Evening Wire: More Marines to Middle East & Bachelorette Canceled | 3.20.26

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Evening Wire: More Marines to Middle East & Bachelorette Canceled

Podcast: Morning Wire by The Daily Wire
Date: March 20, 2026
Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief), Georgia Howe (Co-Host)

---

Episode Overview

This episode of Evening Wire delivers a brisk, fact-driven rundown of the day’s biggest political, cultural, and societal stories. Main topics include a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, the cancellation of a season of "The Bachelorette" amid scandal, the death of martial arts icon Chuck Norris, and notable legal and governmental developments nationwide. The tone is direct, urgent, and focused on providing "the facts first," as is the show’s hallmark.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Middle East Military Escalation

[00:52–01:20]

• Deployment: The U.S. is sending a second Marine Expeditionary Unit (about 2,200 Marines plus warships) to the Middle East, joining an existing similar force.
• Purpose: These rapid response units can secure shipping lanes, evacuate civilians, and possibly conduct limited ground ops.
• White House Position: President Trump insists, “I’m not putting troops anywhere.”
  – John Bickley: “Despite the buildup… President Trump says he has no plans to put troops on the ground…” ([00:52])

---

2. Israel’s Actions and U.S. Policy

[01:20–01:45]

• Strikes: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirms Israel acted alone in hitting a strategic gas facility, raising global energy prices.
• U.S. Coordination: Trump reportedly asked Israel to restrain from further strikes, but Israel remains tightly coordinated with the U.S.
• Netanyahu on Trump:
  – “Trump is not someone you tell what to do.” ([01:45])
• Historical context (Netanyahu):
  – “For 40 years I’ve been saying that Iran is a danger to Israel and a danger to the world… President Trump [said] 47 years ago… how dangerous this regime is.” ([01:45–02:06])

---

3. Alleged Intelligence Leaks & FBI Investigation

[02:06–03:08]

• Allegations: Former intelligence official Joe Kent is under FBI investigation for allegedly leaking classified info to "disaffected MAGA media personalities," possibly Tucker Carlson.
• Details:
  – FBI already probing before Kent resigned; he claims he quit over the Trump administration’s Iran policy. – FBI Director Kash Patel is considering declassifying info to show the investigation predated Kent’s departure.
• Notable: Leaks reportedly involved passing info from classified servers to media.

---

4. Bachelorette Scandal & Cancellation

[03:08–04:06]

• Incident: Viral video appears to show Taylor Frankie Paul (slated Bachelorette) in a domestic violence incident with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
• Response:
  – Paul’s spokesperson:
  “Latest installment of Mortensen’s… desperate attention seeking, destructive campaign…” ([03:21]) – Claims video lacks context and manipulates facts. – Disney’s Action: “Not move forward with the new season of the Bachelorette at this time… focus on supporting the family.”
• Cultural Note: The story spotlights how viral moments now decisively shape mainstream entertainment decisions.

---

5. Planned Parenthood, Race, and DEI Investigation

[04:19–05:14]

• Settlement: Planned Parenthood Illinois to pay $500,000 after federal findings of mandatory race-based workplace affinity groups.
• Allegations:
  – Employees were segregated weekly by race for DEI training. – White employees reportedly told they don’t “feel racism” as non-white patients do, and that “white supremacy is exerted at every level of oppression.”
• Analysis: The case lays bare tensions around diversity initiatives and their legal boundaries.

---

6. Former FBI Agents Sue Over Politically-Motivated Firings

[05:14–05:49]

• Claim: Two ex-FBI agents allege they were fired for their 2020 election probe work.
• Legal Action: Suit names Director Kash Patel, AG Pam Bondi; allegations center on due process and constitutionality.

---

7. Student Loan Office Relocation

[05:49–06:27]

• Move: The Trump administration will shift the country’s $1.7T student loan portfolio from the Department of Education to the Treasury.
• Rationale: Described as part of a broader phase-out of the Education Department's powers.

---

8. TSA Shortages Mean Major Travel Delays

[07:31–08:25]

• Crisis: Ongoing government shutdown means high absentee rates among TSA staff (over 40% at some airports).
• Impacts:
  – Long waits (over an hour at some airports) – Closed checkpoints and airport disruption
• Warning: If absenteeism rises, partial airport shutdowns possible.

---

9. Nexstar–Tegna Broadcast Merger Approved

[08:25–08:52]

• FCC Decision: Nexstar will acquire rival Tegna for $6.2B, becoming the largest local TV operator (reaching 60% of U.S. households).
• Significance: FCC had to waive rules capping single-owner reach at 39%.

---

10. NY Gov. Hochul Pleads for Wealthy to Return

[08:52–09:49]

• Problem: High earners leaving NY, eroding tax base.
• Quote (Hochul):
  – “I have to look at the fact that we are in competition with other states… remote work changed everything.” ([09:12])
• Controversy: Instead of cutting spending, Hochul just asks wealthy to “cut the checks,” leading to critiques that “when you tack [tax?] success, success leaves.”

---

11. Arkansas Restaurant–Sarah Sanders Incident

[09:49–10:41]

• Incident: Gov. Sarah Sanders and friends asked to leave Little Rock’s Croissantree restaurant.
• Official Story: Ownership says it was just a standard 90-minute table policy.
• Contradiction: Social post by alleged employee called Sanders “evil” and blamed politics.
• Context: Echoes the 2018 Red Hen incident.

---

12. California’s $114 Million Wildlife Bridge Delays

[10:41–11:18]

• Status: Project (Wallace Annenberg Wildlife Crossing) is behind schedule and over budget ($93M → $114M), not connected to ground yet.
• Public funds: $77M taxpayer cost to date.

---

13. Chuck Norris Dies at 86: Career & Legacy

[11:18–12:24]

• Highlights:
  – Martial arts master, actor, and military veteran. – Kicked off acting in 1968’s “The Wrecking Crew,” major breakthrough in “Way of the Dragon” with Bruce Lee (1972). – Last appeared in “The Expendables 2” and films as recently as 2024. – Confirmed dead by family, details private.
• Memorable Moment:
  – [12:24]
  • President Trump: “I heard another rumor you were bitten by a king cobra.”
  • Chuck Norris: “Yeah, I was.”
  • Georgia Howe: “But after five days of agonizing pain, the cobra died.”
    (A classic nod to a famous Chuck Norris joke—emphasizing his tough-guy legend.)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Netanyahu (on U.S. pressure):
  “Trump is not someone you tell what to do.” ([01:45])

• Planned Parenthood settlement:
  “White employees were reportedly the target of harassment, being told they don’t, ‘feel racism the same way that non white patients feel it and, and that, quote, white supremacy is exerted at every level of oppression.’” ([04:32])

• Gov. Kathy Hochul:
  “I have to look at the fact that we are in competition with other states who have less of a tax burden on their corporations and their individuals, and I would say remote work changed everything.” ([09:12])

• Chuck Norris classic:
  President Trump: “I heard another rumor you were bitten by a king cobra.”
  Chuck Norris: “Yeah, I was.”
  Georgia Howe: “But after five days of agonizing pain, the cobra died.” ([12:24])

---

Important Timestamps

• 00:52 — U.S. military escalation in the Middle East
• 01:20–01:45 — Israel’s solo strike and global fallout
• 02:06–03:08 — Intel leaks, FBI investigation, Kent’s resignation
• 03:21–04:06 — Bachelorette cancellation and spokesperson’s defense
• 04:32–05:14 — Planned Parenthood DEI lawsuit/settlement
• 05:14–05:49 — Former FBI agents’ lawsuit against DOJ
• 05:58–06:27 — Student loan portfolio moves to Treasury
• 07:40–08:25 — Major airport TSA shortages and warnings
• 08:25–08:52 — FCC greenlights massive Nexstar–Tegna merger
• 09:12 — Hochul on tax base exodus; call to wealthy
• 09:49–10:41 — Restaurant controversy with Sarah Sanders
• 10:41–11:18 — California wildlife crossing project delays, cost overrun
• 11:25–12:24 — Chuck Norris’s death and career celebration
• 12:24 — Chuck Norris “king cobra” joke

---

Summary Flow & Utility

This episode covers a wide swath of pressing news: foreign policy/military moves, viral entertainment scandals, major business deals, state and local policy struggles, and poignant cultural farewells. Insightful quotes and the signature Morning Wire tone deliver clarity and bite—particularly on overlooked angles like fallout from viral videos or the intersection of policy and politics.

From sobering news about global conflict to the warmth of a Chuck Norris tribute, the episode equips listeners for both water cooler briefings and deeper thought on the day’s shifting headlines.

---

Transcript

[Verizon Business Contractor]

As a contractor, I don't pay for materials I don't use so why would I pay for stuff I don't need in my mobile plan? That's why my biz plan from Verizon Business is so perfect. Now I can choose exactly what I want and I only pay for what

[Verizon Business Announcer]

I need right now with my biz plan. Get our best price as low as $25 a line. Visit verizon.combusiness to get started today. New lines only. Price per month with five plus lines includes auto pay and paper free billing and promotional discounts, taxes, fees, economic adjustment charge applicable. Add ons prices and terms apply. Guarantee applies to base monthly rate and stated discounts only. Add on prices. Additional offers in March 31, 2026,

[Georgia Howe]

more troops are inbound to the Middle East. Canceled Bachelorette star Taylor Frankie Paul responds to a viral abuse video and Hollywood and martial arts legend Chuck Norris passes away. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley. It's Friday, March 20th, and this is Evening Wire.

[John Bickley]

A second Marine Expeditionary Unit, roughly 2,200 Marines and multiple warships, is now heading toward the Middle east, and it's joining another similar force already en route. These rapid response units are designed for everything from securing shipping lanes to evacuating civilians and potentially conducting limited ground operations if needed. Despite the buildup, though, President Trump says he has no plans to put troops on the ground, telling reporters, I'm not putting troops anywhere.

[Georgia Howe]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel acted alone in targeting a key gas facility, a move that sent global energy prices surging. He added that President Trump had asked Israel to hold off on additional strikes even as the two countries remain closely coordinated in the broader campaign, Netanyahu also pushed back on claims that Israel pulled the US into the war, saying, quote, trump is not someone you tell what to do.

[President Trump]

It's been said that for 40 years I've been saying that Iran is a danger to Israel and a danger to the world. That is true. You know who else said that? President Trump. 47 years ago when the Iranian thugs took over the American Embassy, he said how dangerous this regime is.

[John Bickley]

Former intelligence official Joe Kent is suspected of leaking classified information to, quote, disaffected MAGA media personalities, and many are pointing to Tucker Carlson, who just had Kent on his show. Daily Wire senior editor Virginia Kruta has more.

[Virginia Kruta]

A law enforcement source told the news site News of the US That FBI counterintelligence had already begun a criminal investigation into Kent's alleged actions long before he announced his resignation. An administration official told the outlet that Kent had, quote, leaked classified information from a server to a member of the media. Kent, according to a report by Semaphore, was already under the FBI's microscope before he abruptly resigned on Tuesday. He claimed that he could no longer support Trump's administration as it waged war against the Iranian regime. But notice reports that FBI Director Kash Patel is considering declassifying as much information as possible in order to show that the investigation into Kent was already underway when he announced his plan to leave the administration.

[Georgia Howe]

A spokesperson for canceled Bachelorette star Taylor Frankie Paul pushed back following the release of a viral video of her allegedly engaging in domestic abuse with her ex. Daily Wire entertainment reporter Amanda Harding has the story.

[Amanda Harding]

Taylor Frankie Paul's season of the Bachelorette has been canceled by ABC following the release of a viral video of her allegedly engaging in domestic abuse with her former boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. Paul's spokesperson has now called the release of the video the, quote, latest installment of Mortensen's, quote, never ending, desperate attention seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences of their child. The video, the spokesperson said, conveniently omits context and follows a pattern of manipulation from her ex. Meanwhile, a Disney Entertainment spokesperson has announced that in light of the video, they've made the decision to, quote, not move forward with the new season of the Bachelorette at this time and their focus is instead on supporting the family.

[Unknown Advertiser]

TikTok ifri tedeja bajar el Presio Hastacero de Buska Slash Free Link.

[John Bickley]

Planned Parenthood's Illinois chapter has agreed to pay $500,000 after the federal government investigated allegations that it discriminated against white employees. Daily Wire assistant editor Andy Valdez reports.

[Andy Valdez]

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said there's reasonable cause to believe the organization segregated its employees by race into so called affinity networks. Many firms allow employees to join groups with those to whom they feel similar. At these companies, the networks are voluntary, but at Planned Parenthood, they had mandatory affinity caucuses segregated by race. Every week the staff were required to attend sessions of these segregated caucuses or DEI training. At the training sessions, white employees were reportedly the target of harassment, being told they don't, quote, feel racism the same way that non white patients feel it and, and that, quote, white supremacy is exerted at every level of oppression.

[Georgia Howe]

Two former FBI agents are suing the DOJ, claiming they were fired for their involvement in the 2020 election investigation. The agents argue their terminations were politically motivated and violated both FBI policy and their constitutional rights. They're seeking reinstatement and a court ruling declaring the firings unlawful. The lawsuit names FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging the agents were dismissed without proper process or evidence. Patel has defended the recent firings, saying the bureau is removing individuals who weaponized law enforcement.

[John Bickley]

In the ongoing downsizing of the Department of Education, the student loan office will soon have a new home. Daily Wire's senior editor Joel Niedler has more.

[Joel Niedler]

The Trump administration announced Thursday that the government's nearly 1.7 trillion student loan portfolio will be moved over to the Treasury Department. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said that student aid would be much better suited with the Treasury. In lieu of completely dismantling the Department of Education, which would require an act of Congress, the administration has opted to progressively shift away the department's responsibilities, the student loan office move being the latest example.

[Shopify Sponsor]

Starting something new can be risky when we launched Morning Wire, we had all the usual fears. What if no one listens? What if we fail? But we're glad we took the leap, and you can too, with our sponsor, Shopify. Shopify is the commerce platform powering millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US including our very own Daily wire shop. Shopify is packed with AI tools that write product descriptions, page headlines and even enhance your product's photography so you can accelerate your efficiency whether you're uploading new products or improving existing ones. Maybe you already know that you have a good product, but you need help getting the word out. Shopify helps you find your customers with easy to run emails and social media campaigns, making it feel like you have a whole marketing team behind you. Plus, that iconic Purple Shop pay button isn't just recognizable, it's the best converting checkout on the planet, which means more sales for you. It's time to turn those what ifs into with Shopify today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period today at shopify.com wire. Head over to shopify.com wire that's shopify.com wire

[Georgia Howe]

travelers are being warned to expect much longer airport lines as the government shutdown drags on. Daily Wire lifestyle reporter Lauren Baer has the latest.

[Lauren Baer]

At some major airports, more than a third of TSA officers are calling out of work, including over 40% at Houston's Hobby Airport. Sacramento International Airport, officials say TSA staffing shortages are slowing security checkpoints, with some travelers reporting waits of over an hour at other major hubs across the country. Nationwide, absentee rates are climbing as agents miss paychecks and morale drops. The result? Longer lines, closed checkpoints and growing disruption for travelers. Videos circulating on social media show unbelievably long lines. In some cases, like at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, the TSA line stretches all the way to the parking lot. Officials warn if callouts continue to rise, some airports could face partial shutdowns.

[John Bickley]

The Federal Communications Commission has officially given the green light for broadcast station owner Nexstar to purchase its rival company Tegna, for $6.2 billion. The deal would make Nexstar the largest operator of local TV stations in the country, reaching 60% of households. FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced Thursday that to allow the merger, his agency waived a rule that bars a single company from owning stations, reaching more than 39% of households.

[Georgia Howe]

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is begging wealthy residents to come back to the Empire State despite current state policy. In a striking moment this week, Hochul acknowledged that wealthy residents have fled the state, eroding the very tax base that funds New York's massive spending agenda. She even floated the idea of trying to lure them back from places like Florida.

[Kathy Hochul]

I have to look at the fact that we are in competition with other states who have less of a tax burden on their corporations and their individuals, and I would say remote work changed everything.

[Georgia Howe]

Hochul, however, isn't talking about cutting spending. Instead, she's asking those same high earners to come back and, quote, cut the checks. Critics say it's a familiar problem when you tack success. Success leaves restaurant controversy in Arkansas tonight as the eatery that booted governor Sarah Sanders is now responding, but its statement appears to contradict its own employees. Daily Wire homepage editor Jordan Schroeder has more.

[Jordan Schroeder]

The croissant tree in Little Rock is pushing back on claims about what happened. The Daily Wire's editor in chief, Brent Scher, was the first to break the story, reporting that Sanders was dining with mom friends at the restaurant when she was asked to leave. Her team says employees felt threatened by her presence. The restaurant, however, says politics had nothing to do with it. In a statement, ownership claims the situation was simply about enforcing a standard 90 minute table policy and that there was no disruption inside the restaurant. But that explanation is now being questioned after a widely shared social media post from someone identifying as an employee called Sanders, quote, evil and suggested her politics played a key role in the incident. The situation is drawing comparisons to 2018, when Sanders was asked to leave a Virginia restaurant while serving as White House press secretary, a redhead deja vu moment that quickly turned into a national flashpoint.

[Georgia Howe]

California's $114 million wildlife bridge is still a work in progress, but way over budget and behind schedule. The Wallace Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, was originally expected to open last year, but aerial footage shows a half finished structure that doesn't yet connect to the ground, meaning animals can't use it. The project's cost has ballooned from 93 million to 114 million, with roughly 77 million coming from taxpayers. State officials say the crossing, designed to help wildlife safely cross a 10 lane freeway, is now expected to be complete in fall of 26.

[John Bickley]

And Hollywood legend Chuck Norris has passed away at age 86. Daily Wire reporter Lyndon Blake has more.

[Lyndon Blake]

Norris, who was a towering figure in American action cinema, built a legacy as an actor, martial artist and a veteran that spanned generations. He began his martial arts career in the 1950s while serving in the Air Force in Korea. He then went on to establish a successful chain of karate schools in the 60s. His on screen career began with a role in 1968's the Wrecking Crew and he soon appeared opposite Bruce Lee in 1972's Way of the Dragon. He never stopped working, showing up to hit action films such as The Expendables 2, with his last film appearance as recent as 2024. TMZ reported earlier this week that Norris had been hospitalized in Hawaii. This morning, his family confirmed the news of his passing, saying they wished to keep the circumstances private and that he, quote, was surrounded by his family and was at peace. Norris will always be remembered as a martial artist, a legend and the undefeated king of tough guy one liners.

[President Trump]

I heard another rumor that you were bitten by a king cobra.

[Chuck Norris]

Yeah, I was.

[Georgia Howe]

But after five days of agonizing pain, the cobra died. Those are your Drive Home updates this evening. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, earlier today we covered some major stories, including US Allies signaling support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices riding the wave of disruption from the Iran conflict, and allegations that left wing hero Cesar Chavez sexually abused multiple girls and women. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with a weekend edition of Morning Wire.

[Dr. Horton Announcer]

Your new home is now ready. Dr. Horton, America's builder, has new homes that are ready today. With new construction communities throughout the Puget Sound and Central Washington areas and more coming. Dr. Horton has the right home for you at Dr. Horton. We're still building with more construction, more communities and more homes available every day. Tap your screen now or visit drhorton.com to find your new home now. Ready, Dr. Horton, America's Builder. An equal housing opportunity builder.