The Charlie Kirk Show — November 25, 2025

Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Host: Charlie Kirk (with producers Blake Neff, Andrew Colbert, Grace; guests Mike Davis, Bill Federer, Dr. Jerry Newcombe)
Date: November 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This powerful episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, airing ahead of Thanksgiving, unpacks two major threads: First, the political storm surrounding six Democratic lawmakers’ controversial video urging military members to disobey “illegal orders”—with a focus on Senator Mark Kelly and the possible consequences he faces. Secondly, as the holiday approaches, the episode delivers a rich, heartfelt discussion on the uniquely American origins and spiritual power of Thanksgiving with historian Bill Federer and Dr. Jerry Newcombe.

The first hour is dominated by debate over the boundaries of military obedience and political dissent, featuring real-time analysis, notable listener emails, and extended commentary from legal expert Mike Davis. The second hour transitions to a detailed examination of Thanksgiving’s roots, focusing on the Pilgrims, America’s Christian heritage, its legal foundations, and reflections on gratitude—anchored in tributes to Charlie Kirk’s own legacy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The "Seditious Six" and the Mark Kelly Controversy

[11:42 – 40:57]

Background

• Six Democratic lawmakers—including Sens. Alyssa Slotkin and Mark Kelly—released a video urging the military to “refuse illegal orders.”
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded, calling for a possible court-martial of Sen. Kelly (a retired Navy captain), based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
• Discussion centers on the boundaries of lawful dissent, the seriousness of undermining the chain of command, and the politics surrounding alleged “sedition.”

Main Insights

• Military Obedience:
  • The show reviews military law: service members must refuse illegal orders, but ambiguity and public speculation can erode trust and cohesion.
  • “You must refuse illegal orders.” — Charlie Kirk, {03:41}
• Political Fallout:
  • The hosts debate whether Kelly and others crossed a line or exercised legitimate political speech.
  • Kirk asserts: “This is a video…designed to be provocative and cute. But the problem…was that they were undermining and sowing doubt. …They are all guilty of trying to undermine the president.” {27:19}
  • Discussion appears at [03:44–22:05] and continues through [24:16–40:57].
• Risk of Overreach:
  • Producer Grace notes that sedition and treason accusations have deep, troubling powers; overuse could create sympathetic “victims” and backfire politically.
  • “There is both damage you can do to the country by really aggressively pursuing this and also damage you can do to yourself politically.” — Grace, {29:20}
• Mike Davis’ Legal Perspective:
  • Davis urges strong accountability: “Mark Kelly…should absolutely get court-martialed and held accountable for this…They need to make an example out of this guy.” {35:56}
  • Davis warns against precedent: “If smart Harvard lawyers and judges get the law wrong, how the hell do we expect 18-year-old military enlistees to figure out what the law is?” {38:04}
  • The debate surfaces whether punishment creates martyrs or deters real insubordination.

Notable Quotes & Exchanges

• “You cannot have a functioning military when you have elected leaders...saying don’t trust the commander in chief. Right. That is sowing discord within the ranks.” — Charlie Kirk, {30:47}
• “This is a very dangerous game these politicians are playing. And Mark Kelly...should be held accountable for this.” — Mike Davis, {39:19}

Important Segment Timestamps

• [12:22] — Recap of controversy, video replay, analysis
• [16:20] — Explanation of military legal standards and UCMJ
• [24:16] — Listener reactions and debate on sedition
• [35:47] — Mike Davis interview begins
• [38:04] — Legal deep-dive: why letting junior service members decide “legality” of orders is dangerous
• [40:04] — Parallel drawn to previous cases (Venman, Obama admin legalities)

2. Thanksgiving: History, Heritage, and Gratitude

[60:35 – End]

The Pilgrim Legacy

• Historian Bill Federer and Dr. Jerry Newcombe join to discuss the Pilgrims, America’s self-government roots, and the spiritual meaning of Thanksgiving.
• Federer: The Mayflower Compact was the first self-governing framework, unique in a world ruled by kings.
  • “The people, people, the king...We zoom in on the Pilgrims. Why? Well, they were the ones that had the Mayflower Compact, this idea of people ruling themselves.” — Bill Federer, {62:37}
• Newcombe emphasizes the sacrifices Pilgrims made for religious freedom, their trials, and the legacy of giving thanks to God even after severe loss.
  • “They suffered one hindrance and persecution after another. But they went forward with their goal.” — Dr. Jerry Newcombe, {66:37}

Christian Roots of America

• Refutes the secular myth: The Founders were overwhelmingly church-going Christians, not just deists.
  • “55 out of 56 of the original signers of the Declaration were Bible-believing church attending Christians.” — Charlie Kirk (clip), {82:53}
  • Nine of the original 13 state constitutions required office-holders to be Protestants.
• Thanksgiving as a public orientation toward gratitude and humility before God, not only celebration of material blessings.
• The holiday’s official, annual nationalization came in 1863, during the Civil War, through a proclamation by President Lincoln.

Memorable Moments & Listener Connections

• Reflection on Charlie Kirk’s own tradition of giving thanks and celebrating America’s providential founding.
• Audience engagement: Listeners email to affirm the spiritual and national importance of Thanksgiving.

Notable Quotes

• “It was religion and morality, specifically Christianity, that gave us the freedoms we enjoy.” — Dr. Jerry Newcombe, {85:30}
• “Thanksgiving is actually explained in some textbooks as a holiday for which the Pilgrims gave thanks to the Indians for saving their lives. …But Thanksgiving was a devout expression of gratitude…to God for their survival.” — Rush Limbaugh (audio clip), [99:04]

Segment Timestamps

• [60:35] — Second hour kicks off with Thanksgiving special guests
• [62:37] — Federation on the American experiment in self-government
• [66:37] — Newcombe on Pilgrims’ suffering and Mayflower Compact
• [74:15] — Debunking secular myths about Founders’ religion
• [82:45] — Extended segment: Charlie Kirk’s “Was America Christian?” clip, reactions
• [90:15] — Federer on the tradition of days of fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving in U.S. history
• [99:04] — Rush Limbaugh clip on the true meaning of Thanksgiving
• [100:44] — Newcombe, Federer’s closing reflections on faith, history, and gratitude

Notable Quotes — Attribution & Timestamps

• “You cannot have a functioning military when you have elected leaders...saying don’t trust the commander in chief. Right. That is sowing discord within the ranks.” — Charlie Kirk, {30:47}
• “What Senator Mark Kelly is doing here by wink wink nod nod to 18 year old military enlistees...you could not get more dangerous than this.” — Mike Davis, {35:56}
• “There is both damage you can do to the country by really aggressively pursuing this [court martial] and also damage you can do to yourself politically.” — Grace, {29:20}
• “55 out of 56 of the original signers of the Declaration were Bible-believing church attending Christians.” — Charlie Kirk (from archived clip), {82:53}
• “It was religion and morality, specifically Christianity, that gave us the freedoms we enjoy.” — Dr. Jerry Newcombe, {85:30}
• “They suffered one hindrance and persecution after another. But they went forward with their goal.” — Dr. Jerry Newcombe, {66:37}
• “Thanksgiving was a devout expression of gratitude...to God for their survival.” — Rush Limbaugh (audio clip), [99:04]

Detailed Segment Breakdown (with Timestamps)

[03:44–22:05] — Analysis and Reaction: The “Seditious Six” Video

• Video replay and nuanced discussion of legal, political, military implications.

[24:16–40:57] — Listener Feedback, Historical Context, and Mike Davis Interview

• Emails from listeners on Mark Kelly and accusations of sedition.
• Mike Davis offers strong legal/historical context for court martial debate.

[60:35–70:16] — Thanksgiving’s History: Pilgrims, Compact, and Christian Self-Government

• Bill Federer details the uniquely self-governing vision of the Mayflower Compact.
• Dr. Jerry Newcombe examines the trials, faith, and legacy of the Pilgrims.

[74:15–90:15] — Christian Foundations and Founders' Religious Commitments

• Charlie Kirk’s famed “Christian roots” clip played and dissected.
• Federer outlines the religious demographics and structures of colonial America.
• Discussion on proclamations of gratitude, especially during nation’s conflicts.

[99:04–103:05] — Final Reflections and Calls to Gratitude

• Rush Limbaugh’s classic Thanksgiving reflection and the meaning behind it.
• Final encouragements to celebrate Thanksgiving as a sacred time of national gratitude and remembrance.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The episode combines sharp political analysis with a reverent tribute to American tradition and faith, reminding listeners that the health of the republic (and its military) relies on shared values, moral clarity, and courageous gratitude. The show encourages everyone—especially in trying times—to practice thankfulness, remember America’s spiritual heritage, and uphold the principles that have preserved the nation's freedom since its founding.

Further Resources & How to Connect

• Bill Federer: americanminute.com
• Dr. Jerry Newcombe / Providence Forum: providenceforum.org
• Charlie Kirk Show archives: Real America’s Voice, iHeartPodcasts

Happy Thanksgiving from The Charlie Kirk Show team!

Summary prepared by Podcast Summarizer (2025-11-26)