Volpe and Luthmann Rip Through Le Pen’s Ban, Trump’s Border Blitz, and Elon’s Paternity Circus in The Unknown Podcast’s Episode 33
By Dick LaFontaine, with Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann
Marine Le Pen’s political ban, Trump’s border crackdown, and Elon Musk’s baby mama drama all collided in Episode 33 of The Unknown Podcast. Hosts Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann didn’t hold back as they unpacked global lawfare, domestic deportation policies, and Musk’s fading political clout.
From the French courts to the Mexican border and all the way to a ritzy Manhattan sidewalk, the episode delivered sharp legal takes, political bombshells, and tabloid-worthy scandals—wrapped in the duo’s trademark irreverence.
Current Events The Unknown Podcast: Le Pen Barred from France’s 2027 Ballot: “Lawfare Is Now Global”
France is the latest Western democracy to turn to what critics call “lawfare”—the weaponization of courts to eliminate political opposition.
In Episode 33 of The Unknown Podcast, co-hosts Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann open with outrage over Marine Le Pen’s five-year political ban. The French court ruling means Le Pen is out of the 2027 race.
“Her father’s been called a Nazi for 50 years. It’s not true,” Luthmann said. “This is fascism with paperwork.”
Volpe compared it to Putin’s Russia and Navalny’s fatal prison stint. “You’re removing your political opponents, not at the ballot box, but through the courts,” he said.
They both predict the ruling will backfire and boost Le Pen’s popularity—what Volpe calls “the Trump effect.”
“She literally said the deep state is after her,” Volpe noted. “This makes her more sympathetic. The more they target her, the stronger she becomes.”
For Luthmann, the implications go beyond France. “We used to see this in unstable regimes. Now it’s here—in Canada, Europe, even the United States. It’s terrifying.”
Their message is clear: Lawfare isn’t just undemocratic. It’s the tool of authoritarian regimes—and it’s spreading fast.
Current Events The Unknown Podcast: Trump’s Golf Buddy Becomes Middle East Czar
Next up, Volpe roasts Trump’s appointment of Steve Witkoff—a New York real estate mogul and longtime Trump associate—as Middle East peace envoy.
“Steve Witkoff plays golf with Trump. Now he’s negotiating with Hamas and Iran?” Volpe scoffed. “He has no foreign policy background.”
Luthmann defended the move, calling it “a matter of trust.” He argued that real estate experience in New York toughens anyone. “If you can survive NYC deals, you can negotiate peace.”
Volpe pointed out Witkoff’s history with a Lehman Brothers partner before its collapse—used by critics to question his judgment. “That’s guilt by association,” Luthmann replied.
The duo agreed the appointment was unconventional, but Volpe remained skeptical. “I’m not anti-Trump,” he clarified. “But you can’t just send your golf buddy to handle nuclear diplomacy.”
Luthmann doubled down: “The job is to deliver the president’s message. Witkoff can do that.”
Trump Slashes Border Crossings—But Deports with No Hearings
Illegal border crossings have plummeted since Trump took office again. From 106,000 encounters in October 2024, the number fell to 11,709 by early 2025.
Volpe credited the results. “He’s nearly stopped illegal border crossings. This is effective.”
But Trump’s use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act drew sharp criticism. Volpe detailed how Venezuelan migrants—some with no criminal ties—were deported based solely on tattoos or hearsay.
He highlighted a gay makeup artist deported for having “Love Mom” inked on his arm. “He was thrown into one of El Salvador’s worst prisons,” Volpe said.
Luthmann was unapologetic. “Due process is for citizens,” he argued. “These people don’t have that right.”
Volpe pushed back hard. “Every person on U.S. soil is entitled to due process. That’s fundamental. This is un-American.”
He cited another case: a man deported after a single cop’s report tied him to a gang. The accusation came from a confidential informant. Volpe called it “a farce.”
Luthmann stood firm. “Trump is cleaning up what foreign regimes dumped on us,” he said.
Current Events The Unknown Podcast: Musk’s Political Mojo Fades—While Baby Drama Explodes
The podcast pivoted to Elon Musk, whose political ambitions took a hit after his backed candidate lost a Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Volpe said Musk is “no Soros,” mocking his failed efforts.
Luthmann called it “a hiccup,” blaming Wisconsin’s political tilt. “He’s playing the long game.”
They then tackled Musk’s latest personal scandal. Influencer Ashley St. Clair is suing for child support after Musk allegedly reduced payments. She was filmed selling a $100K Tesla Musk gave her.
Musk claimed he’s unsure if the baby is his—despite giving St. Clair $2.5 million and $500,000 annually. “I’m not against finding out,” Musk told reporters.
Volpe wasn’t buying it. “You’re suggesting she’s a whore? You have 14 kids, Elon. Do the DNA test.”
Luthmann quipped, “He’s spreading his seed like GMO corn.”
The two agreed Musk’s financial empire is secure—but his personal life is a soap opera. “He’s had two kids in seven months. He likes to get women pregnant, but not raise them,” Volpe said.
DOGE and the Brett Baier Infomercial
Elon’s government efficiency project—DOGE—also made headlines. Volpe and Luthmann watched Brett Baier’s sit-down with Musk’s DOGE team.
Volpe called it “pure propaganda.” “Baier didn’t push back. He let them talk for five minutes per question.”
Luthmann disagreed. “This was a presentation. These were Silicon Valley guys—CTOs, CIOs, rocket scientists. Elon picked the best.”
Both agreed DOGE is stocked with brainpower. But Volpe warned the media can’t go soft. “This is government now. It’s not just tech.”
Current Events The Unknown Podcast: Laura Loomer: MAGA’s Loose Cannon
Finally, they turned to Laura Loomer, who’s once again in the headlines. Volpe called her a “distasteful bomb-thrower.”
“She attacked Marjorie Taylor Greene and said Casey DeSantis faked her cancer,” Volpe said. “She gets attention, but not always the right kind.”
Luthmann defended her. “She’s effective, even if controversial.”
Whether chaos agent or conservative firebrand, both agree Loomer is part of the Trump-era circus.
Current Events The Unknown Podcast: Takeaway
From French courts waging lawfare to a billionaire dodging DNA tests, The Unknown Podcast’s Episode 33 didn’t miss.
Volpe and Luthmann tackled every bombshell with sharp commentary, fearless skepticism, and biting humor.
Whether it’s border crackdowns, courtroom crackups, or Musk’s messy personal life, one thing’s clear—truth is stranger than fiction, and politics has never been more personal.
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