Morning Wire – Epstein Files Firestorm & U.S. Retaliation Strikes ISIS

Date: December 22, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe
Featured Reporters: Megan Basham, Tim Pierce, Amanda Prestigiacomo

Episode Overview

This episode of Morning Wire covers three major news stories:

• The Department of Justice’s highly anticipated release of thousands of pages from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, sparking major political and media controversy.
• President Trump’s swift U.S. military retaliation against ISIS in Syria after an attack that killed three Americans, as well as continued U.S. pressure on Venezuela.
• A recap of Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest (AMFest) conference, featuring key moments, major speeches, and prominent debates within conservative circles.

1. Epstein Files Release: Content, Controversy & Political Fallout

Key Segment: [02:52] – [07:48]

Release Details

• Background:
  The Justice Department began publishing materials from its Epstein investigation, enabled by the recent Epstein Files Transparency Act.
• Content Released:
  • Over 13,000 files: investigative materials, grand jury transcripts, police reports, flight logs, phone messages, and photographs.
  • Some “new” items, like Maria Farmer’s 1996 complaint alleging Epstein’s possession and distribution of child pornography involving her sisters.
  • Additional victim testimonies about recruitment and abuse by Epstein and Maxwell.

“...one grand jury testimony we have from 2007 describes a recruiter bringing in 7 to 10 high school girls, including a 14 year old girl.”
— Megan Basham [04:33]

• DOJ says documents offer no new evidence requiring further prosecution.

High-Profile Individuals & Media Reaction

• Bill Clinton:

  • Multiple undated images with Epstein make headlines.
  • One notable photo: Clinton shirtless in a hot tub with a victim (face redacted). Others depict him with young women (identities redacted) on planes and swimming.
  • CNN commentator Scott Jennings:

    “He thinks these should really be called the Clinton files.”
    — Megan Basham [05:20]

  • Clinton’s spokesperson claims he broke ties with Epstein before crimes were known.

• Donald Trump:

  • Minimal material: a phone message of a missed call, a book of Trump’s on Epstein’s shelf, and group photos at events.
  • A photo showing Trump with Epstein, Melania, and Maxwell was briefly removed and reinstated by DOJ.
  • No accusation against Trump or Clinton of sexual misconduct or knowledge of crimes; same for other celebrities like Bill Gates.

Redactions, Missing Files, & Political Accusations

• Redactions:
  • Over 680 pages completely blacked out; at least 15 images temporarily disappeared, including some related to Trump.
• Allegations:
  • Senate Democrats claim the DOJ is protecting Trump; Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche denies it, citing the need to protect over 1,200 victims’ identities.
  • White House maintains this represents “unprecedented transparency” compared to past administrations, and more files will be released on a rolling basis due to volume and privacy concerns.

“These redactions are to protect the over 1,200 victim identities. The White House, meanwhile, is also pushing back hard. They say this is unprecedented transparency, more than any other prior administration.”
— Megan Basham [07:10]

• Ongoing: Hundreds of thousands of records remain under review.

2. U.S. Retaliation Strikes ISIS and Pressure on Venezuela

Key Segment: [08:26] – [11:55]

U.S. Strikes in Syria

• Trigger:
  U.S. strikes follow the killing of three Americans (two soldiers, one civilian translator) in Syria by a suspected ISIS-affiliate gunman.
• Operation:
  • The U.S., assisted by Jordan, targeted 70+ ISIS sites — infrastructure, munitions, and hideouts.
  • Early reports: At least five ISIS fighters killed, more possible as information emerges.

“These were significant strikes. The US military, with some help from Jordan, hit 70 plus ISIS targets across Syria... the destruction of ISIS infrastructure was extensive.”
— Tim Pierce [08:53]

• Policy Statement:

  • Trump emphasizes the disproportionate response is meant as a deterrent.
  • War Secretary Pete Hegseth:

    “This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump's leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.”
    — [09:46]

• Diplomatic Context:

  • Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharah visited the White House prior. Trump posts that the relationship remains positive and Syria publicly supports targeting ISIS.
  • Complexity: The attacker reportedly had ties to Syrian security forces, adding uncertainty to the partnership.

U.S. Actions Against Venezuela

• Event:
  U.S. seizes another Venezuelan oil tanker (“Bella 1”) as part of the administration’s tightened blockade.
• Allegations:
  • The ship allegedly moved cargo to benefit terror groups (Hezbollah, Iran’s IRGC).

“The vessel... was sanctioned by the US for allegedly moving cargo to line the pockets of US designated terrorist organizations Hezbollah and Iran’s IRGC.”
— Georgia Howe [11:29]

• Escalation:
  • President Trump has not ruled out military action, raising stakes for Venezuela’s leadership.

3. AmericaFest 2025 – Key Moments from Turning Point USA

Key Segment: [12:00] – [16:40]

Event Overview & Energy

• Ambiance:
  • Most well-attended and streamed AMFest ever.
  • Four-day event: lively energy, positive engagement, celebrating founder Charlie Kirk and the future of conservatism.

“It has been an absolutely electric few days here in Phoenix... Everyone was just having a blast, engaging in friendly conversation, really taking time to honor Charlie’s legacy and get excited about the future of the conservative movement and the Republican Party.”
— Tim Rice (via Amanda Prestigiacomo) [12:53]

Notable Moments & Speeches

• Celebrity Appearance:
  • Nicki Minaj takes the stage, discussing Christian persecution and praising the Trump administration, earning strong applause.

“We’re going to stay joyful and peaceful... and iconic and smart, and we’re gonna stay thinkers in a world that doesn’t want us to think.”
— Nicki Minaj [13:37]

• Political Stars:
  • VP J.D. Vance delivers a well-received speech; Erica Kirk (Charlie’s wife) endorses Vance for 2028.
  • President Trump calls in:

    “I just want to say that nobody did more for me than Charlie, and there’s nobody better than Erica, and you are the greatest people on earth. We won in a landslide, and we’re going to continue to do it.”
    — Donald Trump [14:05]

Internal Debates & Disputes

• Focus on Conservative Principles:
  • Central debate: Where conservatives should draw the line on conspiracies, platforming extremists, and internal accountability.
• Ben Shapiro’s Speech:
  • Calls out conspiracy theories promoted by Candace Owens about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, urges conservatives to stand for facts.

“The people who refuse to condemn Candace’s truly vicious attacks, and some of them are speaking here, are guilty of cowardice.”
— Ben Shapiro [15:04]

• Shapiro’s Duties for Conservative Media:

  “Duty to speak the truth, speak from principle, not personal feeling, take responsibility, provide evidence, more than just conspiracies or asking questions, posit real solutions.”
  — Ben Shapiro [15:15]

• Onstage Fallout:

  • Shapiro specifically names Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon, who later criticize him for “calling for censorship.” Kelly suggests Owens should move on.
  • Overall tone: Some drama, but also a sense of unity and “family business.”

“Say what you want about Amfest, but it’s definitely not boring. Feels like a Thanksgiving dinner where your family’s hashing out the family business.”
— Erica Kirk (quoted by Amanda Prestigiacomo) [16:18]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Scott Jennings on the Files:

  “We should call it the Clinton files, not the Epstein files.”
  — Donald Trump quoting Jennings [05:30]

• Ben Shapiro on Candace Owens & Responsibility:

  “The people who refuse to condemn Candace’s truly vicious attacks [...] are guilty of cowardice.” [15:04]
  “We who speak to people on a regular basis [...] have duties to you. The duty to speak the truth...” [15:15]

• Erica Kirk on AMFest:

  “Feels like a Thanksgiving dinner where your family’s hashing out the family business.” [16:18]

Key Timestamps

• [02:52] – Detailed reporting on what’s inside the Epstein file releases
• [04:59] – Context behind Clinton/Trump’s inclusion and media framing
• [06:39] – Controversy around redactions, missing files, and political accusations
• [08:45] – Breakdown of U.S. military response in Syria
• [10:05] – Trump/Syria diplomatic messaging
• [11:17] – Report on Venezuelan tanker seizure and U.S. policy escalation
• [12:31] – AMFest recap: atmosphere and major speeches
• [13:19] – Nicki Minaj’s appearance and message
• [14:35] – Mainstage conservative debates; Shapiro’s critique
• [16:18] – Erica Kirk’s summary of the event’s tone

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive, factual analysis of three major stories shaping U.S. politics and culture as 2025 ends:

• The Epstein file release has reignited cross-partisan controversy and renewed questions about political accountability and transparency.
• U.S. military retaliation against ISIS, as well as pressure on Venezuela, highlight Trump’s aggressive foreign policy approach.
• The Turning Point USA AmericaFest showcased both the highs of conservative celebration and the rifts within the movement, as leaders debated their principles and platform responsibilities.

The reporting maintains a pointed, matter-of-fact tone while calling out ideological differences and offering a behind-the-scenes look at unfolding national conversations.