On this week's episode of The DMZ, Bill Scher joins Matt Lewis to unpack the coming 2026 blue wave (Tennessee special election analysis), Trump's pardoning of a convicted narco-state president while ordering missile strikes on “drug boats” in the Caribbean, the big media scandal that has tongues wagging, and more!

Ahead of the Iowa caucuses, Bill and Matt discuss the state of the GOP primary race, including this week's primary debate. Can Nikki Haley win New Hamsphire, and will that even matter? Next, they discuss Speaker Mike Johnson's attempts to avoid a government shutdown, and whether Joe Biden is capable of driving a positive message.

New Jeffrey Epstein emails drop SAME DAY as Congress forces full file release. Is Trump hiding something? Matt Lewis & Bill Scher unpack the bombshell timing, Trump’s creepy history, and why even MAGA is cracking.

PLUS: Your health insurance is about to jump $12,000–$22,000/year. A 60-year-old couple earning $85K will pay a QUARTER of their income on premiums. Republicans had 10 years. They have NO plan. MTG (!!) is now louder than Trump on this.

Today's topics include:

– Epstein Files Back from the Dead
– Trump’s Epstein Birthday Card & Guilty Vibes
– Saddam-Style Cover-Up or Innocent?
– Megyn Kelly’s Wild “Not Pedophilia” Defense
– Trump’s Gatsby Party While SNAP Gets Cut
– $22K Premium Hike Hits Middle-Class Hard
– Dems Offer 1-Year Fix… Trump Rejects
– GOP Still Has No Healthcare Plan
– MTG vs. Trump: Who’s the Real Populist?
– Will This Sink GOP in 2026

As the government shutdown deadline looms, Matt Lewis and Bill Scher dive into a heated debate on the DMZ.

Is a shutdown inevitable? Can Democrats hold firm against Trump’s tactics without losing public support?

From healthcare battles to filibuster threats, they unpack the political chess game and what it means for America’s future.

Don’t miss this riveting discussion!

Mike Johnson has been elected Speaker of the House. Just before the vote, Matt and Bill talked about his chances. They also discussed Democrats' decision to help defeat former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and whether this is part of a risky strategy to elevate MAGA. Lastly, are the walls finally closing in on Donald Trump as his close confidants plead guilty? We report, you decide. 

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Explore the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination, from rapid martyr status to a polarized debate on cancel culture and free speech. The DMZ's Matt Lewis and Bill Scher discuss Kirk’s legacy, controversial statements, and the alarming rise of government-driven censorship in this gripping DMZ episode.