10 Minute Drill

Fake political polls, the 2026 Senate races, and the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war lead today’s 10 Minute Drill with Matt Whitlock.

We examine Trump envoy Steve Witkoff’s decision to call Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” and how his remarks risk giving Russia a propaganda victory. Plus, the Wedgewood Polls scandal raises questions about fabricated political polling, while Democratic Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota face growing scrutiny ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

On today’s show:

-Russia-Ukraine War: Volodymyr Zelenskyy signals openness to freezing current front lines as Steve W...

President Donald Trump announces a new fraud whistleblower incentive program, Democrats target Elon Musk over his political spending, and Hillary Clinton reflects on her approval ratings. On this episode of 10 Minute Drill with Matt Whitlock, we break down the latest political news, Democratic campaign tactics, and the battles shaping the 2026 midterm elections.

On today’s show:

-Trump in Kansas: President Trump takes his message to Kansas as Republicans fight to maintain control of Congress.

-Trump’s Fraud Whistleblower Program: How the Trump administration plans to expose government fraud, waste, and abuse.

-Les...

With just 14 days until Election Day, President Trump hits the campaign trail as Republicans and Democrats battle for control of Congress. On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down the 2026 midterm elections, Trump’s campaign stops in key states, and the political controversies making headlines.

Plus, violent unrest in France raises new questions about public safety, JPMorgan Chase pushes back against outside AI agents accessing customer accounts, and Sen. Elissa Slotkin faces scrutiny over her latest remarks. We also examine Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s controversial comparisons to Jesus, his past statements about the Muslim Brotherhood, and the cr...

Troy Jackson tells Susan Collins to “shut up,” Trump holds off on Russia sanctions and goes after Zelenskyy, and the No Kings protests run low on energy. Matt Whitlock breaks down Sunday’s biggest political stories in 10 minutes.

In today’s episode:

No Kings 2.0: low energy, an older crowd, and empty bingo halls across America

Republicans push back as Trump holds Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions bill. Ted Cruz weighs in, and Trump’s Truth Social post blames Zelenskyy, citing peace talks and diesel prices.

Minnesota Senate debate: Michele Tafoya vs. Peggy Flanag...

Abdul El-Sayed faces tough questions, Ilhan Omar is under scrutiny, and Democrats unveil their plans for the first 100 days if they retake Congress. On today’s 10 Minute Drill, Matt Whitlock breaks down the biggest political stories shaping the 2026 midterm elections.

Abdul El-Sayed faces renewed scrutiny over his comments on violence and his responses to questions about the Muslim Brotherhood as Michigan’s race tightens. Plus, new reporting alleges major banks denied services to conservative and pro-life groups, raising questions about political debanking and financial discrimination.

We also examine the federal investigation involving Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minn...

Iran’s strategy to influence the 2026 midterm elections, tightening Senate races in Texas and Iowa, and growing questions about Kamala Harris’s 2028 presidential ambitions lead today’s episode of the 10 Minute Drill with Matt Whitlock.

We break down reports that Iran is escalating attacks on commercial shipping to keep oil prices high ahead of Election Day, the latest campaign trail developments with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, and the key takeaways from the Maine and Iowa Senate debates.

Plus, 22 state financial officers are challenging major credit rating agencies over ESG policies that allege...

Democrats are riding high on “hopium” ahead of the midterms, but could their confidence backfire? On this episode of the 10 Minute Drill, we break down the latest Senate race developments, why some Black Democrats are abandoning Abdul El-Sayed, and the growing controversies surrounding independent candidate Dan Osborn.

Plus, we examine how Britain’s expanding welfare state is threatening its financial future, discuss Katie Zacharia’s first White House press briefing and Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle’s resignation, and respond to your fan mail.

Tune in for the latest political news, election analysis, and the stories shaping the nation...

The Michigan Senate race turns nasty as Abdul El-Sayed trades insults with Sen. John Kennedy and faces new Muslim Brotherhood questions from Mike Rogers’ campaign. Plus: why government-run healthcare fails patients, Hollywood’s push for film tax credits, the CLARITY Act and open banking, and Hasan Piker gets torched by a comedian.

In this episode:

Abdul El-Sayed and the Muslim Brotherhood: El-Sayed told Meet the Press that no one in his family has Muslim Brotherhood ties. The Mike Rogers campaign responded with posts it says came from his sister. We break down El-Sayed’s answer, and wh...

On this Monday Rundown of 10 Minute Drill, we break down Trump’s push on Russia, Ukraine and diesel prices, and the high-stakes Senate races heading into the final weeks before the 2026 midterms.

First, the White House says Russia will supply diesel to the U.S., prompting immediate pushback. Critics point out that America sanctioned India for buying Russian oil and gas and has threatened massive tariffs on anyone who does business with Moscow. Then Trump declared an “energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine, asking Kyiv to stop striking Russian refineries as diesel costs climb. Zelensky says he’ll agree...

On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down the latest political headlines with just 27 days until the midterm elections, including Kamala Harris’ struggling 2028 prospects, and the Supreme Court’s Suncor v. Boulder case that could have major implications for climate lawfare.

We’re also joined by Utah Attorney General Derek Brown to discuss the latest political and legal issues facing Utah and the country.

We examine Kamala Harris’ return to the political spotlight—from her “destiny” comments and campaign-trail appearances to her limited engagement with the media and questions surrounding her potential 2028 presidential campaign.

Plus, we break...

All 12 B-1 Lancer bombers have been pulled from RAF Fairford after a foiled terror plot against the base. According to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, the five suspects arrested were then released on bail. We break down why that decision is drawing scrutiny.

Also on today's Monday Rundown:

Trump rallies in Ohio for Jon Husted and Vivek Ramaswamy and goes after Sherrod Brown

The New York Times' latest polls look grim for Republicans, but their track record includes some big misses

James Talarico faces accusations of recycling February...

On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down the latest political headlines, starting with Sen. Jon Ossoff facing scrutiny over his opposition to a congressional stock trading ban and questions surrounding the latest Democratic polling.

We also examine Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s controversial comments about breast cancer research and funding, the growing political influence of Hasan Piker and his connection to Texas Democrat James Talarico, and the latest developments in the California governor’s race, including the debate between Xavier Becerra and Kevin Kiley.

Plus, we discuss Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson’s comments...

Americans are feeling the squeeze from high utility bills, while Washington remains divided over legislation targeting energy costs and congressional stock trading.

On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down the Senate’s latest votes on the Ratepayer Protection Act and congressional stock trading reform, and examine the fight over accountability and American energy policy.

We also turn to the Strait of Hormuz, where the U.S. Navy and Gulf allies are working to counter Iranian attacks. What does the latest shift in the region mean for oil markets, American energy security, and President Trump’s stra...

President Trump is pushing American AI forward while Democrats keep standing in the way. On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down Trump’s meeting with AI executives, the fight over data centers, and why America cannot afford to let Communist China win the race for artificial intelligence.

We also cover the Senate’s latest votes on voter ID and the SAVE Act, the fight over election integrity, and the Ratepayer Protection Act as Americans continue to deal with high energy costs.

The Wall Street Journal takes aim at the Democrats’ “affordability” message, and we examine thei...

On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down falling gas prices and what they could mean for the 2026 midterms, as well as the latest developments in American energy, refinery production, and diesel prices.

We then cut through the midterm election doom and gloom, taking a closer look at Senate races, polling in Maine, and why the media’s early election narratives may be getting ahead of the facts.

Next, we examine Abdul El-Sayed’s political contradictions, from his calls to get money out of politics and fundraising connections to the Soros family to his past advoca...

The midterms are 36 days away. Today's 10 Minute Drill breaks down the week's biggest stories in ten minutes.

Trump says no to Iran. President Trump rejected Iran's peace proposal and says Tehran will cave. Senator John Kennedy wants Secretary Rubio to explain what's happening. We look at how Senate candidates Mike Rogers, Ashley Hinson and Jon Husted are responding. We also ask whether Democrats like Abdul El-Sayed and Peggy Flanagan can gain ground while running on Green New Deal–style policies.

The 10 Minute Drill guide to midterm polling whiplash. One poll shows a blowout and the ne...

On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down the biggest political stories making headlines, from Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations to Kamala Harris in Michigan and Abdul El-Sayed’s refusal to condemn the Iranian regime and the IRGC.

We also take a closer look at the latest Alaska Senate shakeup involving Democrat Mary Peltola. New reporting includes allegations from former staffers about angry outbursts, offensive slurs, high staff turnover, and an alleged physical confrontation with an aide—raising fresh questions about Peltola’s leadership and record as she campaigns for the U.S. Senate.

Plus...

President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the U.S. and China navigate tensions over trade, artificial intelligence, national security, and global competition.

On today’s 10 Minute Drill, Ohio Senator Jon Husted joins us to discuss the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation aimed at preventing families and small businesses from footing the bill for electricity infrastructure needed to support large data centers. The bill passed the House 417-3 before a Senate Democrat objected to its consideration by unanimous consent. Husted also breaks down the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, a voluntary agreement involving more than 300 organizations across th...

President Donald Trump takes center stage at the United Nations, addressing Iran, global carbon taxes, U.S. funding for the UN, and America’s role on the world stage.

On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down Trump’s UN speech and the latest political battles heading into the 2026 midterms.

The controversy surrounding Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan also takes center stage after her longtime friend, Nimco Ahmed, appeared beside her in a viral video. Ahmed operates an autism center that Minnesota’s Department of Human Services says is under investigation, while the center has deni...

President Trump heads to the United Nations as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares for a high-profile state visit to Washington.

On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down Trump’s busy foreign policy week, his U.N. address, and what to watch for when he meets with Xi at the White House. Trade and the broader U.S.-China relationship will be front and center as the two leaders meet for talks, a state arrival ceremony and a state dinner.

Plus, today’s Climate Grifter: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. We dig into the Rhode Island Democrat’s climat...

President Trump announces a White House ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, but Obama once removed Fox News, too. On the September 21, 2026 episode of The 10 Minute Drill, we compare how the two presidents have handled adversarial media, and why some reporters say the Obama years were worse than most people remember.

Also in this episode:

- The Senate fight over the Ratepayer Protection Act: Democrats block Sen. Jon Husted's data center bill before the midterms, and what it means for his Ohio Senate race against Sherrod Brown

- Democrats pivot to "fight...

It’s been another crazy week around the nation! Catch up on the top stories you might’ve missed from the past week.

Five stories you may have missed this past week:

• Democrats are preparing for a potential wave of investigations, lawsuits, and impeachment efforts if they retake the House.

• Joe Manchin endorses Susan Collins in the Maine Senate Race.

• The latest controversy surrounding Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Hasan Piker, including El-Sayed’s attempts to distance himself from the progressive streamer and the growing scrutiny surrounding their relationship.

• A closer...

The Federal Reserve raises interest rates, James Talarico’s own reverend questions how he is presenting himself to Texas voters, a New York City hospital faces scrutiny over its “rural” designation, and Paramount could be preparing to leave California. Plus, are today’s AI doomers repeating the same predictions made by climate alarmists just a few years ago?

On today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, we’re breaking down the biggest political, economic, and cultural stories shaping the country.

The Federal Reserve unanimously raised its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point to 3.75%–4%, citing elevated inflation. We...

The Senate’s CLARITY Act just failed — and Democrats who spent months negotiating the crypto bill ultimately voted against moving it forward. What does the defeat mean for cryptocurrency regulation, American innovation, and the future of the U.S. digital asset industry?

On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we’re breaking down the latest political battles in Washington, from the collapse of the CLARITY Act to the growing push from Democrats for sweeping government regulation of artificial intelligence.

AI doomerism is going mainstream. After former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon publicly warned that AI companies are racing toward s...

China and Iran, Democrats’ plans for investigations and impeachment, the future of crypto regulation, and James Talarico’s comments on parents and gender identity are all on today’s 10 Minute Drill.

Reports indicate that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery from Chinese entities ahead of a July attack that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan. With President Donald Trump preparing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, what does the latest China-Iran connection mean for U.S. national security?

Plus, Democrats are preparing for a potential wave of investigations, lawsuits, and impeachment efforts if they retake...

Texas politics just took a major turn. Trump's Super PAC, the Senate Leadership Fund, and Elon Musk are all pouring money into resetting Ken Paxton's Senate race — and the cavalry is here. Meanwhile, James Talarico gets caught fundraising in California while claiming on Kimmel that his money "all comes from Texans," as a new PAC ad resurfaces his past comments on gender identity.

Also on the show: college football's ad wars heat up as the Senate Leadership Fund runs a national spot during the Ohio State–Texas broadcast; the House and Senate return this week with a Tues...

25 years after the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11th, we remember that fateful day and why it’s so important to never forget the impact had on our country, especially as we move into the midterms. 

We also check in on day 2 of the GOP Midterm convention in Dallas. Highlights from Vice President JD Vance, Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Ted Cruz, and Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers. 

And we wrap up with the five stories you may have missed this past week.

-New Hampshire Senate Race — Chris Pappas won the Democratic Senate primary and wi...

On today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, we take a look at the RNC Midterm Convention as the 2026 midterm elections heat up. We break down JD Vance’s Thursday keynote at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, the New Hampshire Senate race following the Democratic primary, controversy surrounding Michigan Democrat William Lawrence, Lindsay Clancy and the TikTok movement surrounding her case, the failures of big-government healthcare, and Democrats’ counterprogramming in Dallas.

In this episode:

-JD Vance & the Republican Midterm Convention — What to expect from Vice President JD Vance’s Thursday keynote as Republicans gather in Dallas for...

The 2026 midterm elections are heating up. This week, we take a closer look at the Republican midterm convention, the 2026 Senate map, the Texas Senate race, the rise of socialism, JD Vance’s proposal to support families with a stay-at-home parent, and Gavin Newsom’s political activity in the South.

We discuss the Republican convention in Dallas, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the GOP’s economic message, the latest jobs numbers, and the debate over competing visions for the country heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

We also break down the key 2026 Senate races...

We're officially post-Labor Day, and that means the GOP Convention is here.

Despite the narrative that nobody's showing up, all signs point to a packed two nights featuring Trump, Vance, and a lineup of high-profile senators and elected officials. We break down why the convention is happening, who's attending, and the themes to watch for — including the core contrast Republicans are drawing between competence and chaos, and the fight over affordability heading into the midterms.

We also dig into the shifting Senate map, where a once-safe Texas race is tightening and a dark-horse contest is em...

House Democrats are in disarray as Reps. Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez break with their own party and vote with Republicans on a key House procedural rule. Now, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is demanding “consequences” for the two Democrats, raising new questions about growing divisions within the Democratic Party.

We break down the latest Democratic infighting, including Jeffries’ crackdown on Golden and Gluesenkamp Perez and Rep. Jim McGovern’s reaction to Democrats who voted against the party.

Then, we examine the growing controversy over climate change claims surrounding the devastating landslides and flooding in Nepal...

The Democratic Socialists of America say they want to build a new generation of young candidates. So why are they backing Ed Markey—a longtime Washington politician who has been in Congress since 1977? We take a look at Markey’s record and what his candidacy says about the direction of the Democratic Party.

We also examine the latest 2026 midterm predictions as Republicans continue to defy expectations, the money and progressive organizations behind the growing backlash against data centers, and the Democratic divisions surrounding California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s lawsuit against the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.

Plus...

Iran tensions escalate near the Strait of Hormuz, Republican enthusiasm surges heading into the 2026 midterms, and Democrats struggle to define a clear agenda. We break down the biggest political stories and controversies of the day.

In this episode:

Iran and the Strait of Hormuz: New U.S. strikes and escalating tensions in southwestern Iran raise fresh questions about the conflict, Iran’s military capabilities, and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

2026 Midterm Elections: Republican enthusiasm is surging as the midterms approach. We look at the latest enthusiasm numbers and ask whether th...

President Donald Trump declares Iran a “failed nation” as tensions escalate in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Canada is making a push to attract American academics and researchers amid changes to U.S. federal research funding. And as the 2026 midterm elections approach, the MAHA movement is taking on public health, screen time, and the health of America’s children.

In this episode, we break down the latest developments involving Trump and Iran, including Iran’s military and economic instability, its political leadership, and the potential for further escalation in the Middle East.

We also examine Canada’s efforts...

It's the Monday Rundown, and Michigan Democrats have a big blue mess on their hands.

We break down the chaos at the Michigan Democratic convention, where a land acknowledgment kicked things off and the state's top elected Democrat reportedly stayed away over fears of harassment. Then the Abdul El-Sayed and Hasan Piker saga escalates: Abdul dodges questions about the Twitch streamer at a gaggle, Debbie Dingell says she doesn't understand why Piker inserted himself into Michigan politics, and a "fake apology" gets called out — including by Mark Penn. Even Democrats online are losing patience with how Abdul ha...

What are everyday Americans really thinking as the 2026 midterm elections approach?

In this 10 Minute Drill, Bethany Mandel and Mary Katharine Ham take a closer look at what moms, families, and “normies” are actually talking about outside the political bubble. From the issues shaping everyday life to the concerns that could influence voters, they discuss what Americans really care about heading into the 2026 midterms.

Are political insiders missing what everyday voters are thinking? What issues will matter most to moms and families? And what could drive voters to the polls in November?

Time Stamps:

Hasan Piker faces bipartisan backlash over comments about American Jews, while Abdul El-Sayed’s “moderate” political image comes under scrutiny. We also break down the legal battle surrounding the proposed Paramount-Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger, as Iowa and Montana sue California over its attempt to block the deal.

Plus, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner faces criticism over controversial comments about the White House ballroom and renewed scrutiny of his record before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. We also discuss Canadians pushing back on comparisons to “universal healthcare” in the United States and podcaster Jennifer Welch criticizing Hakeem Jeffries o...

From controversial policy positions to cringe-worthy political moments, we’re breaking down the biggest stories in American politics.

We examine Abdul’s latest comments on Sharia law, the Second Amendment, healthcare, reparations, circumcision, and gender-transition surgeries. We also look at California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new tire regulations and what they could mean for drivers, safety, and the cost of new tires.

Plus, we take a closer look at Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate David Crowley’s record on DEI, climate policy, and Green New Deal-style initiatives; Hakeem Jeffries’ viral first-day-of-school moment; and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposal t...

The Trump administration's Treasury Department has launched "Operation Economic Outcast," a sweeping new effort to sever Iran's economic lifelines and isolate Tehran from the global economy. On this episode, we break down what the sanctions mean, how Texas AG Ken Paxton and Michael Lucci are framing data centers as critical infrastructure in the competition with Communist China, and why the Democrat Party's 2028 bench is already in disarray.

We also cover a viral moment from inside the Democratic Socialists of America, where a member was caught on camera saying their political takeover will be "a violent process." Plus...

Trump takes the presidential limo for a 180mph joyride down Pennsylvania Avenue in the "Freedom 250 Grand Prix," and data centers become the unlikely battleground in the Ohio Senate race. Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo torches the Ellison family over the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger — and the ADL, Simon Wiesenthal Center, and other Jewish advocacy groups fire back hard, accusing him of antisemitism.

Also on today's rundown: leaked comments raise fresh questions about what's said behind closed doors, a DSA-backed candidate gets caught claiming working-class struggles while living in his parents' mansion, and Harry and Meghan draw criticism for their la...