SEKULOW

Logan Sekulow: Welcome to Sekulow. It's Friday, June 19th. Welcome to the show today. We've got a packed first half of the show and I do want to hear from you. So, give me a call at 1-800-684-3110. Unlike other segments of our other shows, I'm going to be taking your calls in this first half hour.

I want to hear from you. There's a few different breaking news items. One is this ceasefire that Israel is conducting currently with Hezbollah. This comes after, by the way, just last night while you were sleeping, several hours into this, Hezbollah conducted several attacks on Israel forces that at least killed four Israeli soldiers.

Israel then responded with a massive strike currently. But as of right now, Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to renew their ceasefire. This again heated up things and it also ended up probably being one of the reasons why J.D. Vance did delay his trip as they said there were some logistical concerns and there were some issues.

Now, for the first time maybe since the beginning of this conflict, we have seen some pretty harsh words from this administration. We're talking about President Trump directly and Vice President Vance. As we were on air yesterday, Vice President Vance was having that press conference. It ended, and I did not hear it while we were on air.

It ended with him calling out certain members of the cabinet. We'll play that clip when we get back. But I think you at least need to hear this from President Trump specifically about his relationship with Bibi Netanyahu last night. This is from Axios. You need to hear it, and I have my thoughts, and I want to get yours. So, get ready to call in 1-800-684-3110. This is Bite 7.

Donald Trump: If it weren't for Donald Trump—and Bibi Netanyahu worked well with me—but he will tell you, we're the ones with the guns. We're the ones with the whole deal. We're the ones with the B-2 bombers, etc. If it weren't for Donald Trump, Israel would have been eviscerated. It's good, but we have to keep him a little bit sane. I will be. They have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say.

Logan Sekulow: Pushing back certainly on the narrative. Look, I'll be honest with you. I don't love those words. I think when you hear someone say something like, "If it wasn't for me, Israel would be eviscerated," I tend to look at people in the Bible who have said similar things.

I look at people who have said that historically and how that's gone. Now, I understand what he thinks, his thoughts that we are one of the only friends to Israel and I have appreciated of that. I appreciate the way that he has treated Israel. Saying he has to keep him sane, that's maybe pushing it to where I think you're going to have some pushback here from your Jewish community, from your Israeli community.

Then saying they do as I say, clearly pushing back on the narrative that somehow Israel and Bibi Netanyahu have control over the American president. I never believed that. I don't think anyone should believe that. However, when you start tiptoeing—not even tiptoeing—if you start saying not just the United States of America is their ally and therefore we have been there to protect them and that's one of the major reasons Israel has kept itself safe, for whatever it may be.

But when you start saying if it weren't for Donald Trump, Israel would be eviscerated, I do get a little bit—the internal part of me, the spiritual part of me says those are striking words that we need to at least make sure the president is aware of the not just the global impact of Israel, but the spiritual side of all of this and what that's going to look like.

J.D. Vance also had some harsh words. I always tell you on this show I'm going to be honest with you. I'm going to tell you what I feel is the truth, whether I know you're going to like it or not. I'm going to take your calls about it. And you're going to want to call in right now 1-800-684-3110. In the next segment, I will take your calls. 1-800-684-3110, whether you agree with me or disagree with me is fine. Just call in, be respectful to the phone screener, and I want to hear from you.

Guest (Male): The challenges facing Americans are substantial. At a time when our values, our freedoms, and our constitutional rights are under attack, it's more important than ever to stand with the American Center for Law and Justice. For decades now, the ACLJ has been on the front lines protecting your freedoms, defending your rights in courts, in Congress, and in the public arena.

And we have an exceptional track record of success. But here's the bottom line. We could not do our work without your support. We remain committed to protecting your religious and constitutional freedoms. That remains our top priority, especially now during these challenging times. The American Center for Law and Justice is on your side. If you're already a member, thank you. And if you're not, well this is the perfect time to stand with us at ACLJ.org where you can learn more about our life-changing work. Become a member today. ACLJ.org.

Guest (Male): Welcome to the all-new ACLJ app. Expert analysis and insight Big Tech can't censor. Customize your news and get real-time alerts on the issues you care about. Advocacy is now at your fingertips. Take action, make a difference, support the causes you care about with just one tap.

Be the first to know. Breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox. Everything you need, all in one place. Stay informed, stay empowered. Download today. We are so excited to announce the ACLJ's brand-new app, completely redesigned to provide you with the best tools available to partner with us at the ACLJ.

You can watch the daily Sekulow program, sign the petitions, customize your ACLJ membership experience, donate with the click of a button, and receive up-to-the-minute critical updates that the mainstream media can't censor. Just scan the QR code on your screen or go to your phone's app store, search ACLJ, and click install. It's that simple.

Logan Sekulow: Welcome back to Sekulow. We are by full bank of phone calls right now. We're going to try to get to as many of you as we can. Next segment, Mike Pompeo is going to be joining us. So stay on hold, we'll do our best to get to as many calls as we can in this segment. But I did want to restate why a lot of people are watching, which is obviously there has been a ceasefire now again with Israel and Hezbollah.

This comes after attacks last night from Hezbollah that ended with four soldiers being lost, IDF soldiers, and a pretty massive attack from Israel in their—they've renegotiated, they've come back to the terms, they've calmed it down a little bit. But this is what's going to happen. This is why these conversations are fluid and this is why we have to make sure we are keeping you updated because things change so rapidly, including J.D. Vance's plans to travel to sign this deal.

And this has put a pause on it along with other logistical issues. Let's just say it that way. And I do want you to hear from—you heard President Trump. You heard my thoughts on it, clearly. A lot of people have some thoughts on my thoughts. But also I want you to hear from the Vice President of the United States. This happened at the very end of his press conference yesterday talking specifically about our relationship with Israel.

JD Vance: What I will say, and this does bother me, is that you've seen people within Bibi's cabinet who have come out and attacked the deal and in some ways very personally attacked the President of the United States. And I guess my message to them would be twofold.

Number one, Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time. And he happens to be the head of state of the world superpower. If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world.

And the second message I would give to some of those cabinet members—Bibi, to his credit, has not gone down this path—but to some of these cabinet members in Israel who are attacking the President of the United States. The other thing that I would say is that over the last three months, two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars. The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump. And anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the President of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in.

Logan Sekulow: A lot of that I don't disagree with, by the way. The fact that the American people are and the American government has certainly been one of the few friends to Israel, that's for sure. I have no problem with him saying that. I don't really know who he's talking about within the cabinet. I'm sure that that has maybe been in some Israeli news. I haven't seen that as much.

Also, you have to remember—this is what I've said so many times, but it doesn't seem to ever make any difference—Israel is a very diverse political area. You're going to have people on the right and you're going to have people on the left. In the way they structure their government is also very different than the way we do it here.

So, yes, there may be overall American-style Western values that come out of Israel, but we do have to remember that you have the left and the right in their own versions of that, and sometimes even more nuanced than that, that may have a problem with not only President Trump but also Prime Minister Netanyahu. This is not like you have some sort of kingdom there in Israel where you don't have people from all sides of the political spectrum. Of course, you do.

I get nervous, though, in these kind of conversations because it feels like it's playing into what they feel is happening on social media. And if that becomes the case and we start losing President Trump and J.D. Vance to these kind of talks of saying we got to keep Bibi Netanyahu in line—and look, I understand there's nothing wrong with being critical of any sort of government or administration. But when you start saying that and then you start taking full credit, be careful.

Be careful. I feel like those are words we need to be very safe with. Let's actually go to Jose, who is calling in Wisconsin on line five. Jose, go ahead.

Jose: Yes, I agree with you. I'm a believer in President Trump's policies. But when I heard him say that they do what I say, you know, criticizing—I mean, the President, you've got to watch what you say. You're the President of the United States. And to make a remark like that, God has humbled kings that make remarks like that, professing, you know. You've got to give God all the credit and all the glory and all that's due to Him. And, you know, you can't be saying that I did this and I did that because of President Trump.

Logan Sekulow: Jose, I agree with you. I'm only cutting you off because I want to take some more calls before this segment is over. I agree with you that that is that sort of gut punch that happens I think for a lot of us that maybe grew up in that more background. Maybe you have an evangelical background.

Maybe you've read the Bible, you know when these kind of things happen. And you know, and you also see what even happened in the 40s. You see what happened in so many times historically when Israel was going to lose, they should on paper have lost. And miraculously they did not. And don't think that that is not some sort of divine hand that is there.

So, look, I think President Trump also maybe did not grow up as much like that as we did. And it does go beyond government. I understand not being able to work with people. I understand that there are people who are difficult. I have a feeling working with President Trump or Bibi Netanyahu is no walk in the park for anyone, let's not pretend that. These guys are big, big characters and strong leaders.

And I'm sure there is pushback between them. But, yeah, I don't care for those feelings. I'm looking at some of the comments. They're very mixed here. I understand somebody's like, "I don't care about your feelings, Logan, I want the facts." Well, facts is President Trump came out and pretty made a pretty bold statement. And I'm very concerned about an inevitable pull-away from support of Israel that is really only pushed by a radical fringe element that's very loud. And someone had a comment about that. Lisa in Pennsylvania, let's go ahead and take Lisa.

Lisa: Hi. I agree with you and the last caller. This is a spiritual fight, and I don't think President Trump is getting the proper spiritual advice. This country's got to pray hard. We've got to stand with Israel or we're doomed. I mean, it's biblical. And I'm not Jewish and I didn't grow up going to church regularly, but these last 15 years of my life, as I approach the end of life, I just see things. It's a spiritual battle. And anything that Israel fights, it's a spiritual battle and Satan is behind it. And Donald Trump has got to get behind them or we're going to be in trouble.

Logan Sekulow: Lisa, I do think this administration is behind Israel and I do think they're supportive. And I don't want to raise any big red flags. I don't love the pushback. I'm not about pushback, by the way, politically. If you're having a conversation with a world leader, I understand negotiations are tough.

But when you start taking it to the public sphere, you start planting those seeds when you have all of a sudden those who have been very much against you, who were maybe your political friends more recently, like your Tucker Carlsons and Megyn Kellys and those people who were recently say all of a sudden President Trump seems to be seeing the light. We've got to have a—we've got to take a breather here and realize when you start making these kind of statements, they're not unintentional.

And again, I will be critical on the President when I feel like it's necessary. I'll be positive when I feel like I need to be positive. And overall, I actually found some very interesting creative things in this plan with Iran. I have been pleased with it, really up until right now. And I think that we need to at least be okay with the fact that sometimes these negotiations happen in plain sight. We don't know what's actually going on behind the scenes. I'm aware of that. I'm okay with that. There's just some of that verbiage that I'm not super comfortable with, and that's okay. Let's go ahead and take an ACLJ champion. Cliff is calling in Illinois on line one. Cliff, go ahead.

Cliff: Yeah, this is why I listen to you. Everything's been spot on with what I've heard so far. But what I really truly believe is that the left and the right and maybe both in Israel and especially in the United States are trying to get in between everything like they did with Zelenskyy when Zelenskyy came in to see Trump the first time in the Oval Office and had his chest pumped up. There's people that don't want this to go through and it's because of these midterms that are coming up. And they see a doorway into the power being back to the Democrats to totally destroy this country and the world. Thank you.

Logan Sekulow: Cliff, what I also see is a ceasefire and a peace agreement that has happened multiple times now that doesn't seem to last. Right now, everything is on hold, everything is going according to plan except for we're not having this big signing experience. But we do know President Trump signed it and the head of Iran signed it and there is an agreement there.

And Israel is pushing back a bit saying we don't necessarily have to agree to this, we weren't really involved in this part of this. So, yes, is the American military or is the weaponry and a lot of that being used to help support Israel? Absolutely. Let's not pretend it's not. But so there is the way to keep Israel in check a little bit because you're going to if you start threatening to not show them support.

And President Trump kind of in this said, "Hey, we've got to keep them in check. We've got to keep him sane." I think that to me is one of those words I don't love and then, of course, ending that statement with they listen to me. They do as I say. Sort of reversing what the common theory was with President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, which is of course that online theory of we do everything Israel wants.

Next segment, we're going to hear from Mike Pompeo. I see some of your comments going, "Why are we hearing from Mike Pompeo?" There's very few people in the world that have dealt with Iran quite like Secretary Pompeo. So you may not agree with everything he has to say. You're certainly not going to agree with everything I have to say. But that's okay. You still should hear from experts in their field, and I think we're going to do that. We get back, we're going to break down not only this Iran peace deal but the chaos that is unfold after it and what the future may look like. With that, I want to give you a minute to go to ACLJ.org.

Look at what we're doing over there. Not just donate and support, which I appreciate, of course. Some of you right now may be too fired up to do that and whatever, that's fine. But if you do like the fact that we even give you this honest take, this honest show, we only do it because people like you support the work. So go to ACLJ.org. We'll be right back.

Guest (Male): Welcome to the all-new ACLJ app. Expert analysis and insight Big Tech can't censor. Customize your news and get real-time alerts on the issues you care about. Advocacy is now at your fingertips. Take action, make a difference, support the causes you care about with just one tap. Be the first to know. Breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox. Everything you need, all in one place.

Stay informed, stay empowered. Download today. We are so excited to announce the ACLJ's brand-new app, completely redesigned to provide you with the best tools available to partner with us at the ACLJ. You can watch the daily Sekulow program, sign the petitions, customize your ACLJ membership experience, donate with the click of a button, and receive up-to-the-minute critical updates that the mainstream media can't censor. Just scan the QR code on your screen or go to your phone's app store, search ACLJ, and click install. It's that simple.

Guest (Male): The challenges facing Americans are substantial. At a time when our values, our freedoms, and our constitutional rights are under attack, it's more important than ever to stand with the American Center for Law and Justice. For decades now, the ACLJ has been on the front lines protecting your freedoms, defending your rights in courts, in Congress, and in the public arena.

And we have an exceptional track record of success. But here's the bottom line. We could not do our work without your support. We remain committed to protecting your religious and constitutional freedoms. That remains our top priority, especially now during these challenging times. The American Center for Law and Justice is on your side. If you're already a member, thank you. And if you're not, well this is the perfect time to stand with us at ACLJ.org where you can learn more about our life-changing work. Become a member today. ACLJ.org.

Logan Sekulow: Welcome back to Sekulow. We're having some connection issues with Secretary Pompeo, so I'm going to continue to take some of your phone calls. If you want to call in, 1-800-684-3110. Of course, we are talking about the major news that came out overnight. A lot of stuff happens overnight.

We had about 24 hours of ceasefire, then Hezbollah and Israel kind of relit their issue. Four IDF soldiers were killed, and Israel hit back pretty hard. Right now, they are back to returning to a ceasefire that was negotiated. And at the same time, you have President Trump and J.D. Vance kind of making their first, I would say, or at least the most vocal concerns with their relationship with Israel.

Saying, we love Bibi, it is what it is, but J.D. said there's people within the administration that are calling out Donald Trump and they're really upset about the Iran deal and how dare they. And then on the other hand, you have President Trump saying we're trying to keep Bibi sane and that we're friends but without Donald Trump, the nation would be eviscerated. So it's a lot to take in.

I want to hear from you 1-800-684-3110. Let's go ahead and take some phone calls. Let's go to Anne, who is calling from Pennsylvania, watching on Facebook. Go ahead.

Anne: Hey gentlemen, how are you today? Thank you for all the good work that you do and that you continue to do. I am going to become a champion. I am a woman of my word. So I just wanted to say a couple of different things. I'm still trusting in Trump, and I just wanted to kind of explain. I think the biggest problem J.D. Vance is J.D. Vance.

Without Israel, there would be no America. Without Judaism, there would be no Christianity. Without the Old Testament, there would be no New Testament. God's covenant was never broken with Israel because God does not break his promises. Replacement theology is pure blasphemy, and this is my opinion. Israel is an ally, not a protectorate. That's a fact actually.

The Bible is clear. Do not listen to the Tuckers. Do not allow your love for Israel to be swayed in any way by members of—within the cabinet, whether it be J.D. Vance. Well, he kind of comes to my mind. Having said that, guys, thank you for everything you do. Thank you for fighting for the Constitution. Thank you for fighting for we the people.

Logan Sekulow: I appreciate your call. I want to make sure it's very clear what I agree pretty much with you wholeheartedly. There is an okay discussion and an okay issue because again, what I've said here so many times including in this last segment is there are so many people in Israel you're going to disagree with politically.

There are so many people you're going to disagree with within the government. The next Prime Minister of Israel you're probably not going to like as much as you like Bibi Netanyahu if you're a fan of Prime Minister Netanyahu because they have a political system that is actually democratic and similar to ours. Different, very different actually, but at least the people have a voice.

Sometimes those people are going to have voices you disagree with. Now, the historical version of this story is not unlike how you said with America. In the same way, there's going to be presidents of the United States I disagree with. There's going to be administrations I disagree with. Likely a lot throughout my life.

And I will always tell you how I feel. However, that doesn't mean I have any issues of existence with the country with America in general. Do we have Secretary Pompeo? All right. Secretary Pompeo is joining us via phone right now. I've got to get your thoughts, Secretary Pompeo, with this deal. Obviously, a peace deal was signed, President Trump signed it, the President of Iran signed it. A few hours later, no shocker, Israel and Hezbollah, things start lighting back up. They calm down again. Here we are now. Seems the things to be change by the hour. At least this time we've had you on, there's been some movement in a direction. I just want to get your thoughts.

Mike Pompeo: Appreciate that. Look, three things I think are worth thinking about for everyone who is listening. First, we've made more progress taking down the Islamic Republic of Iran than we have made in the last 40 years, and President Trump should be credited for that. They are in a militarily weaker position, a politically weaker position, an economically weaker position. Good stuff.

Second, we should see if they've turned over a new leaf. Look, I've been on your show a handful of times talking about this. I don't see it. The regime seems to me to be implacable, unchangeable, theocratic thugs. I don't see them honoring any deal that they sign. You can already begin to see it. Hezbollah didn't move without the Iranian government's approval.

And then finally, one of the challenges for the administration is a direct result of what they've done. Iran's leadership is fractured. I'm sure there are multiple views on what they ought to do next and you see that. One guy signs a deal, another guy cuts a video saying we want to go kill every American. So, a very complicated situation and one that we need to see play out. I hope that we're ready to do the necessary and force the straight-open and not let the Iranians make a single nickel off of the terror regime that they've created.

Logan Sekulow: It seems like we make sort of some pump and circumstance out of these deals and they feel like they bear no fruit very quickly or they have some issue that comes up 24-48 hours later. It's just the nature of what we're dealing with with the Middle East. At the same time, obviously there has been some pushback against Benjamin Netanyahu and our support of Israel.

That has been from the left and from the right. And now you are seeing some responses that are maybe a little bit more publicly critical from the President, from the Vice President. Historically, we've had a great relationship with Israel. And what I don't want to see obviously is a tide turn based on social media or podcast or even us to push a divide between Israel and the United States of America. Do you feel like that is something we need to at least keep ourselves aware of and keep it in check?

Mike Pompeo: Look, that relationship is incredibly valuable to the United States of America. It's certainly valuable to Israel as well. It's valuable to us militarily. Their technology, their combat experience, and intelligence services have all saved American lives.

When I was the CIA director, I saw that. I watched Israeli intelligence save countless American lives. We shouldn't let that fracture. They're the lone democracy in the region. They are our best security partner, they're one of our great economic and business partners too. We should be thankful for what the Israeli government has done for the United States.

They've clearly done it for themselves in the same way that we do the work putting America first. But that's a relationship that I don't think there's much risk of it being broken, but we all ought to be sure that we are honoring that. Not doing work for Israel, that is, they have their job just like the Europeans need to defend themselves. Israelis will do the necessary for themselves as well.

Logan Sekulow: All right, Secretary Pompeo, I'm going to let you go here. We're having some connection issues, but I appreciate you calling. And I want to get to at least one more phone call if we could. I want to go to Mike in Texas. He's been on hold for a while. Mike, go ahead.

Mike: Hey guys, I appreciate everything that Trump's doing in the whole effort out in Iran and to get rid of the evilness out there. I'm concerned about the overall strength of the deal, of the agreement. And the reason being is part of that agreement is to stop funding the terrorist organizations of Hezbollah and Hamas and the like. So, if that's the case, then they shouldn't be able to delay negotiations because Israel's defending itself against Hezbollah.

Logan Sekulow: Look, Mike, I don't disagree with you here. And we really only got a minute left in this segment, but I do think that this deal needs to be upheld and it is the problem. Secretary Pompeo brought it up. When you're dealing with a regime like this in Iran, the trust can only go to a certain level. The proof will only come over time, and we will see how things play out.

Now, I appreciate your call, Mike. Appreciate everyone that called in for this first half hour. This second half hour, we're going to take a little bit of a step back. There have been some really great pieces that have been put together, there's been some great interviews people we've had on over the last week and I want to make sure that those don't get lost in the shuffle.

So for the next half hour, it's going to be a bit of a flashback to a lot of the great stuff that's happened over the week. So if you've been paying attention each and every day, some of it may seem familiar. But if not, enjoy the second half hour of the broadcast. With that I want to tell you for right now this is a very important time as we head toward the 250th celebration of America. I want you to be a supporter of the ACLJ. It's a great way to get your values around the world represented. That's at ACLJ.org. Be right back with more on Sekulow.

Guest (Male): For decades now, the ACLJ has been on the front lines protecting your freedoms, defending your rights in courts, in Congress, and in the public arena. The American Center for Law and Justice is on your side. If you're already a member, thank you. And if you're not, well this is the perfect time to stand with us at ACLJ.org where you can learn more about our life-changing work. Become a member today. ACLJ.org.