The Tony Kennett Cast – Ep. 397 (Aug 30, 2025)

Podcast: The Tony Kennett Cast
Host: Tony Kennett (The Daily Signal)
Producer: Nick
Guest: Tyler O’Neill (The Daily Signal)
Main Themes: Court ruling on Trump tariffs, US missile deployment in Japan, mortgage fraud in high places, Democratic struggles, and reaction to a Minneapolis shooting.

Episode Overview

Tony Kennett’s weeknight flagship dives into urgent national politics and culture from a frank, Midwestern conservative angle. In this episode:

• A federal appeals court rules Trump’s sweeping tariffs illegal (but leaves them in effect for now).
• The US Army deploys advanced missile defense systems in Japan, stoking fury in Beijing and Moscow.
• Ongoing fallout from triple mortgage fraud by Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
• Analysis of Democratic disarray, polling disasters, and controversies surrounding identity-group politics and high-profile shootings.

1. Trump Tariff Ruling: Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Global Tariffs

[00:30–11:30]

Key Points

• Federal Circuit Ruling:
  The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled President Trump’s global tariffs illegal, stating they exceeded the authority given by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
• Tariffs Stay Temporarily:
  Despite the ruling, tariffs remain in place until October 14, unless the Supreme Court intervenes.
• Immediate Response:
  Trump quickly posted on Truth Social, calling the decision “highly partisan” and stating:

  “If these tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the country. … If allowed to stand, this decision would literally destroy the United States of America.”
  (Tony reading Trump statement at 04:10)

• Kinnett’s Analysis:
  Tony disputes the idea that removing tariffs would destroy America, instead focusing on the “national emergency” language enabling executive action:

  “It is the Achilles heel of a republic. … National emergencies never, ever, ever seem to end, no matter who it is.” (08:00)

• Supreme Court Prospects:
  Tony is skeptical the Court will hand Trump an easy win, questioning whether judges like John Roberts or Amy Coney Barrett would side with broad executive trade powers.
• Market/Economic Reaction:
  Immediate market collapse unlikely, but Russian and Chinese responses could escalate, considering their disregard for such US legal boundaries.

Notable Quotes

• Tony:

  “In every other republic throughout history that has fallen, every single one included a measure … as soon as they are allowed to decide … national emergency, everything goes belly up.” (08:00)

2. US Missiles in Japan & Pacific Power Play

[11:30–15:30]

Key Points

• Deployment:
  For the first time, the US Army and Marines are deploying land-based mid-range Typhoon missile systems to Japan during September’s “Resolute Dragon” exercises.
• Strategic Message:
  US and Japanese commanders emphasize interoperability and a free/open Indo-Pacific.
• China’s Angry Reaction:
  China’s Foreign Ministry accuses the US of undermining regional security:

  “China always opposes the US deploying the Typhoon mid-range capability missile system in Asian countries … [it] will further undermine the legitimate security interests of other countries.”
  (Tony quoting Foreign Ministry, 13:44)

• Russia’s Response:
  Russia similarly denounces the deployment as a “destabilizing step by Washington.”
• Tony’s Take:

  “Trump’s getting really sick and tired of Beijing and Moscow trying to run out the clock. … Now he’s being a little more like Teddy Roosevelt.” (14:35)

3. Mortgage Fraud Scandal: Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook

[15:30–20:28]

Key Points

• Triple Fraud Allegations:
  Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve Governor, faces multiple criminal referrals for mortgage fraud—allegedly misrepresenting her property status to secure favorable loans and write off business losses.
• Tony’s Break Down:
  • Lying about property usage for lower rates and later for tax loopholes.
  • “Mortgage fraud is not something you can just accidentally do … the paper trail is so blatant.” (18:10)
• Analogy:
  Tony compares IRS rules about business vs. residential expenses, illustrating why such misrepresentation is flagrant and illegal.
• Media Angle:
  The case presents another flashpoint in battles over corruption in elite institutions.

4. Democratic Strategies, Gaffes & Infighting

[20:28–29:00]

Key Points

• National Guard ‘Mulching’ Complaints:
  DC leaders object to National Guard performing basic civic chores—Tony lampoons their “weekend work” outrage.
• Gavin Newsom & Voting Fears:
  California Governor claims (hyperbolically) that Trump will send ICE to police polling places, likening it to the Nazi ‘Anschluss’—which Tony sharply critiques:

  “What does that have to do with redistricting? I’m not sure he’s quite sure.” (23:10)

• Chicago Education Boasts:
  Tony mocks Illinois Governor Pritzker’s education claims by noting 30 districts where not a single student meets grade-level reading, highlighting the disconnect between rhetoric and outcomes.
• Media’s Defensive Position:
  Legacy media struggles to control the narrative after mass shootings, especially when identity factors conflict with favored storylines.

5. Democratic Polling Meltdown & Voter Discontent

[29:16–36:37]

Key Points

• Record-Low Approval Ratings:
  New Gallup poll finds Democratic approval among the lowest ever (between 15–20%). For the first time, zero percent of Democrats believe the country is on a positive course.
• Comparative Euphoria:
  Tony contrasts this with the “joy” messaging of Kamala Harris’s campaign just a year ago.
• Voter Base Fractures:
  Black voters now join Hispanic voters fleeing the Democratic coalition, partly due to being “treated like props.”
• Transgender Protests vs. Black Candidates:
  The targeting of black Republican Winsome Sears by trans activists has triggered a backlash—including BET’s head donating to Sears’ campaign.

  Tyler O’Neill: “[The BET head] is dedicating $500,000 to Winsome Earl Sears … because that one protester held up a sign saying, ‘If trans can't use my bathroom, then blacks can't use my water fountain.’” (35:00)

• Democrats’ Intersectional Contradictions:
  Tony and Tyler critique the modern party for prioritizing trans issues even at the expense of black representation, noting Sears would be the first black woman governor in US history.

Notable Quotes

• Tony (on intersectionality):

  “If the Democrats really believed their intersectional messaging, they’d have a real hard time opposing Winsome Sears. And yet trans is the issue that they can use … to compare … the first black woman governor to segregationists.” (35:17)

6. Media & Social Reactions to the Minneapolis Shooting

[39:02–61:23]

Key Points

• Mismatched Narratives:
  A Catholic school shooting by a transgender individual creates confusion in legacy media coverage, with attempts to focus blame on broad societal issues or “white supremacy,” regardless of the facts.
• Rosie O’Donnell’s Response Mocked:
  Tony ridicules O’Donnell’s online take, which ignored clear evidence and pushed a standard narrative.

  “I’m not sure how you can be a MAGA person with ‘kill Trump’ on the gun itself.” (41:15)

• Online Commentary:
  Tony plays and critiques viral left-wing defenses of the shooter, especially the argument that lack of “affirmation” somehow causes such violence.
• Moral Grandstanding:
  Tony and Producer Nick contend that much of the left’s rhetoric constitutes “grandstanding on the graves of children,” focusing more on LGBTQ+ backlash than on the victims.
• Escalation of Rhetoric:
  Tony highlights an online personality who openly advocates more shootings at religious schools, illustrating “how quickly the left is willing to be radicalized.”
• Media Deflection:
  Politicians and cable news hosts point to guns and mental illness but deflect from addressing issues within the trans community.

7. Listener Mail & Community Q&A

[62:36–end (~88:00)]

Key Points

• Redistricting & State Politics:
  Tony responds to a question about Indiana gerrymandering—disagreeing respectfully with another conservative broadcaster, showing the value of internal debate.
• Trump and National Guard Use:
  Tony doubts Trump will send the Guard into deep-blue cities unless to protect federal agents (ICE), but supports National Guard usage for public order.
• Why Mass Shooters Target the Innocent:
  Tony explains it's typically due to defenselessness; armed resistance thwarts many shooters before mass casualties occur.
• Punishments for Political Crimes:
  Expresses hesitancy about “exile” for political offenses, preferring corporal punishment for certain crimes—but warns that US institutions may not withstand the political strain of such justice.
• Pronunciation Blunders:
  Tony owns up (humorously) to mispronouncing “Cyrillic” and similar terms, blending self-deprecation into linguistic nerdery.
• Impressions and Analogies:
  The episode closes with jovial banter and audience-requested celebrity impressions (Walken, McConaughey, Clinton), tied back to Tony's experience as a teacher—keeping the tone informal and connected.

8. Tone, Highlights, and Final Thoughts

Memorable Moments

• On Executive Overreach:

  “It is the Achilles heel of a republic.” (08:00 – Tony, on ‘national emergency’ powers)

• On Identity Politics Collisions:

  “If trans can't use my bathroom, then blacks can't use my water fountain.” (Sign at protest recounted by Tyler O’Neill, 34:39)

• On Data and Narrative:

  “According to the federal statistics, shootings in which more than one person dies… [the major demographic] would be young black men.” (76:00)

• On Cultural Divides:

  “If you can't have your father's respect, at least try to get your hands on his flannel.” (51:40)

Tone

Blunt, sarcastic, fast-paced, peppered with pop culture references and “Hoosier commonsense.”
The episode moves from serious legal analysis to biting satire, frequently lampooning both political adversaries and media narratives.

Timestamps for Core Segments

• Tariff Court Ruling Analysis: 00:30 – 11:30
• US Missiles in Japan: 11:30 – 15:30
• Mortgage Fraud Exposé: 15:30 – 20:28
• Democratic Strategies & Media: 20:28 – 29:16
• Polls, Voters, Intersectionality: 29:16 – 36:37
• Minneapolis Shooting & Media: 39:02 – 61:23
• Q&A with Listeners, Impressions: 62:36 – end

In Summary

Episode 397 of The Tony Kennett Cast gives a comprehensive, opinionated walk-through of the week’s most contentious political and cultural news:

• Ruling against Trump’s tariffs and what it means for executive power.
• US saber-rattling in Japan alarming China and Russia.
• Corruption at high levels with Lisa Cook’s mortgage fraud.
• Ongoing Democratic struggles, internal contradictions, and public image crises.
• Heated reaction to a shooting, focusing on identity politics and media contortions.
• Classic Tony banter in answering community mail, including light-hearted moments and impressions.

For listeners (or readers) seeking both a breakdown of the week’s big stories and a sharp-witted conservative take, this episode encapsulates Kinnett’s hallmark style.