American Sunrise – December 22, 2025

Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of American Sunrise dives into the latest headlines affecting American politics and culture, emphasizing themes of transparency, American values, and the “America First” movement. The hosts report on controversies surrounding the missing Jeffrey Epstein files, escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions, prescription drug price reductions, education policy changes, culture war flashpoints like the Kennedy Center renaming, and notable events from the recent Turning Point USA AM Fest.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AM Fest 2025 – A MAGA Coalition and Unusual Endorsements

Segment Start: 05:45

• Recap: The hosts discuss highlights from TPUSA's recent AM Fest—the first without Charlie Kirk, featuring a surprise appearance by Nicki Minaj and speeches from Vice President J.D. Vance, who called for unity across lines of class, race, and ideology.
• Notable Quote (J.D. Vance, via clip):

  "President Trump did not build the greatest coalition in politics by running his supporters through endless self-defeating purity tests. He says Make America Great Again because every American is invited." (07:22)

• Panel Reaction:
  • Dr. Gina notes the event’s focus on contentious issues up front and the “unprecedented” early endorsement of J.D. Vance for president three years ahead.
  • David Brody raises concerns about the boundaries of the “big tent”:

    "Is every American welcome? ... If you are a guy that’s preaching antisemitic hate, are you welcome in the Republican Party?" (08:20)

  • Terrence Bates suggests the early endorsement gives TPUSA leverage but may make Vance a bigger target.
• Takeaway: Internal debates continue within MAGA circles about inclusivity versus ideological boundaries.

2. Epstein Files Disappear—Transparency and Double Standards

Segment Start: 17:48

• Background: A group of Jeffrey Epstein-related files disappeared from the DOJ website after their court-mandated release, prompting public concern and political speculation, particularly regarding photos with public figures.
• Official Response: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch:

  "The absurdity of us pulling down a photo, a single photo, because President Trump was in it is laughable..." (18:55)

• Interview: PA State Senator Doug Mastriano:
  • Both Dr. Gina and Mastriano argue that guilt by association is unfair and bemoan double standards:

    "You know, I have a picture with somebody and they’ll point out this guy, you know, was convicted of X, Y, and Z. I can’t have the Pennsylvania State Police vet everybody who does a picture with me. It’s so frustrating." – Doug Mastriano (21:22)

  • Emphasizes that Trump himself signed the law requiring release of Epstein files.
• David Brody and panel: Stress the need for full transparency but warn against weaponizing associations for political purposes.

3. U.S. Policy and Escalations in Venezuela

Segment Start: 28:55

• Reporting: The U.S. Coast Guard pursued a third oil tanker believed to be part of Venezuela’s “dark fleet,” as the Trump administration steps up sanctions and enforcement against the Maduro regime, citing links to drug trafficking and regime circumvention of U.S. law.
• Doug Mastriano: Strongly supports these moves as part of “America First,” citing the impact of Venezuelan and Chinese-backed drug trafficking on U.S. deaths.

  "The Venezuelan regime is waging a covert war against America and Donald Trump is protecting American lives. So I’m on board 100%." (25:15)

• Oscar L. Blue Ramirez, reporting from the Venezuela-Colombia border:
  • Venezuelan National Guard forces have intensified security; public sentiment reportedly favors regime change.

  "The majority of them, almost to 100%, ... agree with the Trump administration. They agree on a regime change." (43:55)

• Panel Debate: Is regime change in Venezuela an “America First” priority, or does it risk mission creep?

4. Prescription Drug Prices—Trump Administration Policy

Segment Start: 53:35

• The administration secured agreements for U.S. prescription drug prices to match international rates.
• Jake Novak (finance correspondent):

  "They’re selling some things at major discounts, but they might double or triple the amount of people who are buying their products." (1:25:20)

• A new government website is expected to help Americans find lower-priced medication in the coming year.
• Panel: Sees this as a win for consumers and evidence of policy pressure on big pharma.

5. Federal Education Policy—Calls to Abolish the DOE

Segment Start: 58:55

• Secretary Linda McMahon promoted states’ rights in education. Alvin Lui of Courage is a Habit discussed the Trump administration’s move to dismantle the Department of Education.
• Lui argues abolition is constitutional and necessary:

  "Education cannot be a political football. So it’s absolutely unconstitutional." (1:02:51)

• The panel agreed that centralization has negatively impacted educational outcomes and encouraged parents to stay vigilant locally.

6. Kennedy Center Renamed after Trump—Culture War Flashpoint

Segment Start: 1:05:35

• The renaming of the Kennedy Center causes protests; Senator Chris Van Hollen (D) calls it a “desecration,” while RNC appointee Rick Grenell argues Congressional approval is not needed for certain changes.
• Host Commentary: Dr. Gina:

  "President Kennedy would be proud to share his name with President Trump... after how the Democrats desecrated [the center] and stepped on everything beautiful about tradition and culture." (1:07:59)

• David Brody notes precedent (FDR Library).

7. Faith Feature: The Jewish Story of Christmas

Segment Start: 1:14:02

• Rabbi Jason Sobel, author of “Transformed by the Messiah,” discusses connections between Jewish prophecy and Christmas.

  "Believing in Jesus in the New Testament is very Jewish. It’s the most Jewish thing to do, actually." (1:15:15)

8. Exclusive Reporting on Missing Epstein Files

Segment Start: 1:18:25

• Bobby Charles, former Assistant Deputy Secretary of State, underscores the “public right to know” and criticizes the DOJ’s handling:

  "Every single document should be released. It should have been preloaded... 90% of everything is preparation, and there’s obviously been unforced errors here in the release." (1:21:45)

9. Federal Climate Research—Trump Shuts Down NCAR

Segment Start: 1:27:55

• The administration moves to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research, calling it a source of “climate alarmism.”
• Colorado leaders object, but the panel frames it as a fight over federal spending and ideological priorities.
• Dr. Gina:

  "It’s hard to count all the little things that the Trump administration is changing like this. And yes, they can bring them back in ... but it’ll be a lot of trouble." (1:28:56)

10. Midterms & GOP Momentum

Segment Start: 1:36:19

• New polls show Democrats losing their midterm lead; Republicans are gaining as Bidenflation eases.
• Steve Gruber:

  "I paid less than $2.50 for gas over the weekend… That’s a big deal... There’s a positive surge for Republicans across the board." (1:37:38)

11. Uplifting Closing: Cancer Survivor Santa Gives Back

Segment Start: 1:54:12

• Georgia’s Jonathan Bird, a pancreatic cancer survivor, returns dressed as Santa to the hospital that saved him, spreading hope for the holidays.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the “Big Tent” (J.D. Vance):

  "If you love America, if you want all of us to be richer, stronger, safer, and prouder, you have a home on this team." (07:55)

• On Double Standards (Doug Mastriano):

  "You guys are a bunch of hypocrites. You’re a bunch of liars. And just back off." (21:43)

• On Missing Epstein Files (Bobby Charles):

  "One of the most powerful forces in American politics is the public right to know." (1:19:10)

• On Education & Federal Overreach (Alvin Lui):

  "The Department of Education... is just a money making scheme. All it does is fill these... useless positions, the bureaucracy, and it has nothing to do with education." (1:02:03)

• On the Kennedy Center Naming (Dr. Gina):

  "President Kennedy would be proud to share his name with President Trump of that building, after how the Democrats desecrated it." (1:07:59)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• AM Fest Recap, J.D. Vance Speech: 05:45 – 12:00
• Epstein Files Disappearance & Mastriano Interview: 17:48 – 27:45
• Venezuela Oil Tankers and Border Security: 28:55 – 48:00
• Drug Pricing Policy: 53:35 – 56:50, 1:25:20 – 1:27:10 (market/finance analysis)
• DOE Dismantling & School Indoctrination: 58:55 – 1:03:25
• Kennedy Center Renaming Debate: 1:05:35 – 1:10:52
• Religious Segment with Rabbi Jason Sobel: 1:14:02 – 1:16:29
• Epstein Files – Legal and Transparency Issues: 1:18:25 – 1:23:05
• Climate Agency Shutdown: 1:27:55 – 1:30:45
• Midterm Polling & GOP Optimism: 1:36:19 – 1:41:56
• Uplifting Santa Story: 1:54:12 – 1:56:22

Tone & Style

The episode is conversational, assertive, and thoroughly aligned with MAGA and “America First” sensibilities. There’s a recurring motif of double standards and hypocrisy by political opponents, plus appeals to patriotism, traditional values, and skepticism of centralized authority—both in government and mainstream media. The hosts frequently express camaraderie, holiday cheer, and positive news about recent “wins” for conservative priorities.