American Sunrise Early Edition – September 19, 2025

Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Host: Jake Novak
Date: September 19, 2025
Notable Guests: Dr. James Nuzzo (legal/political contributor), Emily Finn (RAV contributor), Irene Trat (former chair, Trump 47 National Women’s Leadership Coalition), David Brody (RAV journalist)

Episode Overview

This emotional and eventful episode centers on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, its massive impact on the conservative movement, and the broader news landscape of the day. The episode dives into reactions to Kirk’s legacy, the controversy swirling around late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, issues of media bias, ongoing political developments (including Trump’s Supreme Court gambit), significant advances in military technology, and tributes to Kirk’s influence—especially on Jewish conservatives and young activists. The tone moves between passionate, mournful, and defiant, emphasizing a call to action for listeners who share the show’s values.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s Off-Air Controversy

Segment: [07:30–15:10]

• Summary:
  – Jimmy Kimmel is off the air, reportedly due to low ratings compounded by his attacks on the mourners of Charlie Kirk, not (as some media suggest) just because of his criticism of Trump.
  – Local affiliates, especially in conservative regions, are distancing from Kimmel for business reasons. – Dr. Nuzzo takes a contrarian view:

  “I’m actually disappointed that Kimmel’s off the air… I’d like [Disney] to lose a lot more money by getting rid of Kimmel. They get rid of a loss leader. No, put Kimmel back, have his ratings go into the even deeper toilet, lose even more money. If I was a Republican, I wouldn’t want this guy off. I’d want Disney bankruptcy.” — Dr. James Nuzzo, [08:40] – Jake Novak notes networks frequently use political programming as lobbying tools, even if not currently effective. – Kimmel’s controversy puts the business side of media of front and center.

2. Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination & Political Mobilization

Segment: [15:10–27:35]

• Summary:
  – The assassination has ignited a “whole movement,” with Turning Point USA’s (TPUSA) increased visibility lighting up conservative activism.
  – Potential for unprecedented midterm turnout in 2026, seen as a “Charlie Kirk Love Festival” and possibly a pivotal political shift.

  “They have unleashed a very, very large and angry bear. And I think the Democrats have not a clue as to what this all will mean for them.” — Dr. James Nuzzo, [19:30] – Comparison to past tragedies and the way major figures’ deaths have historically been used and misused. – Grieving processes and the importance of respecting families and not exploiting tragedy noted by both hosts and by Kirk’s pastor: “If you’re a Christian, stop it. … Instead of talking to man about man, with all of your agendas, talk to God about man. Lord, would you comfort Erica? …” — Pastor Rob McCoy, via David Brody, [23:10]

3. Critique of Media & Appropriation of Tragedy

Segment: [21:50–28:55]

• Summary:
  – Discussion of the tendency for individuals and groups to appropriate high-profile deaths for their own agendas, likened to historical and biblical precedents. – Concern that Kirk’s death has eclipsed other pressing issues, like the story of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zarutska’s murder by a habitual offender, which has now been pushed out of national coverage.

  “Unfortunately, because of Charlie Cook’s horrific, disgusting assassination, she’s been pushed off … the front section.” — Jake Novak, [26:45] – The importance of honoring Kirk by continuing work on the issues he championed (such as law and order and accountability on immigration policy).

4. The Emerging Leadership of Erica Kirk at TPUSA

Segment: [29:10–31:20]

• Summary:
  – Kirk’s wife, Erica, has accepted the leadership of TPUSA. Her first speech is praised as “one of the greatest speeches I’ve ever heard,” authentically heartfelt and unpolished.

  “If you watch that and you weren’t moved, well, you don’t have a heart.” — Dr. James Nuzzo, [31:10] – Hope that the national funeral will bring both closure and renewed political energy.

5. Media Bias, Censorship, and Local News

Segment: [33:15–41:20]

• Summary:
  – Interview with Emily Finn and discussion of local news anchor Benny Rae Harmony, who was fired for making an on-air tribute to Kirk against her newsroom’s wishes. – Debate over the appropriateness of mixing tributes and news, Finn praises Harmony’s conviction and laments the dying state of local news but highlights the community’s need for connection and values.

  “She was extraordinarily well intended with the message that she wanted to put out. … The real story … is on the local station that she worked at. What has their statement been? What is their response?” — Emily Finn, [39:20]

6. Trump’s Emergency Appeal to the Supreme Court: The Lisa Cook Case

Segment: [45:30–47:40]

• Summary:
  – Trump has filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to uphold his firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook, after a lower court ruled the administration had not satisfied the “for cause” requirement. – Host criticizes entrenched bureaucracy, arguing that presidents should have more freedom to dismiss executive-branch appointees.

  “These unaccountable bureaucracies really scare me. And they should scare you too.” — Jake Novak, [47:30]

7. Economic & Tech News Briefs

Segment: [47:40–54:00]

• Key stories:
  – Nvidia partnering with Intel on $5 billion PC chip project, boosting Intel's fortunes. – Novo Nordisk’s pill-version of Wegovy delivers significant weight loss, stocks surge. – Tesla responds to safety concerns over “power only” door handles with plans for a manual override tool. – ICE raid at Hyundai reveals illegal labor; South Korean government looking into possible human rights abuses during repatriation. – Ford’s iconic Glass House HQ to be replaced by a new Detroit facility. – Viral video shows the near-indestructibility of new Kia headlights, sparking humor about car engineering.

8. Charlie Kirk’s Legacy in the Jewish Conservative Community

Segment: [58:00–1:12:30]

• Guest: Irene Trat
• Summary:
  – Kirk’s unique role as a friend to Jewish conservatives, outspoken opponent of antisemitism, and champion of the Judeo-Christian alliance. – Kirk inspired honest dialogue on difficult topics like immigration and radicalization. – Urges Jewish leaders and Israeli officials to build stronger ties with evangelical and Catholic America, as Kirk advocated.

  “He gave us the strength to talk about these issues in our own communities, and we’re going to take his lessons and move forward. … He gave us a blueprint on what issues were important to us and underscored the importance of a strong Judeo Christian alliance.” — Irene Trat, [1:04:10] – Discussion of conspiracy theories around Kirk’s death and the facts about his support for Israel, with repeated clarifications: “One of the lies that people are trying to peddle is that … [to support Israel] means that we’re telling you to support Benjamin Netanyahu or a particular government. That is not the case.” — Jake Novak, [1:07:25]

9. Israel’s Iron Beam: The Leap in Defensive Technology

Segment: [1:10:15–1:15:45]

• Summary: – Israel’s Iron Beam—the world’s first operational anti-missile laser—costs only about $2 per pulse compared to $50,000 per Iron Dome rocket.

  “Each one of the pulses … costs about $2. That’s it. As opposed to about the $50,000 that each Iron Dome rocket costs.” — Jake Novak, [1:12:25] – The technology partnership benefits the US and could revolutionize defense for Israel, America, Taiwan, and Eastern Europe. – Israel’s resilience and inventiveness are praised, even as it faces war. “This is a country … yet they keep developing, they keep inventing. It’s just incredible what continues to come out of that country.” — Irene Trat, [1:13:45]

10. Looking Forward to the Charlie Kirk Memorial Service

Segment: [1:19:50–1:25:50]

• Summary: – Preview of Sunday’s national funeral in Phoenix, with President Trump, dignitaries, and faith leaders attending. – David Brody describes how the service will focus on Kirk’s faith and a message of hope, akin to a “revival.” A sense of reflection on blessings that emerge from tragedy.

  “This is exactly what Charlie would want, not a memorial to himself … but all about his faith and about Jesus and what he was preaching.” — David Brody, [1:21:45] – Reference to America’s history of religious revivals and the hope for renewed unity and mission.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. James Nuzzo:
  “They have unleashed a very, very large and angry bear. And I think the Democrats have not a clue as to what this all will mean for them.” [19:30]

• Pastor Rob McCoy (via David Brody):
  “If you’re a Christian, stop it. … Instead of talking to man about man, with all of your agendas, talk to God about man. Lord, would you comfort Erica? Lord, would you comfort the kids? Would you comfort his mom and his dad and his sister and all of Turning Point?” [23:10]

• Jake Novak:
  “Unfortunately, because of Charlie Cook’s horrific, disgusting assassination, she’s been pushed off … the front section.” [26:45]

• Emily Finn:
  “She was extraordinarily well intended with the message that she wanted to put out. … The real story … is on the local station that she worked at. What has their statement been? What is their response?” [39:20]

• Irene Trat:
  “He gave us the strength to talk about these issues in our own communities, and we’re going to take his lessons and move forward. … He gave us a blueprint on what issues were important to us and underscored the importance of a strong Judeo Christian alliance.” [1:04:10]

• David Brody:
  “This is exactly what Charlie would want, not a memorial to himself … but all about his faith and about Jesus and what he was preaching.” [1:21:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 07:30 – Kimmel’s Off-Air Controversy and Media Economics
• 15:10 – Political Impact of Kirk’s Death
• 21:50 – Appropriation of Tragedy & Pastor’s Message
• 33:15 – Interview: Emily Finn on Fired Local News Anchor
• 45:30 – Trump’s Supreme Court Appeal: Lisa Cook
• 58:00 – Irene Trat on Kirk’s Legacy and Jewish Conservatives
• 1:10:15 – Israel’s Iron Beam Technology and US Alliance
• 1:19:50 – Preview: Charlie Kirk’s Funeral and Revivals

Final Takeaways

• The episode blends mourning, activism, and a sense of historic importance, making the argument that Kirk’s loss could be a defining moment for conservative mobilization.
• There’s a heavy emphasis on not letting grief overshadow broader issues — from law and order to technological innovation.
• Technology, faith, and alliances (especially Judeo-Christian) are woven together as the bedrock values of American resilience.
• The upcoming funeral is framed not just as a memorial, but as a spiritual and political turning point for the movement.

For listeners seeking a deeper look into the conservative perspective on current events, media bias, internal movement debates, and the legacy of Charlie Kirk, this episode brings together eulogies, analysis, and calls to action with sincerity, urgency, and the unfiltered, sometimes fiery tone characteristic of Real America’s Voice.