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Former Navy SEAL and popular podcast host Shawn Ryan announced Thursday evening that GOP Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw threatened to sue him for defamation.
Popular podcast host and former Navy SEAL, Shawn Ryan, publicly disclosed on Thursday evening that he received a threat of a defamation lawsuit from GOP Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw. The alleged threat stems from comments Ryan made on his podcast regarding Crenshaw's financial status and a purportedly 'lavish' Christmas party. Ryan firmly stated his refusal to comply with Crenshaw's demands, which included removing the content, issuing a public apology, and ceasing further discussion about the congressman. This firm stance indicates a brewing conflict between the two public figures, both with backgrounds in elite military service, bringing their disagreement into the public arena via social media and news outlets. The core of the dispute appears to be Ryan's commentary on Crenshaw's post-congressional wealth, a topic Ryan deems legitimate for public inquiry given Crenshaw's role as a public official. The refusal to retract or apologize highlights Ryan's commitment to the freedom of speech, especially concerning politicians, setting the stage for a potential legal battle or continued public exchange of accusations.
Following Ryan's initial comments about his wealth, Congressman Crenshaw reportedly sent Ryan a direct Instagram message. Ryan posted a picture of this message, which read, 'Hey Shawn, you have the ability to contact your fellow Team Guy if you’ve got a problem with me or have questions about how I’m getting ‘rich.’ Some of my boys at 6 told me about your indirect swipe at me. From the comment you made, it sounds like you have some beliefs that are based on trendy narratives instead of facts.' Ryan, noting Crenshaw's reference to '6' (Seal Team 6, an elite special operations unit), interpreted this message as a veiled threat. This interpretation was further influenced by a previous 'hot mic' incident where Crenshaw was reportedly heard threatening to harm former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. The perceived intimidation tactic, especially given their shared Navy SEAL background, adds a layer of intensity to the dispute, suggesting that Crenshaw's communication was not merely an invitation for dialogue but carried an underlying warning. The message implies Crenshaw believes Ryan's allegations are unfounded and driven by popular, but inaccurate, narratives rather than concrete evidence, aiming to discredit Ryan's claims.
Shawn Ryan passionately defended his right to question Congressman Crenshaw's wealth, emphasizing that such inquiries are 'fair game' for any public official. Ryan articulated that as a public servant, Crenshaw is accountable to the populace, and his decisions have widespread impact. A key point of contention for Ryan is Crenshaw's alleged practice of trading stocks while holding access to classified and non-public information. Ryan firmly believes that the public holds an undeniable right to scrutinize how a congressman accumulates wealth while in office, especially when there's potential for conflict of interest or insider trading. This argument underscores a broader principle of transparency and accountability in government, where elected officials' financial dealings are subject to public examination to ensure ethical conduct and prevent undue influence. The debate highlights the tension between a public official's privacy and the public's right to know about potential avenues of financial enrichment while serving. Crenshaw, in a subsequent response on X, dismissed Ryan's interpretation of his Instagram message as a threat, stating it was 'not believable that a fellow SEAL actually read this message and believed I was threatening to 'whoop his ass.' This counter-argument aims to downplay the severity of his message and reframe it as a misunderstanding between former military colleagues, rather than an attempt at intimidation or legal reprisal.