Podcast Summary: Real America’s Voice – AMERICA FEST 2025 Day 4 Live Coverage Part 3
Date: December 21, 2025
Host Network: iHeartPodcasts | Real America’s Voice
Location: Phoenix, Arizona, America Fest (Turning Point USA)
Episode Overview
This dynamic episode captures the live culmination of America Fest 2025, focusing on a surprise appearance and in-depth interview with Nicki Minaj and the closing keynote by Vice President J.D. Vance. The program centers on faith, free speech, the legacy of Charlie Kirk, and the ongoing cultural and political shifts within the America First movement. It features spirited commentary on current American politics, the role of faith and identity, and motivation for ongoing activism going into 2026. The original tone is celebratory, candid, and laden with both humor and deep conviction.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Event Context & Emotional Reflections (03:29–04:11)
- Hosts open by noting the growth and renewed energy at Turning Point USA's America Fest.
- 80% of attendees are first-timers, signaling the movement's expansion.
- Address the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, highlighting the emotional weight and unity of the event.
2. Nicki Minaj: Surprise Guest Interview
On Political Outspokenness and Critique of Progressives (06:47–09:16)
- Nicki Minaj delivers viral commentary aimed at Governor Gavin Newsom, reading and riffing on her own satirical tweets:
- “Oh, Gabby Poo. It only gets worse from here for you, buddy... Get on the nearest jet ski... It’ll make you happier than this race that you will not win. Enjoy life. Peace.” (07:46)
- “Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids. Haha. Not even a trans adult would run on that... Gav not in, Gav out. Send in the next guy. I’m bored.” (08:17)
- “Dear Newscom, We don’t have a problem cleaning up the scum if we have to. Please tread lightly. That’s what I would say to Gabby Poo.” (08:55)
On the Current Administration, Hope, and Leadership (09:16–11:23)
- Expresses admiration for President Trump:
- “He’s given so many people hope that there’s a chance to beat the bad guys and to win and to do it with your head held high and your integrity intact. He’s from Queens, New York, like me...” (09:55)
- Discusses the humanity behind public figures and the unfairness of media attacks.
On Speaking Out and Cultural Shifts (16:43–19:48)
- Describes her turning point:
- “I just got tired of being pushed around. Sometimes you just get tired of it... Why do I even care about these people and what they think? ...I’m not going to back down ever again. Amen.” (16:52)
- Encourages young attendees to speak freely, despite social pressure:
- “We’re not allowed to have a different opinion anymore... I don’t want [young people] growing up in a world where they feel like that... They deserve for their voices to be heard.” (18:18)
On Industry Backlash (19:48–20:36)
- Handles criticism with humor and confidence:
- “I didn’t notice [the backlash]... We’re the cool kids. The other people, they’re angry with themselves... We’re going to stay joyful and peaceful and iconic and smart.” (20:19–20:39)
On Faith & Religious Liberty (22:03–24:08)
- Resonates with the crowd on religious persecution, especially regarding Christians in Nigeria.
- “We can’t even imagine not having [religious liberty]... People are being kidnapped, people are being killed, brutalized, all because of their religion. That should spark outrage in the great America... We won’t be silenced ever again.” (22:03)
On Personal Relationship with God (24:23–31:49)
- Heartfelt story of spiritual grounding from childhood in Trinidad to adult life in New York.
- “I always had this faith that made people think... But I had that faith instinctively once I started hearing about God and... more into the Bible. I got baptized when I was about 13...” (24:23–26:22)
- Emphasizes continual return to God and how faith is personal and immediate.
- “As soon as you call on him on the first ring, he’s going to answer.” (29:52)
On Raising Young Women & Boys in Today’s Culture (31:49–37:07)
- Advocates self-esteem for girls of all backgrounds:
- “I want all the little girls in the world to know that you are unique, you are beautiful. And you can compliment another girl and still know that you are epic and amazing.” (33:02)
- On young men:
- “Boys will be boys. And there’s nothing wrong with that.” (37:07)
On Misunderstandings & Legacy (37:18–40:37)
- Addresses public misconceptions:
- “I think people think maybe that I’m mean... When you have a strong presence as a woman, it’s easy to just box you into one box... But, you know, it doesn’t. What people misunderstand about me now. I don’t care about it. I really don’t.” (37:24)
- On legacy:
- “It's okay to change your mind... No matter how many songs I do on that stage, it didn't mean as much as this because this is a direct link for younger people. This is a direct link between young people and God.” (40:37)
On Faith and Public Life (45:42–47:52)
- Challenges the notion that America should be led by those who disdain faith:
- “We absolutely cannot let people who have a problem with us worshiping God, we cannot have them in power.” (45:42)
- Expresses the assertion that authentic worship and speech are inherently threatening to those in power who fear faith-based community.
3. J.D. Vance: Vice President’s Address
Coalition, Unity & Policy Accomplishments (57:56–65:16)
- Emphasizes openness in the America First movement:
- “He [Trump] says make America great again because every American is invited. We don’t care if you’re white or black, rich or poor, young or old... If you love America... you have a home on this team.” (58:48)
- Touts administration’s record on border security, economic improvements, and merit-based policies.
- “December marks seven months straight of zero releases at the southern border. More than 2.5 million illegal immigrants have left the United States... Real wages are finally growing. Inflation is half of what it was under Democrats.” (61:25)
DEI, Identity Politics, and American Belonging (65:16–76:31)
- Critiques identity politics, “DEI to the dustbin of history,” and anti-white/anti-Asian sentiment:
- “In the United States of America, you don’t have to apologize for being white anymore. And if you're Asian, you don’t have to talk around your skin color...” (65:16)
- Advocates for a Christian national identity:
- “The only thing that has truly served as an anchor of the United States of America is that we have been, and by the grace of God, we always will be, a Christian nation. Christianity is America’s creed, the shared moral language.” (78:56)
Personal Reflections: Loss and Renewal After Charlie Kirk (87:59–96:38)
- Candid sharing on grief:
- “In the days after Charlie’s death, I struggled a great deal... Researching every conspiracy theory going down every rabbit hole. What saved me was realizing that the story of the Christian faith, like the story of these United States of America, is one of a major, immense loss followed by even bigger victory.” (87:59)
- Promotes Christian service and reconstructs the moral core of governance (e.g. caring for the poor, protecting American jobs):
- “Why do we penalize corporations that ship American jobs overseas? Because we believe in the inheritance, inherent dignity of human work and every person who works a good job in this country.” (93:28)
Rallying Calls & Closing (96:38–109:07)
- Reiterates need for activism and unity in memory of Kirk:
- “If you miss Charlie Kirk, do you promise to fight what he died for?... Let’s keep fighting.” (95:55)
- Emphasizes vigilance, focusing on 2026 midterms, and urgency in defending the America First agenda.
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
-
Nicki Minaj on Newsom:
“Oh, Gabby Poo. It only gets worse from here for you, buddy... Get on the nearest jet ski... This race that you will not win...” (07:46) -
Nicki Minaj on faith’s immediacy:
“As soon as you call on him on the first ring, he’s going to answer.” (29:52) -
Minaj on girls and beauty:
“I want all the little girls in the world to know that you are unique, you are beautiful... You can compliment another girl and still know that you are epic and amazing.” (33:02) -
Minaj on criticism:
“We’re going to stay joyful and peaceful and iconic and smart... in a world that doesn’t want us to think. We will think by ourselves on our own.” (20:36) -
J.D. Vance on unity:
“He [Trump] says make America great again because every American is invited... People of every faith come to our banner because they know... the America First movement will make their lives better.” (58:48) -
Vance on American identity:
“Christianity is America’s creed, the shared moral language... the only thing that has truly served as an anchor...” (78:56) -
Vance on Charlie Kirk:
“The story of the Christian faith, like the story of these United States of America, is one of a major, immense loss followed by even bigger victory... God’s grace overflows when we least expect it.” (87:59)
Important Timestamps
- 03:29 – Ben discusses the event’s atmosphere and attendance
- 06:06–24:08 – Nicki Minaj’s energetic interview: social issues, viral moments, faith
- 24:23–37:07 – Faith, family, upbringing, and culture
- 37:18–40:37 – Public image and personal legacy
- 45:42 – Call to protect worship and faith in public life
- 57:56–76:31 – J.D. Vance keynote: unity, policies, American identity
- 87:59–96:38 – Vance’s reflections on Charlie Kirk, suffering, and hope
- 96:38–109:07 – Call to action, urgency over 2026 elections, closing thoughts
Episode Highlights
- A Pop Culture Crossover: Nicki Minaj’s surprise presence and her open, humorous, and pointed takes brought excitement to the crowd and highlighted greater mainstream engagement in conservative and faith-driven spaces.
- Faith and Freedom as Central Themes: Both Minaj and Vance underscored the centrality of faith to personal and public life, blending personal testimonies with strong calls for political engagement and religious liberty.
- Renewed Unity and Optimism: The event, being the first after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, was a pronounced moment of unity, featuring honest reflection on loss but refocused optimism, especially towards mobilizing youth.
- Strategic Focus on 2026: The hosts and speakers stress the importance of the upcoming midterm elections—not just presidential years—encouraging continued activism and involvement at all levels.
Closing Thoughts
AMERICA FEST 2025 Day 4 (Part 3) provided inspiring reminders of the movement’s spiritual and political foundations. The intersection of pop culture via Nicki Minaj, heartfelt tributes to Charlie Kirk, and Vice President J.D. Vance’s forward-looking charge produced an episode aimed at mobilization, identity, and pride in American values. The show captured the sentiment of a movement entering a new phase, determined to carry its legacy through challenging times ahead.
For further engagement:
- “Stand up for what you believe in. The only way we win is if we show up and start mobilizing now.” (Ben, 104:12)
- “Be bold, be vigilant, be faithful, be courageous, be a child of God, love your neighbors, love your family...” (Ryan Reynolds, 109:30)
For those who didn’t listen:
This episode encapsulates a movement’s crossroads—mourning a leader, welcoming new voices, rededicating to faith and principle, and looking ahead to imminent political battles. The original energy and conviction are front and center throughout.
