A highly anticipated podcast interview between two prominent former US Navy SEALs, Congressman Dan Crenshaw and podcaster Shawn Ryan, has been publicly called off, sparking a major online feud. The scheduled conversation for January 2, 2026, on The Shawn Ryan Show was cancelled, with both parties now accusing the other of being responsible for the breakdown.
The Public Accusation and Swift Rebuttal
The conflict erupted into public view on New Year's Day when Shawn Ryan posted a video stating that Dan Crenshaw had cancelled their interview. The Texas congressman did not take long to respond. Crenshaw launched a detailed counterattack on social media platform X, presenting what he claims is concrete evidence to prove the opposite – that it was Ryan's team who backed out.
To support his claim, Crenshaw posted a flight ticket showing he was booked to travel to Nashville on January 1, 2026, presumably to attend the recording the following day. He asserted this was clear proof of his intent and that he did not cancel the engagement.
The Core of the Conflict: Legal Waiver and Emails
At the heart of the dispute lies a legal waiver required for the interview. Dan Crenshaw shared an extensive thread of emails between his legal counsel and the legal team representing Shawn Ryan. According to the congressman, the initial communication on December 22 confirmed a standard written agreement and assured the interview would not be edited.
The situation grew complicated when the waiver document arrived. Crenshaw's team suggested minor edits. However, a reply from Ryan's lawyer, which Crenshaw quoted, stated, "We are not considering any redlines." A significant point of contention involved a clause about legal liability. Ryan's lawyer explained the clause meant that if a guest lied or defamed someone, leading to a lawsuit, the guest would be expected to defend the podcast company.
Crenshaw stated he agreed to modifications related to congressional privilege under the Speech and Debate Clause and awaited an updated version. He claims this revised waiver was never sent to his team. Despite the unresolved contract, his side proceeded to coordinate timing and travel, leading to the booked flight.
Differing Narratives and Unanswered Questions
Shawn Ryan's legal team presented a different version, asserting that Crenshaw "quibbled" over the waiver instead of signing it. Crenshaw denied this characterization, stating his lawyer emailed again on January 1 asking for the final waiver, but only after Ryan had already posted the cancellation video.
In a concluding post, Crenshaw speculated on a motive, writing, "Why cancel? Maybe because they knew I was coming with evidence to refute every attack against me and that would embarrass Shawn and their narrative." He also traced the root of their friction to a misunderstood private message from 2025, which he insists was not a threat and for which he has provided clarifying proof.
As of now, Shawn Ryan has not publicly responded to the specific evidence and emails shared by Dan Crenshaw. The online debate continues, fueled by the public's access to only one side's documented correspondence. This incident highlights how private disagreements between public figures can rapidly escalate into major online spectacles when played out on social media.
