398. James LaPorta. FOIA and Find Out. Why is a Marine Expeditionary Unit Off Venezuela? Laura Loomer Threatened to Sue Me. Trump’s Crazy Address & $1,776 “War Dividend”. 18 SEALs Disciplined for Racism. Milo Ventimiglia, Ghostbusters & The Mandalorian.

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff · Dec 18, 2025 · 49m

Paul welcomes back CBS News national security coordinating producer (and Marine infantry veteran) James LaPorta, one of the most tenacious and respected reporters in the national security and veterans’ space. From the CBS bureau in Washington, LaPorta brings exclusive reporting, deep sourcing and hard-won combat perspective as Paul rips through a wild 48 hours: Trump’s lie-filled prime-time address and new “warrior dividend” checks, a dignified transfer at Dover, rising tensions in Venezuela, new Ukraine aid, Trump’s sinking approval and fresh mass shootings in Sydney and at Brown University…