The A.M. Update

Aaron McIntire recaps the latest from Operation Epic Fury, with White House stats showing massive reductions in Iranian ballistic and drone attacks, over 6,000 U.S.-struck targets, destroyed naval assets, and total air dominance. President Trump announces a devastating strike on Iran's critical Kharg Island oil export hub—described as the regime's crown jewel—targeting only military facilities while signaling no interest in early ceasefire talks despite Iranian outreach. We cover the tragic loss of six airmen in last week's KC-135 incident (ruled non-hostile), Iran's foreign minister floating concessions on fissile material amid shifting regime rhetoric, and ongoing Strait of Hormuz posturing that suggests weakening resolve. Domestically, Vice President J.D. Vance dismisses dissent rumors and pivots to economic strength, with advisor Kevin Hassett highlighting oil resilience, AI-driven productivity, and upcoming tax relief benefits. Plus, questions swirl around Tucker Carlson's claims of CIA scrutiny over pre-war Iran contacts, new IDF intel linking the Michigan synagogue attacker to Hezbollah, Netanyahu's cheeky response to death rumors, and diplomatic openings with Cuba and Venezuela. The AM Update, Aaron McIntire, Operation Epic Fury, Kharg Island strike, Iran ceasefire talks, Tucker Carlson Iran, CIA referral Tucker, Hezbollah Michigan link, JD Vance Iran comments, Kevin Hassett economy, Trump Iran update, fissile material Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Cuba US talks, Venezuela embassy flag

Aaron McIntire covers back-to-back terror incidents on American soil: a vehicle ramming and gunfire attack at a Michigan synagogue by a naturalized citizen from Lebanon, and a campus shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia where the gunman—previously convicted of supporting ISIS—shouted "Allahu Akbar" before killing two and injuring others. We discuss President Trump's response, the synagogue's security measures that prevented a massacre, and the broader context amid escalating U.S.-Israel operations against Iran. Centcom reports the loss of a KC-135 tanker in western Iraq during refueling (not due to hostile fire), while Trump reaffirms progress in the campaign against what he calls a "nation of terror." Secretary Rubio outlines ending all U.S. aid to Somalia to align foreign assistance strictly with national interests. Plus listener questions on the Iran war's bigger geopolitical chessboard, sources for following developments, AI's potential role in shifting labor markets, and more in this Ask or Tell Me Anything Friday edition. The AM Update, Aaron McIntire, Michigan synagogue attack, Old Dominion shooting, terror attacks USA, Mohamed Jallow ISIS, Iran tanker loss, KC-135 crash Iraq, Operation Epic Fury, Marco Rubio Somalia aid, Trump Iran update, heartbeat bill Wyoming, Ask or Tell Me Anything, Middle East conflict, U.S. foreign policy

Aaron McIntire breaks down President Trump's bold declaration of victory over Iran following intense U.S. and Israeli strikes, including massive target counts and oil reserve coordination to stabilize energy markets. We examine the ongoing risks in the Strait of Hormuz, Hezbollah's rocket barrages on northern Israel turning it into a two-front conflict, and fresh Israeli Air Force operations hitting IRGC sites deep inside Iran. Domestically, Trump doubles down on pushing the Save America Act through despite Senate Republican resistance and filibuster drama, while the latest CPI data shows inflation holding steady—but still well above the Fed's target. Plus listener reactions to our poll on Iran's future trajectory, rare pilot radio exchanges, and what it all means for the week ahead. The AM Update, Aaron McIntire, Trump Iran victory, Iran conflict 2026, US Israel strikes, Hezbollah attacks, Save America Act, voter ID citizenship, filibuster Senate Republicans, CPI inflation February 2026, Strait of Hormuz, IRGC targets, Middle East tensions, Trump domestic agenda

Wednesday's The A.M. Update with Aaron McIntire covers Senate Majority Leader John Thune's realism on the Save America Act, explaining the lack of votes to bypass the filibuster and framing a floor vote as a chance to force Democrats on record regarding non-citizen voting, despite the bill's simpler path from the House. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt pitches the Act's popular provisions like voter ID, proof of citizenship, restricted mail-in ballots, and bans on men in women's sports and child transgender surgeries. In the Iran conflict, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth previews intense strikes while noting Iran's reduced missile fire, and President Trump warns of severe consequences over reported Strait of Hormuz mining before announcing destruction of Iranian mine-laying vessels. Oil prices stabilize after sharp volatility. Domestic angles include White House guidance to temper mass deportation rhetoric for political reasons, echoed by House Speaker Mike Johnson on a "course correction" with new DHS leadership. More James Talarico clips surface highlighting his views on fascism and trans issues. Positive ADP job data offers labor market hope amid corporate relocations from California and New Jersey to Georgia and Texas. Virginia's new gun control measures head to the governor, and Congressman Tim Burchett calls gasoline pricing a corporate scam. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Save America Act, John Thune, voter ID, Iran war, Operation Epic Fury, Strait of Hormuz, Pete Hegseth, mass deportations, James Talarico, oil prices, gas scam, corporate relocations, Virginia gun control, Tim Burchett

Tuesday's episode of The A.M. Update with Aaron McIntire tracks the fluid status of the Iran conflict, where President Trump touts over 5,000 targets struck, massive declines in Iranian missile and drone capabilities, and a potential short-term operation while holding back on devastating infrastructure hits. Conflicting signals emerge on the war's timeline, alongside reports of a new Supreme Leader named amid questions about his status and a regime using a cardboard cutout in ceremonies. Tensions rise with missile incidents near Turkey drawing sharp warnings from Erdogan, potential activation of Iranian sleeper cells abroad, and a dramatic single-day oil price drop from $116 to under $90 per barrel due to safer Strait of Hormuz transit and G7 reserve discussions. Domestic news covers a foiled IED plot by self-radicalized teens in New York linked to terrorism charges, renewed scrutiny on James Talarico with more unearthed comments, an NBC poll showing low favorability for AI and various political figures, a DOJ-Ticketmaster antitrust deal with divestitures and fines, and Qatar's foreign minister publicly expressing deep betrayal over Iran's attacks on Gulf neighbors, prompting analysis of the small nation's long-term triangulation strategy for survival. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Iran war, Operation Epic Fury, President Trump, Mo Taba Khamenei, sleeper cells, oil prices, Strait of Hormuz, Qatar Iran relations, James Talarico, Ticketmaster deal, AI favorability poll, NYPD terrorism plot

Monday's edition of The A.M. Update with Aaron McIntire dives into the intensifying Iran conflict, featuring dramatic scenes from Tehran where coalition strikes on oil infrastructure triggered black rain, toxic fallout, and widespread smoke over the capital. Reports highlight fractures within Iranian leadership, with the formal government issuing apologies for regional attacks while the IRGC vows to continue them. President Trump dismisses accusations of targeting a desalinization plant, reframing focus on the regime's atrocities, amid emerging claims of UAE involvement. Tensions rise with the UK over delayed support and intelligence sharing, drawing sharp comments from Trump and regional allies. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth downplays Russian intel assistance to Iran, emphasizing U.S. awareness and dominance. Domestic updates include disappointing February jobs numbers amid rising oil prices nearing $90/barrel, Markwayne Mullin's controversial DHS nomination and past J6 remarks, a curious old clip from retiring Senator Steve Daines, fresh Epstein-related revelations from prison guard records, Midwest tornado devastation, shifting youth views on socialism in new polling, and observations on fluctuating X narratives around the war depending on the time of day. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Iran conflict, Operation Epic Fury, Tehran strikes, oil prices, UK Iran support, Pete Hegseth, Markwayne Mullin, Ashley Babbitt, Jeffrey Epstein, jobs report, socialism poll, Midwest tornadoes, Steve Daines

Friday's Five Pack on The A.M. Update with Aaron McIntire delivers sharp takes on the Iran conflict's rapid escalation, including President Trump's stark ultimatum to the regime, Central Command's report of over 30 ships sunk and destruction targeting missile production capabilities, plus seamless air defense integration with regional partners. Domestic shakeups include Kristi Noem's exit from Homeland Security amid controversy over ad spending and other issues, with Markwayne Mullin stepping in. Texas Senate primary drama heats up as Ken Paxton ties John Cornyn and floats a conditional dropout tied to the Save America Act. A striking debate moment sees prominent streamer Destiny shift positions under calm cross-examination on moral and physical realism. Plus listener questions on geopolitics, NATO's future, regional reactions to Iran's weakening, and more in Ask or Tell Me Anything. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Iran war, Operation Epic Fury, President Trump, Kristi Noem, Markwayne Mullin, Ken Paxton, John Cornyn, Save America Act, Destiny debate, NATO, Ask or Tell Me Anything, Friday Five Pack

On this Thursday edition of The A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire breaks down the latest from the escalating conflict with Iran, where top leadership has been eliminated, military branches crippled, and U.S. officials project overwhelming dominance in Operation Epic Fury. We cover confident assessments from President Trump and key Pentagon voices, contrasting congressional caution on terminology, and report the tragic loss of the first four American service members. Updates on conflicting claims about Kurdish involvement add intrigue to the ground situation. Stateside, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faces intense questioning over a major fraud scandal and disputed statements about payment restarts, while newly minted Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico draws scrutiny for controversial theological takes and past social media posts. Plus, a strong biblical defense of personal charity versus government compulsion, the passing of coaching legend Lou Holtz, poll results on Iran's future, and more. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Iran conflict, Operation Epic Fury, Pete Hegseth, Tim Walz, James Talarico, Feeding Our Future fraud, Texas Senate primary, Lou Holtz, military updates, congressional hearings, poll of the week

Wednesday's A.M. Update details Operation Epic Fury's first 72 hours: U.S. Central Command reports strikes on IRGC command centers, aerospace/missile sites, navy ships/submarines, air defenses, and comms infrastructure, while Israel hits covert nuclear development facilities and the Assembly of Experts building during successor voting. President Trump dismisses claims Israel "forced" U.S. involvement, emphasizing his belief Iran would attack first and Rubio clarifying preemptive timing to minimize casualties. A British F-35 scores its first combat kill downing an Iranian drone over Jordan; Spain refuses base access, prompting Trump threats of trade cutoff. Lloyd's of London halts Gulf shipping insurance, leading Trump to direct U.S. government coverage and Navy escorts. Texas primaries head to runoffs including Cornyn-Paxton Senate and Roy-Middleton AG races. Analysis warns of CCP propaganda amplifying "Israel roped us in" narratives to fracture U.S.-Israel ties. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Operation Epic Fury, IRGC strikes, Marco Rubio Israel, Trump Iran, Kuwait friendly fire, Texas primaries, Lloyd's insurance Gulf, CCP propaganda, Lindsey Graham