The Lars Larson Show Interviews

A proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget is sparking debate in Washington, especially as it could come alongside cuts to domestic programs like Medicaid. Some lawmakers say it’s necessary for national security, while others warn about the tradeoffs. Veronique de Rugy, Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center, joins the program to break down the budget, the pushback from within the GOP, and wha...

The economy added 178,000 jobs in March but major revisions to previous months paint a much shakier picture. With volatility in the labor market and global uncertainty still looming, the headline number may not tell the full story. Sean Higgins, Research Fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, joins the program to break down what the jobs report really shows and whether there’s more troubl...

After a deadly school shooting in Georgia, lawmakers are moving to require weapon detection systems in every public school, something no state has done before. Supporters say it could save lives, while critics question the cost and effectiveness. Burt Jones, Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor and former State Senator, joins the program to explain why he supports the push and whether this should become...

Detroit just made it a crime to hand out pamphlets or talk to someone near an abortion clinic, raising major questions about where free speech rights begin and end. Supporters call it protecting patients, but critics say it targets one viewpoint and shuts down conversation. Nate Kellum, Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute, joins the program to break down the lawsuit and whether this crosses...

Gas is climbing past $4 a gallon, and only a few states are hitting pause on gas taxes. Some say it’s real relief for drivers, others call it a short-term political move that barely makes a difference. Paul Miller, founder of Miller & Company, joins the program to break down whether suspending gas taxes actually helps or just sounds good. Send us Fan Mail

Washington State is considering a proposal that would cap bail at just $200 for most misdemeanors and make it easier for repeat offenders to walk out of court; sometimes with little accountability to return. Supporters call it reform, but critics say it strips away one of the last tools to ensure people show up and communities stay safe. Nancy Churchill, author of Dangerous Rhetoric on Substack, j...

A new audit found massive overpayments in Washington’s childcare system, with millions of taxpayer dollars going out improperly and little oversight to catch it. At the same time, the agency’s staff has grown significantly, yet barely anyone is assigned to audit where the money is actually going. Washington Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins the program to break down what the audit uncovere...

Oregon just passed a law that could fine a think tank thousands of dollars per message for reminding workers they have the right to leave their union. Critics say it’s a direct attack on free speech and an attempt to block workers from knowing their rights. Aaron Withe, CEO of the Freedom Foundation, joins the program to break down the lawsuit, what’s at stake, and why other states are now trying...

The Trump administration says changes to farm labor policy are helping growers by lowering costs and expanding access to foreign workers but farmers in the Northwest are still struggling to find enough labor. At the same time, critics argue the policy undercuts American workers and shifts the balance toward employers. Dillon Honcoop, Communications Director for Whatcom Family Farmers and Save Fami...

Oil is back over $100 a barrel, but U.S. producers aren’t rushing to drill more. With global supply under pressure and demand still high, you’d expect a surge in production but that’s not what’s happening. Jay Young, Founder and CEO of King Operating Corporation, joins the program to explain what’s really holding companies back and why higher prices aren’t leading to more drilling. Send us Fan Mai...

A Maryland school district is pushing a new certification that would require elementary schools to adopt LGBTQ-focused curriculum, staff training, and student policies without requiring parental consent in some cases. Supporters call it inclusive, but critics say it crosses a line for young students and families. Terry Stoops, Director of State Affairs for Defending Education, joins the program to...

After recent shakeups inside the Trump administration, reports suggest more cabinet changes could be on the way. Frustration is building behind the scenes, and several top officials may be on the chopping block. Anthony Russo, political analyst and professional speaker, joins the program to break down what’s driving the turmoil and whether more firings are likely. Send us Fan Mail

Drivers crossing into Oregon are being watched by cameras at ports of entry but what exactly is being collected, and where is that data going? At the same time, a new audit shows millions in taxpayer dollars were handed out improperly through a state health program, raising even more questions about oversight and accountability. Rep. Jeff Helfrich, who represents Oregon’s 52nd district, joins the...

Washington State just pulled the plug on a key law enforcement tool used to track stolen vehicles, find missing persons, and catch dangerous criminals—all in the name of “privacy.” Now officers face criminal penalties for using technology that helped keep communities safe. Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank joins the program to explain what losing this tool means on the ground, and whether lawmaker...

Two Oregon men walked free after 17 years in prison when their convictions collapsed over withheld evidence and alleged misconduct by prosecutors. Now, one of the same prosecutors tied to the case is running the DA’s office. So how does that happen and who’s held accountable? Josh Marquis, former Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association and former President of the Oregon Distr...

Pam Bondi is out as Attorney General. Now the focus shifts to what comes next and who should take her place. Dr. Steven Bonta, Executive Senior Editor of The New American, joins the program to break down the potential replacements and what kind of leadership the Justice Department needs moving forward. Send us Fan Mail

One year after Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs, the results are raising serious questions. The trade deficit hit record highs, manufacturing jobs declined, and farmers are struggling under growing financial pressure. So did the tariffs deliver on their promises or backfire? Bryan Riley, Director of the National Taxpayer Union’s Free Trade Initiative, joins the program to break down what the data ac...

Big Tech giants are getting hit with massive lawsuits over everything from child safety to social media addiction while spending tens of millions lobbying Washington. After decades of unchecked power, critics say these companies don’t just influence policy…they control it. Seton Motley, President of Less Government, joins the program to break down whether antitrust action is long overdue and what...

Canada set a deadline for gun owners to turn in newly banned firearms—but compliance is falling far short, with potentially hundreds of thousands still in private hands. Now the question becomes unavoidable: what happens when citizens refuse to comply? Bob Barr, former CIA analyst and former Member of Congress, joins the program to break down whether forced confiscation is on the table and what th...

Trump says America’s objectives in Iran are nearly complete and promises the war could wrap up in just a few weeks. But with escalating attacks and shifting timelines, is this a real endgame or just another moving deadline? John Solomon, founder of Just the News and political commentator, joins the program to break down where the conflict actually stands and whether an end is truly in sight. Send...

Oregon already struggles to show results with the tax dollars it collects, but now some are pushing to raise taxes even higher on top earners. Alejandro Queral, Executive Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy, joins the program to make the case for higher taxes and explain why he believes Oregon needs more revenue despite ongoing concerns about spending and accountability. Send us Fan Ma...

Portland taxpayers just got another slap in the face. The city’s public housing authority made it easier for people with criminal histories to get into taxpayer-funded housing—and harder to kick them out, even for drug dealing. Now tenants deal with fentanyl smoke, filth, and chaos while units sit empty. Aaron Mesh, Managing Editor at Willamette Week, joins the program to break down how these poli...

The Northwest is being warned about a “record drought,” but the actual data tells a different story—near record snowfall at Mt. Rainier and above-average rainfall across the region. So why the constant panic? Commercial airline pilot and meteorologist Chuck Wiese joins the program to break down the real numbers and why the climate narrative doesn’t match the data. Send us Fan Mail

Markets are shaky, gas prices are climbing, and the headlines are full of fear—but we’ve seen this before. Every crisis brings predictions of collapse, yet history keeps telling a different story. Steve Saxton of Christian Roberts Mortgage joins the program to explain why history may be the best indicator of what happens next—and why panic usually gets it wrong. Send us Fan Mail

A conservative journalist covering a protest in Las Vegas ends up in jail for more than 12 hours—for jaywalking—while others walk free. So what’s going on here: equal enforcement, or selective enforcement? Jonathan Choe, reporter with Turning Point USA Frontlines and the Discovery Institute, joins the program to break down what happened and whether this was about public safety—or something else. S...