The A.M. Update

Tuesday's A.M. Update recaps administration defenses of Operation Epic Fury: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers a fiery frontline message to troops framing the campaign as a generational turning point against Iran's 47-year war on America, while General Dan Caine details synchronized multi-domain strikes to degrade nuclear, missile, naval, and proxy capabilities. President Trump projects 4-5 weeks (or longer if needed) to wipe out Iran's missile force, navy, and nuclear ambitions, with Rubio clarifying preemptive action to avoid higher U.S. casualties from anticipated Iranian retaliation. Friendly fire incident sees Kuwait accidentally down three U.S. F-15s—all pilots eject safely amid warm local rescue. Lebanon's PM bans Hezbollah military actions, Qatar cuts ties after Iranian attacks, and polls show congressional ballot tied with GOP gains. Hegseth's message to troops emphasizes lethality, unity, and unwavering support from Trump. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Operation Epic Fury, Pete Hegseth troops message, Dan Caine briefing, Marco Rubio Iran, Kuwait friendly fire F-15, Lebanon Hezbollah ban, Qatar Iran ties cut, congressional polls Harvard Harris

Monday's A.M. Update recaps one of the most extraordinary geopolitical weekends in recent memory: President Trump announces Operation Epic Fury, a massive U.S.-led (with heavy Israeli involvement) campaign of precision strikes dismantling Iran's nuclear sites, missile capabilities, air defenses, naval forces, and proxy networks after Tehran rejects zero-enrichment demands and attempts rebuilding. Initial volleys eliminate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and dozens of top IRGC and political leaders—enabled by CIA intel and executed by Israel—sparking nationwide celebrations in Iran. Iran's command structure fractures, with foreign minister admitting isolated, independent military actions; retaliatory strikes hit Gulf neighbors and bases, uniting regional powers against Tehran. Three U.S. service members killed in early action; domestic terror incident in Austin probed for links. Big-picture reflections on frightening allied military/intel capabilities, shifting Middle East dynamics, China's oil vulnerabilities, and lessons on decisive force versus endless nation-building. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Operation Epic Fury, Iran strikes, Ayatollah Khamenei dead, Israel US alliance, nuclear program dismantled, IRGC leaders eliminated, Gulf states response, Tom Homan, Austin terror shooting

Friday's A.M. Update covers Iran's rejection of U.S. zero-enrichment demands in nuclear talks, Tom Homan's defense of deportations against papal criticism, Block's 4000+ AI-driven layoffs, the FBI raid on LAUSD's superintendent who admits decades of illegal status amid fraud probes, JD Vance's sharp Pelosi jab on insider trading, and listener questions on covetousness, Zionism, miracles, and preparing kids for tough times. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Iran nuclear rejection, Tom Homan Pope, Block AI layoffs, LAUSD Carvalho raid, JD Vance Pelosi, Zionism, economic preparation

Thursday's A.M. Update exposes what looks like classic Senate "failure theater" from Majority Leader John Thune, who promises a vote on the SAVE Act to block non-citizen voting but sidesteps any real push like a talking filibuster amid government funding fights and other priorities. Vice President JD Vance, alongside CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, takes firm action by withholding $259.5 million in Medicaid funds from Minnesota over massive fraud concerns, giving Governor Tim Walz 60 days to outline fixes or face more cuts. A classified Gang of Eight briefing on Iran draws only a measured, non-committal response from Chuck Schumer, while 12 advanced F-22 Raptors deploy to Israel as Middle East tensions simmer. Other highlights include Democratic counterprogramming flops featuring dancing frog skits, John Fetterman's critique of his party's antics, college students hilariously reviewing a State of the Union that hadn't happened yet, a dramatic Omaha sinkhole caught on camera, and listener reactions to whether Trump's address moved the needle.

A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, SAVE Act Senate, John Thune failure theater, JD Vance Minnesota fraud, Medicaid withholding Tim Walz, Chuck Schumer Iran briefing, F-22 Israel deployment, Democratic State of the Union counterprogramming, John Fetterman, college students SOTU, Omaha sinkhole, poll of the week

Tuesday's A.M. Update tackles fresh media spin on the chairman of the Joint Chiefs supposedly wavering on potential Iran action—prompting President Trump to set the record straight—while the latest Mar-a-Lago security breach draws a characteristically candid response from the president. California Governor Gavin Newsom's attempts to connect with audiences fall flat in revealing ways, as he signals a Democratic shift toward seeming more "culturally normal" ahead of future elections. Amid boycotts of tonight's State of the Union, falling mortgage rates spark mixed economic signals, Chinese firms face accusations of stealing U.S. AI tech secrets, and Robert De Niro's sudden call for unity rings hollow given his past rhetoric. The episode closes with heartfelt gratitude for the administration's focus on angel families, including a new national day of recognition, powerful testimonies from victims' loved ones, and a reminder of the human stakes in securing the border and combating trafficking. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, General Dan Cain Iran, Trump Truth Social, Gavin Newsom SAT gaffe, Democrats State of the Union boycott, mortgage rates drop, Chinese AI theft Anthropic, Robert De Niro unity, Angel Family Day, Lincoln Riley, Tom Homan border, immigration deportations

Monday's A.M. Update dives into stunning revelations about Iran's nuclear program defying past assurances of dismantlement, amid massive U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and a canceled high-stakes trip. President Trump dodges yet another assassination scare at Mar-a-Lago, then turns a Supreme Court tariff ruling into an unexpected green light for bold new global trade measures. From New York City's snow chaos and emergency shovel hires to bold displays of faith in the administration, Olympic patriotism, and Mike Rowe's wake-up call on the jobs AI won't touch anytime soon, plus reflections on the technology's real-world utility and looming questions. A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire, Iran nuclear program, Trump assassination attempt, tariffs Supreme Court, Middle East buildup, Mike Rowe trades AI, Pete Hegseth biblical, New York snow mismanagement, Olympic patriotism, Tucker Carlson Israel interview

Aaron McIntire opens with a final episode before a two-week hiatus for international travel and family time. He covers a tragic Rhode Island shooting by a transgender individual who posted threats the day prior, linking it to broader concerns about gender ideology and recent similar incidents. New York City's socialist mayor threatens tax hikes on the wealthy while the "warmth of collectivism" literally uncovers unpleasant realities on melting sidewalks. J.D. Vance pushes for lower interest rates and more housing to combat affordability issues and family formation challenges. RFK Jr. details on 60 Minutes how ultra-processed foods, hidden ingredients, and industry loopholes drive obesity and malnourishment in America. The show closes reflecting on the five-year anniversary of Rush Limbaugh's passing and the five-month mark since Charlie Kirk's murder, highlighting Rush's admiration for Kirk and his secret support for Turning Point USA. The AM Update, Aaron McIntire, transgender violence, Rhode Island shooting, New York City budget crisis, Zoran Mamdani, J.D. Vance housing, RFK Jr food policy, ultra-processed foods, Rush Limbaugh anniversary, Charlie Kirk tribute, collectivism failures

Aaron McIntire dives into a mix of economic extremes with housing affordability hitting unprecedented levels and the federal workforce shrinking to historic lows. He highlights a major ecological mess in the nation's capital involving a massive sewage spill into the Potomac, drawing sharp political reactions. Discussions cover heated exchanges at the Munich Security Conference, advances in mobile nuclear tech for military use, questionable policy ideas abroad like taxing unrealized gains, and candid takes from figures across the spectrum on where the Democratic Party stands amid ongoing cultural and political battles. Plus, a programming note on upcoming absences. The AM Update, Aaron McIntire, housing affordability crisis, federal workforce cuts, Potomac sewage spill, Hillary Clinton Munich, nuclear reactor transport, AOC commentary, unrealized gains tax Netherlands, John Fetterman interview, Democratic Party future, Stephen A Smith politics

Aaron McIntire steps back from the daily news grind for a big-picture analysis of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's powerful Munich Security Conference speech, where he urged Europe to reject managed decline, reclaim pride in Western heritage, and build a revitalized transatlantic alliance capable of defending itself—framing it as a Gandalf-like call to break free from globalist complacency. The episode contrasts this with Hillary Clinton's surprising admission that mass migration has been "disruptive and destabilizing," questioning whether it's a genuine concession to Trump's long-standing arguments or a tactical moderation play by the left to regain power and continue internal threats to civilization. A deep meta discussion on the nonlinear unfolding of history, the end of the post-WWII "rules-based order" treating all nations as equals regardless of contribution, and the current great-power era where America signals it's ready to go it alone if allies won't step up. Marco Rubio, Munich Security Conference, Western civilization, Hillary Clinton, immigration pivot, great replacement, transatlantic alliance, globalism, rules-based order, Europe decline, Aaron McIntire, AM Update