The Tank America First Policy Institute

Welcome to another empowering episode of The Tank Podcast, presented by the America First Policy Institute. Today, Chad and Hogan delve into critical discussions impacting America's heart and future, with special guests Bob Unanue, CEO of Goya Foods and Chair of the Hispanic Leadership Conference, Ashley Hayek, Executive Director of America First Works, John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, and Drake and Jayme Franklin. 
Our discussions explore the pressing issue of the Hispanic community's relationship with conservative values and the growing rejection of woke ideologies by America's youth. We address America's most significant national security threats and the pressing need for robust border controls. We recognize that immigration concerns remain at the forefront of national discourse as a top security issue.
The panelists provide deep insights into the urgency for conservatives to engage in cultural conversations actively and the vital role of churches in mobilizing congregations to vote, ensuring our voices are heard and values represented.
This episode illuminates our challenges and reinforces our commitment to America First solutions, bringing these solutions from Washington, D.C., to every state across the nation. Join us as we stand firm in our principles, ready to shape a prosperous future for all Americans.
**Key Sound Bites:**
- "The Hispanic community feels abandoned; the future of the country lies in reaching out to them."
- "The border and immigration issue is the number one national security concern for most Americans."
Tune in to The Tank Podcast for a conversation that champions America and challenges the status quo, inspiring action and fostering a patriotic renewal.

In this episode, Hogan Gidley and Chad Wolf discuss the crisis along the Southern border, specifically the murder of a nursing student by an illegal alien. They highlight the consequences of open border policies and the need for accountability. The conversation then transitions to the topic of election integrity and the importance of transparency in the voting process. Later, Dr. Ben Carson joins the podcast to share his personal journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned neurosurgeon and serving as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration. Dr. Ben Carson discusses the importance of personal responsibility and education, the greatness of America and the threats it faces, his service in the Trump administration, the American Cornerstone Institute and patriotic education, and impactful moments from his time in the administration.
Takeaways
The crisis along the Southern border, including the murder of a nursing student by an illegal alien, highlights the consequences of open border policies. There is a need for accountability and transparency in addressing the border crisis and ensuring election integrity. Policy solutions, such as securing the border and enacting election integrity laws, are necessary to address these issues. Dr. Ben Carson's personal journey exemplifies the American dream and the opportunities available in the United States. Personal responsibility and education are key to success and breaking the cycle of poverty. America is a great nation, but it is facing threats to its core principles and values.
Dr. Carson served in the Trump administration to address issues of poverty and dependency. The American Cornerstone Institute focuses on promoting the principles that made America great. Dr. Carson shares an impactful story about the challenges faced in implementing Envision Centers. Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Border Crisis
03:11 Public Outrage and Political Response
07:27 Media Coverage and Accountability
11:45 Policy Solutions and Legislative Actions
23:01 Introduction of Dr. Ben Carson
24:00 Dr. Carson's Background and the American Dream
26:22 The Power of Personal Responsibility and Education
31:29 The Greatness of America and the Threats It Faces
36:07 Dr. Carson's Service in the Trump Administration
45:13 American Cornerstone Institute and Patriotic Education
49:27 Impactful Moments in the Trump Administration

Summary
Join Chad Wolf and Hogan Gidley as they discuss the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas, Biden's immigration policy, changing messaging on the border, DHS funding and border security, the impact of the border crisis on crime rates, the cultural shift in immigration, funding for Ukraine and Israel, national security and America First, addressing immigration issues, and the importance of transparency in national security.
 
A fascinating interview with Morgan Ortagus discusses the impact of the US's Iran policy on its relationships with Russia and China. It highlights how the US's failure to enforce sanctions has allowed Iran to become richer and supply advanced weaponry to various groups. The conversation also raises concerns about Iran's nuclear capability and its potential to provide sophisticated weaponry to Russia and China. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the nightmare scenario of terrorist groups obtaining advanced weaponry and the administration's inaction in addressing this threat.
 
Takeaways
The impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas highlights the accountability and responsibility of cabinet secretaries in addressing security challenges. Biden's immigration policy, particularly the lack of a plan for dealing with the influx of migrants, has contributed to the border crisis. The changing messaging from the Biden administration on the border crisis reflects the need to distance themselves from the issue. The funding deficit for ICE and the release of detainees highlight the consequences of bad policy and the need for effective budget planning. The cultural shift in immigration, with a focus on identity and tribalism, undermines the idea of assimilation and the pride in becoming an American. Negotiating with allies and partners should prioritize equitable alliances and partnerships that benefit both parties. Transparency in national security is crucial for building trust with the American people and effectively addressing threats. The US's Iran policy has undermined its relationships with Russia and China. Iran has become richer and supplied advanced weaponry to various groups due to the US's failure to enforce sanctions. There are concerns about Iran's nuclear capability and its potential to provide sophisticated weaponry to Russia and China. The administration's inaction in addressing the threat of terrorist groups obtaining advanced weaponry is a significant concern.  
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas
03:40 Biden's Immigration Policy
05:37 Changing Messaging on the Border
08:29 DHS Funding and Border Security
10:27 Mayorkas' Role and Accountability
12:14 Impact of Border Crisis on Crime Rates
13:34 Cultural Shift in Immigration
15:00 Funding for Ukraine and Israel
17:27 National Security and America First
20:20 Addressing Immigration Issues
22:59 Interview with Morgan Ortagus
23:55 Border Security as a National Security Issue
24:52 Root Causes of Migration
26:18 Cartels and National Security
27:40 U.S. Assistance and Loans
29:30 Negotiating with Allies and Partners
36:19 Aid Packages to Ukraine and Israel
40:59 Transparency in National Security
46:54 Declassification of National Security Threats
49:31 Undermining Russia and China Policy
50:22 Iran's Nuclear Capability
51:21 Iran's Support for Russia and China
52:20 Nightmare Post 9/11 Scenario

In this episode, Hogan Gidley and Chad Wolf discuss the Middle East attacks and the border crisis. Dr. Jonathan Pidluzy and a panel of experts join them to delve into the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on college campuses, the challenges of men competing in women's sports, and the rise of anti-Semitism. The conversation explores the alarming historical ignorance among college students, the influence of foreign money on higher education, and the efforts to reshape the conversation around Israel and Palestine. It highlights the refusal of university presidents to condemn anti-Semitism and the power of the DEI left on campuses. The discussion also touches on the impact of these issues on college campuses and the hope found in smaller private universities. The episode concludes with discussing potential solutions, including defunding DEI and promoting better leadership.
Takeaways
The Biden administration's immigration policy has led to a border crisis, with record numbers of illegal apprehensions and a lack of enforcement of immigration laws.
DEI programs on college campuses promote race separation, indoctrination, and a viewpoint orthodoxy that stifles free speech and critical thinking.

Allowing men to compete in women's sports undermines the integrity of the sport and compromises the safety and security of women's spaces.

Anti-Semitism is on the rise on college campuses, fueled by DEI ideologies that view Jews as oppressors and Palestinians as victims. College students often lack historical knowledge and are influenced by ideological faculty.

Foreign money, particularly from the Middle East, funds radical departments in elite institutions to shape the conversation on Israel and Palestine.

University presidents often refuse to condemn anti-Semitism due to the influence of the DEI left.

Foreign students and scholarship programs aim to reshape the conversation on campus.

Smaller private universities may provide hope for preserving values and viewpoint diversity.

Solutions include defunding DEI, enforcing prohibitions against anti-Semitism, and promoting better leadership.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Middle East Attacks
06:44 The Border Crisis and Texas' Response
19:34 Challenges with the Biden Administration's Immigration Policy
24:45 Introduction to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) on College Campuses
32:15 Experiences with DEI on College Campuses
36:32 Issues with Men Competing in Women's Sports
47:00 Anti-Semitism on College Campuses
50:16 Alarming Historical Ignorance and Ideological Faculty
51:10 Foreign Influence in Higher Education
52:05 Foreign Students and Reshaping the Conversation
52:35 University Presidents' Response to Anti-Semitism
53:31 Awareness of Foreign Influence on Campus
54:54 University Presidents' Personal Stake in Protecting Jewish Students
55:19 Impact on College Campuses
56:17 University Presidents' Response to Attacks on Israel
57:15 Lack of Comfort and Cancelation of Pro-Israel Events
58:13 Hope in Smaller Private Universities
59:38 Preparing High School Students for College
01:00:36 Solving the Issue: Defunding DEI and Better Leadership

AFPI Instagram was deleted?! Is Big Tech censorship ramping up? And the increasingly disastrous southern border triggers some very confusing border crossing math. It's Biden Bordernomics, folks. Join Chad Wolf and Hogan Gidley as they discuss all of these things and more, and then a fascinating interview on the weaponization of government with the former Acting Attorney General, Matt Whitaker.
The main themes covered include the two-tiered justice system, the impact of weaponization on legal institutions, and the need for reforms to address these issues. Whitaker emphasizes the importance of leadership and accountability in restoring trust in the government and ensuring equal protection under the law. In this conversation, we discuss various government, leadership, and free speech topics. We touch on the importance of promoting the right leaders in the FBI, the challenges to due process and the republic, and the impact of technology on free speech. The conversation highlights the need for leaders who prioritize public service and understand the importance of local impact. It also raises concerns about the erosion of due process and the potential suppression of free speech by corporations and governments.
 
Takeaways The weaponization of government and the politicization of the justice system are significant concerns that undermine the principles of equal protection under the law and the rule of law. The two-tiered justice system, where individuals are treated differently based on their political affiliations or beliefs, erodes trust in the legal system and undermines the principles of fairness and impartiality. Reforms are needed to address the weaponization of government, including changes in leadership, accountability, and a focus on executing solutions to pressing issues such as illegal immigration and the opioid crisis. Structural issues within institutions like the FBI and DOJ should be examined to ensure that cases are handled objectively and without political bias. Promoting leaders in the FBI who prioritize public service and have a deep understanding of local impact is crucial. Challenges to due process, such as arbitrary rulings and lack of proper procedures, can undermine the foundations of the republic. The dominance of technology and social media platforms has raised concerns about censorship and the suppression of free speech. Creating a marketplace of ideas where the best ideas rise to the top is essential for a healthy democracy.
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Social Media Suspension
01:18 The Weaponization of Government
10:20 Accountability and the Southern Border
21:05 The Two-Tiered Justice System
36:15 The Impact of Weaponization on Legal Institutions
43:45 Reforms to Address the Weaponization of Government
48:54 Structural Issues at the FBI and DOJ
50:17 Promoting the Right Leaders in the FBI
52:08 Challenges to Due Process and the Republic
56:25 The Impact of Technology on Free Speech

In this episode, Chad Wolf and Adam Schindler sit down with Pastor Jensen Franklin to discuss a range of topics, including the Christmas season, anti-Semitism on college campuses, the left's fear of people of faith, the Biblical Foundations Project at AFPI, attacks on people of faith by the federal government, concerns of Pastor's congregation, inflation, and mental health, parents' rights and school choice, and the significance of the holiday season and the birth of Jesus.
Takeaways
The Christmas season is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus and the hope and peace that he brings. Anti-Semitism on college campuses is a growing concern, with Jewish students facing discrimination and threats of violence. The left is often afraid of people of faith because their biblical worldview challenges the values and agenda of the left. The Biblical Foundations Project at AFPI aims to connect the policy agenda with biblical principles and values. The federal government has been weaponized against people of faith, targeting religious institutions and individuals. Parents' rights and school choice are essential issues that must be addressed to ensure the well-being and education of children. Inflation and mental health are significant concerns affecting American families. The holiday season is a time to focus on love, reconciliation, and restoring families and communities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Christmas Season
02:23 Anti-Semitism on College Campuses
09:25 The Left's Fear of People of Faith
12:07 Biblical Foundations Project
17:19 Attacks on People of Faith by the Federal Government
21:21 Biblical Foundations Initiative at AFPI
27:30 Attacks on Speaker of the House for His Christian Faith
31:41 Weaponization of the Federal Government
36:49 Concerns of Pastor's Congregation
42:47 Inflation and Mental Health
45:59 Parents' Rights and School Choice
48:21 Holiday Season and the Birth of Jesus