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.