Evening Wire: Pot Farm ICE Raids & Merit-Based Investing | 7.11.25

Summary

Evening Wire: Pot Farm ICE Raids & Merit-Based Investing | July 11, 2025

Presented by The Daily Wire's Morning Wire, hosted by Georgia Howe with contributions from Tim Pierce and Tim Rice.

---

1. Surge in Anti-ICE Activities in Southern California

Georgia Howe opens the episode by highlighting escalating tensions between California medical workers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. A recently released video captures staff at Ontario Advanced Surgery Center seemingly obstructing ICE's attempt to arrest a Honduran landscaper. In the footage, staff are heard shouting, “you don’t have a warrant” as they block ICE agents from entering. Homeland Security claims the individual fled into the building, resulting in staff locking doors and calling 911 to report a kidnapping. Despite these efforts, the man was subsequently arrested.

Adding to the chaos, Tim Pierce reports on federal immigration agents raiding two marijuana farms in Southern California, leading to the arrest of dozens of undocumented workers. The operation saw protesters rush the scene on Thursday, forcing agents to deploy tear gas and smoke bombs. Military helicopters conducted low-altitude flights in search of hiding suspects. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the operation as "Terror," accusing the Trump administration of "traumatizing families and tearing communities apart."

Further complicating matters, Customs and Border Protection discovered 10 minors working at the facilities, eight of whom were unaccompanied, triggering a child labor investigation. The situation intensified when an unidentified suspect fired a gun at agents, prompting the FBI to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to the individual. At [01:10], Tim Pierce details these developments, emphasizing the volatile mix of law enforcement and community pushback.

2. State Department Workforce Reduction

Transitioning to internal government changes, Georgia Howe announces that the State Department is initiating plans to lay off nearly 2,000 employees. Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice elaborates on this at [01:55], referencing a memo from Deputy Secretary Michael Rigas. The layoffs, combined with voluntary departures, represent a 15% reduction in the department's workforce. The primary goal is to eliminate redundant offices and streamline operations by reallocating resources to embassies and regional bureaus. This move follows a recent Supreme Court decision favorable to the Trump administration’s federal workforce reduction efforts.

3. Pentagon Leadership Controversy

Georgia Howe reveals internal conflicts within the Pentagon, specifically regarding Rear Admiral Michael Buzz Donnelly. Originally nominated to command the Navy's 7th Fleet, Donnelly's nomination has been withdrawn due to his support for drag queen performances aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reportedly seeking a new commander for the fleet following this controversy. Donnelly’s actions included permitting a sailor, known as Harpy Daniels, to perform in drag during a Navy-sanctioned morale event, sparking backlash within the Defense Department.

4. President Trump's Tariff Threats

In international trade developments, Georgia Howe reports that President Trump has threatened Canada with a 35% tariff on imports. This ultimatum addresses what Trump perceives as Canada’s insufficient efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis. He outlined these tariffs in a letter posted on Truth Social on Thursday, stating, “if Canada works to stop the flow of fentanyl, we will perhaps consider an adjustment to this letter.” This announcement is part of a broader strategy, with similar letters targeting countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Japan. These new tariffs are slated to take effect in August, signaling a potential escalation in trade tensions.

5. Legal Battle of Mahmoud Khalil

The episode also covers the legal struggles of Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born activist and anti-Israel agitator from Columbia University. Khalil has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging wrongful imprisonment and defamation as an "anti-Semite." Arrested on March 8 during a deportation effort for activities allegedly aligned with Hamas, Khalil's deportation order remains pending in the American court system. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaugh dismissed his claims as “absurd,” accusing him of leading hateful behavior and rhetoric on campus.

6. White House Criticism of the Federal Reserve

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the White House’s accusations against the Federal Reserve. Georgia Howe explains that Budget Chief Russell Vogt has raised concerns about renovation plans for the Fed headquarters, highlighting issues of mismanagement. The Fed has been running a deficit since fiscal year 2023 and is reportedly over budget. The proposed renovations include extravagant features such as rooftop gardens, VIP dining rooms, elevators, water features, and premium marble. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has denied that these luxurious features will be included. Tim Rice at [04:55] underscores the political pressure on Powell, noting, “He’s facing accusations of lying to Congress, which is a potential crime about the opulence. Should resign immediately.”

Georgia Howe counters at [05:02], emphasizing the need for lowering interest rates. Tim Rice probes further, questioning whether Powell should resign and suggesting that congressional Republicans might pursue an investigation. The conflict underscores the administration’s broader dissatisfaction with the Fed’s financial policies, particularly regarding interest rates.

7. Merit-Based Investing and Anti-DEI Index Fund

Shifting to financial markets, Georgia Howe introduces James Fishback, founder and CEO of Azoria, who discusses a new anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) index fund designed to invest solely based on merit. Tim Rice adds details at [05:40], stating that out of the 500 companies in the S&P index, only thirty-two maintain what Fishback describes as "anti meritocratic racial and gender hiring quotas." Fishback asserts, “companies committed to meritocracy is good business sense,” arguing that such companies have outperformed those with DEI targets by 19 percentage points over the past two years. This initiative reflects a growing conservative pushback against corporate diversity initiatives, positioning merit-based hiring as a superior investment strategy.

8. Bitcoin Market Surge

In economic news, Georgia Howe reports that Bitcoin has reached all-time highs, with Bitcoin ETFs experiencing their most significant inflows on Thursday. Stocks tied to Bitcoin have seen gains ranging from 1% to 3%, a positive movement following the latest Federal Reserve meeting. A rally in tech stocks has further propelled Bitcoin’s value, which is projected to increase by nearly 10% for the week. This surge indicates strong investor confidence and a robust market performance for cryptocurrencies amidst broader financial dynamics.

9. Ferrero's Acquisition of W.K. Kellogg

Business news highlights include Georgia Howe covering Ferrero’s strategic acquisition of W.K. Kellogg, the maker of Fruit Loops and other American cereals, in a $3.1 billion deal. Under the agreement, Ferrero will purchase a substantial number of Kellogg’s shares for $23 each in cash, making W.K. Kellogg a subsidiary upon completion. Giovanni Ferrero, Executive Chairman of the Ferrero Group, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to welcome W.K. Kellogg, as well as to celebrate the legacies of both companies.” The acquisition is expected to finalize in the second half of 2025, marking a significant expansion for Ferrero in the global cereal market.

10. Justin Bieber's Return and NEA Controversy

Pop culture news features Georgia Howe discussing Justin Bieber’s anticipated album release, titled "Swag." The Grammy-winning artist teased the album with studio selfies on Instagram, marking his first release since "Justice." "Swag" includes 21 new and original songs, reigniting Bieber's presence in the music scene after canceling his North American tour in 2022 to focus on mental health.

Additionally, Howe addresses recent backlash against the National Education Association (NEA) for a resolution condemning President Donald Trump that misspelled the word "fascism" twice. Critics, particularly conservatives, have mocked this oversight as emblematic of public education's shortcomings. The NEA, representing over 3 million educators, has yet to comment on the incident, further fueling debates over educational standards and political biases in teacher unions.

---

Conclusion

This episode of Evening Wire delves into a range of pressing issues from anti-ICE actions and federal workforce reductions to controversial Pentagon leadership and aggressive trade tactics by the Trump administration. It also explores significant financial movements, including merit-based investing and Bitcoin’s market performance, alongside notable business acquisitions and cultural events. By providing detailed reports and including direct quotes with precise timestamps, the Evening Wire ensures listeners are well-informed on the latest developments across politics, culture, education, and more.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

Southern California sees more anti ice chaos. The State Department prepares to send nearly 2,000 employees pink slips, and a new index fund is pledging to invest on merit alone. I'm Georgia Howe. John's on vacation this week. It's Friday, July 11th, and this is Evening Wire. A newly released video appears to show California medical workers interfering with ICE agents making an arrest. In the video, it looks as though the staff at Ontario Advanced Surgery center attempt to block ICE agents trying to arrest a Honduran landscaper while shouting, you don't have a warrant. Homeland Security says the man fled into the building and staff locked the doors, even calling 911 to report a kidnapping. He was later arrested. In more SoCal chaos, federal immigration agents raided two marijuana farms and arrested dozens of undocumented workers. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has more.

[Tim Pierce]

Protesters rushed to the scene on Thursday, prompting agents to deploy tear gas and smoke bombs. Military helicopters flew low over the area, searching for suspects who may have been hiding. Governor Gavin Newsom called the operation Terror, accusing President Trump's administration of traumatizing families and tearing communities apart. From Customs and Border Protection says 10 minors were found working at the facility, eight of them unaccompanied, triggering a child labor investigation. Federal officials say an unidentified suspect fired a gun at agents. With the FBI now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to that individual.

[Georgia Howe]

The State Department is beginning the process of showing nearly 2,000 employees the door. Daily Wire deputy Managing editor Tim Rice has more.

[Tim Rice]

In a memo yesterday, Deputy Secretary Michael Rigas said affected domestic staff will be notified in the coming days. The move, combined with voluntary departures, marks a 15% reduction in the department's workforce. Officials say the cuts target redundant offices and aim to streamline operations by shifting more resources to embassies and regional bureaus. The layoffs come days after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration's federal workforce reductions to proceed.

[Georgia Howe]

The Pentagon has sidelined an admiral who allowed drag queen performances on an aircraft carrier. Daily Wire reports that Rear Admiral Michael Buzz Donnelly was nominated to command the 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest overseas force, but the Defense Department has withdrawn his nomination in light of some controversial entertainment. Donnelly commanded the USS Ronald Reagan when a sailor who goes by the stage name Harpy Daniels performed in drag during a Navy sanctioned morale, welfare and recreation event aboard the carrier. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reportedly looking for a new commander for the seventh flee. President Trump threatened Canada with a 35% tariff on imports, citing an underwhelming response to the fentanyl crisis the president outlined the tariffs in a letter posted to Truth Social on Thursday, saying if Canada works to stop the flow of fentanyl, we will perhaps consider an adjustment to this letter. The announcement comes among a slew of similar letters posted this week as the administration scheduled tariffs on goods from several countries, including Brazil, South Africa and Japan. The new levies are scheduled to take effect on August. An anti Israel agitator from Columbia University is demanding $20 million from the Trump administration over claims that he was falsely imprisoned and quote, smeared as an anti Semite. The Syrian born activist Mahmoud Khalil filed the claim on Thursday that lists dhs, ICE and the State Department as co defendants. Khalil was arrested on March 8 as the Trump administration sought to deport him for activities allegedly aligned to Hamas. Assistant Secretary of homeland security Tricia McLaugh described Khalil's claim as absurd and said that he had participated in and led hateful behavior and rhetoric on Colombia's campus. Khalil's deportation order is still in limbo as it moves through the American court system. The White House is accusing the Federal Reserve of mismanagement. Budget chief Russell Vogt raised concerns over renovation plans for the Fed headquarters. The Fed has run a deficit since fiscal year 2023 and is over budget, the renovation vote said on social media. The renovation plans include rooftop gardens, VIP dining rooms, elevators, water features and premium marble. Federal Reserve Chair Powell denied the renovations will include those features. Votes concerns come as President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates.

[Tim Rice]

He's facing accusations of lying to Congress, which is a potential crime about the opulence. Should resign immediately.

[Georgia Howe]

It's going to lower interest rates.

[Tim Rice]

Why don't you call for his resignation? Do you want congressional Republicans to investigate.

[Georgia Howe]

An anti DEI index fund plans to only invest in companies that hire based on merit? Azoria founder and CEO James Fishback told Fox News Digital. This is the only index fund committed solely to meritocracy. Fishback said that companies with DEI hiring targets underperformed the S&P by 19 percentage points in the last two years. He says investing in companies committed to meritocracy is good business sense. In an ad for the index fund's release, Fishback said the idea behind the index fund is simple.

[Tim Rice]

Of the 500 companies in the S&P index, three dozen maintain these anti meritocratic racial and gender hiring quotas. Companies that hire on skill and ability will outperform those that do so on race and gender.

[Georgia Howe]

Bitcoin has hit all time highs. Bitcoin efts saw their biggest day in inflows on Thursday. Stocks tied to bitcoin gained between 1 and 3%. The increases began after the most recent Federal Reserve Reserve meeting. A rally in tech stocks also boosted bitcoin. Bitcoin looks to gain nearly 10% for the week. Ferrero, the company behind Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, is set to give Froot Loops an Italian twist in a $3.1 billion deal. Ferrero is acquiring W.K. kellogg, the maker of Fruit Loops and other American cereals. Under the agreement, they will purchase an incredible amount of shares in cash for $23 each, and once the deal is finalized, W.K. kellogg will become a subs. Ferrero, executive chairman of the Ferrero Group Giovanni Ferrero says he's excited to welcome W.K. kellogg, as well as to celebrate the legacies of both companies. The deal is set to close in the second half of 2025. The Biebs is back as Beliebers around the world were just treated to an exciting surprise a new Justin Bieber album called Swag. The Grammy winner teased the release by posting pictures of himself in a recording studio on Instagram. This is Bieber's first album since justice, and despite the album having multiple, he canceled the North American leg of his tour in 2022 to focus on his mental health. Swag includes 21 new and original songs. Teachers have long made sure that students know how to read, write and spell, which is why many are poking fun at a recent resolution from the nation's largest teachers union condemning President Donald Trump. In the National Education Association's resolution, the word fascism is misspelled not once but twice. Critics call it ironic, with conservatives mocking the mistake as symbolic of the failures of public education. The NEA, which represents over 3 million educators, has not commented. Those are your Drive Home updates this evening. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.