American Sunrise Early Edition – December 12th, 2025

Podcast: Real America’s Voice (iHeartPodcasts)
Host: Jake Novak
Notable Guests: Dr. James Nezzo (Legal and Political Contributor), Emily Finn (Journalist), Mike Britton (Artillery Tea Co.), Anne Leibish (Tech Expert), David Brody (Commentator)
Release Date: December 12, 2025

Overview

This episode of American Sunrise Early Edition dives into breaking political news, foreign policy shifts under the Trump administration, legal and judicial controversies, media ethics and AI, cultural observations, and market trends—all framed through a distinctly conservative, pro-American lens. Host Jake Novak and his guests analyze recent events, critique liberal politicians and judges, discuss the complexities of US foreign relations, and touch on everything from tariffs and the EV market to media consolidation and even the “heartwarming” moments in contemporary advertising.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking Political News

The Tumultuous Senate Obamacare Vote

• [03:32, 37:54] Both major Obamacare bills—one from each party—were voted down, leaving millions in limbo and setting the stage for contentious midterms.
• Quote:

  “The sound and the fury signifying nothing. The Senate votes down both the Obamacare extension bill from the Democrats and the Republican Obamacare replacement bill. Now everything remains in limbo for millions of Americans...”
  — Jake Novak [03:32, 37:54]

Charlie Kirk Case & Judicial Transparency

• [03:49, 07:04] Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, appears in court, yet proceedings remain highly secretive, fueling frustration over transparency.

Presidential Pardons & State vs. Federal Authority

• [05:05, 37:54] President Trump pardons Tina Peters (Colorado election controversy), although the move may not free her immediately due to state charges.

2. Foreign Policy: Monroe Doctrine Redux

The US Targets Venezuela and Colombia

• [04:35–07:04] Jake Novak frames the administration’s pivot toward direct interventions in the Americas—via oil tanker seizures and sanctions against Venezuelan leadership—as a return to the Monroe Doctrine.

• Dr. Nezzo’s Analysis: The National Security Doctrine signals a strategic reorientation away from Europe toward America’s southern sphere.

• Quote:

  “To me, this is textbook stuff... this is our own sphere of influence, ever since, you know, basically delineated by James Monroe, President Monroe. And I think this is something the actual... American people, for the most part, really support.”
  — Jake Novak [05:21]

  “The pivot away from Europe... We've pivoted back to a Monroe notion... These two narco states, as [Trump] calls them, are on the hit list, and he is going after them with kinetic force.”
  — Dr. James Nezzo [05:45]

3. Judicial System and Public Safety Critique

Kilmer Abrego Garcia’s Release

• [07:04–10:17] Discussion centers on controversial judicial leniency, particularly for Kilmer Abrego Garcia, described unambiguously as an illegal alien with a violent record.

• Judges’ inability to be held accountable is sharply criticized—calls for criminal procedure reform.

• Quote:

  “Only in the liberal leftist America now can an illegal alien... be celebrated as a hero.”
  — Jake Novak [07:04]

  “It is horribly Hobbesian. There is a young woman who is dead from North Carolina. There are a number of people in Illinois who have died because... we don't have room in our prisons for people, so we're just going to toss these out.”
  — Dr. James Nezzo [07:55]

4. Criticism of the Judiciary

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

• [10:17–12:45] The episode disparages Justice Jackson’s qualifications and independence, drawing historic parallels to past criticized judicial appointments.

• Quote:

  “She again embarrassed herself... saying from the bench in a Supreme Court hearing that she’s happy to say unelected bureaucrats should be running this country with no accountability.”
  — Jake Novak [10:31]

  “Why can't the mediocre also be represented on the Supreme Court? He didn’t get it with Carswell. He has got it with Jackson. She is thoroughly mediocre.”
  — Dr. James Nezzo [11:08]

5. Asia-Pacific Geopolitics

New Japanese Prime Minister

• [12:45–15:00] Dr. Nezzo highlights the empowering leadership of Japan’s new female prime minister amid escalating Chinese hostility, and credits US support.

• Quote:

  “This is a woman who has completely transformed Japanese politics... Before, approval ratings were in the low 30s, now it’s 75.8%.”
  — Dr. James Nezzo [13:21]

  “Thank you, General Douglas MacArthur... he insisted that the Japanese give women the right to vote. He knew that they would break up eventually the old boys club in Japan. And this is Prime Minister Takechi doing that.”
  — Jake Novak [15:00]

6. Immigration Policies & Ilhan Omar Allegations

Renewed Claims of Marriage Fraud

• [17:34–21:23] With alleged new evidence, Jake and Emily Finn assert that Congresswoman Ilhan Omar committed immigration fraud—framing this as a lack of mainstream media accountability.

• Quote:

  “The more the mainstream media insists the story isn't true, the more likely it seems to be true... looks like she did [marry her brother], and a Somali community leader says he has the evidence.”
  — Jake Novak [17:34]

  “Ilhan Omar is a literal fraud... there needs to be consequences for this.”
  — Emily Finn [19:27]

7. Markets & Economy

Positive Economic Indicators

• [24:10–27:31] Novak celebrates traditional industries rebounding, interpreting a tech sell-off (AI stocks) as investor confidence in the broader economy and manufacturing due to tariffs and regulatory shifts.

• Quote:

  “Yesterday’s stock market action was very positive for the economy. That means that they believe that AI is a little overpriced, but... I'm going to put [my money] into something more traditional...”
  — Jake Novak [25:45]

8. Tariffs, EVs, and International Trade

Mexico Imposes Tariffs on Chinese Cars

• [28:08–30:55] Mexico’s new 50% tariffs on Chinese EV imports are explored as validation of US protectionism. Meanwhile, the US considers a tax on EV road use, framed as a “war on the poor.”

• Quote:

  “Mexico is now slapping 50% tariffs on Chinese autos. And here's why: China’s selling low-cost electric cars... and Mexico’s saying, 'nope.'”
  — Jake Novak [28:37]

9. Media, AI, and Copyright Law

New York Times v. Perplexity AI Lawsuit

• [37:54–42:19] The episode pivots to the legal implications of large AI models scraping and reproducing journalistic content verbatim, with the host unusually siding with The New York Times.

• Quote:

  “To me, this is a no brainer. You ask AI certain questions... and they give you this information word-for-word... that's just blatant plagiarism.”
  — Jake Novak [39:00]

  “It may be complicated technology, but it's very straightforward copyright law—these AI programs are violating the exclusive rights of the copyright holder.”
  — Anne Leibish [40:45]

10. Corporate Media Mergers & Antitrust Law

Bidding War for Warner Bros. Discovery

• [43:49–46:54] A lively discussion about Paramount, Netflix, and Skydance battling to acquire Warner Bros., and the likely prolonged antitrust review.

• Quote:

  “Maybe the winner will be the loser... Maybe a huge conglomerate... actually won’t be a good thing.”
  — Jake Novak [43:49]

  “We're going to have a lot of antitrust questions and a big review by the Federal Trade Commission as to whether or not this full merger can take place, regardless of whoever ultimately wins the bidding war.”
  — Anne Leibish [44:49]

11. Cultural Segment: Advertising & Family Values

The Heart of Progressive Insurance’s “Dr. Rick” Ads

• [49:02–53:14] The episode closes with an unexpectedly heartfelt reflection on how “becoming your parents” is portrayed in contemporary advertising, arguing these quirks reflect positive, outgoing values.

• Quote:

  “We should be so lucky if our parents are the kinds of people who were friendly to strangers, offered a little advice... That should be our biggest sin.”
  — Jake Novak [50:48]

  “Reality and humor always work, right?... this hits both insurance groups, if you will. Even the ‘Where’s the Beef’ woman—she became a national sensation... you learn things from your elders, even their funny behavior.”
  — David Brody [51:02, 52:16]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Only in the liberal leftist America now can an illegal alien... be celebrated as a hero.”
  — Jake Novak [07:04]

• “There are people who have been planted in the ground because of decisions made by the judge.”
  — Dr. James Nezzo [07:55]

• “She [Justice Jackson] is thoroughly mediocre... that's not happening anymore. She speaks, eyes visibly roll on the bench.”
  — Dr. James Nezzo [11:08]

• “The more the mainstream media insists the story isn't true, the more likely it seems to be true...”
  — Jake Novak [17:34]

• “You know, this isn't just brewing up a cup of tea anymore. You're like the potions master at Hogwarts.”
  — Jake Novak [33:23]

• “It may be complicated technology, but it's very straightforward copyright law—these AI programs are violating the exclusive rights of the copyright holder.”
  — Anne Leibish [40:45]

• “We should be so lucky if our parents are the kinds of people who were friendly... That should be our biggest sin.”
  — Jake Novak [50:48]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:32 / 37:54 – Obamacare bills voted down; setting up midterms
• 04:35–07:04 – Monroe Doctrine, US foreign policy pivot
• 07:04–10:17 – Judicial leniency & criminal procedure
• 10:17–12:45 – Justice Jackson criticism
• 12:45–15:00 – Japan’s new PM & US-Japan relations
• 17:34–21:23 – Ilhan Omar marriage fraud story
• 24:10–27:31 – Market analysis, economy, tariffs
• 28:08–30:55 – Mexico hits Chinese EVs with tariffs
• 37:54–42:19 – AI copyright law: NYT v. Perplexity
• 43:49–46:54 – Warner Bros. merger & antitrust law
• 49:02–53:14 – Progressive Insurance ads & family values

Memorable Moments

• Colorful metaphors: The running joke, “the worm at the bottom of the tequila glass has turned,” and light sarcastic jabs at liberal politics, media, and California’s taxes add a distinctive tone.
• Pop culture touches: Extended Harry Potter references, “Where’s the Beef,” and reflections on advertising icons.

Conclusion

This episode is packed with critical conservative analysis, spirited (often acerbic) commentary on legal, political, and cultural issues, and an undercurrent of nostalgia for American values. Notable moments include the pivots in US foreign policy, sharp critiques of the judiciary, a pointed discussion on media and AI copyright, and an unusually sentimental segment on the virtues suggested by “dad-like” quirks in advertising.
For listeners seeking a fast-paced, combative, and occasionally heartwarming overview of breaking news from the Real America's Voice viewpoint, this episode delivers.