Real America’s Voice: America’s Voice Live with Steve Gruber

Episode Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Terrence Bates (sitting in for Steve Gruber)
Guests: Paul Mueller (economist), Duane McClure (political strategist), Brian Glenn (RAV White House Correspondent), Lt. Col. Allen West (Ret.), Chris Piotta (Ret. FBI Executive), Monica Page (Turning Point USA), Jack Posobiec, Eric Bolling
Main Theme:
Breaking news coverage and analysis of the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House, alongside discussion of affordability and Thanksgiving economic issues.

Episode Overview

This episode, airing the day before Thanksgiving, centers on the breaking news that two National Guard troops were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C. The program provides evolving updates, live analysis, and commentary from various experts and journalists as details emerge, culminating with the confirmation of the troops’ deaths. In parallel, the show discusses affordability, the state of the economy, and how these issues might impact politics ahead of the holidays and the coming election year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking News: Shooting of National Guardsmen near the White House

• Initial Report: The show opens with breaking news (03:49) that two National Guard troops were shot near the White House. At first, details are scarce; the host, Terrence Bates, emphasizes the developing situation and promises ongoing updates.
• Incident Details:
  • Shooting occurred at 17th and I Street NW, a busy area steps from the White House entrance commonly used by staff, visitors, and locals.
  • One guardsman airlifted to a local hospital, another also taken for treatment. A suspect is reported in custody.
• Context: The area is known for “activists and protests,” and there’s mention of increased National Guard presence in DC over the preceding months (12:04, Brian Glenn).

2. Economic Segment: Thanksgiving Affordability & Political Implications

• Economic Claims: The show notes President Trump’s claims that Thanksgiving 2025 is more affordable, citing Walmart’s 25% decrease in meal cost, lower turkey prices, lower gas and eggs, and broader claims of tax and spending cuts (06:32).
• Expert Skepticism:
  • Paul Mueller (Economist): Points out that while some item prices are down, the comparison isn’t apples-to-apples—Walmart’s package is different this year, some portions smaller. Their own “Thanksgiving meal index” found prices actually up slightly overall.

    "It's not that prices are up a lot, but I think that prices are not down across the board the way most people had hoped they would be." (07:14)

  • Duane McClure (Political Strategist): Research shows a disconnect—many think the overall economy is strong, but their personal finances remain challenging. Most still credit Trump for improvements.

    “They do tend to credit President Trump, however, with relieving a lot of the pressures that they felt that they had under the previous administration.” (08:41)

• Political Implications: Affordability remains a "make or break" political issue, likely to carry into the 2026 midterms, especially if the downward price trend continues (09:46).
• Tariff & Policy Impact: Reduction in certain tariffs on everyday items is highlighted as one factor in price shifts (10:21).

3. Live Correspondent Reporting & Scene Updates

• Brian Glenn (RAV White House Correspondent):
  • Describes the proximity of the shooting to common DC landmarks and the White House (12:04).
  • Suggests area often has high foot traffic—even the day before a holiday.
  • Speculates on whether the event was a targeted attack due to the recent protests and high-profile National Guard presence.
  • Notes possible immediate policy changes in how National Guardsmen are armed on duty moving forward (21:47).
  • "I think you can expect to see National Guardsmen have the full ability to carry a weapon in case something like this happens again." (21:47)
• Monica Page (Turning Point USA):
  • Reports ongoing lockdown at the White House and nearby press restrictions (36:13).
  • "It's truly terrifying as somebody who's there every single day ... you never know who's outside the White House." (36:13)
  • Cites improvements in DC safety due to Guard deployment but worries this might threaten perceptions of security.

4. Security, Law Enforcement & Political Ramifications

• Lt. Col. Allen West (Ret.):
  • Focuses on rules of engagement (ROE), questioning if Guardsmen were properly armed and authorized to defend themselves.
  • Raises concern over DC’s restrictive gun laws, arguing that law-abiding citizens (and Guardsmen) may be vulnerable while criminals ignore these restrictions.
  • Warns about the toxic political environment, suggesting left-wing rhetoric fuels targeting of law enforcement and military (27:08).

    “You have this wanton violence and this desire for confusion and chaos to support illegal actions and activities ... we have got to do something and calm down this rhetoric.” (29:00)

• Chris Piotta (Ret. FBI Executive Assistant Director):
  • Argues this is an intimidation tactic that law enforcement cannot afford to capitulate to—"strength and resolve" are needed.
  • Expects a review of force protection procedures but not necessarily a repeal of strict engagement rules (34:49).
  • Outlines the investigation process—multi-agency, coordinated at the federal level, focus on motive and network involvement.

5. Escalation and Political Rhetoric

• Jack Posobiec & Eric Bolling:
  • Trace the shooting to a climate of increased violence targeting law enforcement and conservative/public figures, referencing past political assassinations (Charlie Kirk, Israeli embassy official, Trump attempt).
  • Suggest political rhetoric from Democratic politicians and activists has painted a “target” on National Guardsmen, ICE, and others.

    "Federal law enforcement in this country is getting a target painted on their back by the mainstream media, by elements of the left and so many others." (48:26, Posobiec)

  • Warn that such incidents can provoke copycat attacks across the country (47:16).

6. National Responses & Emotional Reactions

• White House & Vice President Vance:

  • President Trump responds on social media, calling the shooter "an animal" and promising a "steep price."

    “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our great National Guard and all of our military and law enforcement. These are truly great people.” (33:57, read aloud)

  • Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, calls for prayers and emphasizes the sacrifice of uniformed service members (53:46).

    "It's a somber reminder that soldiers... are the sword and the shield of the United States of America." (54:44)

• Tragic Update:

  • News breaks at (57:30) that both West Virginia National Guardsmen have died of their injuries. Hosts and panel react with shock and sorrow.
  • Eric Bolling:

    “Just horrendous news, especially for those families of those two Guardsmen who have now perished the day before Thanksgiving. It’s just incredible. That empty seat... heartbreaking.” (64:33)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Perception vs. Reality of Thanksgiving Affordability:
  Paul Mueller (07:14):

  “President Trump has picked a few items to talk about. You know, the Walmart Thanksgiving meal package that's down 25% is not the same Thanksgiving meal package that they had a year ago. So part of [the] lower price is that there's fewer items or smaller portions.”

• On National Guard Deployment and Security:
  Brian Glenn (21:47):

  “I think you can expect to see National Guardsmen have the full ability to carry a weapon in case something like this happens again.”

• On Rules of Engagement and Political Climate:
  Lt. Col. Allen West (27:46):

  "Because if they were told you cannot draw and you cannot protect yourself until you're fired upon, well, guess what happens? The bad guy gets the drop on you."

• On the Impact of Political Rhetoric:
  Jack Posobiec (48:26):

  "Federal law enforcement in this country is getting a target painted on their back by the mainstream media, by elements of the left and so many others."

• On the Emotional Impact of Tragedy:
  Eric Bolling (64:33):

  "That empty seat. I know it very well. That empty seat at Thanksgiving. Heartbreaking. It's going to be heartbreaking for them."

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Breaking News of Shooting Announced: 03:49
• Discussion on Thanksgiving Affordability and Politics: 06:32 – 11:34
• Brian Glenn Reports from White House Vicinity: 11:55 – 23:16
• Lt. Col. Allen West on Rules of Engagement and Rhetoric: 24:35 – 30:20
• Chris Piotta (FBI Ret.) on Investigation and Law Enforcement Response: 31:03 – 35:46
• Monica Page on DC Lockdown, White House Reporter Perspective: 36:13 – 43:47
• Jack Posobiec–Broader Political Violence Pattern/Rhetoric: 45:04 – 53:06
• Vice President J.D. Vance Comments from Fort Campbell: 53:46 – 57:30
• Confirmation of Guardsmen Deaths & Reactions (Eric Bolling): 57:30 – 66:24

Tone & Language

• Style:
  Candid, at times emotional; analytic but clearly partisan, with strong criticism of Democratic politicians, progressive activists, and the “mainstream media.” Emphatic support for law enforcement and the Trump administration.
• Key Language Examples:
  • “These people are domestic terrorists and unapologetic. We're here to take a stand for God and country.” (03:35, Terrence Bates)
  • “This animal was inspired by something. We just, we will find out what the inspiration was for this and go after it and weed it out…” (66:00, Eric Bolling)

Conclusion

This episode serves as both an urgent live news report and a forum for broader commentary, linking a single act of violence to perceived national trends and partisan conflicts. The tragedy of the shooting near the White House is cast as emblematic of deeper political and cultural ruptures, as guests and hosts repeatedly call for prayers, resolve, and a lowering of political rhetoric—even as they identify political adversaries as contributors to the environment in which the attack occurred. Concurrently, concerns about affordability, economics, and their electoral implications are woven throughout, placing personal security and financial wellbeing as the central issues of the American moment.