House Votes to Extend Warrantless Surveillance on You. Anti-Vax RFK Jr Hates DEI. Mamdani vs the Rich. Hegseth’s Fight with the Pope Continues. Zelensky Calls for War Crimes Tribunal. Trump says he needs expanded spying powers “for our national security.” But are you really good with this government spying on you, with Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard and the nationalist crew peeking into your life in the name of “patriotism”? In this fiery solo “Rebel Yell Friday” episode 495, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down Trump’s new Iran deal spin and the fight over the Strait of Hormuz, the dangerous 10‑day FISA surveillance extension, the purge of American generals, and ICE’s ongoing culture of cruelty—from gassing protesters and kicking in doors to detaining an 85‑year‑old WWII widow. He rips into RFK Jr.’s unhinged anti-vax crusade, calls out attacks on NPR, PBS, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, and explains why huge new donations to public media are a win for democracy. From Ukraine’s brutal night under 300 drones and 19 ballistic missiles to the Pope’s social media smackdown of Hegseth, this is national security and politics analysis you won’t get on party-line shows. Paul also brings you some badly needed light to contrast all that heat. He spotlights New York City Mayor Mamdani’s new “tax the rich” pied-à-terre tax that targets vacant $5M+ luxury pads to fund childcare, cleaner streets and safer neighborhoods—and explains why independent, populist ideas like that are catching fire while both parties fail us. Paul salutes President Zelensky’s call for a global war crimes tribunal, leads a first-of-its-kind podcast moment of silence for Ukraine’s murdered children, and then closes with “something good”: the return of Avengers: Doomsday, NHL and NBA playoffs, downtown Little League opening day, and a reminder that America is a team sport. If you’re among the 45% of Americans who are independent—or just independent-curious—this fast, fun, and relentless Friday episode will help you stay a step ahead, stay fired up, and stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.