Podcast Summary

The Tony Kennett Cast, Ep. 470 – December 20, 2025
Host: Tony Kennett (The Daily Signal)
Main Themes: 2020 Georgia Election Ballot Controversy, Syria Airstrikes, Updates on the Brown University Shooting, Epstein Files Release, Rubio on Immigration & Foreign Aid, Political Climate, Immigration Enforcement, Celebrating Milestones, and Cultural Commentary

Episode Overview

In this pre-Christmas episode, Tony Kennett delivers a rapid-fire review of breaking national news and controversies, emphasizing the significant admission of 315,000+ uncertified ballots in Georgia's 2020 election, recent military strikes against ISIS in Syria, ongoing fallout from the Brown University and MIT shootings, the public release of explosive Jeffrey Epstein files implicating high-profile figures, and revealing comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on immigration and foreign aid. Special guest Mike Howell breaks down new findings about slow deportations from the Trump-era Department of Homeland Security. The episode also includes energetic commentary on American political trends, cultural flashpoints, and hitting a major platform milestone—1 million Daily Signal subscribers.

Major Topics & Key Discussion Points

1. 315,000+ Uncertified Ballots in Fulton County, Georgia (2020 Election)

• [01:37] Tony highlights Fulton County's recent admission that 315,000 ballots lacking any required poll worker signatures were counted in the 2020 presidential election.
  • Georgia law mandates bipartisan poll worker signature certification for every ballot.
  • “Now Fulton county…has now admitted, we do not dispute that 315,000 votes which lacked any signatures from the poll workers were counted in 2020.” (Kennett, [01:37])
• The margin between Biden and Trump was less than 12,000 votes, dramatically smaller than the number of uncertified ballots.
  • “315,000 or 11,779, which number do you think is bigger in this instance?” (Kennett [04:19])
• Significance: Raises questions about election security and undermines prior claims that such concerns were wholly "conspiratorial."

2. US Strikes on ISIS Targets in Syria

• [04:44] US carried out large-scale strikes on over 70 ISIS targets in Syria in response to attacks on US troops and interpreters.
• “I have spoken to a friend of mine in a prime military contracting company who currently has a couple of security teams on the ground over in Syria. And yes, we can confirm... [strikes] took place…” (Kennett [05:02])

3. Brown University/MIT Shooter – Law Enforcement Fumble

• [05:45] Updates on the case: The suspect committed suicide in a storage unit in New Hampshire. Law enforcement traced him after a tip from a Reddit user.
• The shooting's investigation was hampered by lack of transparency from the Providence Police and Brown officials.
  • “Federal law enforcement...swarm[ed] into...a storage facility…they ended up finding an individual that was dead inside his own storage unit.” (Kennett [05:45])
  • “...had [the suspect’s] name and face been made public, perhaps...someone like John, this homeless man, might in fact have been able to capture him before he killed himself.” (Kennett [08:30])
• Critique of local law enforcement's handling of communication and missed opportunity for earlier resolution.

4. Judge in Milwaukee Convicted for Aiding Illegal Immigrant

• [12:30] Judge Hannah Dugan found guilty of felony obstruction for helping an illegal immigrant evade federal law enforcement.
• Praised as “someone who broke the law…charged and arrested, and now they have been found guilty…” (Kennett [12:48])
• Noted as a rare but satisfying instance of accountability.

5. Jeffrey Epstein Files Release & Fallout

• [13:15] Newly released documents/photos released under the "Epstein Files Transparency Act," redacting only the faces of victims/minors.
• Numerous photos implicate Bill Clinton (but not Trump); media reaction dissected.
  • “Pictures of Donald Trump have already all been leaked...The New York Times has found no evidence implicating Mr. Trump in Mr. Epstein's abuse...” (Kennett [16:27])
  • Memorable sarcasm: “Yes, yes, I need more context of Bill Clinton clearly receiving a friendlier than normal handshake in Epstein's hot tub…” (Kennett [21:55])
• Notable media moments:
  • Lisa Rubin (MSNBC) awkwardly tries to obfuscate Clinton’s presence, dismissing clear photos.
• Upcoming possible Congressional action against the Clintons is forecast.

6. US Immigration: Visa Programs, Terror Suspects & Rubio’s Response

• [23:31] White House Correspondent Elizabeth Mitchell asks Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the pause in the diversity visa program after a high-profile shooting by a visa lottery entrant.
• Rubio’s response is direct and pragmatic:

  “You suspend the program to figure out... if there’s a deficiency in the program. So you can fix that before you restart the program.” (Rubio [23:45])

• Host praises the clarity and directness of Rubio’s answers compared to evasive responses from prior officials.

7. Foreign Policy: Rubio Slashes Nongovernmental Foreign Aid

• [28:57] Rubio’s comments on redirecting foreign aid strictly in service of national interest:

  “Foreign aid...should be used for the purpose of furthering the national interest. That doesn't mean we don't care about human rights...but the United States and the taxpayer money should be spent in furtherance of our foreign policy.” (Rubio [28:57])

• Host applauds the idea of ceasing funds to NGOs that may indirectly supply terrorist networks.

8. 2026 Midterm Preview & State of Democrats

• [35:01] Data highlights historically low approval for Congressional Democrats—“lower than the Dead Sea.”
• “Democrats in the minds of the American public are lower than the Dead Sea.” (Kennett [35:03])
• Warns Republicans against complacency, as midterms can turn unexpectedly if voter mobilization is weak.

9. Immigration Policy & DHS Accountability with Mike Howell

(Interview starts at [43:05])

• Howell exposes that deportation numbers under the Trump administration are far lower than advertised—comparable to Obama-era rates (~300,000-400,000 ICE deportations, far short of “mass deportation” promises).
• Critiques Republicans for political cowardice: refusing to enforce workplace raids due to business interests, “prioritizing” only criminals, diluting enforcement.
  • “Instead of implementing a mass deportation agenda as President Trump promised...there has since been kind of like an operational walk back...” (Howell [44:11])
• Welfare, education, and social services face strain from illegal immigration—a theme strongly emphasized by both speakers.
• Howell calls for revoking the Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court precedent that grants public education to undocumented children; claims this would greatly reduce incentives for illegal immigration.
• Both agree that the US needs to model deportations after Eisenhower-era tactics (Operation Wetback), focusing on broad removals, not just criminal aliens.
• “No other enforcement agency treats their issues like this. Imagine the IRS was like, ‘We're only looking after tax cheaters that are murderers.’” (Howell [60:08])
• Large sums authorized for detention infrastructure have not resulted in substantial increases in deportation capacity; much is performative “for show.”

10. Cultural Flashpoints and Media/Social Critiques

• [40:55] Ice Spice shows up at a kids’ movie premiere in a hyper-sexualized outfit, drawing the host’s ire about hypocrisy in celebrity activism for children.
• [62:19] Rep. Pramila Jayapal laments loss of federal funding for "gender-affirming care." Tony counters with biology basics, warning of long-term risks of hormone blockers.
• [65:07] Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s wavering discussion of Black slave reparations is lampooned for its vagueness and impracticality.
• Additional examples include discussion of Japanese-American reparations (post-WWII), and ongoing grievances among Native American communities—used to highlight inconsistencies in selective victim advocacy.
• [71:06] Outrage over Australian authorities releasing suspected terrorists for lack of a completed attack, despite clear intent.
• Tony concludes these stories reflect failures of accountability and prioritization (across law enforcement, media, and culture).

11. Milestones, Community, and Show’s EPIC Growth

• [26:41] and [75:07]: The show celebrates reaching 1 million YouTube subscribers—a milestone met live during the broadcast. Host expresses gratitude for the audience’s generosity and engagement.

12. Closing Notes: Meaning of Christmas

• [76:00] Tony ends with heartfelt encouragement to celebrate the birth of Christ, emphasizing the true point of Christmas and gratitude for freedom of faith in America.
• “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” (Kennett [75:55])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That is disgusting. At the very least, those who had concerns...lambasted as crazy, evil traitors to the republic...that is a major update now all the way at the end of 2025.” (Kennett [04:42], on Georgia ballots)
• “We don't have to sit around and keep the door wedged open until we decide there might be something wrong with those coming through it. What if while we're deciding...we shut the door?” (Kennett [24:25], re: immigration vetting)
• “No other...enforcement agency treats their issues like this. Imagine the IRS was like, we’re only looking after tax cheaters that are murderers.” (Howell [60:08])
• “Democrats in the minds of the American public are lower than the Dead Sea.” (Kennett [35:03])
• “Secretary of State Marco Rubio is done dealing with crap, and I mean done dealing with crap.” (Kennett [23:31])
• “If you’re here illegally, get out. Come in legally...If you violate immigration law, get out.” (Kennett [57:39])
• “We are now less than 100 away from 1 million on the YouTube channel...The bonus tonus will in fact be excellent.” (Kennett [42:28])
• “From the Tony Kennett cast crew...we wish you a wonderful and merry Christmas. Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” (Kennett [75:55])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 315,000 Uncertified Georgia Ballots: [01:37]–[04:42]
• Syria US Strike: [04:42]–[05:45]
• Brown University/MIT Shooter: [05:45]–[10:57]
• Milwaukee Judge Found Guilty: [12:30]–[13:15]
• Epstein Files Released: [13:15]–[22:20]
• Rubio on Visa Pause: [23:31]–[24:25]
• Rubio on Foreign Aid: [28:57]
• Midterms & Democrats’ Approval: [35:01]–[36:29]
• Mike Howell Interview (DHS/Deportation): [43:05]–[61:19]
• Cultural/Celebrity Critique (Ice Spice, Jayapal, reparations): [40:55], [62:19]–[67:05]
• Australian Terror Suspects Released: [71:06]
• Subscriber Milestone Live: [75:07]
• Christmas Sign-Off: [76:00]

Tone & Style

The episode carries Tony Kennett’s signature mix of brisk, unfiltered commentary, sharp sarcasm, and populist rhetoric. Frequent humor and exasperation target both political opponents (particularly Democrats and progressive causes) and internal lapses (Republican inaction on immigration). The show fosters a sense of camaraderie and celebration with its audience, especially in light of the channel’s rapid growth.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a whirlwind of breaking news and strident opinion. If you’re looking for perspective on the Georgia election controversy, Epstein scandal fallout, the current (and future) of US immigration policy, and the shifting winds of American politics—with a hefty dash of holiday spirit and audience appreciation—this is essential listening. Tony’s exchanges with producers and Mike Howell are particularly insightful for those interested in policy, while cultural critiques and milestone celebrations keep the pacing lively and connected with his growing base.