plaskett admits to texting with Jeffrey Epstein during a House hearing targeting Donald Trump, sought a meeting with him, and accepted $30,000 in campaign cash. Her defense only made things worse — and Hakeem Jeffries struggled to defend her, despite his own past outreach to Epstein-linked donors. And yes, Jasmine Crockett mixed him up with the wrong Epstein entirely. California Wildfire Cover-Up New documents show California officials were directly involved in the initial response to the January Lachman Fire — contradicting the state’s own claims in court as thousands of wildfire victims sue the Newsom administration. Adam Carolla sums it up: California failed on prevention, then blamed climate change. Democrats’ Dark Money Shell Game Arabella Advisors claims it’s disappearing — but the network is simply splitting, renaming, and rebranding. Sunflower Services and Vital Impact now carry the same donors, same operatives, and same mission. Watchdogs aren’t buying it. Cabinet Secretary of the Year Education Secretary Linda McMahon went viral after making the case that her own department shouldn’t exist. A WSJ columnist applauds her push to return power to states, pointing out that the 43-day shutdown proved the federal education bureaucracy is unnecessary. Massachusetts Retreats on Climate Even deep-blue Massachusetts is stepping back from aggressive climate mandates as the costs of natural gas dependence and sky-high electricity prices hit families hard. Can’t Make This Up: Susie Lee Edition Nevada Rep. Susie Lee visited a food bank wearing $1,150 in luxury accessories — including a $250 hat and $900 designer sneakers. Perfect optics.
We’re breaking down the political alphabet — starting with A for Affordability — and why Democrats suddenly care about rising prices only when they’re not the ones holding the national credit card. The affordability crisis is hitting every household — from housing to education to insurance — and its biggest driver remains healthcare costs Washington refuses to address. The House votes today on whether to release the Epstein files — and Trump says “get it all out there.” Kamala Harris claims she was playing “three-dimensional chess” all along — before breaking into her signature cackle. We break down what that means… or doesn’t.
The government shutdown is over — but Democrats are turning on each other. In today’s 10 Minute Drill (November 13): Shutdown fallout: Indivisible calls for Schumer to step down as progressives rage over the deal. Durbin’s admission: “I cannot accept a strategy which wages political battle at the expense of my neighbor’s paycheck.” Banks at the White House: Florida launches an investigation into JPMorgan’s ties to “Operation Arctic Frost.” Teachers unions warning: A new “Lookout” report exposes the NEA and AFT for pushing far-left activism in classrooms. Gavin in Brazil: Newsom plays “climate president in waiting” while blaming fires on climate change and sparking backlash. Jasmine Crockett: Lavish hotel stays, limos, and nearly $50K in private security — all from a lawmaker who backed defunding police. All the day’s biggest political stories — fast, sharp, and in 10 minutes or less. #10MinuteDrill #Shutdown #GavinNewsom #TeachersUnions #JasmineCrockett #Politics #Podcast
In this November 11 episode of The 10 Minute Drill, we break down a rough week for Democrats — from the government shutdown’s collapse to growing backlash against Chuck Schumer. We’ll cover: Why the shutdown fell apart for Democrats Schumer’s fading support and leadership crisis The “doom and gloom” mood among top Democrats The Sierra Club’s self-inflicted collapse What’s next for subsidies and spending fights Rumors of Pelosi’s retirement — and her massive stock profits Fast, sharp political analysis — all in 10 minutes or less. #Politics #Shutdown #Schumer #Pelosi #SierraClub #10MinuteDrill #Podcast
💥 BREAKTHROUGH: On Sunday night, a handful of Senate Democrats broke with their party and agreed to begin the process of reopening the federal government, finally ending what's been called the "Schumer shutdown," or the longest government shutdown in American history. In this special Monday episode we break down exactly what happened What led Democrats to abandon their course What was in the "deal" that got Democrats to end the shutdown - did they actually get anything? (no) The notable blow-up on the Senate floor between Chuck Schumer and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno that helped break the logjam What role the election of Zohran Mamdani played in this shutdown Unpacking the Democrat civil war going on behind all of this - is this the end of Chuck Schumer? Fast, smart, and sharp — The 10 Minute Drill brings you the news that matters, without the fluff. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:41 - An eventful Sunday night! 01:46 - How last week's elections impacted Democrats shutdown posture 04:33 - The ACA subsidies and a Senate floor blowup! 07:09 - The fallout for the Democrats #Election2025 #Shutdown #Trump #Polls #GavinNewsom #Swalwell #10MinuteDrill #Politics #GovernmentShutdown #VirginiaElections #NewJerseyElection #Prop50 #CBS60Minutes #FoodStamps #BidenAdministration
The 2025 election results are in — and it was a rough night for Republicans. In this November 6 episode of The 10 Minute Drill, we break down the key takeaways from Election Night and what they mean heading into the midterms. Topics covered: Election Recap: Democrats dominate blue states, outspend Republicans, and hold key voter blocs — but warning signs loom. Zohran’s Warning: Mamdani’s “no problem too large for government” victory message and Trump’s fiery response. Shutdown Day 37: Signs the stalemate may finally be breaking as Senate Democrats signal movement.Supreme Court Tariff Case: Justices question Trump’s trade powers — and what it could mean for future climate policies. Reader Mail: Listener shoutouts and questions. AP on Pets & Climate Change: Why climate activists are suddenly focused on your household pets. Fast, smart, and sharp — The 10 Minute Drill brings you the news that matters, without the fluff. #Politics #Election2025 #Shutdown #SCOTUS #10MinuteDrill #NewsPodcast
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