Newt talks with Tracy Shuchart, Senior Economist at NinjaTrader Live and the author of “The Venezuelan Oil Narrative is Pure Theater.” They discuss her insights on Venezuela's geopolitical and economic landscape. Shuchart argues that the current narrative focusing on Venezuela's oil is misleading, emphasizing instead the significance of critical minerals and the influence of China, Iran, and Russia in the region. She highlights Venezuela's vast deposits of rare earth minerals, which are crucial for advanced technologies and national security, and warns of China's dominance in this sector. Shuchart also details the involvement of Iran and Russia in Venezuela, noting the presence of Iranian weapons and Russian military advisors, which pose a national security threat to the United States. Despite the removal of Maduro, Shuchart suggests that the regime's core remains intact, and significant changes in Venezuela's governance are yet to be seen. She also discusses the broader implications of shifting supply chains away from China, a move encouraged by the current U.S. administration to bolster North American mining and reduce dependency on Chinese processing. Shuchart's analysis underscores the complex interplay of economic and geopolitical factors shaping Venezuela's future and its impact on global markets.

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Newt talks with Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director of the U.S. office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US), and the author of “The Iran Threat.” They discuss the ongoing protests in Iran, which began in late December due to severe economic hardships caused by runaway inflation. The protests have evolved from demands for economic relief to calls for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic, a theocratic dictatorship currently led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Iranian government has responded with severe crackdowns, including internet shutdowns and lethal force, resulting in over 3,000 deaths and the arrest of at least 50,000 people. The protests have spread across all 31 provinces, with significant participation from various societal sectors, including small business owners who previously supported the regime. The organized opposition, particularly the MEK and its resistance units, play a crucial role in sustaining the protests despite government repression. Their discussion also touches on the historical context of the regime's reliance on repression and terrorism to maintain power, as well as the potential for international support to influence the outcome. Jafarzadeh concludes with a call for the international community to recognize and support the Iranian people's right to resist the regime.

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Newt talks with Homes for Our Troops, President and CEO Brigadier General, (USA, Retired) Tom Landwermeyer and Yancy Baer, Major, U.S. Army, (Retired). Homes for Our Troops is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and donating specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans across the United States. These homes are designed to restore freedom and independence to veterans who have suffered injuries such as limb amputations, paralysis, blindness, severe burns, and traumatic brain injuries, allowing them to focus on family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Homes for Our Troops builds homes in locations chosen by the veterans and maintains a relationship with them post-delivery to assist in their life rebuilding process. The organization has built homes in 46 states and is approaching the milestone of 500 homes. The homes feature more than 40 special adaptations, such as automatic doors, accessible cabinets, and roll-under counters, to accommodate the needs of veterans. The organization also provides financial planning and homeownership education. Community involvement is a significant aspect of the program, with local communities actively participating in welcoming veterans into their new homes. The organization emphasizes that supporting veterans is a duty of our country, and it aims to repay a small portion of the debt owed to those who have served.

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