Guest - Stephen Mundt
China Watch on YouTube
Winn Tucson: A Deep Dive into Law Enforcement, National Security, and Political Accountability
Kathleen Winn, host of Winn Tucson, sat down with retired Brigadier General Stephen Mundt for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of law enforcement, immigration enforcement challenges, national security priorities, and the political stakes heading into the midterms. The conversation blended sharp analysis with candid frustration over policies that, in their view, undermine order and accountability.
Wildcats Triumph and a Lighter Start
The show opened on a celebratory note. Kathleen Winn, fresh from watching her Arizona Wildcats defeat the Arizona State Sun Devils in a comeback victory the night before, shared her enthusiasm.
“I was in Maricopa County last night where the Sun Devils live,” Winn said. “We were down one point at halftime, but my Wildcats came back and prevailed. We’re still number one.”
The win set an upbeat tone, but the discussion quickly turned serious.
Minnesota: Attacks on ICE Agents and the Breakdown of Order
Winn and Mundt expressed deep concern over incidents in Minnesota involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Mundt recounted a disturbing episode: “ICE was in pursuit of a Venezuelan illegal immigrant and criminal. It turned into a high-speed car chase. The suspect crashed, fled on foot, and an ICE agent tackled him. Then individuals came to the suspect’s aid and began beating the agent with shovels. The suspect got up and joined in. The agent shot the attacker in the leg to stop the assault. Both are now hospitalized.”
Winn highlighted another case involving a woman—referred to as “Good”—who allegedly used her vehicle as a weapon against an ICE agent, causing internal bleeding. “A car is a weapon,” Winn stressed. “Vehicular manslaughter is a thing. Yet the agent’s personal information was doxxed, and threats followed. He had to relocate for simply enforcing federal law.”
Mundt added that the woman’s partner had been taunting agents, and the incident was not an innocent maneuver as some media portrayed. Both criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Democratic leaders for rhetoric they believe encourages resistance against federal authorities.
“Democrats are calling for people to fight, to videotape, to obstruct ICE agents,” Mundt said. “Then they act surprised when violence occurs.”
Welfare and Transportation Fraud in Minnesota
The conversation shifted to allegations of widespread fraud in Minnesota’s social programs. Mundt and Winn pointed to investigative reporting exposing phony transportation companies and questionable feeding programs.
“They went to a supposed transportation company getting paid $50 per ride, expecting ten trips a day,” Winn said. “Instead, they found a retail store. Vehicles purchased with public funds sat unused for eight months.”
Mundt called it “a huge money laundering operation” and suggested the focus on ICE agents was a distraction tactic. Both agreed the fraud extends beyond one state but is particularly egregious in Democrat-controlled areas.
Portland’s Defiance and Sanctuary Policies
Winn raised the Portland mayor’s refusal to allow ICE operations after suspects from the Tren de Aragua gang were shot while fleeing.
“When did we become supporters of cartel gang members committing crimes in the United States?” Winn asked.
Mundt argued that sanctuary policies are legally questionable. “You can’t just tell federal law enforcement they can’t operate in your city. Federal law supersedes local preference.”
He emphasized that law-abiding immigrants and citizens alike understand the importance of complying with law enforcement. “People of color I’ve spoken with from the South told me they were taught: when police stop you, obey, treat them with respect, and handle disputes later.”
Seizing Sanctioned Oil Tankers: A Trump-Era Offensive
The discussion turned to national security and energy. Mundt explained the concept of “ghost tankers”—aging vessels with obscured ownership used to transport sanctioned oil from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela while evading tracking.
The latest seizure involved the tanker Veronica (previously Galileo), captured by U.S. Marines, sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford, and Coast Guard personnel.
“It was the sixth sanctioned vessel taken in President Trump’s broader Venezuelan oil offensive,” Winn noted. “These operations are going smoothly—no incidents—because the military presence deters resistance.”
Mundt praised the interagency coordination: “The Coast Guard has boarding authority, and the military ensures safety. It sends a clear message: we’re watching.”
Greenland’s Strategic Importance
Winn and Mundt addressed President Trump’s interest in Greenland, emphasizing its geopolitical significance.
“Greenland sits at the GIUK gap—Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom,” Mundt explained. “It’s critical for early warning of missiles launched over the pole and for Arctic operations. Russia and China both covet it.”
He noted Greenland’s rare earth minerals and its vulnerability. “Denmark lacks the capacity to defend it adequately. Germany and France have even discussed sending troops, but they struggle to protect Europe itself.”
Winn added that Trump has warned that without U.S. stabilization, adversarial powers will move in.
China’s Military Drills and Taiwan
Recent Chinese military drills around Taiwan were framed as a response to Trump’s assertive posture in the Western Hemisphere.
Mundt offered perspective: “Trump calls Central and South America our backyard. Xi Jinping is signaling that Taiwan is his backyard—and perhaps asking how far that extends.”
Both viewed the drills as partly theater but rooted in genuine strategic concern.
Cuba on the Brink
The pair discussed Cuba’s looming economic collapse, historically propped up by Chinese support.
“If the government collapses, investors will return,” Mundt predicted. “Cuba was once a tourist and business gem before Castro.”
Winn tied it to broader failures of socialist systems: “Communism doesn’t work. Stability requires rule of law and economic freedom.”
Local Lessons: Tucson’s Free Bus Service and Fiscal Mismanagement
Winn connected national themes to local issues, criticizing Tucson’s free bus service.
“It was generating revenue before it went free,” she said. “Now it’s a getaway vehicle for criminals and a magnet for disorder. Police report assaults and robberies, with suspects fleeing on buses.”
Mundt asked pointedly: “Who pays for raises, maintenance, and benefits when fares are zero? The taxpayer.”
Both decried the upcoming transportation tax extension amid perceived mismanagement—unfinished projects, underfunded police, and stalled roadwork.
“People are fatigued,” Winn said. “They’re pushing back because trust has eroded.”
Voter Turnout and the Midterm Stakes
Looking ahead to the midterms, Winn stressed that “President Trump’s name isn’t on the ballot, but his agenda for the next three years is.”
Mundt agreed: “Republicans must turn out and deliver clear messaging. Voters get the government they deserve—if they stay home, they cede control.”
Civics Education and National Pride
Both lamented the decline in civics education.
“Young people are taught America is irredeemably flawed,” Mundt said. “We should teach the Constitution, how government works, and yes, acknowledge past mistakes—but also how we corrected them.”
Winn added: “We need order. Without it, chaos wins.”
ICE Enforcement and Proof of Citizenship
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem clarified that ICE may request proof of citizenship during targeted operations.
“It’s not random,” Winn emphasized. “They’re executing specific warrants. If you’re associating with a targeted criminal, expect questions.”
Mundt defended the practice: “Law enforcement has every right to ask for identification. Reasonable citizens comply.”
Grading Trump’s First Year
Winn asked Mundt to assess President Trump’s performance five days shy of his one-year anniversary.
“I’d give him a B+ to A-,” Mundt replied. “Strong overall. Fentanyl deaths are down significantly, markets are responding, and strategic moves—like tanker seizures—are paying off.”
Both agreed that tangible improvements in affordability and safety will drive voter sentiment more than partisan rhetoric.
The conversation closed with a call for accountability, competency, and active civic engagement—locally and nationally.