Border Wall Fire Sale & New Jersey’s Drone Mystery | 12.13.24

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Border Wall Fire Sale & New Jersey’s Drone Mystery | 12.13.24
Release Date: December 13, 2024
Host/Author: John Bickley and Georgia Howe, The Daily Wire

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1. Border Wall Fire Sale: Biden Administration’s Undermining of Trump's Agenda

The episode opens with a critical examination of the Biden administration’s actions concerning the U.S. border wall construction. The hosts, John Bickley and Georgia Howe, highlight an alarming trend where the administration is hastily selling off large quantities of unused border wall materials, potentially obstructing President-elect Donald Trump's plans to rebuild the wall.

Key Points:

• Rapid Sell-Off of Materials: The Biden administration is reportedly selling half a mile’s worth of unused border wall segments daily, as revealed by a Daily Wire exclusive report (01:32).

• Interview with Tim Pearce: Tim Pearce, a Daily Wire reporter, discusses the implications of this sell-off. He explains that government contractors are auctioning off heavy steel slats and bollards at significantly reduced prices—starting as low as $5 per segment (02:03).

  Notable Quote:

  Tim Pearce ([02:03]): “These materials are being shipped north and placed on a government surplus auction site where the starting bid for a segment of wall is just $5.”

• Impact on Trump’s Plans: The administration’s urgency to dispose of these materials by Christmas could derail Trump’s immediate plans to restart border wall construction, potentially requiring him to seek additional congressional funding (02:56).

  Notable Quote:

  Georgia Howe (03:12): “On day one of my new administration, I will seal the border and I will shut down the invasion of millions of people that are coming through into our country.”

• Local Opposition in California: The discussion shifts to San Diego County, where local officials are enhancing sanctuary policies beyond state mandates. The San Diego Board of Supervisors voted to implement "super sanctuary" measures, limiting law enforcement’s ability to notify ICE about certain illegal immigrants, even those convicted of serious crimes (04:01).

  Notable Quote:

  Georgia Howe (04:28): “This policy goes beyond California's existing sanctuary laws by adding an additional layer of bureaucracy that hinders local law enforcement from directly notifying ICE about illegal immigrants.”

• Federal Response: Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, asserts that federal law enforcement will intervene in areas like San Diego County to enforce immigration laws, regardless of local policies (05:16).

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2. New Jersey’s Drone Mystery: Unidentified UAV Threats Over the Garden State

A significant portion of the episode delves into the mysterious drone activity reported over New Jersey, raising national security concerns and sparking debates about the origin and intentions behind these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Key Points:

• Nature of the Drones: The drones observed are described as SUV-sized, equipped with blinking lights, and lacking radio signals, making them sophisticated and difficult to track. They frequently evade radar detection and operate in groups before disappearing into the Atlantic for recharging (06:30).

  Notable Quote:

  Cabot Phillips (06:30): “These drones have been observed flying for six to eight hours over New Jersey before making a beeline out into the Atlantic.”

• Government Response: Initially dismissed as UFO hysteria, the persistent drone sightings have led to serious investigations by the FBI, DHS, and New Jersey State Police. A congressional hearing failed to unveil the drones' origins, heightening frustration among lawmakers (07:22).

  Notable Quotes:

  Texas Rep. Tony Gonzalez (07:54): “You're telling me we don't know what the hell these drones are in New Jersey are, Is that correct?”

  Georgia Howe (08:13): “Every question that was asked by a member of the state legislature, great questions, no answers, no resolution.”

• Allegations of Foreign Origin: New Jersey’s Rep. Jeff Van Drew claimed that the drones originated from Iran, launched from a mothership off the U.S. eastern seaboard. However, Pentagon spokespersons and White House officials have denied any ties to foreign adversaries, suggesting the drones are not a security threat (08:36).

  Notable Quote:

  New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew (08:23): “Iran launched a mothership probably about a month ago that contains these drones.”

• Expert Analysis: Brent Sadler, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, discusses the implications of these drone activities, emphasizing the potential security gaps that adversaries might exploit (09:46).

  Notable Quote:

  Brent Sadler (09:46): “This is a signal that there is a security gap that an adversary can take advantage of.”

• Public and Legislative Frustration: Lawmakers are demanding clear answers, with widespread concern over the drones' unidentified nature and their persistent presence, especially near critical infrastructure and residential areas (10:02).

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3. Legal Marijuana: Growing Backlash and Rejection in Key States

The episode also explores the shifting public and political attitudes towards the legalization of recreational marijuana, highlighting recent ballot measure rejections and increasing public dissatisfaction in states where it has been legalized.

Key Points:

• Rejection of Legalization in Red States: Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota voters recently rejected propositions to legalize recreational marijuana. Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the influence of large marijuana companies in pushing these measures (10:38).

  Notable Quotes:

  Governor Ron DeSantis (10:56): “People are saying it's the legalization of recreational weed, but they're only setting up a cartel in the Constitution of Florida.”

• Public Support vs. Polling Trends: Despite legal setbacks, national polls indicate that 57% of Americans still support recreational marijuana legalization. However, opposition is growing in states where legalization has led to public nuisances and health concerns (11:14).

  Notable Quote:

  Elton John (10:15): “Legalizing marijuana is one of the greatest mistakes of all time.”

• Issues in States with Legalization: Residents in legalized states report significant issues, such as pervasive marijuana odors in public and private spaces. Legal battles have emerged, with individuals suing neighbors over the intrusive smell of marijuana (12:32).

  Notable Quote:

  Georgia Howe (12:32): “The smell is making people rethink the whole idea of smoking weed anytime, anywhere.”

• Health Concerns and Media Coverage: Major publications like The New York Times are reporting an uptick in marijuana-related health issues, including psychosis and addiction. The potency of modern marijuana products compared to those from the 1990s is a particular concern (13:20).

• Reversal of Progressive Drug Policies: Oregon voters are moving away from previously progressive drug policies, with recent measures recriminalizing hard drugs and rejecting the legalization of certain psychedelics in Massachusetts. Psychiatric experts warn that some legalization efforts may exacerbate mental health issues (13:59).

  Notable Quote:

  Maiderad Elordi (13:59): “There was only one ballot measure relating to harder drugs in November of this year... voters also rejected a proposal to legalize certain natural psychedelics by about 57%.”

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Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe provide a comprehensive analysis of two pressing national issues: the Biden administration’s apparent efforts to undermine President-elect Trump’s border wall construction through the rapid sale of materials, and the mysterious drone activity over New Jersey that has left lawmakers and the public seeking answers. Additionally, the hosts delve into the evolving landscape of marijuana legalization, highlighting significant pushback in key states and growing public concern over its societal impacts. Through exclusive reports, expert interviews, and compelling quotes, the episode delivers an engaging and informative overview of these critical topics.

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Transcript

[John Bickley]

The Biden administration rushes to sell off large sections of border wall materials before Donald Trump takes office. We have the Daily Wire exclusive.

[Georgia Howe]

They're taking half a mile's worth of unused border wall north every day.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Friday, December 13th, and this is Morning. Theories about mysterious UFOs over New Jersey have run wild as government officials give conflicting explanations.

[Georgia Howe]

Iran made a deal with China to purchase drones, motherships and technology.

[Cabot Phillips]

There is not any truth to that. There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States.

[Maid Elordi]

And America may be sobering up on recreational marijuana. Why have a number of states rejected it?

[John Bickley]

Thanks for waking up with MORNING wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

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[Maid Elordi]

Democrats from the White House to local officials are taking steps to hinder President elect Donald Trump's plan to build the wall at the southern border. A Daily Wire exclusive report on Thursday revealed that the Biden administration is selling off materials for the border wall at fire sale prices.

[John Bickley]

Here to talk about the efforts to thwart Trump's agenda before he takes office is Daily Wire reporter Tim Pearce. Tim so the Daily Wire published a video yesterday of trucks in Arizona hauling off tons of material set aside for border wall construction. What's going on there?

[Tim Pearce]

Yeah, the Daily Wire was able to reveal this thanks to the reporting of James Lelino. He obtained video from a source he has in Arizona that shows a government contractor trucking company hauling away tons of border wall materials. Those materials, these heavy steel slats and bollards, are being shipped north. This is potentially millions of dollars worth of materials and it's being placed on a government surplus auction site where the starting bid for a segment of wall is just $5. Here's Lolino.

[Georgia Howe]

I mean, some of these sections were going for, you know, a few thousand dollars in recent auctions, but it's pennies on the dollar compared to how valuable it is. This is, you know, four pieces of wall in each package. This isn't just one tiny little border wall. This is four pieces and it's starting at $5 a pop.

[John Bickley]

So this sounds like potentially a massive waste of taxpayer money going on here. What's the goal?

[Tim Pearce]

Well, the Biden administration refused to answer questions on this fire sale, but a border agent in Arizona told Alino that the operation. Looks like the Biden administration is trying to hamper Trump's plans to restart construction on the border wall. Here was Trump in January this year.

[Georgia Howe]

On day one of my new administration, I will seal the border and I will shut down the invasion of millions of people that are coming through into our country.

[Tim Pearce]

According to the agent, officials want the materials gone by Christmas. That would mean no materials to immediately restart construction of the border wall, which Trump was counting on for his day one lockdown of the border. And it's not clear what needs to happen for Trump to replace all those materials. It may be that he has to fight again for Congress to approve more funds which will take away from other priorities he has heading into a second term.

[John Bickley]

It seems like a petty but maybe effective move to slow Trump's agenda here. Now we have more news about not just federal, but local officials trying to Trump proof their areas before he takes office. What's going on in California?

[Tim Pearce]

Right, so we've reported extensively on sanctuary city policies, but in San Diego county, local officials there are taking it up a notch and passing what's been dubbed super sanctuary policies. The San Diego Board of supervisors voted 3 to 1 this week to issue more protections for illegal immigrants than even California state law provides for. And according to the board's only member to vote no, Republican, Jim Desmond, the policy could have some pretty dire consequences.

[Georgia Howe]

This policy goes beyond California's existing sanctuary laws by adding an additional layer of bureaucracy that hinders local law enforcement from directly notifying ICE about illegal immigrants who are currently in our jails. And they have committed heinous crimes, including child abuse or endangerment, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but only if this conviction is for a felony possession of an unlawful deadly weapon, gang related offenses, a crime resulting in death or involving personal affliction or great bodily injury, possession or use of a firearm in the commission of an offense, torture, rape and kidnapping. That's the population we're talking about.

[Tim Pearce]

Of course, Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, has made it clear that federal law enforcement will go into places like San Diego county to enforce the law, no matter how local leaders feel. We'll see how it works out.

[John Bickley]

It sounds like quite a radical stance for San Diego county to take. Tim, thanks for joining us.

[Tim Pearce]

Good to be on.

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[Maid Elordi]

Residents, lawmakers and defense officials are seeking answers after weeks of mysterious drone activity over the skies of New Jersey.

[John Bickley]

Here with the latest is Daily Wire Senior editor Cabot Phillips, a. Cabot so a strange story with more questions right now than answers. What exactly is going on in New Jersey?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, strange indeed, John. And these are not your run of the mill drones that you can buy on Amazon. Authorities say many are SUV sized and emit no radio signals, making them difficult to track. They often operate in groups with blinking lights and display sophisticated technology. Officials say they go dark and elude radar detection when pursued by police helicopters. According to the Coast Guard, which has also been tracking the activity, the drones have been observed flying for six to eight hours over New Jersey before making a beeline out into the Atlantic, where presumably they're landing somewhere and recharging. Perhaps most concerning, the drones have invaded the airspace surrounding military installations and infrastructure like railways, power stations and police departments. They've also surrounded Coast Guard ships and in some cases, FBI agents investigating the case say they've appeared above their own homes.

[John Bickley]

Wow. So what sort of response have we seen from the government so far?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, at first the story was sort of laughed off by mainstream media outlets as some sort of UFO mass hysteria. But as the activity continued night after night, lawmakers and law enforcement began taking it very seriously. The FBI launched an investigation in late November. The DHS and New Jersey State Police are also investigating. And now Congress is getting involved. They held a hearing on the matter Wednesday, but no one seems to have any clue who is actually behind the activity, and that is frustrating lawmakers. For example, here's Texas Rep. Tony Gonzalez questioning FBI official Robert Wheeler.

[Georgia Howe]

You're telling me we don't know what the hell these drones are in New Jersey are, Is that correct? That's right. That's crazy. I mean, that's crazy. That's madness that we don't know what these drones are.

[Cabot Phillips]

Members of the New Jersey state legislature have also expressed similar frustration after a Homeland Security briefing. Here's Rep. Brian Bergen.

[Georgia Howe]

Every question that was asked by a.

[John Bickley]

Member of the state legislature.

[Georgia Howe]

Great questions, no answers, no resolution.

[John Bickley]

They don't know where the drones are coming from. They don't know who's doing it.

[Georgia Howe]

They don't know why they're doing it, but they say there's no credible threat.

[Cabot Phillips]

And on Wednesday, another frustrated lawmaker, New Jersey's Jeff Van Drew, sparked a firestorm after claiming the drones originated with Iran and had been launched from a mothership that was deployed off the coast of our eastern seaboard.

[Georgia Howe]

Iran launched a mothership probably about a month ago that contains these drones. That mothership is off the east coast of the United States of America. They've launched drones is everything that we can see or hear. And again, these are from high sources. I don't say this lightly, but hours.

[Cabot Phillips]

Later, a Pentagon spokesperson denied that claim, saying there's no evidence the drones are coming from a foreign entity. We're going to continue to monitor what is happening, but at no point were our installations threatened. These are not US Military drones. That sentiment was echoed by White House spokesman John Kirby, who said the drones do not pose a security risk. But it's worth noting neither he nor Homeland Security have said they've identified the source of the activity. So the Pentagon knows who's behind the drones? They're not saying so publicly. Some have speculated their insistence that they don't belong to an adversary and aren't a threat is evidence the craft belonged to our military. But the Pentagon doesn't want to confirm it on the record. But lawmakers say if that were the case, the FBI would have been alerted and would not have launched a widespread federal investigation into their origins. For more on all this, I spoke with senior research fellow for Advanced technology at the Heritage Foundation, Brent Sadler.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, if it's not the Chinese, it's probably going to be the Chinese in the near future with large drones. They already tested us with the balloon, and that was a fiasco. So this is a signal that there is a security gap that an adversary can take advantage of.

[Cabot Phillips]

So as these sightings continue, lawmakers, law enforcement, and most importantly, the people of New Jersey want answers.

[John Bickley]

Yes, do an increasing number of Americans. Kevin, thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Anything done?

[John Bickley]

Elton John made headlines recently for calling legal marijuana one of North America's greatest mistakes. Results from the 2024 election suggest more Americans may be having doubts about the push towards legalization.

[Maid Elordi]

Daily Wire investigative reporter Maid Elordi is here with the details. So, Maid, it seemed for a long time that legal marijuana was a winning issue for the left. Has that changed?

[Mairead Elordi]

Hi, Georgia. It looks like they might be hitting some resistance in red states. Florida and both north and South Dakota rejected ballot measures that would have legalized recreational marijuana. Here's Governor Ron DeSantis talking about how one big weed company put nearly $100 million towards the failed push for legalization in Florida.

[Georgia Howe]

People say it's the legalization of recreational weed. That's partially true. They're saying you have a right to possess and smoke it, but only if you buy it from them, because they're actually setting up a cartel in the Constitution of Florida. So if you want to grow your own marijuana, that is not in the amendment.

[Tim Pearce]

They also have nothing in here that.

[N/A]

Would allow any type of limitation on public use.

[Mairead Elordi]

In Nebraska, voters approved a measure allowing medical marijuana but not recreational cannabis. Currently, 24 states permit recreational use of marijuana, and 38 states, plus Washington, D.C. allow medical marijuana. As John mentioned, music icon Elton Jein called legalizing marijuana one of the greatest mistakes of all time. He's been sober since 1990 and said he believes marijuana is addictive and leads to other drugs. It looks like he's not alone in that assessment.

[Maid Elordi]

Now, what does public opinion look like on marijuana these days?

[Mairead Elordi]

Well, there's still broad support. About 57% of Americans support legalizing recreational marijuana as of March of this year. And only 1 in 10 say it should not be legal at all, even for medical purposes. We're over a decade into the push to legalize recreational pot, so it's been normalized in quite a few states by now. Plus, legalizing recreational marijuana is often presented as a way to reduce incarceration, particularly of minorities. We should note, too, a majority, 56% of Florida residents voted in favor of recreational cannabis, but the measure needed 60% to pass. But not only did several states reject recreational marijuana last month, polling shows people are getting sick of it in states where pot has already been legalized.

[Maid Elordi]

And where are we seeing that?

[Mairead Elordi]

Well, the pungent smell of pot has become a huge complaint in places where it's popular. In many cities across the country, people complain that they can smell weed everywhere. On city sidewalks, in parks, drifting into people's homes, and even in places where children are around. The smell is making people rethink the whole idea of smoking weed anytime, anywhere. A Washington, D.C. woman won a lawsuit against her neighbor for the smell of pot drifting into her apartment. And New Jersey residents say the smell of pot is everywhere. There's one in five New Jersey residents say it bothers them a great deal, and over a quarter, 28% say it bothers them slightly, according to a poll from last year. Last year, two Minnesota cities, St. Paul and Duluth, banned smoking marijuana in parks, and St. Paul banned smoking it close to the entrances of businesses. Another notable shift is that the legacy media is starting to call out the dangers of marijuana. The New York Times recently reported in depth that doctors are seeing a spike in marijuana causing psychosis, addiction and a rare syndrome called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which involves severe vomiting and pain and is caused by heavy pot consumption. Marijuana misuse is especially common among young adults. The culprit appears to be readily accessible marijuana products that are often stronger than the weed that was available in the 90s.

[Maid Elordi]

Now, we've reported before that general drug decriminalization became very unpopular in Oregon after just a few years of having it. Are we seeing a walk back of some of the more radical legalization efforts?

[Mairead Elordi]

Yes. Oregon voters are definitely walking back their progressive drug policies. They effectively legalized even hard drugs back in 2020. But voters changed their minds this year. Back in March, they voted to recriminalize those drugs. There was only one ballot measure relating to harder drugs in November of this year. That was in Massachusetts. Their voters also rejected a proposal to legalize certain natural psychedelics by about 57%. Psychiatric experts in the state warned that patients with depression or trauma might actually be destabilized further by psychedelics, not helped by them.

[Maid Elordi]

Well, it seems like another example of a culture shift happening. Mairead, thanks for reporting.

[Mairead Elordi]

Thanks, Georgia.

[John Bickley]

Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back this afternoon with more news. You need to know.