Border Crossings Plunge, Oval Office Aftermath, Minimum Wage Madness

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they analyze the stunning border numbers from February, the fiery Trump-Zelensky-Vance exchange in the Oval Office, and yet another example of how an excessively high minimum wage backfires on businesses and employees.

First, they break down the incredible news that just 8,326 people attempted to illegally cross the southern border in all of February—far below the daily figures often seen under the Biden administration. They explain how the shift in border policy sent a clear message to would-be

Next, they dissect Friday’s tense Oval Office exchange between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. While major issues remain before a meaningful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war can take shape, Scot argues that Friday’s visit was primarily about finalizing the minerals deal as a stepping stone toward a broader agreement—something Zelensky mishandled. Greg outlines the key disagreements between the two sides but suggests the incident doesn't have to derail U.S.-Ukraine relations. Meanwhile, Jim Geraghty, writing from overseas, strongly disagrees.

Finally, they discuss a new study confirming that California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers has led to job losses, higher prices, and increased automation. It’s a predictable outcome that progressives continue to ignore despite clear economic realities.