Sept 17, 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.
GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy’s Tenuous Alliance With RFK Jr. Hits a Breaking Point Senator Bill Cassidy’s once-promising collaboration with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly fractured following a Senate HELP Committee hearing where Cassidy elevated testimony from ousted CDC official Susan Monarez, who accused Kennedy of pressuring her to support changes to vaccine policy regardless of scientific evidence. Cassidy’s decision to grant Monarez a prominent platform represents a major departure from typical GOP practice of shielding administration figures, signaling deep concern about Kennedy’s direction at HHS. Although Cassidy insists he is withholding judgment until Kennedy testifies, his remarks have fueled speculation that he no longer supports the secretary he once helped confirm. Cassidy’s comments questioning the reliability of Kennedy’s vaccine advisory panel—and his refusal to say whether he would support Kennedy’s confirmation again—have amplified GOP unease, with several Republican senators either openly critical or quietly distancing themselves from Kennedy. The political stakes are high: Cassidy, facing a tough reelection bid in Louisiana after losing Trump’s endorsement in 2021, risks further backlash if his actions are seen as disloyal. At the same time, Kennedy’s inner circle views Cassidy’s move as a direct threat to their vaccine policy agenda, especially amid proposals to delay the hepatitis B shot and conduct a sweeping review of childhood vaccinations. Cassidy has tried to temper criticism by aligning his rhetoric with Trump’s call for “radical transparency” while still pressing Kennedy on perceived inconsistencies in his vaccine stance. The fallout reflects not just a breakdown in personal rapport but a broader ideological and political clash over public health, vaccine mandates, and the limits of bipartisan cooperation in the current climate.
Finally: Fed Cuts Rates by a Quarter Percent, Signals Two More Cuts This Year The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, moving it into the 4.00%‑4.25% range in its first rate reduction since December 2024. This decision reflects mounting concern about a weakening labor market, which is showing signs of cooling job growth and increasing risk to employment stability. Fed officials’ new economic projections now anticipate two additional quarter‑point rate cuts before the end of 2025, a change from prior expectations made in June that suggested fewer cuts. The revised outlook also includes slightly stronger growth for the year than was projected in the previous cycle, though inflation remains above target. One dissenting vote came from Stephen Miran, who favored a larger half‑percentage‑point cut. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that the decision is a “risk‑management cut,” shifting the focus somewhat from inflation containment toward safeguarding against employment losses. Financial markets responded with modest changes: borrowing costs eased slightly, and there is growing speculation about how the upcoming cuts will affect mortgage rates, consumer borrowing, and business investment. While there is relief among those sensitive to interest rates, the Fed remains cautious, saying they will be data‑driven in assessing whether further easing is needed, depending on trends in inflation, employment, and broader economic risk.
Trump to designate antifa a ‘major terrorist organization’ President Donald Trump has announced his intent to designate Antifa as a “major terrorist organization,” asserting that the group is a “sick, dangerous, radical left disaster.” The announcement was made publicly, with Trump stating he would “100%” follow through, and recommending that individuals and entities financially supporting Antifa be subject to investigation. Antifa is described as a decentralized movement without a singular leadership structure, composed of left‑leaning activist groups known for confrontational tactics at protests. Legal experts and civil liberties observers note considerable obstacles to formal designation. The Constitution, particularly the First Amendment, protects political expression, and existing U.S. law does not clearly provide for domestic groups or movements defined by ideology rather than structure to be officially labeled terrorist organizations in the same way foreign groups are. There is no announced timeline for when the designation would be executed, nor clarity about the legal mechanism or enforcement strategy. Critics argue the move could chill political dissent or be used to target peaceful protesters. Trump’s announcement follows increasing political pressure and public scrutiny around ideological violence, especially in the aftermath of high profile incidents involving ideological motivations. The debate underscores tensions between concerns about political violence and extremism, and the protection of civil liberties, free speech, and lawful protest.
ABC Reporter Apologizes For Calling Texts From Kirk’s Alleged Murderer ‘Very Touching’ Matt Gutman, a national correspondent for ABC News, issued a public apology after describing text messages sent by Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as “very touching” and “intimate.” The messages were exchanged with Robinson’s roommate, who is reportedly transitioning, and included affectionate terms such as “my love” and expressions of wanting to protect the partner. Gutman’s comments came during a press conference in which prosecutors released the texts as evidence, and he attempted to emphasize a contrast between the brutality of the killing and the personal tone of the messages. The remarks drew sharp criticism from many conservative public figures, media analysts, and social media users who argued that calling the messages “touching” risked humanizing a suspect accused of a violent crime. Responding to the backlash, Gutman clarified in an apology post on X (formerly Twitter) that his intent was to underscore that contrast, but admitted that his words failed to make that distinction clear. He condemned the assassination, expressed regret over the pain caused to Kirk’s family and those impacted, and stated unequivocally that the crime was horrific. The controversy reflects heightened sensitivity over how violence and criminal accusations are framed in media coverage, especially when emotional or personal content is involved alongside grave allegations. Reporters, critics, and audiences are now debating whether journalistic descriptions that acknowledge personal elements in the context of criminal conduct can cross ethical lines, and how they should be balanced against the need for accuracy, nuance, and sensitivity in public reporting.
Hour 2
Landmark Study of Teens and Antidepressants Hid Harms, Showed No Benefits A reanalysis of a landmark 2004 trial called TADS (Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study) exposed significant flaws in how fluoxetine (Prozac) was represented: fluoxetine alone showed no statistically meaningful benefit over placebo after a 12‑week treatment period, contrary to original claims. The new evaluation uncovered 11 additional suicide‑related events that were hidden or misclassified in the original reporting, raising the total number of serious incidents to 21, including actual suicide attempts and severe self‑harm or ideation. More than two‑thirds of all serious adverse events in the trial occurred in participants taking fluoxetine. Adverse events beyond suicidality—such as hospitalization for chest pain, mood swings, cognitive disturbances—were documented in case report forms but were often downplayed or excluded in public publications. Statistical methodologies in the original TADS trial are criticized: multiple comparisons without proper corrections inflated false positives, and outcomes were often selectively reported to favor safety and effectiveness. Therapy plus medication showed the largest drop in depression scores, but that combination was not blinded, leaving room for expectancy bias. Also, many side effects were omitted or minimized because they did not meet arbitrary thresholds of severity or impairment, and some participants who experienced suicide attempts while on fluoxetine but dropped out were miscategorized in the placebo group, artificially reducing apparent harm. Follow‑up beyond the acute phase was poorly reported, with long‑term adverse effect data largely absent. The reanalysis emphasizes that misleading data shaped guidelines that made fluoxetine the default first‑line antidepressant for adolescents, and calls urgent reconsideration of clinical practice guidelines and trial transparency.
Special Guest: Dr. Lisa Palmer
Dr. Lisa Palmer, owner of the largest holistic practice in Central Florida, is a dynamic force in the realm of natural health. With almost two decades of experience, she has grown her practice from a solo operation to a thriving $3.5 million enterprise with six associate practitioners. Based in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Palmer is dedicated to empowering chiropractors, health coaches, and naturopaths by providing innovative systems for new patient marketing, effective business strategies, and comprehensive coaching.
Through Quantum Nutrition Academy, and Palmer Natural Health, Dr. Palmer offers online courses, coaching, and masterminds that help holistic practitioners increase their patient base, boost revenue, and make a difference in the health of their communities. Serving students as far as Australia, Dr. Palmer has taught 1,000’s of students for the last twenty years to improve their clinical outcomes naturally. She invites you to attend the natural healthcare conference of the year, Quantum Leap Into Health being held this October 3rd through the 5th in Orlando, Florida. This conference is meant for anyone who is interested in natural healthcare.
Health Insurers To Cover Covid And Flu Vaccines Despite RFK, Jr. Moves Major U.S. health insurance companies, represented by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), have affirmed that they will continue to fully cover COVID-19 and flu vaccinations—regardless of recent changes introduced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The announcement comes in advance of the first meeting of a newly restructured Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), whose members were recently replaced by Kennedy. AHIP, which includes giants like Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Centene, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, stated that its members remain committed to covering all ACIP-recommended immunizations as of September 1, 2025, with no patient cost-sharing through the end of 2026. This clarification comes amid nationwide confusion over Kennedy’s vaccine policy reforms and concern that long-standing coverage might be disrupted. AHIP emphasized that vaccine coverage decisions are based on rigorous scientific and clinical review, rather than political influence, and that consistency and access will remain priorities. The assurance comes at a critical moment as millions of Americans prepare for seasonal flu and updated COVID shots, typically obtained at pharmacies, clinics, and doctors’ offices. Kennedy’s earlier firing of all 17 ACIP members provoked backlash from leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, who argued that the removals undermined public health trust. AHIP’s decision signals the private insurance industry’s attempt to provide stability amid federal-level upheaval, maintaining access to widely used immunizations regardless of administrative shakeups. The announcement also aligns with existing laws that govern vaccine coverage and patient protections across both public and private healthcare systems.






