The Unknown Podcast - Episode 25

The Unknown Podcast – Episode 25: Trump’s Global Strategy, The Hales Lawsuit, and Judicial Corruption in Family Courts
In the latest episode of The Unknown Podcast, hosts Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann delve into the biggest political, legal, and media controversies of the moment. The discussion covers Donald Trump’s bold foreign policy moves, the latest updates in the Jeremy Hales lawsuit, and explosive allegations of judicial corruption in family courts across the country.

Trump’s Plan for Gaza: A Bold Strategy or Another Iraq?
The episode opens with a heated debate about Trump’s recent proposal to send U.S. troops to Gaza and overhaul the region with a massive redevelopment plan.

What’s Trump’s Endgame?
Trump has suggested that American forces should clear out Gaza, remove hazardous materials and landmines, and rebuild it into an economic powerhouse.
The goal is to replace the current war-torn landscape with a stable, business-friendly environment that could foster peace and prosperity.
Luthmann enthusiastically supports the idea, arguing that Trump’s expertise in real estate development makes him uniquely qualified to rebuild Gaza:

“Trump is taking a disaster zone and turning it into a business hub. He’s done it before. He’ll do it again.”

Volpe, however, remains skeptical, comparing this to the failed nation-building efforts in Iraq:

“This sounds like exactly the same happy talk we heard in Iraq. What happens when this turns into another forever war?”

The hosts debate whether Trump is serious about the plan or if this is another negotiation tactic to pressure regional powers into action.

Trump’s Trade War Against China, Mexico, and Canada
The conversation shifts to Trump’s aggressive trade policies, particularly his new tariffs on China.

The Fentanyl Crackdown
Trump imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada in response to their role in fentanyl trafficking.
While Mexico and Canada quickly negotiated deals, China retaliated with a 15% tariff on U.S. goods.
Luthmann argues that Trump has already outmaneuvered China:

“Trump’s shutting down USPS package delivery from China, and that’s going to cripple their economy. They rely on cheap shipping. This is checkmate.”

Volpe remains more cautious, warning that China has far more leverage than Canada or Mexico, and this trade war could escalate into a bigger economic crisis.

The Hales Lawsuit: Legal Warfare and YouTube Drama
The episode then dives into the latest developments in the lawsuit between YouTube personality Jeremy Hales and his neighbors, Lynette Preston and John Cook.

The Claims and Counterclaims
Hales accuses Preston and Cook of putting up defamatory signs labeling him a rapist.
He also claimed that they engaged in a campaign of extortion and intimidation.
The judge dismissed the extortion and RICO claims, but allowed defamation and tortious interference claims to continue.
The Court’s Ruling: A Legal Embarrassment?
Luthmann dissects the judge’s ruling, pointing out that Hales’ legal team failed to prove extortion:

“You have to show that there was a threat, made maliciously, with the intent to extort money or coerce an action. The judge flat-out said Hales didn’t meet those elements.”

Volpe adds that the remaining claims are hanging by a thread:

“The judge basically said, ‘You don’t have enough evidence now, but I’ll let this case move forward—barely.’”

The real bombshell? The lawsuit appears to be more about YouTube content than actual legal justice. Hales and his allies, including Megan Fox and “That Umbrella Guy”, have monetized the case on YouTube, turning it into an ongoing spectacle.

The Antisemitism Controversy
The episode also addresses the rising accusations of antisemitism among Hales’ supporters.

Hales’ legal team and fans have repeatedly referred to Bruce Matzkin, Preston and Cook’s attorney, as “Deuce Foreskin”—a clear antisemitic slur.
Megan Fox has doubled down on defending the term, even after Rabbi Jacob Balinski condemned it.
Luthmann, who previously apologized for his own past use of antisemitic language, calls for Hales and his team to own up and apologize:

“You don’t get to decide what is or isn’t antisemitic. When a rabbi says it’s antisemitic, that’s the end of the conversation.”

Judicial Corruption in Family Courts: The Kent Case
A major segment focuses on the latest developments in the Jane and Gerard Kent case, a high-profile family court battle in Cook County, Illinois.

The Corruption Allegations
Three judges have recused themselves from the case, following allegations that Jane’s attorneys were bribing court officials.
The latest judge, Rosanna Fernandez, stepped down within hours of a court filing that questioned her role in the case.
Volpe and Luthmann argue that this case is an example of how courts use legal technicalities to bankrupt parents and control custody outcomes.

“They’re trying to create a new custody order that Kent can’t follow, so they can sanction him into financial ruin.”

With Kent’s twin daughters turning 17 soon, the court is running out of time to enforce its controversial rulings.

Elon Musk’s Government Spending Cuts: A New Era of Fiscal Responsibility?
The episode features a weekly segment called “The Elon Files”, covering Elon Musk’s latest influence in politics.

Musk has personally slashed over $4 billion in U.S. government spending.
He is targeting wasteful programs like USAID, which was caught funding transgender theater programs in Ecuador and DEI comic books.
Luthmann celebrates Musk’s no-nonsense approach:

“Send Elon in to cut the waste. This is what he does best.”

Volpe agrees that government spending needs to be slashed, but warns that entrenched bureaucrats will fight back hard.

Final Thoughts: The Political and Legal Battlefield
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the broader themes of the show:

Trump is shaking up foreign policy and economic negotiations.
The Hales lawsuit exposes how social media influencers weaponize the courts for content.
Judicial corruption in family courts remains a massive problem, with judges recusing themselves under suspicious circumstances.
Elon Musk is proving that massive government cuts are possible—but the fight is far from over.
Luthmann closes with a warning:

“The establishment is fighting back harder than ever. If you think they’re going to let Trump, Musk, or anyone else just take over and win, think again.”