On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern speaks with Elise Stefanik about rising concerns over antisemitism and ideological shifts on college campuses. Stefanik reflects on her widely viewed congressional questioning of university leaders and discusses her book Poisoned Ivies, which examines the cultural, academic, and political forces shaping higher education. The conversation explores issues including campus leadership, free speech, foreign funding, and the role universities play in influencing future generations. Stefanik outlines her perspective on how these trends developed over time and what steps policymakers and institutions might take to address them.

On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern speaks with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman about the escalating conflict with Iran and what it could mean for the future of the Middle East and global stability. Drawing on his diplomatic experience, Friedman discusses the threat of a nuclear Iran, the possibility of regime change, and the broader regional implications—including shifting alliances and the emergence of new power blocs. The conversation also explores the human toll of the conflict in Israel and the growing divide in U.S. political discourse, raising urgent questions about leadership, strategy, and what comes next.

On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern explores the accelerating rise of antisemitism worldwide, from incidents in Europe and North America to growing concerns about normalization and online amplification. She is joined by Yehuda Kaploun, who outlines his role advising the U.S. government and working with international partners to monitor and combat these threats. The discussion examines antisemitism not only as a form of hate, but as a broader issue tied to national security, social stability, and religious freedom. Kaploun points to challenges including inconsistent global responses, underreporting of incidents, and political reluctance to confront the issue directly. He also reflects on recent experiences abroad, highlighting both the severity of the problem and the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and accountability across countries.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf to examine the ideological shift happening inside the Democratic Party and the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America. Sheinkopf contrasts traditional Democratic priorities—public safety, labor alliances, capitalism, and strong support for the State of Israel—with what he describes as the rising power of DSA-aligned candidates and grassroots organizing strategies. The conversation explores how modern campaigns are built, the role of money and messaging in politics, and whether the changes unfolding within the party represent a temporary factional fight or a deeper transformation of American politics.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with U.S. Senator James Lankford about the dramatic escalation following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini in a joint U.S.–Israel operation. Drawing on recent intelligence briefings, Lankford discusses the state of Iran’s leadership, the possibility of regime collapse, and what the conflict could mean for the Middle East and global security. The conversation explores Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the role of the IRGC, potential leadership transitions inside Iran, and the broader implications for American national security and regional stability.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern turns the focus from Washington to Albany, examining how shifting power within the New York State Assembly could reshape life for New Yorkers. She is joined by Assembly District 69 candidate Stephanie Ruskay, a rabbi and longtime Upper West Side community leader, to discuss housing policy, bail reform, taxes, business regulation, antisemitism, and New York’s relationship with Israel. Ruskay shares her personal story—growing up in Manhattan, returning to raise her family, and building interfaith and civic partnerships—while outlining why she believes this race represents a broader battle over the direction of the Democratic Party and the future of governance in New York.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Ambassador Yoram Ettinger joins Trudy Stern to deliver a stark warning about the true nature of negotiations with Iran. Drawing a sharp distinction between Western diplomacy and what he calls the “Ayatollah dictionary,” Ettinger argues that Tehran views negotiations as a tactic to stall, rebuild military capabilities, and advance long-term global ambitions against the United States. The conversation expands beyond Iran’s nuclear program to examine its ballistic missile development, terror proxy networks, sleeper cells, and deepening foothold in Latin America—particularly through alliances with drug cartels and anti-American regimes. Ettinger makes the case that Iran’s strategy is not just about Israel or regional dominance, but about directly challenging U.S. national security and reshaping the global balance of power.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern is joined by retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery to examine the high-stakes moment unfolding with Iran, as renewed negotiations collide with an escalating U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf. Admiral Montgomery explains why talks over Iran’s nuclear program are likely buying time rather than producing a viable deal, outlining Tehran’s remaining nuclear capabilities, ballistic missile and drone threats, and continued support for proxy groups across the region. The conversation breaks down the strategic meaning behind America’s naval and air posture, the limits of diplomacy, and what real military enforcement would look like if negotiations fail—highlighting the serious implications for Israel, regional stability, and U.S. security.