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Here’s what we’re talking about today.
This is a quick rundown of the topics we’ll be covering on today’s show. You can hit play to listen, or read the transcript below if that’s more your style.
Transcript:
Today is Tuesday, September 16, 2025, and this is your news and preview of today's show.
Donald Trump was pressed by a CBS reporter about political violence after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and was asked to respond to a string of high-profile attacks dating back years — including the June killing of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and the 2022 assault on Paul Pelosi. Trump rejected the premise, insisting “the radical left causes tremendous violence and they seem to do it in a bigger way.”
In a separate exchange, when a reporter asked whether protesters retain First Amendment protections, President Trump replied, “Well, I’m not so sure,” a comment that renewed debate over free-speech protections and how authorities respond to demonstrations.
White House advisor Stephen Miller added fuel to the fire, announcing that the administration would use Justice Department and Homeland Security resources to “identify and dismantle extremist networks.” Civil liberties groups and several state officials warned the move risks targeting dissent under a broad definition of extremism, while California Governor Gavin Newsom said the strategy amounted to an effort to “rebrand Democrats as terrorists.”
Vice President J.D. Vance, guest-hosting a remembrance episode of The Charlie Kirk Show from a White House office, urged listeners to “call out” people seen celebrating Kirk’s death and to notify their employers — comments that could be described as endorsing doxxing and prompting employer-level discipline in some cases. The administration’s public campaign has led to firings and heightened scrutiny of public and private employees.
FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters that investigators recovered DNA and other material linking the suspect to the rifle used in the shooting of Charlie Kirk and said a written note tied to the case was reconstructed by investigators after the original was destroyed. Law enforcement officials say the investigation into the killing of Charlie Kirk is ongoing; the suspect is in custody and prosecutors are expected to file charges. Federal and local authorities continue to ask the public for information as forensic and digital inquiries proceed.
On the Bonus Show today:
Trump sues the New York Times for $15 billion, alleging defamation.
Kash Patel gets questioned on Capitol Hill.
And much more...
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