The Tony Kinnett Cast - Ep. 507

Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Tony Kinnett (The Daily Signal)
Guests: Representative John James (MI-10)
Major Themes: National Security, Cartel Violence in Mexico, State of the Union Politics, Urban Policy, Voter ID Laws, Winter Olympics

Episode Overview

Tony Kinnett delivers a rapid-fire update on major news events from a Hoosier, middle-America perspective. This episode covers the Mexican government's major operation against a cartel leader and subsequent cartel retaliation, political turmoil in New York City during a blizzard, critiques and humor at the expense of prominent Democrats (notably Gavin Newsom and Zoran Mamdani), a discussion with Rep. John James previewing the State of the Union, the significance of American victories at the Winter Olympics, and debates on free speech and voter ID law.

1. Mexico Cartel Violence and U.S. Security Response

[00:34-12:23]

• Major Event:

  • Mexican special forces, with U.S. intelligence support, killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (alias El Mencho), leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
  • Retaliation: Cartel groups responded with rampant violence—killing informants, setting vehicles ablaze, attacking airports and public areas.

• Key Insights:

  • The U.S. threatened direct intervention if Mexico failed to deal with its cartel problem.
  • Cartel violence spread across multiple Mexican states and impacted tourist destinations, causing panic and chaos, notably at airports.
  • U.S. states (TX, AZ) surged border resources in response.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “When you leave an infection alone and you allow it to fester and in fact you feed it lots of wonderful sugar, you end up getting a very, very bad mess.” — Tony Kinnett, [00:36]
  • “The United States never should have given it up after the last time we occupied Mexico City.” — Tony Kinnett, [08:42]

• Death Toll:

  • Estimated between 70 and 73 (cartel members, security forces, at least one civilian).

• Political Blame:

  • Mexican officials blame the flow of U.S. weapons—citing that 80% of seized cartel weapons are from the U.S.

2. U.S. Military Readiness & Iran War Rumors

[08:55-13:01]

• Debunking Panic:

  • Reports suggested U.S. readiness concerns for an Iran war; Kinnett strongly disputes these, calling them “a load of crap.”
  • U.S. air defenses and supplies are plentiful in the Middle East.
  • President Trump clarifies any military action against Iran would be decisive.

• Humor & Tone:

  • Kinnett jokes about Iran's dated military hardware and makes light of pundit fears.
  • “Iran has no navy whatsoever. They have a paddle boat and, and I believe a guy in a duck floaty.” — Tony Kinnett, [09:49]

3. Domestic Political Theater & Tariffs

[12:23-14:14]

• Senate Reactions:
  • Chuck Schumer critiques Trump tariffs and the Supreme Court’s ruling.
  • Kinnett lampoons Schumer’s messaging and highlights electoral hypocrisy, pointing out Democrats’ awkward positions on tariffs and voter ID laws.

4. State of the Union Antics & Democratic Boycotts

[14:15-20:00]

• Democratic Boycott:

  • Multiple Senate/House Democrats plan to skip the State of the Union for publicity.
  • Kinnett derides this as attention-seeking and mocks their lack of impact.
  • Stephen A. Smith and others publicly mock the boycott.

• Alternate Streams:

  • Democrats plan their own “People’s State of the Union” livestream, leading Kinnett to humorously wager his show will outperform it in ratings.

5. Gavin Newsom’s Speech Gaffes & Identity Politics

[20:01-25:02]

• Incident:

  • Newsom attempts to connect with a black audience, suggesting he’s “just like” them because of a low SAT score, leading to widespread ridicule.
  • Defends himself by citing dyslexia, which reporters probe—Newsom’s press office replies rudely to inquiries about his diagnosis.
  • Kinnett criticizes trend of politicians/influencers using mental health or disability labels as shields.

• Quote:

  • “How dare you call a dyslexic person illiterate? That’s so insensitive. It’s like throwing a beach ball at Helen Keller.” — Tony Kinnett mocking Newsom’s defense, [22:40]

6. NYC Blizzard, Homeless Deaths, & Bureaucratic Dysfunction

[25:02-32:00]

• Key Event:

  • NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani faces criticism after 19 homeless individuals die in a blizzard.
  • Mamdani’s prior stance limited police intervention, instead promoting therapy-based outreach.
  • He blames the deaths on drug overdoses “and then froze to death.”
  • Kinnett ridicules overly bureaucratic process for hiring snow shovelers, highlighting New York's paradoxical demands for strict ID for snow shoveling but resistance to voter ID laws.

• Notable Exchange:

  • Kinnett catches Mamdani citing federal law on documentation, contrasting this with the city’s usual anti-federal stance.

7. Immigration Enforcement & Media Double Standards

[32:01-36:12]

• Case of Karen Newton:
  • British retiree’s deportation story sensationalized in left-wing outlets, ignoring her and her husband’s clear immigration violations.
  • Kinnett points out liberal hypocrisy on immigration paperwork: demanding thorough checks in some spheres, decrying them in others.

8. Interview: Rep. John James

[36:12-43:02]

• Previewing State of the Union:

  • John James anticipates Trump’s “well-deserved victory lap,” citing productive policies: tax cuts, national security.
  • Emphasizes reciprocal trade, bringing jobs and manufacturing home, and bipartisan need for energy policy rooted in practicality (natural gas, nuclear, minerals).

• Economic/Trade Policy:

  • Tariffs framed as correcting decades of unfair trade; U.S. seeing a manufacturing resurgence, especially in steel.

• Energy:

  • Critical mineral supply legislation to stabilize supply chains, lower costs.

• On Michigan Leadership:

  • John James critiques Gov. Whitmer’s performance abroad and argues for experienced, veteran leadership for the state’s national security significance.

9. Brief: Mar-a-Lago Assassination Attempt on Trump

[43:05–44:00]

• Event:
  • Attempted attack on President Trump at Mar-a-Lago (Feb 22) is foiled.
  • Suspect, reportedly motivated by “Epstein files,” is shot by law enforcement.

10. U.S. Winter Olympics Triumphs & Cultural Commentary

[44:00-56:05]

• American Pride:

  • U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams defeat Canada in overtime; Alysa Liu (women’s figure skating) also highlighted.
  • Tony Kinnett lauds the athletes’ patriotism, contrasts with left-wing hand-wringing over displays of the American flag and perceived misogyny.
  • Quotes/moments from Trump congratulating the hockey team, extending State of the Union invitations.

• Quote:

  • “In a world full of Megan Rapinos, be a Jack Hughes.” — Tony Kinnett, [56:05]

11. Free Speech, Disinformation, and International Critiques

[56:05–63:52]

• Jamie Raskin Speech:
  • Raskin accuses Trump of authoritarian censorship; Kinnett retorts with historical counterexamples and ridicules exaggerations.
  • Excerpt and critique from NZ’s former PM on “combating misinformation” and speech regulation.
  • Kinnett draws comparisons to old Soviet rhetoric, argues suppression is more common from the left.

12. The Voter ID Debate and the SAVE Act

[63:52–69:33]

• Chuck Schumer on Voter ID:
  • Schumer labels the SAVE Act (“Save America Act”) as “Jim Crow 2.0.”
  • Kinnett counters: Voter ID is highly popular among voters, majority of Democrats included.
  • Kinnett ridicules the notion that minorities or women cannot manage to acquire ID for voting purposes but are expected to for city jobs (e.g., shoveling snow).

13. Political Trends & 2026 Elections

[69:34–end]

• Political Strategy:

  • Kinnett suggests low enthusiasm for 2026 but sees momentum for Trump, especially if economic progress continues.
  • Predicts Democrats’ ongoing mistakes (especially on social/cultural issues) will harm their 2028 prospects.

• Preview:

  • Upcoming investigative segments on driver's license/immigration issues and international reports.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “As a proud Hoosier, I’m thrilled that we make enough Humvees for the whole darn military…” — Tony Kinnett, [05:36]
• “Parents, children shouldn’t have to bury their parents. Meaning that F22s shouldn’t have to shoot down the last F4s out there.” — Tony Kinnett, [11:00]
• “I also can’t read. I also got a 960 on my SATs.” — Tony Kinnett impersonating Gavin Newsom, [21:44]
• “We’re utilizing 33 DSNY vans and two DSNY buses to transport shovelers.” — Official NYC statement, [27:05]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment/Timestamp | Topic | |---|---| | 00:34–12:23 | Mexico/Cartel Crackdown; U.S. Intelligence Involvement | | 08:55–13:01 | Iran War Rumors, Military Readiness | | 14:15–20:00 | State of the Union, Democratic Boycotts | | 20:01–25:02 | Gavin Newsom’s Identity Politics & Scandal | | 25:02–32:00 | NYC Blizzard Response, Homeless Crisis | | 36:12–43:02 | Interview: Rep. John James | | 43:05–44:00 | Mar-a-Lago Assassination Attempt | | 44:00–56:05 | Winter Olympics: U.S. Hockey Wins | | 56:05–63:52 | Free Speech Debate, Jamie Raskin, NZ PM | | 63:52–69:33 | Voter ID Debate (SAVE Act), Schumer’s Critique | | 69:34–end | 2026 Political Outlook, Upcoming Reports |

Conclusion & Outlook

Tony Kinnett’s episode is a turbo-charged run through major news, using sarcasm, wit, and deep skepticism toward mainstream narratives coming from the left and elements of the GOP. The episode weaves together reporting, critique, and humor to frame current political and cultural controversies, ultimately emphasizing American resilience, common sense, and national pride.

Next Up:
Coverage of the State of the Union, special investigative reports, and more interviews from Beltway insiders and American manufacturing leaders.