The Unknown Podcast – Episode 28: Trump’s Ukraine Deal, Elon’s Accountability, and the FBI Shakeup

In Episode 28 of The Unknown Podcast, hosts Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann break down the latest political, legal, and social developments, including Trump’s controversial Ukraine mineral deal, Elon Musk’s battle with government inefficiency, and Dan Bongino’s appointment as FBI Deputy Director. This episode is packed with sharp political analysis, investigative journalism, and candid discussions about power struggles in Washington.

Trump’s Ukraine Mineral Deal: A Geopolitical Power Play
The episode opens with a heated debate over Trump’s latest maneuver in Ukraine, a deal that would allow the U.S. to extract rare earth minerals from Ukrainian territory. Luthmann calls it “one of the greatest deals of all time,” arguing that it secures America’s technological future by reducing dependence on China-controlled supply chains. He praises Trump’s ability to turn a war-torn region into an economic asset for the U.S..

“Trump is playing this like a boss. He’s tying U.S. interests to Ukraine’s economy, which means the U.S. government will protect those interests. This is how you end the war—with money and power.”

Volpe, however, pushes back hard, questioning whether this deal legitimizes Russia’s invasion. He argues that forcing Ukraine to pay reparations in resources could set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.

“If you let Russia invade a country, then force that country to hand over its resources, what’s stopping any other dictator from doing the same thing?”

The debate highlights Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy and raises concerns about how the U.S. will enforce its new economic stake in Ukraine.

Elon Musk vs. Government Bureaucracy: The Email Scandal
In the Elon Files segment, Volpe and Luthmann discuss Musk’s latest attack on government inefficiency. Musk recently called on all government employees to submit a weekly email listing their five biggest accomplishments—a move that triggered outrage among bureaucrats.

Volpe defends Musk, arguing that private-sector accountability should apply to public workers.

“If you can’t list five things you did this week, maybe you didn’t do anything at all. Why are taxpayers footing the bill for dead weight?”

Luthmann agrees, but warns that Musk’s approach could alienate entrenched government players, leading to more regulatory attacks on his businesses.

Dan Bongino as FBI Deputy Director: A Game-Changer or a Power Grab?
One of the most controversial moments in the episode is the discussion of Trump’s appointment of Dan Bongino as FBI Deputy Director. Bongino, a former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent, has no prior FBI experience, which critics say makes him unqualified.

Luthmann, however, praises the move, arguing that Trump needs to clean house at the FBI.

“The FBI was the greatest law enforcement agency in the world before it became a political weapon. Bongino is a real cop—he’ll turn it back into what it’s supposed to be.”

Volpe expresses concerns that Trump may use the FBI to go after political enemies, setting up a dangerous cycle of partisan law enforcement.

“If Trump weaponizes the FBI like Biden did, we’re just playing ping-pong with political prosecutions.”

Paul Boyne and the Weaponization of Free Speech Cases
The episode also revisits Paul Boyne’s legal battle, a case that has become a test for free speech protections. Boyne, a family court critic, was charged for allegedly making threats online, but his supporters argue that his words were political hyperbole, not actual threats.

Luthmann warns that this case could set a precedent for criminalizing political speech.

“If they can lock up Boyne for criticizing judges, what’s stopping them from coming after journalists next?”

Final Thoughts: Trump’s Strategy, Musk’s Reforms, and the Future of Law Enforcement
Episode 28 of The Unknown Podcast delivers a no-holds-barred discussion on power, influence, and legal battles. From Trump’s hardball diplomacy in Ukraine to Elon Musk’s fight against government waste and the restructuring of federal law enforcement, the episode highlights the shifting dynamics of American governance.