Real America’s Voice Live with Steve Gruber – December 8th, 2025

Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Host: Steve Gruber / iHeartPodcasts
Date: December 8, 2025
Main Guests: Donald Trump, Agriculture Industry Representatives (e.g., Deb Kennedy, Kara Kashnov, Court Holum), Ben Berkwam, Rich Rubino, Bowling (Sports Commentator)

Overview

This episode centers on a roundtable discussion hosted by Steve Gruber, featuring former President Donald Trump and key agriculture industry representatives, focusing on the newly-announced $12 billion aid package for American farmers. The episode also delves into current political developments, U.S. trade and farming policy, domestic manufacturing, health care, immigration enforcement, and redistricting. Commentary with Rich Rubino analyzes the Supreme Court’s recent redistricting decision’s implications for the 2026 midterms. Immigration enforcement and border security issues are examined with Ben Berkwam, and the show closes with a positive segment highlighting American generosity and a spirited sports breakdown.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. $12 Billion Farming Aid Package: Purpose and Significance

• Announcement: Trump unveils a $12B “bridge” for farmers, describing it as critical relief until longer-term solutions take effect ([02:29]).
• Details: The aid includes enhancements to existing programs (ARC, PLC), increased estate tax credits, affordable crop insurance (the FARMER Act), and credit to supportive cabinet members and lawmakers like Senator Bozeman.

“There is a tremendous amount for farmers and ranchers...We enhanced ARC and PLC...included the Farmer act, my bill to make crop insurance more affordable. These tools will kick in next year...this is that bridge.” — Donald Trump (02:29)

• Impact on Farmers: Guests praised the relief as a lifeline enabling family farms to survive volatile market conditions and global competition.

2. Farm Voices: Appreciation, Markets, and Policy Concerns

Court Holum (Iowa Farmer)

• Personal Testimony: Shared the generational nature of farming, the challenges after a deadly farm accident, and gratitude for federal support.
• Policy Wishlist: Expressed strong need for continued ethanol support (E15), fair trade enforcement, and the chance for family farms to pass to the next generation.

“[This aid] is Christmas early for farmers...With this bridge payment, we'll be able to farm another year…I want my 2 year old to farm. I want my 4 month old daughter to have an opportunity. And what you're doing here in D.C. is working.” — Court Holum (04:54)

• On Ethanol: “If we keep that E15, you could have the biggest stamp. I did that. Trump did that. And we would thank you.”—Court Holum (06:28)

Deb Kennedy / Kara Kashnov (Rice Industry)

• Trade Dilemmas: Urged action against alleged rice “dumping” from India, Thailand, and China—especially affecting Puerto Rico, historically a strong US rice market.
• Call for Tariffs: Advocated for decisive tariffs to level the playing field quickly.
• Reference Prices: Noted reference prices are historically low—industry heads are “maxing out” on program payments.

“We need fair trade, not free trade. And so we appreciate what you've done today. We appreciate what you did in the big, beautiful bill.” — Kennedy/Kashnov (10:49)

• Trump’s Response: “It solved so quickly with tariffs to these countries that are illegally shipping. Your problem is solved in one day.” — Trump (11:24)

3. Inflation, Prices, and Trade Policy

• Food Prices Relief: Trump claims inflation “is essentially gone,” with food and farm input prices normalizing due to his policies ([13:01]).

• Farmers and Self-Reliance: Emphasizes farmers’ desire for fair markets rather than perpetual aid ([16:14]).

  • “Farmers...don't want aid. They want to have a level playing field. Because if they have a level playing field, they'll do better than anybody else.” — Trump (16:14)

• Machinery Costs: Complains about environmental regulations making new farm equipment unreliable; prefers “old machinery” ([16:50]).

4. Additional Policy and Political Topics

Fertilizer Supply & Domestic Inputs

• Problem: Reliance on Canadian/foreign fertilizer; cost increases.
• Solution: Suggests tariffs to spur US-based fertilizer production ([20:08]).
  • “You put very severe tariffs on from coming into other countries. You'll be making your own fertilizer very soon.” — Trump (20:08)

Food Quality and Locally Grown Preference

• Homegrown US products are preferred, though some exotic produce may rely on imports ([21:54]).

Trade/Farmer Aid Mechanisms

• Will use tariff revenues again if necessary to bolster farmer relief ([22:21]).

5. Foreign Policy and Domestic Security

• Russia/Ukraine Conflict: Trump wants to see an end to deaths, asserts his presidency would have prevented the war, and distinguishes his administration’s limited military aid versus Biden’s financial commitments ([23:08]).

  • "This war would have never happened if the election weren’t rigged. If I were president, this war would have never happened." — Trump (24:32)

• Drug Boat Interdiction: Explains aggressive anti-drug maritime operations; claims “every boat we shoot out, we save 25,000 American lives” ([17:29]).

6. Health Care Reform

• Obamacare Critique: Trump proclaims Obamacare is “a disaster,” blames Democrats for rising premiums, and advocates for healthcare funding to go directly to people rather than insurance companies ([27:18]).

“I want the money to be paid to the people to go out and buy their own healthcare instead of paying to the insurance companies...Obamacare is a setup to make insurance companies rich.” — Trump (27:18)

7. Redistricting and the 2026 Midterms

With Rich Rubino (Political Analyst)

• Supreme Court Ruling: Greenlights new, GOP-favoring Texas congressional maps (37:12).
• Shifting Margins: Projections suggest Republicans could gain as many as 12–20 seats across several states due to redistricting (38:24).
• Midterm Dynamics: Expects the party in power (currently Republicans) typically loses seats, but strong economic indicators (inflation <3%, low gas prices) could benefit the GOP ([41:02]).

“There are 165 million Americans today that have zero representation from Republicans in Congress...gerrymandering is a Democrat game. They just don't like it the Republicans figured out how to play.” — Steve Gruber (39:35)

8. Immigration and Border Security

With Ben Berkwam (RAV Correspondent)

• NYC Mayor Mandani's Sanctuary Policy: Criticism over instructions to “resist ICE” ([45:31]).
  • Berkwam decries sanctuary leadership as “sedition, if not treason,” claiming these actions undermine American law ([47:19]).
• Children Rescued From Trafficking: Berkwam cites “62,000 children rescued” from trafficking, credits Trump’s team.
  • “President Trump, Tom Homan, they're saving children's lives.” — Ben Berkwam (49:21)

9. Heartwarming Americana & Listener Feedback

Segment: America’s Wonderful Stories

• Story of 15-year-old Logan Thaxton, who received a life-saving kidney donation from his mother’s coworker—a testament to American generosity and community values ([54:03]).

Listener QOTD:

• Overwhelming feedback calls for stronger law enforcement on Democratic officials aiding ICE resistance (“Lock them up,” “Prison,” “Obstructing justice”—paraphrased from various listeners) ([54:52]).

10. Sports Recap

With Bowling:

• Colleges’ football drama: Indiana defeats Ohio State; candid betting tips and future odds, spirited exchange ([57:36]).
• Notre Dame fans bemoan controversial postseason snub ([59:09]).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Farm Aid and Policy:

  • “[The aid is] Christmas early for farmers...With this bridge payment, we’ll be able to farm another year.” — Court Holum (04:54)
  • “We need fair trade, not free trade.” — Deb Kennedy/Kara Kashnov (10:49)
  • “Your problem is solved. It’s so unfair. They go out of business. They put everyone out of business. That’s what they did to our car industry.” — Donald Trump (11:24)

• On Inflation:

  • “We brought prices way down...Now inflation is essentially gone. We have it normalized and it'll go down even a little bit further.” — Donald Trump (13:01)

• On Redistricting:

  • “If you run the math on the other states, ...the Republicans could see a plus 20 on the map...when you talk about gerrymandering, it is a Democrat game. They just don't like it the Republicans figured out how to play.” — Steve Gruber (39:35)

• On Immigration:

  • “What they're doing in these sanctuary jurisdictions, intentionally obstructing ICE operations is...minimum sedition, if not treason. They are directly undermining our country.” — Ben Berkwam (47:19)

• On Healthcare:

  • “Obamacare is a setup to make insurance companies rich. And I want to pay the people and I want the people to go out and buy their own healthcare.” — Donald Trump (27:18)

• On U.S. Manufacturing:

  • “We have $18 trillion coming into our country right now. There’s never been anything like it...We just want to keep doing exactly what we’re doing.” — Donald Trump (25:28)

• Classic Trump Retort:

  • “You're the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place. Let me just tell you, you are an obnoxious, a terrible...Actually a terrible reporter.” — Donald Trump (18:24)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Introduction / Farm Aid Announcement: [02:03–13:00]
• Farmer Testimonials and Policy Q&A: [04:03–14:55]
• International Trade Challenges (Rice, Tariffs): [07:30–12:30]
• Agricultural Policy and Food Prices: [13:01–16:36]
• Machinery, Fertilizer, Farm Costs: [16:50–21:30]
• Foreign Policy & Russia/Ukraine: [22:38–24:32]
• Healthcare Reform Debate: [26:47–28:25]
• Redistricting Analysis (with Rich Rubino): [37:12–43:08]
• Immigration and Border Security (with Ben Berkwam): [45:31–50:45]
• America’s Wonderful Stories / Listener QOTD: [54:03–57:06]
• Sports Recap: [57:06–59:25]

Tone and Style

The episode is energetic and combative, combining staunch advocacy for American farmers and industry with populist digs at political and media opponents. Trump’s remarks are conversational, at times self-congratulatory, and punctuated by anecdote, while the agricultural guests are openly grateful but direct about the remaining challenges they face. The show’s second half is more analytical (midterms/politics), then blends personal stories and light-hearted sports banter.

Summary

Real America’s Voice Live with Steve Gruber delivered a sprawling, passionate discussion of American agriculture’s pressing issues and political flashpoints. Anchored by Trump’s announcement of a sweeping farm aid package, farm leaders shared their struggles, hopes, and policy concerns—from trade and ethanol to food prices and generational survival. The episode pivoted to deeper politics, analyzing redistricting’s impact on the upcoming elections, offering a sharp critique of immigration enforcement policies, and spotlighting listener reactions. Sprinkled throughout were unmistakably populist, sometimes combative moments—ending with a reminder of generosity that “makes America wonderful” and a look at football highs and lows, all in the program’s distinctively spirited tone.