The Tony Kinnett Cast

Ep. 502 – Thomas Massie & Ro Khanna Dox Innocent People, Mamdani Calls for Release of Attempted Murderer
Aired: February 14, 2026
Host: Tony Kinnett | Podcast: The Daily Signal

Episode Overview

This packed episode delves into several high-profile political controversies and legal stories from the week. Tony Kinnett delivers sharp analysis and commentary on Congressional missteps regarding the Epstein files, performative politics at home and abroad, police accountability and criminal justice, and the erosion of public trust in institutions. The episode is marked by Kinnett's signature energetic, no-nonsense style, filled with memorable moments, edgy humor, and first-person reporting.

Key Discussion Points & Timestamps

1. Congressional Doxxing of Innocent People in the Epstein Files

[00:06 – 08:28]

• Background: Kinnett details how Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) led a bipartisan push demanding greater transparency in the release of the Epstein files, advocating for unredacting various names under the belief that DOJ was “protecting” rich abusers.
• Key Incident: The released names included individuals who were, in fact, not involved in any wrongdoing but were part of FBI photo lineups due to physical resemblance to actual suspects.
• Immediate Fallout: The named innocent men were then doxxed and subjected to threats, harassment, and invasion of privacy.
  • Kinnett’s Critique:
    “So Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie doxxed four innocent people who had nothing to do with nothing. They were just picked because they looked like somebody else. And they have been flooded, inundated with death threats... Way to go, Thomas. Way to go, Ro.” – Tony Kinnett [05:16]
• Ro Khanna’s (Non-)Apology and Blame-Shifting:
  • Ro Khanna attempted to deflect responsibility on social media, blaming the DOJ for the confusion but not directly addressing his own mistake.
  • Quote: “They fail to protect survivors, they've created confusion for innocent men. No, that was you.” – Tony Kinnett [06:46]
• Congressional Backtracking:
  • Audio from Ro Khanna on the House floor still portrays certainty about the “six wealthy, powerful men” withheld from scrutiny—Kinnett notes the ongoing recklessness of their rhetoric.

2. Political Theater at the Munich Security Conference

[10:34 – 12:23]

• Delegations Abroad: Several U.S. politicians (notably AOC and Gavin Newsom) travel to Munich to attend panels and comment on America’s role in the world.
• AOC’s Remarks: Critiqued as vapid and lacking substance:
  • Quote: “What is happening is indeed very grave and we are in a new era.” – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [12:18]
• Kinnett’s Take: Sees these speeches as “mulish nonsense,” empty performative politics designed for global and social media audiences but delivering little real value.
• Satirical Commentary:
  • Kinnett lampoons Mark Kelly’s performative “sadness” at the conference.

3. Senate Developments: Immigration and Voter ID

[15:28 – 22:16]

• Voter ID Legislation:
  • Susan Collins comes out in support of the Save America Voter ID Act after initially hesitating.
• Border Security & Keith Ellison Hearing:
  • Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) confronts MN AG Keith Ellison over the double standards and hypocrisy in the discussion of asylum and border security.
  • Quote: “You can't simultaneously say that we gotta get him out of Mexico, it's so dangerous there. And also, Mexico is safe and wonderful.” – Tony Kinnett [20:17]

4. Calls for Release of Attempted Murder Suspect (Zoran Mamdani Case)

[22:46 – 27:17]

• The Incident: NY Assembly member Zoran Mamdani advocates for the release of a man who attacked police with a knife after a domestic violence call; bodycam footage clearly shows the attack.
• Kinnett’s Perspective:
  • Criticizes Mamdani and likeminded politicians for championing criminals over victims and police.
  • Quote: “His handcuffs should be removed. Oh, oh, we're just calling for the release of attempted murder now.” – Tony Kinnett [25:32]

5. Domestic Extremism & Activist Violence

[27:18 – 32:47]

• Rising Activism: Kinnett highlights incidents where activists, driven by conspiratorial rhetoric, commit arson or attack federal agents, believing they are fighting “the Gestapo.”
• Satire of Protest Tactics: Points out how some protests devolve into bizarre public displays (e.g., waving explicit objects at ICE protests).

6. Christine Noem & DHS Scandal

[32:47 – 38:33]

• Noem Criticisms: Explores reporting that alleges Noem, Secretary of DHS, seeks publicity over substance, fosters a toxic workplace, and is entangled in personal scandals.
• Kinnett’s Verdict: Argues that effective leadership should be about competent, calm administration, not performance or self-promotion.

7. Gavin Newsom in Munich: Performative China Praise & Climate Harangues

[40:32 – 42:21]

• China Applause: Newsom claims “China gets it” on growth and clean energy.
  • Quote: “China gets it. Look at their GDP growth last year. Where was their GDP growth? Disproportionately? It was in the clean energy space.” – Gavin Newsom [42:12]
• Kinnett’s Mockery: Skewers Newsom for being inconsistent, performative, and for lauding authoritarian approaches while deriding domestic leadership.

8. Trump Foreign Policy: Middle East Buildup & Dismissal of Press

[44:13 – 49:06]

• Current Posture: Kinnett praises President Trump’s nonchalance and “let him cook” strategic ambiguity regarding military buildup near Iran.
  • Quote: “Don't worry about it...” – Donald Trump [44:13]
• Defense Technology: Brief aside about advanced US military tech and pride in American capability—contrasted with Democratic handwringing on the international stage.

Bonus Interview: Owen Anderson vs. Arizona State University on DEI Lawsuit

[54:49 – 62:19]

• Background: ASU Professor Owen Anderson challenged a mandatory DEI training, arguing it violates Arizona law against “race blame.”
• University Defense: ASU denies his standing to sue; hires high-profile law firm Perkins Coie (noted for left-wing political work) to bury the case procedurally.
• Anderson’s Rationale: Argues if neither employees nor taxpayers can sue, then the law is effectively nullified.
  • Quote: “If I don't have standing, then this law is meaningless. And I think that's the purpose. Right? That's the bigger goal—to basically nullify this state law, because if no one can enforce it, then even though it's on the books, it's not really a law.” – Owen Anderson [57:27]
• Broader Implications: Kinnett notes the importance of the principle at stake for all employees, regardless of politics.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “So Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie doxxed four innocent people... and they have been flooded, inundated with death threats...” – Tony Kinnett [05:16]
• “When you believe those kinds of things, you end up doing crap like this and innocent people get hurt.” – Tony Kinnett [08:28]
• “What Americans are by every piece of available polling data growing tired of is the performance politics.” – Tony Kinnett [22:16]
• “His handcuffs should be removed.” – Owen Anderson, quoting Zoran Mamdani’s position [25:24]
• “China gets it. Look at their GDP growth last year.” – Gavin Newsom [42:12]
• “Don't worry about it.” – President Trump, dismissing land strike questions [44:13]
• “If I don't have standing, then this law is meaningless.” – Owen Anderson [57:27]

Quick Takes and Listener Q&A

[62:21 – End]

• Kinnett answers audience questions about his background in education, voice impressions, libertarianism in Congress, and tangents on political performance vs. substance.
• Expresses pride in his "Hoosier" outsider voice, continual commitment to transparency, and growing podcast reach.

Overall Tone & Takeaways

Tony Kinnett’s tone is energetic, sardonic, and direct, often mixing acute analysis with sarcasm and pop culture. This episode is a critique of political performativity on all sides—demanding both accuracy and humility in public office, and bemoaning the harm that arises from reckless rhetoric, administrative secrecy, and hollow virtue signaling.

Listeners will come away with...

• A deep dive into Congressional recklessness around the Epstein investigation
• Exposures of legal maneuvering in universities and public institutions
• Skepticism toward “political theater” at home and abroad
• Strong, critical advocacy for more principled, competent, and less narcissistic public leadership

For More

• Visit The Daily Signal on YouTube, X, Facebook, or 93 WIBC
• Reference case details via the Goldwater Institute (re: Anderson v. ASU)