Jun 26, 2025 3-5pm ET
Thursday on The Robert Scott Bell Show:
Hour 1
Special Guest: Jonathan Emord
For the past 37 years, Jonathan W. Emord has litigated against the federal bureaucracy, winning over and over again. Ron Paul calls Jonathan “an expert in constitutional theory and history” and “an expert litigator with a long string of legal victories over the federal bureaucracy.” George Noory calls him “a Knight in Shining Armor” and “a warrior out to save our rights.” Congressmen Dan Burton and John Doolittle describe him as “an intellectual warrior for the rights and freedoms of people in America.” Jonathan has a unique, detailed knowledge of the federal bureaucracy, the deep state. He knows how to defeat it. Jonathan graduated from the University of Illinois (BA, political science and history, 1982) and DePaul University College of Law (JD, 1985). He served as an attorney in the Federal Communications Commission during the Reagan administration. A leading constitutional law and litigation expert, he is the author of five critically acclaimed books. He has won more cases against the Food and Drug Administration in federal court than any other attorney in American history, earning him the nickname “FDA Dragon Slayer.” He is a columnist for Townhall.com, PJ Media.com, Americangreatness.com, and the U.S.A. Today Magazine. He frequently appears on national radio and television programs. He is married to Sheryl Emord, and they have two children, twins Justice and Angelica. They reside in Clifton, Virginia.
The Fed Is Powerful… That’s The Problem Critics argue the Federal Reserve’s immense and largely unchecked power over monetary policy and the financial system represents a structural flaw in American democracy. Originating in the Fed’s dual mandate of stabilizing prices and maximizing employment, its authority to set interest rates, conduct open-market operations, and regulate financial institutions has expanded over time, making it a central tool in crisis management. This power allows the Fed to influence debt markets, asset values, and lending—areas previously managed through fiscal policy and legislative decision-making. Critics contend this concentration of power escapes democratic oversight: the Fed is self-funded, retains autonomy from Congress, and oversees a multitrillion-dollar balance sheet while resisting comprehensive audits. Observers point to staffing growth—up 67% since 2007—and a $2.4 billion headquarters renovation as evidence that the institution lacks external accountability. Furthermore, Fed independence enables decisions that may benefit financial markets or government debt financing, potentially at the expense of inflation control or public welfare. Proponents of reforms argue for measures such as tighter congressional oversight, routine Government Accountability Office reviews, clearer audit mechanisms, and increased transparency in decision-making. As calls mount for restoring fiscal responsibility and legitimate oversight, the debate continues over whether the Fed’s unique design now hinders rather than helps economic stability.
Gottheimer: Trump Didn’t Need Congress’ Approval for Strikes, Just Like Clinton and Obama Didn’t Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey defended President Trump’s June 21 airstrikes on Iran, asserting the president did not require prior congressional approval—similar to previous military actions by presidents Clinton and Obama. Speaking on Fox News, Gottheimer emphasized the strikes were limited and carried out in response to an imminent nuclear threat posed by Iran, invoking historical precedents like Clinton’s operations in Kosovo and Obama’s intervention in Libya, both conducted without explicit congressional authorization. He added that authorization would be sought only if operations extended into a more sustained incursion. Gottheimer’s remarks come amid heightened debate over executive war powers: opponents have argued that the strikes exceed the president’s constitutional authority and bypass the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Republicans like Warren Davidson have echoed such views, calling for congressional approval or even impeachment. At the same time, some lawmakers argue that swift military action in response to urgent threats falls within the executive’s remit. As Congress convened amid budget disputes and international escalation, the incident has reignited discussions about the balance of power between branches during military conflict and whether current law properly defines limits on civilian leadership in war-making decisions.
DHS Approves Construction Of “Alligator Alcatraz” For Illegal Aliens The Department of Homeland Security has approved the construction of a temporary detention facility in Florida’s Everglades, labeled “Alligator Alcatraz.” Positioned on a remote former airport site and enclosed by wildlife deterrents, the facility will include tents, trailers, and support infrastructure to house up to 5,000 undocumented migrants. The project, spearheaded by Florida authorities in alignment with federal immigration enforcement, is expected to launch by July, with construction funded via FEMA and federal agencies. Proponents argue the site addresses the spike in migrant arrivals and alleviates overcrowding in detention facilities. Critics—including environmental groups, Indigenous tribes, and local officials—warn of severe ecological harm in the Everglades, threats to biodiversity, and hazards posed by extreme weather and wildlife, such as alligators and pythons. There are also serious legal concerns about using disaster-relief funding for migration, evoking the so-called “imperial presidency” and raising questions about environmental and procedural reviews. Human rights advocates describe the conditions as inhumane and warn against leveraging natural barriers as deterrents. With debates over its environmental impact, procedural transparency, and humanitarian implications unresolved, “Alligator Alcatraz” underscores tensions between aggressive immigration enforcement and regulatory safeguards.
Trump Administration Plans to Limit Classified Info It Shares with Congress on Iran Attack The Trump administration intends to restrict detailed intelligence briefings to Congress following the June 21 strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Internal assessments suggested the strike delayed Iran’s nuclear progress by months rather than disabling it entirely—contradicting President Trump’s public characterization of a decisive victory. In response to such leaks, the administration plans to curtail disclosures over CAPNET, the classified system used by both House and Senate lawmakers. Key congressional figures will still receive briefings—likely with reduced depth—while officials tighten internal protocols and pursue leak investigations, with the FBI reportedly involved. Critics in Congress argue this move undermines lawful oversight and disables their constitutional authority to monitor critical military operations. Supporters of the administration frame it as necessary to protect intelligence sources and maintain strategic advantage. The clash spotlights enduring tensions between the executive and legislative branches over control of national security information and oversight responsibilities, especially during periods of military engagement and conflicting public messaging.
Zohran Mamdani Topples Andrew Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Race In a major political upset, 33‑year‑old progressive state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani was declared the winner of the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Early results showed Mamdani securing roughly 43–44% of first‑choice votes against Cuomo’s 36–37%, with ranked-choice voting and a final concession from Cuomo solidifying Mamdani’s position. This grassroots-driven campaign mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers and emphasized policies like affordable housing, rent freezes, free public transportation, and universal childcare—positions that resonated with young, working-class, and progressive voters. Analysts describe the outcome as a “political earthquake” that signals a broader generational and ideological shift in the Democratic Party, drawing comparisons to Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez’s 2018 victory. Mamdani’s left‑leaning platform also includes strong support for gender-affirming care and Palestinian rights, all of which may challenge conventional approaches ahead of the general election. The establishment-backed Cuomo campaign, even with substantial fundraising and union endorsements, was unable to withstand the groundswell behind Mamdani. The result underscores the rising influence of progressive movements in urban politics and sets the stage for a November showdown against Republican, independent, and incumbent candidates.
‘Go Ahead and Try Impeaching Me Again — MAKE MY DAY!’ Trump Mocks ‘Stupid’ AOC, ‘Low IQ’ Crockett President Trump responded to recent impeachment threats by taunting Democratic figures including Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and Florida Congresswoman Maxwell Alejandro Frost Crockett, sarcastically challenging, “Go ahead and try impeaching me again—MAKE MY DAY!” He dismissed their actions as politically motivated posturing by “stupid” and “low IQ” lawmakers. Trump’s remarks follow calls from some Democrats for impeachment based on his authorization of military strikes on Iran without congressional approval. The loose-lipped exchanges took place during a raucous MAGA rally, where Trump also attacked mainstream media outlets and praised his 2024 primary rival Vivek Ramaswamy. His combative rhetoric taps into ongoing debates over executive war powers—reinforcing supporters’ perception of his toughness on foreign policy—and reflects his broader confrontational style toward opponents both inside and outside his party. The comments are likely to intensify partisan discourse and fuel discussions about constitutional limits, impeachment as a political tool, and public tone in political speech.
Hour 2
ACIP Members Push Back on CDC’s COVID Vaccine Safety Claims At its first meeting since reconstitution, several new ACIP members expressed skepticism toward CDC presenters’ claims that COVID-19 vaccines are unequivocally safe and effective. The advisers questioned the agency’s methods for evaluating vaccine efficacy, statistical models used to assess adverse event risks, and the severity of COVID-19 in children—challenging vaccine safety assessments previously regarded as settled. The inquiry reflects broader uncertainty amid Secretary RFK Jr.’s overhaul of the ACIP, in which he dismissed all 17 former members and installed a smaller panel—many perceived as skeptical of mRNA vaccine science. Health professionals warn that this adoption of overtly contentious questions such as vaccine safety, cumulative dosing harms, and children’s risk profiles undermines longstanding public health messaging and may erode confidence in immunization efforts. Media outlets like The Guardian described the meeting as a chaotic re-entry into evidence that was once deemed conclusive. The reversal aligns with growing tensions within the federal public health agency hierarchy, including resignations of CDC scientists and President Trump’s nomination of Susan Monarez as CDC director, who emphasized preserving a science-based advisory process. Observers fear that reopeners on established vaccine safety could create public confusion and impede efforts to combat outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough. The session pointed to deeper questions about the balance between public trust, scientific complexity, and political influence on health policy.
US to Stop Providing Money to Global Vaccine Alliance Gavi: RFK Jr. U.S. Health Secretary RFK Jr. announced that the United States will halt further financial contributions to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, criticizing the organization for allegedly neglecting vaccine safety, endorsing questionable COVID-19 recommendations, and suppressing dissenting views. Since 2001, the U.S. has contributed approximately $8 billion to Gavi, funding immunizations like diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis in low-income countries. In a statement delivered via video at Gavi’s pledging summit in Brussels, RFK Jr. demanded that the alliance “re-earn public trust” and justify its use of U.S. funds before any future support resumes. He specifically cited concerns over the DTPw pediatric vaccine and accused Gavi of prioritizing public relations over genuine scientific scrutiny. The withdrawal places the alliance’s goal of raising $9 billion for 2026–2030 at risk, especially given parallel cuts by other major donors. Gavi defended its commitment to safety and evidence-based practice and highlighted its reliance on U.S. technical and philanthropic support to sustain immunization programs for millions of children. Global health experts warn that losing U.S. funding could undermine vaccine coverage in vulnerable populations, increase child mortality, and weaken pandemic preparedness—raising alarms during a global health funding summit.
ADHD linked to elevated levels of these common heavy metals A recent study of 190 Spanish children (ages 6–15) found that those diagnosed with ADHD exhibited significantly higher urinary concentrations of heavy metals including lead, cadmium, copper, and antimony compared to neurotypical peers. Elevated lead and cadmium levels were strongly associated with inattention severity, while excess copper and antimony correlated with increased hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. Researchers emphasized that traditional genetic predispositions—contributing around 70–80% risk—do not preclude environmental exposures from exacerbating ADHD. Investigators measured 15 metals, discovering that common contaminants—lead from old paint and pipes, cadmium from specific foods and fertilizers, copper from outdated plumbing, and antimony from soil and dust—may contribute to neurotoxicity. The authors cautioned that while the association is robust, causation remains unconfirmed; the study could not fully control for co-occurring pollutants like fine particulates or pesticides. Additionally, urinary biomarkers reflect recent exposure and may not capture long-term accumulation. A parallel meta-analysis of 31 studies covering over 25,000 children confirmed lead’s association with nearly double the ADHD risk (OR ≈ 1.95), with arsenic and manganese also implicated. Given lead’s pervasive cognitive and behavioral impact even at low exposure—lowering IQ and increasing aggression—the findings heighten concern over environmental influences on child development. Public health experts suggest mitigating strategies such as drinking-filtered water, avoiding hot tap usage, nutritional supplementation to inhibit metal absorption, and advocating for stricter contaminant regulations. While genetic vulnerability remains central to ADHD, this research frames heavy metal exposure as a potentially modifiable risk contributing to symptom severity.
‘Between a Shot and a Hard Place’: Autism, Vaccines and the Illusion of Certainty Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a pediatrician known for his integrative approach, argues in his new work that the public narrative framing the vaccine–autism debate as conclusively resolved is misleading; while mainstream messaging suggests the issue is “case dismissed, myth debunked, science settled,” he challenges the depth and independence of existing research. He points out that the foundational studies cited—primarily those linking or exonerating the MMR vaccine and thimerosal-preserved vaccines—represent a narrow subset of investigation, lacking urgent, unbiased scrutiny. Warsh emphasizes that these studies, often influenced by institutional frameworks and limited statistical designs, do not definitively close the question for many families who continue to report developmental changes following vaccination. He criticizes the media for oversimplifying the science into a binary truth claim, which may hinder meaningful dialogue and parental agency. Warsh further highlights the phenomenon of “illusory certainty,” where scientific nuance and parental observations are dismissed in favor of textbook slogans. He calls for much broader, independent research addressing cumulative effects, vaccine schedules, genetic vulnerability, environmental cofactors, and rare adverse outcomes. While acknowledging vaccines’ public health benefits, he warns that sidelining parental concerns and suppressing scientific ambiguity risks entrenching mistrust. Warsh advocates for a paradigm shift in public health discourse—one that embraces transparency, acknowledges complexity, and legitimizes diverse data sources and lived experiences to rebuild trust and inform genuinely evidence-based vaccine policy.



