The Unknown Podcast - Episode 23

The Unknown Podcast – Episode 23: Trump’s “Golden Age,” January 6th Pardons, and the Free Speech Crackdown
In the 23rd episode of The Unknown Podcast, hosts Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann tackle Donald Trump’s latest political moves, the January 6th pardons, and the broader fight for free speech in America. From Elon Musk’s legal troubles to cancel culture’s deadly consequences, this episode is packed with hard-hitting analysis and underreported stories.

Trump’s “Golden Age” and Immediate Executive Orders
The episode kicks off with Richard Luthmann declaring that Trump’s return to power marks the beginning of the "Golden Age of America." He praises Trump’s aggressive first-day executive orders, arguing that the speed and decisiveness of his actions prove that competence in government is possible.

Key Executive Actions:
Energy independence: Trump immediately reinstated policies to expand domestic drilling, aiming to reclaim America’s status as an energy superpower.
Foreign aid freeze: A pause on all foreign aid was enacted, signaling a new “America First” economic approach.
Ending remote work for federal employees: A move to restore government productivity and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency.
Luthmann enthusiastically supports these actions, arguing that they prove Trump keeps his promises. Volpe agrees with some but questions the broad pardons for January 6th defendants.

The January 6th Pardons: A Step Too Far?
One of the most controversial topics of the episode is Trump’s mass pardoning of January 6th defendants.

Luthmann argues that Trump’s pardons were necessary, referring to many of the defendants as "hostages" of a political prosecution machine. He highlights the case of Evan Newman, a January 6th participant who fled to Belarus and was granted asylum by President Alexander Lukashenko. With Trump’s pardon, Newman can now return home after years in exile.

Who Was Pardoned?
Full pardons: Given to non-violent protesters who entered the Capitol but committed no assaults.
Commutations: Trump reduced sentences for some who received 15+ years, arguing that their punishments were disproportionate.
Exclusions: Trump did not pardon those convicted of violent offenses, maintaining that some individuals went too far.
Volpe’s Concerns:
Volpe pushes back, arguing that some January 6th participants clearly engaged in violence and should face legal consequences. He plays a video clip of the Capitol breach, pointing out assaults on officers and rioters storming barricades.

Luthmann, however, downplays the violence, insisting that many instigators were likely FBI plants. He raises the mystery of Ray Epps, a controversial figure accused of inciting the riot but facing minimal legal consequences.

Elon Musk Under Attack: The SEC Lawsuit
The discussion shifts to Elon Musk’s legal battle with the SEC, which has sued him for alleged securities violations related to his Twitter takeover.

The Allegations:
Musk failed to disclose his 5% ownership stake in Twitter on time, allegedly allowing him to buy more shares at a lower price before the stock surged.
The Biden DOJ’s involvement raises questions about political motivations behind the lawsuit.
Volpe and Luthmann debate whether this is genuine legal enforcement or political lawfare. Luthmann, who has worked on securities cases, argues that similar infractions are common on Wall Street and rarely prosecuted so aggressively.

Volpe asks: Is the government selectively targeting Musk because of his political realignment toward Trump?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Was He Lying About His Anti-Vax Stance?
A new scandal surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emerges as he is forced to amend financial disclosures, revealing that he has made over $1.2 million from anti-vaccine lawsuits.

Why It Matters:
RFK Jr. has long claimed his activism was purely ideological.
His previous Senate testimony omitted these financial ties, raising questions about honesty.
Some critics argue this weakens his credibility as an outsider candidate.
Luthmann dismisses the controversy, calling it a minor financial issue compared to the billions made by Big Pharma. However, Volpe suggests this could damage RFK Jr.'s campaign, as it plays into the narrative that he is not as independent as he claims.

The Crackdown on Free Speech: The Paul Boyne and Monica Ciardi Cases
Paul Boyne’s Legal Victory
In an unexpected twist, Paul Boyne has been released from jail in Virginia. After months behind bars for controversial blog posts criticizing judges, he has finally secured his freedom.

Luthmann notes that Judge Peter Brown’s recent rulings suggest a shift in judicial attitude—possibly influenced by public outcry. However, Boyne’s case is far from over, and he remains under close scrutiny.

Monica Ciardi: The Female Paul Boyne?
Volpe introduces the case of Monica Ciardi, a New Jersey woman jailed for social media posts criticizing her ex-husband and local judges.

Key details:

Ciardi’s ex-husband is a firearms instructor with deep police connections.
She accused him of domestic abuse, leading to legal retaliation.
The prosecutor involved in her case previously presided over her divorce, raising serious conflicts of interest.
Luthmann calls Ciardi a “family court hostage”, arguing that her case mirrors Boyne’s in its attack on free speech.

Danesh Noshirvan: The Cancel Culture King
The episode takes a dark turn with new developments in the case against social media influencer Danesh Noshirvan.

Noshirvan’s Controversial Tactics:
Mass doxing campaigns: He targets individuals online, often leading to job losses and reputational ruin.
AI-driven harassment: Evidence suggests he amplifies outrage using fake social media engagement.
Suicides linked to his actions: A Texas teacher and a doctor both took their own lives after being targeted by his online mob.
Luthmann’s Legal Battle
Luthmann, who has been investigating Noshirvan’s tactics, was recently served a subpoena in federal court—a move he calls a blatant attempt to intimidate journalists.

The judge dismissed the subpoena on a technicality but did not rule on its merit.
Luthmann believes this is a dangerous precedent where activists can weaponize the courts against reporters.
Volpe condemns Noshirvan’s actions, calling them “AI-enhanced cancel culture” that poses a real threat to free speech.

Final Thoughts: The Battle Lines Are Drawn
As the episode closes, Volpe and Luthmann reflect on the growing battle between populists and the establishment.

Trump is reshaping America with swift executive orders.
January 6th pardons remain divisive, with legal and political implications.
Elon Musk is under attack, likely for his political realignment.
Free speech is increasingly under fire, from family courts to social media.
Luthmann ends with a warning: The establishment is not going down without a fight—but the populist movement is stronger than ever.