EP#249 | DSD Podcast: James Li on Luigi Mangione, Foreign Policy, USS Liberty, & 2025

Dec 22

📄 Episode Overview

In this in-depth conversation, Ray sits down with independent analyst and content creator James Li to tackle some of the biggest geopolitical and domestic issues of our time. From the Luigi Mangione case and terrorism charges to the Ukraine-Israel funding funnel and the forgotten USS Liberty incident, nothing is off-limits. This is one of the most wide-ranging interviews we've done—spanning conspiracy, foreign influence, media manipulation, and what to expect in 2025.

🧠 Key Takeaways

🔫 Was Luigi Mangione Set Up or Just Reckless?

James believes Mangione is likely the shooter but raises real concerns about how conveniently the "evidence package" was found on him—possibly suggesting deeper layers to the story.

🏛️ Why the ‘Terrorism’ Charge Might Be a Red Flag

Unlike the Trump assassination attempt, this case was immediately labeled terrorism, possibly to set a legal precedent that criminalizes anger at corporations.

💰 Misappropriated Taxpayer Funds: The Governor’s CEO Security Plan

New York’s Kathy Hochul is allegedly allocating state resources to protect CEOs—while FEMA and disaster victims struggle for crumbs.

🌍 U.S. Foreign Policy: Ukraine, Israel, and Ignored Americans

Billions for wars, but pennies for Maui or East Palestine? James breaks down how the priorities are upside-down—and who might really be calling the shots.

🇮🇱 The Israeli Lobby’s Power and the Cabinet Picks That Follow the Money

From Miriam Adelson’s donations to Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio’s appointments—James makes the case that pro-Israel loyalty has become a prerequisite for Trump’s inner circle.

✡️ Jewish Voices Against Zionism

James and Ray highlight Jewish scholars like Norman Finkelstein and Gabor Maté who reject linking Judaism with Israeli military policy.

🧠 Trump 2.0 or Trump 1.5?

Can Trump really drain the swamp this time—or is it all just theater? James breaks down Trump's internal contradictions and cabinet picks.

📉 The Rise of Controlled Opposition in Independent Media

As creators grow, will they be bought off behind the scenes? James issues a strong warning about subtle narrative control in the so-called “independent” media space.

🚫 TikTok Ban = Censorship in Disguise

James calls out the U.S. government for pretending the TikTok ban is about national security, when it’s really about controlling the narrative.

🚢 USS Liberty: Forgotten, Buried, and Still Explosive

James revisits the 1967 Israeli attack on a U.S. spy ship—and why that event still matters in the context of modern-day foreign entanglements.

⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Opening & Introduction to James Li
• 01:18 – Luigi Mangione: Shooter or scapegoat?
• 05:44 – Corporate terrorism charges & legal precedent
• 09:49 – Ukraine, Israel, and misplaced American priorities
• 14:06 – APAC influence & Trump’s cabinet picks
• 16:53 – Gaza, JFK, and mass awakening
• 20:00 – Trump Derangement vs. Trump Worship Syndrome
• 25:29 – Food, Pharma, and populist realignment
• 32:05 – Trump assassination attempt & deep state theory
• 34:00 – TikTok ban, free speech, and digital control
• 43:33 – USS Liberty breakdown & interview with Phil Tourney
• 48:32 – 2025 predictions: narrative warfare, controlled media & co-opted influencers

🎯 Conclusion

If you’ve ever questioned who’s really in control—this is your episode. James Li brings fire, facts, and framing that most media outlets won’t touch. The deep state isn’t just a meme anymore—it’s the default setting. Tune in, take notes, and get louder.

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🗝️ Keywords

Luigi Mangione, James Li interview, Luigi shooter breakdown, terrorism charge NY, Kathy Hochul CEO plan, Ukraine funding fraud, Israel lobby power, Miriam Adelson Trump, USS Liberty attack, Six-Day War secrets, TikTok ban censorship, Deep Shallow Dive podcast, AIPAC control, Trump cabinet picks 2025, controlled opposition media, Gaza Palestine wake up, Trump assassination theory, RFK Trump health, Elon Musk political influence, CIA censorship Google, TikTok creators legal defense, First Amendment TikTok, legacy media collapse, narrative control in 2025

🗂️ Categories

Geopolitics, U.S. Domestic Policy, Media Critique

🏷️ Tags

James Li, Donald Trump, Luigi Mangione

Ray Doustdar

Adding a new chapter to his diverse career, Ray now steps into the world of literature as an author, presenting his debut work, 'Deep Shallow Dive into You.' This book is a testament to his commitment to fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

Ray's venture into authorship extends his passion for meaningful communication and impact into writing, offering readers a transformative journey designed to cultivate a more authentic relationship with themselves.

Ray aims to connect with readers profoundly through his writing, sharing insights and strategies to help them uncover their true selves and live with unwavering authenticity and intention.

https://www.deepshallowdive.com