Real America’s Voice: American Sunrise Early Edition

Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Jake Novak
Contributors: Walter Kurt, Emily Finn, Pastor Donald Eason
Episode Theme: The National Aftermath of Charlie Kirk's Assassination, Political Violence, Virginia Politics, U.S. and World News Updates

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and its aftermath, discussing its impact on conservative activism, the escalation of political violence in the U.S., media bias, and broader implications for American unity and values. The program also covers key political developments, international news, economic updates, and features thoughtful commentary from special guests.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Developments in the Charlie Kirk Case

• Formal Charges & Arraignment:

  • Suspect Tyler Robinson faces charges and a video arraignment later in the day ([04:00]).
  • Ongoing investigations into possible co-conspirators and an unconfirmed online confession.
  • The event is perceived as a national trauma, sparking both grief and mobilization within conservative circles.

• Impact and National Response:

  • Walter Kurt describes the event as a turning point:

    "It was seen as a national trauma and it felt as national trauma...I am seeing...all of these new Turning Point USA chapters that are opening everywhere. It's beautiful. I think we're going to see a massive revival in this country and a shift to the right as a result." ([04:07])

  • Jake Novak emphasizes engagement, especially with uninvolved or younger Americans ([05:17]).

2. Political Smears, Media Coverage, and Virginia’s Governor Race

• Spanberger's Defamation Case:

  • Virginia Democratic Governor nominee Abigail Spanberger is embroiled in an unreported defamation suit against a U.S. veteran ([06:37]).
  • Walter Kurt, one of the only journalists covering the story, highlights the media's failure:

    "It’s shocking to me that no one wants to talk about the fact that Abigail Spanberger's entire campaign is in this defamation suit." ([06:37])

• Link to Political Violence:

  • Jake Novak draws a direct line between defamatory rhetoric, media negligence, and increased violence against conservatives:

    "It’s the defamation, it’s the smearing of conservatives of all stripes, no matter who they are, by the left that is fueling this violence. There’s just no denying that." ([07:49])

  • Discussion on conservatives being unjustly branded as extremists, leading to real safety concerns ([08:44]).

• Media Bias:

  • Kurt and Novak agree that a willful lack of coverage shields Democratic politicians from scrutiny and accountability ([12:36]).
  • Kurt concludes,

    "The news media...has to die because they are the enemy of the people and have no interest in covering the stories that actually matter." ([14:11])

3. Emotional Reflections on Charlie Kirk’s Legacy

• Vice President J.D. Vance’s Appearance:
  • J.D. Vance, guest hosting The Charlie Kirk Show, offers a moving tribute, particularly during his interview with Stephen Miller:

    "He was so damn excited...It was such a thrill for me to get to spend a few months of my life...I just love the man so much." ([19:05])

  • Emily Finn highlights a segment where Kirk’s character and positive influence as a husband and person are discussed, prompting listeners to self-reflect and seek personal and spiritual improvement ([19:21]).

4. Breaking News: Israel’s Move into Gaza and U.S.-China TikTok Deal

• Israel Advances Into Gaza City:

  • Live updates detail Israel’s intensified military action, including technology used to minimize casualties ([17:03]).

• TikTok Ownership Framework:

  • U.S. and China agree on a framework for American ownership of TikTok ([02:23], [24:36]).
  • Jake Novak questions if American ownership will address safety or content concerns, given persistent issues even with U.S.-owned social media ([24:36]).

5. Economic News: Gold, Oil, Federal Reserve Drama

• Market Updates:
  • Gold reaches a historic high above $3,700/oz ([24:36]).
  • Tensions discussed at the Federal Reserve, as Lisa Cook’s contested position overlaps with Trump-appointed Stephen Myron’s Senate confirmation, leading to uncertainty at the FOMC meeting ([24:36]).

6. Automotive, Tech, and Environmental Policy

• Dodge Hellcat Ban in 17 States:
  • California emissions rules extend to numerous states, affecting car sales and manufacturing viability ([24:36]).
• Amazon Zoox Ride-Hailing Service Launches:
  • Debut in Las Vegas; likened to the reintroduction of trolleys ([24:36]).
• California’s EV Policy Reversal:
  • Ending HOV lane access for electric vehicles unless carpooling ([24:36]).

7. Faith, Violence, and American Unity

• Pastor Donald Eason’s Perspective:

  • Stresses prayer and faith in response to tragedy, encourages personal and national renewal ([38:55]).
  • Compares Kirk's assassination to the 1960s political violence and asserts the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
  • Emphasizes the deeper battle between good and evil:

    “We might be on the political left or the political right, but the real war is good and evil. And we saw that evil manifest itself last Wednesday.” ([45:13])

• J.D. Vance’s Call to Action:

  • On political violence and its supporters:

    “There is no unity with people who scream at children over their parents' politics...There is no unity with someone who harasses an innocent family the day after the father...lost a dear friend. There is no unity with people who celebrate Charlie Kirk's assassination.” ([41:35])

  • Vance accuses certain organizations of inciting violence and benefiting from taxpayer money while eroding American values.

8. Drug War Policy and Social Commentary

• U.S. Military Interdiction of Drug Boats:
  • Video segment shows U.S. military action to intercept a drug-laden vessel, emphasizing minimal collateral damage ([53:58]).
  • Emily Finn supports the stance, citing public health concerns over fentanyl ([53:58]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Walter Kurt on Conservative Resilience ([04:07]):

  "They have completely made a mistake if they thought that this was going to cause him to shrink...these chapters are opening up in every high school in America and nearly every college campus in America."

• Jake Novak on Political Rhetoric ([10:18]):

  “They're not calling us Nazis because they think we're Nazis. They're calling us Nazis so that they can kill us.”

• Pastor Donald Eason on Faith After Tragedy ([38:55]):

  "What Charlie Kirk was doing for our country...standing for God and standing for truth and for our Lord Jesus Christ. I think that's what we ought to remember."

• J.D. Vance on Political Violence ([41:35]):

  "There is no unity with people who celebrate Charlie Kirk's assassination. And there is no unity with the people who fund these articles...who argue that Charlie Kirk...deserved a shot to the neck because he spoke words with which they disagree."

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Charlie Kirk Case Developments: [01:11], [04:00], [36:25], [51:38]
• Walter Kurt on Virginia & Media: [06:37] – [14:30]
• J.D. Vance’s Emotional Eulogy: [19:05] – [19:21], [41:35] – [44:05]
• Pastor Eason Reflects on Spiritual & Moral Lessons: [38:55], [45:13]
• Israel-Gaza Update: [17:03]
• TikTok Deal Discussion: [24:36]
• Federal Reserve Drama: [24:36]
• Automotive/Ban and Policy News: [24:36]
• U.S. Drug War Segment: [53:58]
• Closing Reflection on Media and Politics: [14:11], [12:36]

Conclusion

This episode, heavy with the emotional aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, serves as a platform for conservative voices to reflect, rally, and critique American unity, political violence, and media coverage. Through in-depth interviews and commentary, the show underlines a call to action for accountability, civic engagement, and spiritual renewal, while delivering timely news and sharp analysis on national and world events.