Every episode of Judging Freedom, briefed the morning after, with up to nine more shows in one daily email.
Free for 30 days. No card needed. $4.99 a month after.
Scott Ritter : US is Out of Ammo and Oil
Scott Ritter repeatedly argues that systemic lying by the US government and Trump administration—about military capability, blockade control, energy self-sufficiency, and the war's outcome—produced a real, unacknowledged defeat in Iran, and that this dishonesty is now cascading into depleted munitions, an oil and fertilizer crisis, alienated allies, and lost global trust. He frames this as part of a broader pattern in which the US survives on lies that the world, and eventually Americans themselves, tolerate only as long as they materially benefit, with the country now entering a two-year period of diplomatic and strategic stagnation while rivals like Iran and Russia move forward.
What was discussed
US losing wars, but this one differently2:54
- Scott Ritteropinion
The US was militarily defeated by Iran on the battlefield, unlike prior wars where American will simply eroded
Trump's claim of controlling the Strait of Hormuz3:58
- President Trump (clip)clip
The Strait of Hormuz is open and the US Navy maintains an infallible blockade controlling who enters and exits
- Scott Ritteropinion
This is a lie dressed as truth; Iran, not the US, is 100% in control of the Strait of Hormuz
America as a 'lie factory' and loss of global trust8:13
Ritter argues the US has lost global credibility, citing Canadian PM Carney's remark at Davos that the 'rules-based international order' was always understood as a fraudulent cover for American hegemony. He claims Iran and Russia have now openly stated they won't negotiate with the Trump administration because it lies, and that Americans themselves tolerate government lies as long as material comfort continues.
Defense industry dysfunction and weapons failures12:31
- Hostassertion
The US possesses advanced aircraft like the F-35 and F-22 suggesting military superiority
- Scott Ritteropinion
These systems are unreliable and misrepresented; the US has no superiority anywhere, as proven by the loss to Iran
Accountability of Hegseth and General Caine15:09
Ritter says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is incompetent and primarily responsible for the loss, having assured Trump the military 'had this' when others warned against war. He gives Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Caine more benefit of the doubt, noting reports that Caine twice refused presidential orders to prepare nuclear strike options against Iran, citing the Constitution.
Depleted munitions stockpiles and nuclear posture risk17:48
Ritter states current US precision munitions inventories (Tomahawk, JASSM, SM-3, SM-6, THAAD, Patriot) have fallen below levels needed to sustain planned operations against Russia or China, having been drawn down to fight the losing Iran conflict. He warns this shortfall is driving a new nuclear posture review that could lead to early use of tactical nuclear weapons to compensate, which he calls a path toward collective annihilation.
Oil and gasoline supply crisis18:37
- Hostassertion
Gas prices have hit $4.01/gallon, an unusually high level for this point in summer
- Scott Ritteropinion
The war has removed ~25% of global oil, gas, and fertilizer supply, risking a broad economic and agricultural collapse that will disproportionately hurt the US
Gulf allies abandoned, Kuwait near collapse24:27
Ritter claims Kuwait came within two or three more Iranian missile strikes of losing its energy and desalination infrastructure entirely, and that Gulf states like Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar now recognize the US failed to protect them. He argues these corrupt Gulf elites are less worried about their nations than about losing the wealth that sustains their own lifestyles.
Trump reportedly bored with the war28:21
- Hostassertion
CNBC reports Trump is bored with the war, which won't let him go
- Scott Ritteropinion
Trump was fed manipulated 'war porn' footage and, now facing real setbacks, will likely fabricate a declaration of victory and withdraw
Trump compared unfavorably to Jimmy Carter31:19
- Chris Christie (clip)clip
Trump is becoming what he most feared, a Jimmy Carter-like figure held hostage by Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz
- Scott Ritteropinion
Jimmy Carter was a far better man and president than Trump, and Trump will likely be remembered as a criminal president
Every episode of Judging Freedom, briefed the morning after, with up to nine more shows in one daily email.
Free for 30 days. No card needed. $4.99 a month after.
More from Judging Freedom
Automated summaries of what was said on each show — not claims by DailyDossier and not independently verified.