Trump’s Ukraine Deal, Canada Trade War, and Elon’s Cabinet Clash
By Richard Luthmann with Michael Volpe
In the latest episode of The Unknown Podcast, co-hosts Richard Luthmann and Michael Volpe tackled some of the most controversial topics in world affairs.
The duo clashed over Trump’s approach to the Ukraine war, Elon Musk’s role in the White House, and a brewing trade war with Canada and Mexico.
The episode delivered sharp analysis, heated debate, and no shortage of bold claims.
Trump’s Ukraine Gambit: Art of the Deal or Dangerous Brinkmanship?
Michael Volpe opened the episode with a jab at Luthmann’s previous stance on Russia.
“Last week, we debated, and I was ready to strangle you over your pro-Russia stance. Now you’re gonna gloat because Trump has peace in Ukraine?” he asked.
Luthmann wasted no time in setting the record straight.
“I don’t have a pro-Russia stance. I never liked the Russians,” he shot back. “If we had a real CIA since Bush Sr., Putin would’ve been killed in the late ’90s.”
Luthmann argued that Trump’s approach to Ukraine is pure power politics.
“Trump signaled that he has Zelensky under control. That means he can go to the table with Putin and negotiate,” he explained. “Putin runs things like a mob boss, so Trump has to act like one.”
Volpe wasn’t convinced.
“By turning off military intelligence and funding, Trump created a mini-Holocaust in Kyiv,” he countered. “His whole deal is that all these people are dying needlessly, and that’s how he forced Zelensky to the table.”
The debate intensified when Luthmann defended Trump’s negotiating tactics.
“Putin has to act tough. He’ll reject the first deal, demand more, and push for long-term peace on his terms. But Trump is in control here,” he argued.
Volpe wasn’t buying it.
“The guy who wants to stop World War III just bombed another country?” he asked. “Putin invaded Ukraine through naked aggression. Now, we’re just handing him land and letting him dictate the terms?”
Luthmann dismissed the criticism.
“The best way to stop Putin from invading more countries is U.S. investment in Ukraine. Trump will put American interests first—mineral extraction, economic restructuring, and rebuilding the country.”
The Unknown Podcast: Is Tucker Simping for Qatar?
The discussion shifted to media coverage of the Middle East. Volpe played a clip from Tucker Carlson in which Carlson asked a Qatari official about the consequences of a U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Carlson’s Qatari guest warned that an attack could trigger a regional war.
“I think it will just spread all over the region,” the Qatari official said.
Luthmann scoffed.
“Iran is already a powder keg. The first thing they’ll do if they get nukes is use them on Israel,” he argued. “If a war starts because we take out their nuclear sites instead of Jerusalem getting nuked, I can live with that.”
Volpe wasn’t convinced.
“Every time Israel or the U.S. has hit Iran’s nuclear sites, it hasn’t led to a regional war,” he pointed out. “But Tucker doesn’t mention that. He just simps for Qatar like he did for Russia.”
Luthmann defended Carlson’s approach.
“He puts issues on the table. You may not like it, but people are talking about it,” he said.
Volpe countered with a different example.
“Carlson had a historian on who said Winston Churchill was the real villain of World War II. Why does his career never take a hit for these ridiculous takes?”
Luthmann argued that challenging mainstream narratives is essential.
“Even if an argument is absurd, it belongs in the marketplace of ideas,” he said. “If you can say it with a straight face, let’s debate it.”
Volpe wasn’t impressed. “Fine, but why does his platform only get bigger no matter what crazy thing he says?”
Dan Bongino to the FBI: Lawman or Radio Shock Jock?
The conversation turned to Dan Bongino, Trump’s pick for Deputy Director of the FBI.
Volpe noted that Bongino was still finishing his radio show tour while preparing to assume a top law enforcement role.
Luthmann dismissed concerns.
“He made a commitment to his sponsors and advertisers. He’s being responsible,” he said. “He started as a New York cop and made it on his own.”
Volpe pointed out that Bongino wasn’t exactly struggling.
“His radio show exploded. He’s doing fine financially,” he said. “But this is the guy who’s about to run the FBI?”
Luthmann shrugged.
“The most scarce thing in the universe is Chuck Norris’ tears. The second most scarce? Bongino’s tears. He doesn’t need defending.”
The Unknown Podcast: Who’s Really in Charge – Elon Musk vs. Marco Rubio?
Next up was the reported clash between Elon Musk and Marco Rubio in a Trump cabinet meeting. According to The New York Times, Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy were furious that Musk was trying to fire government employees.
Luthmann called it “fake news.”
“Their goal is to disrupt Trump’s momentum,” he argued. “Even if the dust-up happened, what kind was it? A heated argument like you and me, or something more?”
Volpe pointed out that the reports said they were yelling.
“Nobody said they went to blows, but it wasn’t just back-and-forth.”
Luthmann said Musk has no authority to fire people but is still valuable.
“He’s the highest-profile efficiency consultant in human history,” he said. “Would they be foolish not to listen to him? Yes. But he doesn’t run the departments.”
Volpe agreed Musk shouldn’t have firing power but argued Trump needs to be careful.
“If Trump orders a mid-level staffer fired, the cabinet secretaries stop running their own departments,” he warned.
Luthmann dismissed the concern. “If a secretary won’t carry out Trump’s agenda, he won’t be in the cabinet for long.”
The Unknown Podcast: What’s the Endgame in the Trade War With Canada?
The episode wrapped up with a heated discussion on Trump’s trade war with Canada and Mexico. Canada retaliated with a 25% tariff on steel.
Volpe asked, “What’s the endgame?”
Luthmann claimed Canada had been “ripping us off for years.” “They have no military, but they want to dictate trade terms? Trump wants to bring manufacturing back.”
Volpe pushed back. “Didn’t Trump negotiate the USMCA trade deal just a few years ago? Why rip it up now?”
Luthmann blamed Biden.
“He pissed all over it. Trump has to fix what Biden broke.”
Volpe shook his head.
“So we’re renegotiating a deal Trump said was great in 2018? Art of the deal, huh?”
Luthmann made a bold prediction.
“Big changes are coming. China’s getting booted from the Western Hemisphere. We’ll take back the Panama Canal. Canada and Mexico will get in line.”
The Unknown Podcast: Heated Debates, No Holding Back
Luthmann and Volpe delivered another no-holds-barred episode, taking on Trump’s foreign policy, the role of media, and economic conflicts.
With a mix of humor and sharp political analysis, The Unknown Podcast remains a can’t-miss for those seeking the raw truth.
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