The A.M. Update delivers a Friday five-pack of stories, including John Bolton’s indictment for mishandling classified documents and Mitch McConnell’s concerning fall in the Capitol. Jay Jones apologizes for vile texts in Virginia’s AG race, while Zohran Mamdani shames Andrew Cuomo in NYC’s mayoral debate.   John Bolton, classified documents, Mitch McConnell, Jay Jones, Virginia AG race, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, NYC mayoral race, AOC, Chuck Schumer, economy, bond markets, Apple podcast issues, Kamala Harris book tour, Mark Driscoll, Adam Steen

Aaron McIntire breaks down President Trump's candid admission of a trade war with China, the Democrats' growing list of demands to end the government shutdown, and Keira Knightley's dismissal of the trans agenda. Plus, insights on federal layoffs, a potential Voting Rights Act challenge, and a new immigration plan prioritizing English speakers.   Trump, China trade war, government shutdown, Democrats, Keira Knightley, trans agenda, Voting Rights Act, immigration reform, federal layoffs, Supreme Court, Conduit Clothing,

The A.M. Update covers the posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk, with heartfelt remarks from his widow, Erica. President Trump’s busy week includes a historic Gaza peace agreement and securing funds for troops amid a government shutdown. A father in Arkansas runs for sheriff after k*lling his daughter’s r*pist, sparking debate on justice and vigilantism.   Charlie Kirk, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Erica Kirk, Donald Trump, Gaza peace agreement, government shutdown, troop funding, Aaron Spencer, Arkansas sheriff, vigilante justice, Marco Rubio, narco-terrorism, Barack Obama, old-fashioned values

On today's A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire reflects on President Trump's triumphant Middle East tour, from Israel's Knesset applause to Egypt's honors, sealing a historic peace deal with Hamas and the release of 20 hostages. Back home, the government shutdown drags into its second week, with layoffs hitting federal workers and economic ripples growing. Plus, escalating Taliban-Pakistan clashes, Fauci's ominous pandemic warning, and a sharp debate on abortion among progressive Christians.   Trump, Middle East peace, Israel, Hamas, government shutdown, Marco Rubio, JD Vance, Anthony Fauci, Taliban Pakistan, abortion debate,

Aaron McIntire breaks down President Trump's pivotal trip to Israel for a historic hostage transfer, potentially marking a Berlin Wall moment in the Hamas-Israel conflict. China backtracks on aggressive trade moves after Trump's tariff threats, and the government shutdown takes center stage as JD Vance calls out media distractions. Plus, updates on a tragic Tennessee explosion, border security shifts, and a surprising Antifa narrative push from the left.   Trump, Israel, Hamas, China trade, government shutdown, JD Vance, border security, Antifa, Tennessee explosion, Dominion Voting Systems

This week's A.M. Update: Week in Review dives into the fight against Antifa with Kyle Shideler, who calls for targeting federal funding in education to curb radical ideologies. Charlie Kirk's viral clip highlights the need for blunt truth to reach a struggling generation. Plus, President Trump's comments on faith spark a discussion on cultural Christianity, and the ongoing government shutdown fuels debate on federal firings and political gamesmanship.   Antifa, education reform, cultural Christianity, Charlie Kirk, President Trump, government shutdown, federal funding, civics education, radical ideologies, faith and politics

Aaron McIntire sits down with Kyle Shideler, Director for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism at the Center for Security Policy, to discuss the rising threat of Antifa. Shideler outlines a whole-of-government approach to tackle decentralized far-left extremist networks, including legal statutes, financial tracking, and educational reform.   Antifa, far-left extremism, Kyle Shideler, Aaron McIntire, AM Update, Center for Security Policy, terrorism, Charlie Kirk, Department of Justice, fiscal sponsorship, education reform, Trump administration

: Aaron McIntire dives into the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its second week, as Speaker Mike Johnson calls out Democrats for blocking funding for essential workers. A Pacific Palisades fire suspect faces charges for arson with disturbing digital evidence. Plus, a thwarted attack near the Supreme Court and Katie Porter’s fiery interview meltdown highlight the escalating political tensions.   government shutdown, Palisades fire, left-wing terrorism, Aaron McIntire, AM Update, Mike Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries, Katie Porter, Supreme Court threat, Antifa, Trump administration, political discourse

The A.M. Update covers the ongoing federal government shutdown as Democrats push for ACA subsidies while President Trump warns of job losses. Aaron McIntire delves into the FBI’s wiretapping of Republican senators, with Attorney General Pam Bondi facing tough questions. Plus, a bizarre New York Times piece on Gen Z’s “lavender marriage” divorces and a critical look at the flawed 2020 Census.   government shutdown, FBI wiretapping, Pam Bondi, 2020 Census, Gen Z divorce, lavender marriage, illegal immigration, Christian nationalism, Aaron McIntire, The A.M. Update

The A.M. Update tackles the ongoing federal government shutdown, with no mass firings yet, as GOP pushes for resolution. Aaron McIntire exposes the FBI's secret collection of phone records from nine Republican lawmakers under Biden’s Arctic Frost investigation. Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson escalates tensions with an "ICE-free zones" executive order, while a personal tale of bizarre accidents adds a quirky twist.   government shutdown, FBI spying, Arctic Frost, Chicago ICE-free zones, Brandon Johnson, Virginia politics, Jay Jones, tariffs, Portland protests, Aaron McIntire, The A.M. Update