This Dum Week 2026-01-18

This Dum Week • January 19, 2026 • Solo Episode

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This episode covered an extensive range of topics with significant focus on: Scott Adams Death and Celebrity Deaths - Opening tribute to Dilbert creator Scott Adams and a delivery robot killed by train Elon Musk's Personal Life - Ashley St. Clair (latest baby mama) controversy and parenting discussion Political Retribution and Imprisonment - Clintons refusing to testify on Epstein, Jerome Powell subpoena, Jim Acosta interview on accountability South Korea Political Crisis - President Yoon Suk Yul martial law attempt, subsequent imprisonment and death penalty charges Press Freedom vs National Security - FBI raid on Washington Post reporter Hannah Natenson over classified leaks Trump's First Year Report Card - CNN reporting on mixed economic results, voter sentiments in Georgia Greenland Acquisition and Golden Dome - Tariffs on European allies, missile defense system, NATO implications AI Impact on Creative Industries - Extended discussion with actor Greg Ellis on AI's effect on Hollywood, screenwriting, and creative professions OpenAI vs Elon Musk Lawsuit - Discovery reveals Greg Brockman's diary discussing how to profit from nonprofit structure Iran Situation - Brief closing discussion on potential strikes and protest dynamics Key Points and Takeaways Political Accountability Theater Clintons refused to testify before House Oversight Committee on Epstein investigation Hillary Clinton's letter stated "every person has to decide when they have seen or had enough" Chairman James Comer plans contempt proceedings against Bill Clinton Comparison made to Steve Bannon serving prison time for same contempt charge Jim Acosta and Jennifer Welch discussed Democrats' plans for "accountability" when back in power Explicit discussion of "dragging big balls Elon" before Congress and prosecuting Trump administration Federal Reserve Independence Under Threat DOJ served Federal Reserve with grand jury subpoenas related to Jerome Powell's testimony Investigation ostensibly about 2.5billionbuildingrenovation(originally2.5billionbuildingrenovation(originally1.9 billion) Powell claims this is retaliation for not lowering interest rates per Trump's preferences Hosts note this represents potential banana republic behavior but acknowledge everyone in government "probably has something you could get them for" South Korea's Failed Coup Attempt December 3, 2024: President Yoon declared martial law late at night Accused opposition of "anti-state activities" and North Korean collaboration Legislators rushed to parliament, 190 voted unanimously to lift martial law within 3 hours By 4:30 AM martial law was lifted January 2026: Yoon sentenced to 5 years, facing 7 more trials including one carrying death penalty Alex notes possible connection to South Korea's artillery shell deals with US for Ukraine Press Freedom vs Leak Investigation FBI executed search warrant on Washington Post reporter Hannah Natenson's home Seized two laptops and searched her Signal communications with ~1,000 federal employee sources AG Pam Bondi confirmed search related to Pentagon contractor leaking classified information Contractor already arrested Hosts discuss this falls short of Obama-era threats (charging reporters under Espionage Act) Parallel construction discussed - government may have capabilities but cannot reveal methods in court Greenland and the Golden Dome Trump announced 10% tariff (rising to 25% by June) on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Finland Tariffs tied to "purchase" of Greenland for national security European allies sent symbolic force of ~30 soldiers to Greenland as "tripwire" Alex explains Golden Dome: Massive satellite constellation for missile defense Tens of thousands of satellites in orbit Capability for "pre-boost interception" (destroying missiles on ground before launch) Requires Greenland for polar orbit coverage against China/Russia missiles Potentially costing $1.5 trillion (recent Pentagon budget incr

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