U.S. Joins Israel in Iran Strike. Texas Primary Showdown. SAVE Plan Survives Lawsuit

Roland Martin and Mayor Philip Jones heavily criticize the US-Israel military action against Iran, framing it as an unpopular war initiated without congressional approval and lacking a defined exit strategy. They highlight historical US meddling in Iran, dating back to a 1953 coup, and express concern over regional destabilization and human casualties. Trump's claims about Iran's missile capabilities are dismissed as false, and his actions are linked to political motivations and influence from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Host Roland Martin states, 'Donald Trump says this may last four to five weeks. Iran of course is firing missiles and attacking other countries in the Gulf state. This could drive up gas prices.' (05:41) Mayor Philip Jones adds, 'We have been meddling with Iran for decades and they are tired of it.' (11:47) Roland Martin also asserts, 'Donald Trump just sat there and lied. Iran does not have any missiles that can reach the United States. That's simply a flatout lie.' (22:55)

Kendall Scutter, Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, details a new strategy to overcome decades of Republican dominance. The plan emphasizes a '254-county strategy' to engage voters across the entire state, not just major urban centers. It focuses on year-round voter registration, empowering Black and Latino communities, and building a 'working-class army' through grassroots organizing rather than relying solely on national funding or TV ads. Scutter acknowledges past failures of 'well-intended white liberals' to incorporate the state's majority-minority population effectively.

Kendall Scutter states, 'A challenge that the Texas Democratic Party has faced in the past is that they've just been getting out organized.' (44:31) He emphasizes, '254 county strategy leaving nobody behind.' (45:24) Roland Martin notes, 'You've got the most black eligible voters of any state in the country. And when you look at the last election, more than a million African-Americans who didn't vote.' (45:46) Scutter adds, 'A bunch of well-intended white liberals for a long time have been leading the charge in Texas. And that is just frankly uh not going to get us there if you aren't incorporating communities that are actually the majority of this state.' (46:43)

Matrio Spots, VP and Federal Policy Director of the Center for Responsible Lending, explains that while a multi-state lawsuit challenging the SAVE plan was dismissed, the program's long-term viability is still in question. The administration could appeal, issue new rule-making, or allow the program to terminate as scheduled in July 2028. Borrowers currently on the SAVE plan are advised to stay informed but also to explore other income-driven repayment options due to the ongoing uncertainty and the fact that interest accrues during forbearance under the current administration.

Matrio Spots states, 'The jury is actually still out on what the ultimate impact is... the administration has been very very silent about their next steps.' (01:04:36) She adds, 'Under the big brutal bill passed by this administration uh last year in July 1st, 2028, uh the SAFE program will terminate as a matter of law anyway.' (01:05:04) She advises, 'Borrowers who are actually in the save program need to move to a different program whether that be interest driven repayment.' (01:06:57)

Roland Martin and his panel passionately argue that Black communities must prioritize ownership and control over their cultural output, including music, movies, and news. They criticize the common phrase 'doing it for the culture' without corresponding ownership, pointing out that non-Black executives and companies often profit disproportionately from Black creativity. The discussion emphasizes the need for Black-owned platforms, intellectual property protection, and collective investment to build sustainable wealth and ensure that Black stories and art are controlled and benefited from by the creators and their communities.

Roland Martin asserts, 'We have to stop being the show and we must be the business.' (02:23:46) Eugene Craig adds, 'American culture, which in reality is black culture, is America's greatest export. Uh, we have to own the culture. We have to own the means of production.' (02:24:22) Thelma states, 'The biggest problem I see with us is not investing upfront into your business in order for you to go out and put everything in order.' (02:27:42)