American Sunrise - December 17th, 2025

Podcast: Real America’s Voice / iHeartPodcasts
Date: December 17, 2025

Brief Overview

This episode of American Sunrise delivers a wide-ranging exploration of contemporary American political, cultural, and economic issues — all from a patriot-first, conservative lens. The core topics include breaking developments around President Trump’s foreign and domestic policies, especially Venezuela’s new ‘terrorist organization’ designation, the fallout from an exposé featuring Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles, heated congressional healthcare votes, controversies in Georgia and California regarding legal and political conduct, as well as headline-grabbing events from Hollywood to Israel. Interspersed are interviews, panel discussions, real-time commentary, and “on-the-ground” input that keep the news fast-paced and pointed.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump’s Blockade and Venezuela Terror Designation

Segment starts: [07:10], [30:45], [01:03:38], [01:10:50]

• Breaking News: President Trump announces via Truth Social a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela and designates Nicolás Maduro’s regime a “foreign terrorist organization.”
  • Quote (Dr. Gina):
    “He has already seized a ship in the Caribbean and has been striking suspected drug boats off the coast of Venezuela.” [08:45]
  • Quote (Brian Glenn):
    “You’re going to hear a lot coming up in the next 90 days: D.T.O.—designated terrorist organization... By him labeling Maduro, that’s going to enable the military to take action.” [20:20]
  • Economic/Political Rationale: Hosts discuss the overlap between fighting the drug trade (especially fentanyl) and economic leverage via oil.
    • Quote (Dr. Josh McConkie):
      “Is it aggressive to call this weapons of mass destruction? ... 120,000 Americans a year justifies that.” [01:04:32]
    • Quote (David Brody):
      “This is a bold move... This is just a picture of the president fulfilling what he’s committed to do, taking the war to them... stopping the cartels means cutting it off at the base.” [01:32:15]

2. Economic Anxiety and Trump’s Oval Office Address

Segment starts: [10:55], [24:45], [01:14:02], [01:31:22]

• Tonight’s Anticipated Topic: Previews Trump’s scheduled Oval Office address (9pm ET), focusing on “affordability” and economic pain felt by Americans.

  • Quote (David Brody):
    “It’s clearly about affordability... This is going to be akin to President Clinton saying ‘I feel your pain’... Trump won’t say it just like that, but he has to channel what middle-class Americans are feeling.” [11:25]

• Panel Assessment:

  • Economic unease is a focal point for Trump’s campaign; viewers are encouraged to watch whether Trump threads the needle between defending his record and acknowledging ongoing challenges.
  • Quote (Kate Monroe):
    “He needs to talk about: here’s where we are and here’s where we’re going... The media at large has to cover this... So every American, no matter what side... gets to hear from him.” [01:50:02]

3. Susie Wiles/Vanity Fair “Hit Piece” Fallout

Segment starts: [16:14], [01:37:50]

• Controversy: Vanity Fair article alleges Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles made biting comments about Trump (“alcoholic’s personality”), VP Vance (“conspiracy theorist”), and AG Bondi (“whiffed” on Epstein files). Wiles calls it a “hit piece.”
  • VP J.D. Vance’s Defense (clip):
    “What you want in a staffer is a person who effectuates the will of the American people... I’ve never seen her be disloyal. That makes her the best White House chief of staff the president could ask for.” [17:25]
  • RAV Hosts & Brian Glenn:
    • Criticize Wiles for sitting with “fake press” like Vanity Fair; urge interviews with friendlier outlets.
    • Quote (Dr. Gina):
      “Vanity Fair—They twist the truth. That’s the difference. We wouldn’t have twisted the truth.” [18:50]
    • Quote (Rep. Mark Harris):
      “If you’ve ever dealt with the media, you know a hit piece when you see one... She has the confidence of the president, the cabinet, and Congress.” [01:39:15]

4. Congressional Politics: Healthcare Bill, Transgender Procedures, and Redistricting

Healthcare Vote Segment: [23:17], [01:07:54], [01:36:12]

• Today’s Vote: House to vote on healthcare reform without extending expiring Obamacare subsidies.
  • Discussed implications for affordability and the impact on insurance stocks.
  • Quote (Rep. Harris): “Obamacare has been the Unaffordable Care Act from its very beginning. … We are empowering Americans to have more control in their healthcare.” [01:37:50]
  • Market Reaction (Jake Novak): “Those stocks went down like a rock… It’s a good message for the Trump administration to push: we’re hurting those who’ve gouged the public for years.” [01:23:10]

Transgender Procedures Bill Segment: [22:05]

• Brian Glenn:
  • Explains differences between Trump’s executive order (total ban) and Chip Roy’s amendment (ban only in federally funded facilities), heavily criticizing Roy’s “watering down.”
  • Quote:
    “If this thing passes [with Roy’s amendment], you’re basically saying the president’s order to protect kids… doesn’t matter.” [25:15]

Georgia / Fani Willis Segment: [27:25]

• Live Update: Georgia DA Fani Willis is forced to testify before state senate over misconduct allegations in the Trump election case. GOP guest Colt Moore pledges to seek accountability.
  • Quote (Colt Moore):
    “Fani Willis finally going to be at the hot seat... Only way to get that good news clip is to hold Fani Willis accountable. The stars are aligned.” [28:42]

California Prop 50 & Redistricting Segment: [01:47:12]

• DOJ Accusations: DOJ says California Democrats withheld documents, prioritized race in redrawing districts (potential racial gerrymandering).
  • Quote (Kate Monroe): “They weaponize [race] here in California, and I think it’s a sad state of affairs… you get what you get when you act so nasty.” [01:47:45]

5. National & International Headlines

Bondi Beach Terror Attack & Antisemitism in Australia
Segment starts: [01:13:25], [01:46:30]

• Israeli PM Netanyahu accuses Australia’s PM of fueling antisemitism after a deadly attack.
  • Rabbi Jason Sobel:
    “It’s one thing to say you support a Palestinian state. But when you call for the death of Jews, that is antisemitism. Sadly, that narrative has gone global.” [01:15:11]
  • Hanukkah Symbolism:
    “Hanukkah is a declaration that the light will not overcome the darkness… We need to be the light and not live in fear.” [01:14:45]

Hollywood Tragedy: Rob Reiner Family
Segment starts: [46:39]

• Dr. Carol Lieberman (psychiatrist) examines psychology of the Reiner family tragedy.
  • Discusses “oedipal complex,” tough love, and the role of family rivalries in tragedies.
  • Touches on “Trump Derangement Syndrome” influencing family dynamics—connects broader accusations of polarization.

6. Additional Memorable Segments

Sen. Chris Murphy Blames Trump for Gun Violence
Segment starts: [56:17]

• Murphy argues Trump has “deliberately tried to make violence more likely in this country.”
  • Hosts react with disbelief, inviting audience comments.

Everyday Patriotism & Inspirational Stories
Segment starts: [02:13:15]

• Story of Navy vet Tim, who overcame homelessness/addiction to gain custody of his daughter thanks to a “tiny home.” Now works as a drug counselor, offering hope for second chances.

Audience Engagement:

• Repeated encouragements for viewers to weigh in via YouTube, Rumble, Gettr on all hot topics.
• Light moments between hosts (debates over Christmas music, “dad jokes,” and holiday traditions).

Productivity and Sleep Segment: [02:08:00]

• Interview with Mark Werner (Ghostbed.com) giving the story of a multi-generational American company, touching on entrepreneurship, quality, and American-made values.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Gina, on the public mood:
  “Americans aren’t feeling [Trump’s] economic changes in their wallets. … She said what seems unfair is that all the people who didn’t vote for him get those tax policies too. Yeah, that’s how it works.” [10:34]
• Brian Glenn on press access:
  “Why these long-format interviews with outlets they call ‘fake news’? … I just wish Susie Wiles sat down with Real America’s Voice.” [19:10]
• JD Vance on Susie Wiles:
  “She is who she is in the president’s presence… never seen her subvert him. That’s what you want in a staffer.” [17:42]
• Jake Novak, on Trump’s market savvy:
  “He knew the economy could take it. … Oil’s at a four-year low so if prices go up 1%, it’s a hit we can take at the pump. … He times it with market realities in mind.” [01:25:24]
• Kate Monroe on Democratic politics in CA:
  “Only this man [Newsom] would pick up someone else’s trash and try to gold-plate it… He’s not fixing California, he’s just trying to be a ‘little p’ president.” [01:48:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Topic / Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | President Trump’s Venezuela Announcement & Foreign Policy | 07:10, 08:45, 20:20, 30:45, 01:03:38, 01:10:50, 01:32:15 | | Trump’s Oval Office Address (Affordability Focus) | 10:55, 11:25, 24:45, 01:14:02, 01:31:22 | | Vanity Fair/Susie Wiles Fallout | 16:14, 17:25, 18:50, 19:10, 01:37:50, 01:39:15 | | Congressional Transgender Care, Healthcare Votes | 22:05, 23:17, 25:15, 01:07:54, 01:36:12 | | Georgia DA Fani Willis Testimony | 27:25, 28:42 | | California Redistricting & Prop 50 | 01:47:12, 01:47:45 | | Bondi Beach Attack/Antisemitism/Israel | 01:13:25, 01:14:45, 01:15:11, 01:46:30 | | Hollywood Tragedy/Psychology with Dr. Lieberman | 46:39 | | Chris Murphy Accuses Trump of Fueling Gun Violence | 56:17 | | Economic Updates (Healthcare stocks, Tesla, Oil) | 01:23:10, 01:25:24 | | Inspirational Story: Navy vet’s Tiny Home | 02:13:15 | | GhostBed: American Entrepreneurship | 02:08:00 |

Tone and Language

The tone throughout is fast-paced, conversational, direct, and unapologetically conservative. There is a clear “us vs. them” dynamic with regard to legacy media and Democratic politicians. Commentary is often laced with humor, informal banter, and pointed personal stories. Experts, correspondents, and guest analysts are woven in for varied insight, but the hosts consistently anchor the show in themes of American values, faith, and pragmatic action.

Summary

If you missed this episode, you missed a vivid snapshot of the current conservative perspective on major U.S. and global events: a White House loudly reasserting its narrative on foreign danger and economic struggle; partisan media clashes; deep divides over medical and social issues; state-level political and legal conflicts; and ongoing concern for American tradition, faith, and resilience. The panel’s critique is sharp, the information dense, and the tone irrepressibly patriotic.

For more Real America’s Voice, subscribe and never miss an episode.