Real America’s Voice Live with Steve Gruber

Episode Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Steve Gruber
Guests: Rob Manus (Ret. Air Force Colonel), Dan Schwartz (Former NV State Treasurer), Patrick Hedger (NetChoice Director of Policy), Tom Willis (WV State Rep/Active National Guard), Dr. Alejandro Diaz (Chief, The Wellness Company)
Podcast Theme: Unfiltered discussion of breaking news, American politics, economy, tech policy, security, and American values from a right-leaning, populist perspective.

Episode Overview

On December 12, 2025, Steve Gruber breaks down the day’s biggest headlines, including the Trump Administration’s crackdown on Venezuelan oil and drug trafficking, a positive economic outlook after the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts, President Trump’s new ‘Genesis Mission’ EO lifting AI restrictions, the tragic shooting of two West Virginia National Guardsmen in D.C., and more. The episode balances hard news analysis, expert opinions, and spirited commentary in a typical “America-first” style.

Key Segments & Discussion Highlights

1. Hardline Moves: U.S. Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Tanker

Starts: 00:35
Guest: Col. Rob Manus (Ret.)

• Main Story: The Trump administration seized a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker as part of a new sanctions enforcement initiative targeting the Maduro regime and alleged drug cartel activity.
• Operational Details: Seizure conducted by U.S. Coast Guard with Navy support in international waters, with legal backing from Attorney General Pam Bondi.
• Legal Justification:
  • Cites decades of precedent (“We've been doing this for decades...” - Rob Manus, 04:18)
  • References the 1986 Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, sponsored by Chuck Schumer.
  • Importance of the FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization) designation for cartels.
• Broader Approach:
  • Recent U.S. strikes near Venezuela killed 87 traffickers.
  • U.S. considering targeted land-based strikes against cartel infrastructure.
• Domestic Reaction & Criticism:
  • Pushback from the left on “illegal operations.”
  • Manus calls opposition “Trump derangement syndrome” (05:48).
• Gruber’s Argument:
  • “The only difference now, it's Donald Trump doing it.” (05:14)
  • Support for further aggressive action: “It has to be an all or nothing war on drugs.” (09:18)
• Future Steps:
  • Special operations raids in Mexico and Colombia, even without host nation approval.
  • Security attention to the vulnerable northern (Canada) border: “Not just from the drug trade… but from a national security perspective.” (12:54)
• Memorable Quote:
  • “If these countries will not get control of their own territory, we not only have a right, we have an obligation.” – Rob Manus (08:01)

2. Economic Outlook: Fed Cuts & Market Highs

Starts: 15:48
Guest: Dan Schwartz (Former NV State Treasurer)

• Economic Indicators:
  • Dow and S&P hit record highs after the Fed’s 3rd consecutive rate cut.
  • Mortgage rates now below 6% for 30-year loans.
  • Gas prices down nationally (“The national average $2.93…in Texas and Oklahoma, $2.35 or below…” – Gruber, 17:55)
• Schwartz’s Assessment:
  • Interest rates falling, earnings strong, employment “a little soft,” but overall market is healthy.
  • “You've had huge gains in the past 6 months. So people are probably taking some profits. I don't see that as a huge negative.” (17:13)
• Gruber’s Energy Argument:
  • Rejects “windmills and solar panels” as viable; doubles down on U.S. hydrocarbon dominance.
  • “We need oil, we need natural gas…That’s the foundation for a solid economy.” (19:49)
• Inflation & Wages:
  • Groceries inflation “1.2% since January” (compared to 9.1% in 2022).
• Schwartz on Outlook:
  • Cautiously optimistic for 2026: “If you sit back, you look at the major forces driving the economy, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be positive.” (22:12)

3. Tech Policy: Trump’s ‘Genesis Mission’ AI Executive Order

Starts: 24:06
Guest: Patrick Hedger (NetChoice)

• Executive Order:
  • Genesis Mission to relieve federal AI restrictions, aiming for U.S. global dominance in AI.
  • Streamlining infrastructure, especially energy and rare-earth mining, to power U.S. data centers.
• Regulatory Debate:
  • Hedger: Federal, not state, regulation is essential for “an interstate technology.”
  • AI already subject to existing consumer law; risk of overregulation.
  • Warns against “asking government permission before you can launch technology,” as in the EU (27:08).
• Gruber’s Skepticism:
  • “Regulate AI, and I think that’s like trying to tame a wild beast.” (26:36)
• Memorable Quote:
  • “Innovation doesn’t move at the pace of government…We don’t need a National Environmental Policy act, for example, for AI, or else we’ll never get this technology to its true potential.” – Patrick Hedger (28:12)
• Policy Conclusion:
  • “Some guardrails… but not roadblocks.” (28:12)

4. Security & Tragedy: DC National Guard Shooting

Starts: 31:29
Guest: Tom Willis (WV State Rep, National Guard)

• Incident Recap:
  • Two West Virginia National Guard troops (Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom) shot in D.C.; Beckstrom killed, Wolfe recovering.
• Policy Implications:
  • Willis: “We need to take a comprehensive look at our immigration policy.” (32:25)
  • Guard mission continues despite violence: “We’re not going to back down, we’re not going to be deterred…We’re going to continue this mission and keep DC safe.” (34:01)
• Legal Framework:
  • Explains the unique status of DC vis-à-vis the President as Commander-in-Chief of the DC National Guard, legal paradigms under the Insurrection Act.
  • Recent court orders influencing federal troop deployment in cities (e.g., Los Angeles, Louisiana).
• Results:
  • Crime rate in DC down (carjackings -75%, sexual assault -35%). (33:20)
• Memorable Quote:
  • “We're very proud of our West Virginia National Guard in Washington D.C.” – Tom Willis (34:01)
• Critique of Urban Policy:
  • Harsh criticism of “Democrat mayors… holding their citizens hostage to this crime and insecurity.” (36:40)

5. Health Spotlight: Chronic Joint Pain & Alternative Treatments

Starts: 40:44
Guest: Dr. Alejandro Diaz (The Wellness Company)

• Prevalence:
  • 60 million Americans with chronic pain.
• Medical Issue:
  • Most mainstream treatments mask symptoms rather than treating causes.
• Alternative Solution:
  • Therablue, a topical treatment with peptides and botanicals (e.g., methylene blue, arnica).
  • Claimed to be safe, daily use possible.
• Innovative Companies:
  • Wellness Company as an agile private response post-COVID, developing “products to go to the root of the problem.”
• Product Plug:
  • Emergency medical kits as holiday gifts (44:07).

6. “What Makes America Wonderful” & Listener Mailbag

Starts: 46:58

• Heartwarming Story:
  • Bakery in Alpine County, CA founded to employ young adults with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges.
• Mailbag – Question of the Day:
  • Reactions to a federal judge ordering the release of Kilmar Abreu Garcia.
  • Strong listener frustration with judiciary and perceived leniency towards crime and illegal immigration.
  • Sample listener quote: “It's an affront to every American citizen and the judge knows it. Time to close these courts down.” – Mike McLaughlin

7. Redistricting/Gerrymandering Rant

Starts: 50:57

• Steve and a caller (Derek Bowling) debate Indiana Republicans’ rejection of redistricting, forecast Supreme Court action, and discuss the political impact of census methodology.

Notable Quotes

• “The only difference now, it's Donald Trump doing it. That's the only distinction I can find.” – Steve Gruber (05:14)
• “We not only have a right, we have an obligation [to act against cartels].” – Rob Manus (08:01)
• “You need oil, you need natural gas… When I say all of the above, I don't mean windmills and solar panels.” – Steve Gruber (19:49)
• “Innovation doesn’t move at the pace of government… If we're going to have regulatory guardrails around AI, they need to be… such that innovation is still allowed to proceed apace.” – Patrick Hedger (27:08, 28:12)
• “We're very proud of our West Virginia National Guard in Washington D.C.” – Tom Willis (34:01)
• “Democrat mayors across the country… holding their citizens hostage to this crime…” – Tom Willis (36:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Venezuela/Maduro Oil Tanker Seizure: 00:35 – 14:25
• Economic Analysis (Markets & Energy): 15:48 – 22:38
• AI & “Genesis Mission” Executive Order: 24:06 – 28:53
• DC National Guard Shooting & Urban Security: 31:29 – 38:18
• Health Segment – Chronic Pain Solutions: 40:44 – 45:06
• America’s Wonderful/Listener QOTD: 46:58 – 53:02

Takeaways for Non-Listeners

• The episode delivers a blend of breaking news, policy analysis, and audience engagement typical of right-leaning, America-first media.
• Focus is consistently on national security (borders, drugs, terrorism), economic strength via traditional energy, technological advancement free of “roadblocks,” and the valor of U.S. service members.
• Guest experts provide legal, financial, technical, and medical analysis, often supporting the Trump administration’s agenda.
• The show closes with community stories and strong audience feedback, underlining its “real people, real voices” angle.

Tone: Direct, passionate, sometimes combative but always rooted in a populist, patriotic appeal.
For those who missed the episode:
This summary covers critical stories and arguments, includes notable commentary, and offers key timestamps to find the most important segments.

End of Summary.