Real America’s Voice: American Sunrise Early Edition

Episode Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Brian Glenn
Guests: Brandon Weikart, Tracy Anthony, Seth Denson, Chris Salcedo, Tom Simon, Terrence Bates, Kevin Bosovic, David Brody

Episode Overview

This episode of American Sunrise Early Edition focuses on major U.S. and global news events with an "America First" perspective. The main themes include escalating U.S. military tensions with Iran, a new U.S.-Japan trade deal, domestic politics and election strategy, a high-profile criminal investigation, financial advice for homeowners, and commentary on current public debates including immigration enforcement and recent mass shootings. The hosts and guests deliver in-depth analysis, breaking down each story and providing opinions aligned with conservative American values.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Buildup in the Middle East

Timestamp: 07:17 – 14:44

• Background: Two U.S. carrier strike groups, including the USS Gerald Ford, have been positioned in the Mediterranean, marking the largest U.S. military presence in the region in over 20 years.
• Analysis:
  • Brandon Weikart (Geopolitical Analyst): “You always have to follow the military movements more than the diplomatic Jaw, Jaw. … They want to neuter the Iranian threat and they think that negotiations probably won’t work. … It’s now there, they're ready to roll, and I think Trump’s going to throw the dice very soon.” (08:03)
  • Concern for U.S. sailors and equipment: “We look at Iran and we think, oh, it’s a paper tiger. But as I said before, it’s a paper tiger with steel claws. … They do have specific capabilities like these anti-ship ballistic missiles that are specifically designed with help from China and Russia … If we have one of those carriers damaged or destroyed, we’re not replacing it and we’re already down a carrier because the Nimitz is being decommissioned.” (09:22)
  • Risk of escalation and potential impact on the U.S. presidency and midterm elections.
• Prediction:
  • Weikart: “I think Israel's going to strike first, like in the twelve Day War. It’s going to be coordinated, though. … And in that time, you will have the Iranians retaliate with those thousands of missiles, both at our ships, our bases, and Israel.” (11:14)
• Public Sentiment:
  • Brian Glenn: “He could walk all over any small town American, ask the Americans what is concerning to you and … They are not saying attacking Iran. They're just not.” (13:26)
  • Both agree military action in Iran is not an 'America First' priority for the people.

2. Weather and National Emergency Updates

Timestamp: 04:19 – 07:12

• Weather Report by Tracy Anthony:
  • Heavy mountain snow (California received over three feet), avalanche alerts, missing skiers.
  • Fire outbreak in Oklahoma: “The Ranger Road fire has burned over 145,000 acres just in a day. … Four firefighters were injured.” (05:08)
  • Flooding in California due to excessive rain, dust storms in Colorado causing highway crashes.
• Safety Emphasis:
  • Weather events are causing major disruption and present ongoing challenges for the west and central U.S.

3. Major Economic News – U.S.-Japan Trade Deal

Timestamp: 16:50 – 21:56

• Announcement: President Trump has secured a $550 billion trade deal with Japan, including large investments in U.S. energy, manufacturing, and critical minerals.
• Seth Denson (Business Analyst):
  • “This deal fortifies our manufacturing capabilities, specific in oil and gas and other manufacturing structures across the U.S. … this will have real material impact, not just in the markets, but at the dining room table, because that’s jobs.” (18:35)
  • The initial phase is $36 billion, ramping up to half a trillion dollars over time.
• Market Analysis:
  • Geopolitical tension affects markets: “There is a war machine of industry that tends to see a boost … not to say that's a reason why sometimes we see escalation but there are beneficiaries.” (20:16)
  • Skepticism about reliable jobs data, calls for improved Bureau of Labor and Statistics leadership.

4. Domestic Politics & Election Strategy

Timestamp: 25:28 – 31:16

• Democrats' "Moderate" Strategy: The show claims Democrats present themselves as moderates (e.g., Virginia's Gov. Spanberger) but implement progressive policies.
  • Chris Salcedo: “It’s all a lie. … The Democrats are not moderate. The Democrats are leftists and Marxists. They will remain leftists and Marxists. Spanberger proves it. They all prove it. Once they get power, they impose their will on the American people and the rule of law be damned.” (27:16)
• Discussion of Potential 2028 Democratic Candidates:
  • Kamala Harris, AOC, Pete Buttigieg, and Gavin Newsom described as “anti-American” and weak.
  • “Our side … we’ve got some pro-American, pro-Constitution individuals … most common sense Americans look at [the Dems] and go, man, you guys are weak.” (29:40)
• Book Recommendation: Chris Salcedo plugs his book, The Rise of the Liberty Loving Latino, as chronicling a pro-Trump political revolution among Latinos.

5. Home Title Fraud & Financial Crime

Timestamp: 31:16 – 35:28

• Growing Threat:
  • Former FBI agent Tom Simon: “There’s nobody watching the store at the county clerk’s office. Their job is to just record it. … The criminal process does not restore ownership of the home back to the landlords. They need to go through the expensive civil process to make that happen. Unless they have a product like Home Title Lock.” (32:37)
  • Seniors and homeowners with equity are at particular risk. “For most Americans, your single largest asset is the equity in your home… All it takes is for someone to file some documents at your county clerk’s office.” (34:08)
• Prevention Advice:
  • Homeowners can protect themselves with monitoring services like Home Title Lock and should stay vigilant.

6. National and Local Crime News Updates

Timestamp: 38:16 – 47:05

• Minneapolis ICE Incident:
  • “ICE agents beat a man so severely that he landed in a Minneapolis intensive care unit … The Mexican national … claims agents pulled him out of his car, threw him to the ground, then repeatedly hit him in the head with the steel baton…” (38:16)
  • Disputed narratives between ICE and witnesses; ongoing investigations.
  • Debate on tactic vs. visibility: “If it was out of sight, out of mind, you weren't seeing people getting pulled out of cars, … would anyone care? Or is it when you see it front and center … that's what's off putting.” (42:41)
• Immigration Polling:
  • President Trump’s support on immigration is declining among both men and women.
  • Brian Glenn: “I think the majority of Americans like the fact that criminals are being removed off our streets. … They just don’t like the technique sometimes.” (42:06)
• Colorado’s Massive Dust Storm Crash:
  • Brownout caused by high winds leads to a 30+ vehicle crash and four deaths, with wry commentary about goats in a crashed trailer.
  • Weather-related accidents are on the rise (ties back to earlier weather segment).

7. Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Investigation

Timestamp: 47:05 – 50:02

• Development: No DNA matches from gloves found at the scene; family members cleared as suspects.
• Kevin Bosovic (Correspondent, live from Tucson):
  • “Main one, Brian, is that there's no proof of life. We don’t know anything about Nancy’s whereabouts, how she’s doing, and the FBI is offering a hundred thousand dollar reward now.” (47:05)
  • Complications due to jurisdiction and advanced search technologies (pacemaker tracker, etc.), yet "so much red tape."
  • Ongoing coverage promised (“updates from Kevin Pasovic there on the ground in Tucson”).
• Notable Quotes:
  • "This is about … the land of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. You would think that you got some guys manning up here and just getting the job done, but there’s so much red tape." — Kevin Bosovic (48:50)

8. Mass Shooting in Rhode Island & Transgender Suspects

Timestamp: 52:31 – 54:30

• Incident Report: High school hockey game shooting in Rhode Island by a father targeting family members, noted as a “trans community” incident.
• Commentary:
  • David Brody: “It does seem like a trend, for sure. … Let’s call it for what it is, Brian. It’s a mental illness. But here’s the thing. You know, the minute we say mental illness, especially as a conservative, everybody thinks we’re not compassionate. It’s exactly the opposite. … I’m here to say he needs help, and that’s the most compassionate thing you can do.” (52:31)
• Critique of Media Coverage:
  • Criticism of outlets like the New York Times for how they report names and identities of suspects in trans-related cases.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On military action against Iran:
  “It's not America First. … We just don’t think it’s our responsibility to handle any of this.” – Brian Glenn (13:42)

• On the state of U.S. manufacturing:
  “We effectively built China based on [offshoring]. … This is a big deal. … when you reinforce manufacturing jobs, those are middle class, higher wage jobs.” – Seth Denson (18:35)

• On home title fraud:
  “Senior citizens are probably the most vulnerable victims to this thing.” – Tom Simon (34:08)

• On the Democrats' moderate messaging:
  “The Democrats are not moderate. … Once they get power, they impose their will on the American people and the rule of law be damned.” – Chris Salcedo (27:16)

• On current ICE controversy:
  “I’m pro ICE, I’m pro getting these illegal criminals off the street, but … you cannot beat people over the head with the steel baton.” – Brian Glenn (40:04)

• On mass shootings by transgender individuals:
  “Let’s call it for what it is … It’s a mental illness. … I’m here to say he needs help, and that’s the most compassionate thing you can do.” – David Brody (52:56)

Timestamps & Key Segments

• Major Middle East Military Buildup – 07:17–14:44
• Severe Weather and Wildfires Update – 04:19–07:12
• Japan-U.S. Trade Agreement Deep Dive – 16:50–21:56
• Election Tactics & Democrat “Moderate” Messaging – 25:28–31:16
• Home Title Fraud Interview – 31:16–35:28
• Crime & Immigration Enforcement Stories – 38:16–47:05
• Update on Nancy Guthrie Case – 47:05–50:02
• Commentary on Recent Mass Shooting – 52:31–54:30

Tone & Style

• Direct, conversational, and opinionated, often colored by skepticism toward mainstream media and left-leaning politicians.
• "America First" perspective with a focus on national security, economic self-sufficiency, and skepticism toward overseas military ventures.
• Emphasis on individual preparedness (economic and security) and distrust of government institutions or bureaucracy.
• Urgency and empathy when discussing crime and tragedy, but with critique for procedural delays or perceived political correctness.
• Blunt language and cultural references (e.g., references to Wyatt Earp and “compliance to survive” in law enforcement situations).

Summary for New Listeners

This episode delivers a broad overview of current events vital to the conservative audience: military tensions, the economy, domestic political strategy, high-profile crime, and issues in law enforcement. Regular listeners will find pointed analysis framed around "America First" priorities, critiques of the Biden administration’s legacy, and ongoing skepticism of Democratic messaging. Guests provide detailed insights and real-world anecdotes to illustrate risks (financial, criminal, security), and the show regularly pivots to practical advice (from weather safety to home title protection).

Listeners will gain an understanding of:

• Why military escalation with Iran is likely but not necessarily in the public’s best interest.
• The economic significance of major trade deals and manufacturing jobs.
• The political implications of how candidates and parties present themselves.
• The real risks of property-related crime and how to safeguard against them.
• Evolving public sentiment on law enforcement tactics and immigration.
• The latest in major criminal investigations and their impact on communities.

Additional Notes

• The episode weaves live coverage, analysis, and practical info in a rapid, dynamic format.
• Ad breaks and sponsor segments are not summarized in this outline.
• For more in-depth segment breakdowns, see the timestamps above.
• The hosts frequently encourage interaction via social platforms, fostering a sense of realtime community among viewers.