The Unknown Podcast - Episode 24

The Unknown Podcast – Episode 24: Trump’s Power Moves, Judicial Corruption, and the Weaponization of the Courts
In the latest episode of The Unknown Podcast, hosts Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann break down Trump’s aggressive political maneuvers, the latest developments in high-profile court cases, and the increasing use of lawfare against political dissidents and journalists. From Trump’s trade war threats to the Paul Boynton case and the never-ending legal battle surrounding Jeremy Hales, this episode is packed with revelations.

Trump’s “America First” Economic Strategy: Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Deportations
The episode kicks off with Trump’s bold economic and immigration policies. In a matter of 45 minutes, Trump used trade war threats to force Colombian President Gustavo Petro into accepting deported illegal migrants back into Colombia. This swift action, executed while Trump was playing golf at Mar-a-Lago, demonstrates his command over international negotiations.

Tariffs as a Weapon
Volpe and Luthmann discuss Trump’s love for tariffs, comparing his economic strategy to William McKinley’s protectionist policies. Luthmann argues that tariffs serve a dual purpose:

Protecting American jobs and industry
Forcing foreign governments to comply with U.S. immigration and trade demands
While Volpe remains skeptical about tariffs as a long-term solution, both hosts agree that Trump’s use of tariffs as a bargaining chip has proven effective.

Elon Musk vs. the Deep State: The White House Office Snub
A major revelation in this episode is the growing tension between Elon Musk and the Trump administration. Despite Musk’s open support for Trump, reports suggest that Trump’s Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, blocked Musk from getting an office in the White House.

Why Was Musk Shut Out?
Wiles reportedly argued that Musk is too controversial.
Musk’s push for government transparency and free speech policies has made him a threat to the establishment.
There’s speculation that Trump’s advisors want to keep a distance from Musk’s unpredictable behavior.
Luthmann suggests that this decision is more symbolic than practical, since Musk still wields significant influence over U.S. policy through his control of SpaceX, Tesla, and Twitter/X.

Tulsi Gabbard Under Fire: The Battle Over Intelligence Reform
The episode shifts to Trump’s controversial nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Criticism from the Conservative Establishment
The National Review has attacked Gabbard, calling her “ideologically opposed to intelligence gathering”.
She previously opposed Section 702 of FISA, which allows warrantless surveillance of foreign communications.
Her calls to pardon Edward Snowden have made her a target for the intelligence community.
Luthmann defends Gabbard, arguing that her views on surveillance are in line with constitutional protections. Volpe, however, remains skeptical about her rapid policy shift, suggesting that she may be changing positions simply to gain confirmation votes.

The Biden Five Pardons: Political Corruption at its Worst?
Luthmann breaks down Biden’s last-minute pardons, likening them to Bill Clinton’s infamous pardon of fugitive financier Mark Rich.

Key Questions Raised:
Did Biden pardon close political allies to shield them from future prosecution?
Could these pardons be reversed under the Take Care Clause?
Will Biden himself be investigated for possible bribery and obstruction of justice?
Volpe raises concerns about the precedent being set, warning that pursuing Biden legally could push the U.S. further into a Banana Republic-style cycle of endless political prosecutions.

The Paul Boynton Case: A Crackdown on Free Speech?
A recurring segment on The Unknown Podcast, titled “Paul Got Screwed”, returns with new developments in the case of Paul Boynton, a blogger charged with making threats against Connecticut judges.

The Charges Against Boynton
Boynton ran a controversial blog, Family Court Circus, where he:

Exposed alleged judicial corruption
Mocked family court judges
Posted inflammatory “jokes” about judges being executed for their rulings
While Boynton claims that his remarks were satire and protected under the First Amendment, prosecutors argue that his statements constituted real threats.

Parallels to Other Cases
A Florida man was arrested for posting assassination threats against Trump.
Luthmann notes that similar cases against Obama were thrown out as free speech.
The case raises serious concerns about how online speech is being criminalized.
Jeremy Hales and the Weaponization of YouTube Drama
Another major topic is the ongoing lawsuit involving YouTube personality Jeremy Hales.

The Central Allegations
Hales claims that his neighbors, Lynette Preston and John Cook, posted defamatory signs falsely labeling him a rapist.
Hales’ lawsuit has become a YouTube spectacle, with various influencers taking sides and using the case for content.
Attorney Bruce Matzkin, representing Preston and Cook, argues that Hales is using the courts to silence critics and bankrupt his opponents.
Echo Chambers and Legal Warfare
Luthmann criticizes Hales’ “ecosystem” of YouTube allies, including Megan Fox, “That Umbrella Guy,” and The DUI Guy, for coordinating narratives and refusing to engage with opposing perspectives.

He also exposes how these YouTubers are profiting from the drama, creating a dangerous precedent where lawsuits become content farms.

Judicial Corruption in New York: The Case Against Kamillah Hanks
The episode also covers Luthmann’s legal battle against New York City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks.

Key Allegations
Hanks allegedly failed to pay Luthmann for political and legal work.
The case has been deliberately assigned to a biased judge, Kathleen Waterman-Marshall, who has a history of jailing parents for unpaid child support.
Luthmann has taken the fight to Trump’s DOJ, alleging deep-rooted corruption in New York’s legal system.
Monica Ciardi: Jailed for Quoting a Judge?
Another shocking case of judicial overreach discussed in the episode is Monica Ciardi, a New Jersey mother jailed for contempt.

What Happened?
Ciardi was jailed for posting quotes from a judge’s ruling on social media.
Prosecutors in Morris County admitted that police reports contained errors but still refused to release her.
Luthmann argues that her case mirrors Paul Boynton’s, where the courts are targeting critics of the system.
Final Thoughts: The Battle Lines Are Drawn
The episode closes with a warning about the state of free speech, judicial corruption, and political lawfare.

Trump’s policies are reshaping global power dynamics.
Elon Musk’s growing rift with the establishment suggests internal power struggles within Trump’s camp.
Political prosecutions are becoming the norm, with activists, bloggers, and even former presidents facing legal attacks.
Luthmann and Volpe urge listeners to stay vigilant, as the war on free speech and judicial overreach is only intensifying.