Evening Wire: Rescued Behind Enemy Lines & Artemis Reaches The Moon | 4.6.26

Summary

Morning Wire: "Rescued Behind Enemy Lines & Artemis Reaches The Moon"

Date: April 6, 2026
Hosts: Georgia Howe & John Bickley (Daily Wire)

Episode Overview

This episode of Evening Wire, hosted by Georgia Howe and John Bickley, delivers a packed update on breaking and ongoing stories. The main focus is on the dramatic U.S. rescue mission of Air Force crew in Iran, updates on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, milestones in the Artemis lunar mission, political endorsements, high-profile crime, media controversies, and a significant legal ruling impacting churches' political speech.

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Key Segments & Highlights

1. U.S. Rescue Operation in Iran

[00:52 – 03:24]

• President Trump Updates on War in Iran:
  President Trump detailed a high-risk mission to extract downed U.S. airmen from deep within Iranian territory after their F15 jet went down during Operation Epic Fury.

• Scale of Rescue:

  “The second rescue mission involved 155 aircraft, including four bombers, 64 fighters, 48 refueling tankers, 13 rescue aircraft and more. We were bringing them all over and a lot of it was subterfuge.”
  — President Trump ([01:40])

• Faith and the Fighting Spirit:
  War Secretary Pete Hexseth highlighted the airmen's first message on rescue:

  “God is good.”
  — Pete Hexseth ([01:57])
  He added: “Despite incoming fire and unforgiving conditions, our troops brought every American home. No American lives were lost. We leave no man behind, and that is not luck.” ([02:03])

• Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Praises 'Trust':
  General Dan Raisin Kane emphasized,

  "Their grit and war fighting tenacity is a direct result of the absolute trust they have in our rescue forces, their training and their will to survive and return. They always knew that we would be ordered to go get them and they always knew that we would be coming to get them." ([02:31])

• Leaked Information Threatened Mission:
  Trump expressed anger about media leaks:

  “We have to find that leaker because that's a sick person. We're going to find out. It's national security. And the person that did the story will go to jail if he doesn't say. ... They put this mission at great risk.”
  — President Trump ([03:09])

2. Diplomatic Stalemate with Iran

[03:24 – 04:41]

• Negotiations and Proposals:
  U.S. and Iran are each insisting on more concessions for a deal. Iran wants “mutual respect and not coercion,” with regional mediators proposing a 45-day ceasefire and reopening critical shipping lanes. ([03:40])

• Trump Calls Iranian Proposal ‘A Significant Step, Not Good Enough’:

  “They made a proposal and it's a significant proposal. It's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step.”
  — President Trump ([04:12])

• Communication Blackouts:
  Trump notes that Iran's inability to communicate is slowing talks:

  “They're at the weakest point they've ever been. ... the biggest problem we have in our negotiation is that they can't communicate. ... We're communicating like they used to communicate 2,000 years ago with children. Bring in a note.” ([04:26])

3. Regional Conflict: Israel, Iran, Hezbollah

[04:41 – 05:49]

• Key Iranian Command Figure Killed by Israel:
  Israeli military eliminated Asgar Bakari, a Quds Force field commander accused of plotting regional attacks. ([04:41])

• Status on the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict (Amir Avivi):

  “The goal is very clear: to dismantle Hezbollah as a terror organization in Lebanon.”
  — Amir Avivi, Ret. Brigadier General of the IDF ([05:14])
  Buffer zones being created in South Lebanon, ongoing airstrikes against Hezbollah infrastructure and leadership.

4. U.S. Deportations of Soleimani Relatives

[05:49 – 06:41]

• Secretary of State Rubio Removes Green Cards:

  “The Trump administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti American terrorist regimes.”
  — Secretary Marco Rubio ([06:41])
  Relatives of slain Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani had green cards revoked for alleged support of the regime and anti-American statements.

5. Artemis Mission: New Record for Human Space Travel

[06:41 – 07:04]

• Orion Spacecraft Reaches Record Distance:
  Artemis crew officially surpassed all historical human spaceflight distances, entering the Moon's gravity. Communication blackout expected as they pass the far side; return journey follows. ([06:41])

6. Brooklyn Shooting – Easter Sunday

[07:04 – 07:47]

• One Killed, One Injured in Broad Daylight Shooting:

  “Disturbing surveillance footage shows the suspect pulling out a handgun and firing repeatedly, even continuing to shoot after both victims had collapsed on the sidewalk.”
  — Jordan Schroeder ([07:13])
  Ongoing investigation, suspect in custody.

7. Presidential Endorsement in California Governor Race

[08:33 – 09:30]

• Trump Endorses Steve Hilton:

  “Steve can turn it around before it's too late. ... with federal help and a great governor like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before.”
  — President Trump ([08:41])
  Discussion of California’s “jungle primary” and GOP’s hope to advance two candidates to November.

8. Savannah Guthrie Returns to ‘Today’ After Mother’s Disappearance

[09:30 – 10:19]

• Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Return:

  “Good to be home.”
  — Savannah Guthrie ([09:59])
  Guthrie was greeted by supporters with signs and shirts; her mother remains missing under suspicious circumstances.

9. Court Overrules IRS ‘Church Endorsement’ Exception

[10:46 – 11:39]

• Ruling on Johnson Amendment:

  “Religious liberty is foundational to our Constitution ... The ruling stems from the 1954 Tax Code section known as the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits tax exempt religious institutions from endorsing any particular political candidate.”
  — Treasury Secretary Scott Besant ([11:02])
  New guidelines in progress, likely Supreme Court review.

10. Instagram Nudity Policy Flap

[11:39 – 12:33]

• Instagram Lets Trans Musician Post Go Uncensored:

  “Ethel Kane, a trans identifying artist, posted the risque bedroom photos on Thursday clearly showing his male genitalia. ... Instagram normally bans all nudity ... It is unknown why they made an exception this time.”
  — Amanda Harding ([11:52])
  Noted controversy: prior posts included provocative content and references to missing persons cases.

---

Notable Quotes

• President Trump on Rescue Mission:
  “This is a rescue that's very historic. It'll go down in the books.” ([01:04])
• Airman’s Message:
  “God is good.” ([01:57])
• Chairman of the Joint Chiefs:
  “They always knew that we would be ordered to go get them and they always knew that we would be coming to get them.” ([02:31])
• President Trump on Iran Negotiations:
  “It's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step.” ([04:12])
• Amir Avivi on Israeli Operations in Lebanon:
  “The goal is very clear: to dismantle Hezbollah as a terror organization in Lebanon.” ([05:14])
• Secretary Rubio on Soleimani’s Relatives:
  “The Trump administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti American terrorist regimes.” ([06:41])
• Trump’s Endorsement:
  “Steve can turn it around before it's too late.” ([08:41])
• Savannah Guthrie on Her Return:
  “Good to be home.” ([09:59])
• IRS Ruling Commentary:
  “Religious liberty is foundational to our Constitution ...” ([11:02])
• Instagram Content Controversy:
  “It is unknown why they made an exception this time.” ([11:52])

---

Segment Timestamps

• Iran Rescue and Press Conference: 00:52 – 03:24
• US-Iran Negotiations: 03:24 – 04:41
• Israel-Iran-Hezbollah/Regional News: 04:41 – 05:49
• Soleimani Relatives Deportation: 05:49 – 06:41
• Artemis Mission Update: 06:41 – 07:04
• Brooklyn Shooting: 07:04 – 07:47
• Trump’s CA Governor Endorsement: 08:33 – 09:30
• Savannah Guthrie Returns: 09:30 – 10:19
• Church-IRS Court Ruling: 10:46 – 11:39
• Instagram Nudity Controversy: 11:39 – 12:33

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Summary

This episode delivers hard-hitting news on U.S. military heroism, complex diplomatic standoffs, and rapidly shifting headlines in politics, crime, and culture. The Morning Wire team maintains a factual, bracing tone aligned with Daily Wire sensibilities, prioritizing concise reporting and critical perspectives on establishment and institutional authority.

Transcript

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[Georgia Howe]

President Trump updates the nation on the war in Iran. The Artemis crew officially travels farther into space than any humans in history and Trump endorses his pick for the California governor's race. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley. It's Monday, April 6th, and this is Evening Wire.

[Narrator/Reporter]

President Trump held a press conference today in which he and key leaders of the military provided updates on the war and including more details on the remarkable rescue operation that brought back a downed U.S. airman from behind enemy lines.

[President Trump]

This is a rescue that's very historic. It'll go down in the books. Late Thursday night, an American F15 fighter jet went down deep inside enemy territory in Iran while participating in Operation Epic Fury. Both members of the crew ejected from the aircraft and landed alive on Iranian soil. I immediately was asked to make a decision. I ordered the U.S. armed forces to do whatever was necessary to bring our brave warriors back home.

[Narrator/Reporter]

The president went on to detail just how extensive the rescue effort was.

[President Trump]

The second rescue mission involved 155 aircraft, including four bombers, 64 fighters, 48 refueling tankers, 13 rescue aircraft and more. We were bringing them all over and a lot of it was subterfuge.

[Narrator/Reporter]

War Secretary Pete Hexseth said the downed airmen's first message was simple. God is good.

[Military Official]

In that moment of isolation and danger, his faith and fighting spirit shone through. You see a nation rejoicing God is good. Despite incoming fire and unforgiving conditions, our troops brought every American home. No American lives were lost. We leave no man behind, and that is not luck.

[Narrator/Reporter]

And Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Raisin Kane praised the airmen's bravery.

[Military Official]

The courage demonstrated by both the pilot and the weapons system officer while isolated and them invading the enemy cannot be overstated. Their grit and war fighting tenacity is a direct result of the absolute trust they have in our rescue forces, their training and their will to survive and return. They always knew that we would be ordered to go get them and they always knew that we would be coming to get them.

[Narrator/Reporter]

President Trump also noted that the fact that the downed airman was missing was leaked to the press and that whoever shared the information put him dangerously at risk.

[President Trump]

But we have to find that leaker because that's a sick person. We're going to find out. It's national security. And the person that did the story will go to jail if he doesn't say. And that doesn't last long. And I think everybody would understand they put this mission at great risk.

[Georgia Howe]

Meanwhile, the US And Iran are both saying publicly that the other side has to give up more concessions to reach a deal, with President Trump saying Iran's latest proposal is not good enough. While Iran says Trump's plan is, quote, unrealistic. Daily Wire contributor Tim Pierce has more.

[Tim Pierce]

The Iranian regime says any talks must come with what it calls mutual respect and not coercion. Meanwhile, regional mediators from countries such as Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey are trying to broker a separate deal. That proposal reportedly includes a 45 day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. But for now, Tehran is signaling that it has no interest in pausing the conflict, even as economic pressure and military strikes continue to mount. Meanwhile, President Trump told the press today that Iran has given their own proposal, but it falls short.

[President Trump]

They made a proposal and it's a significant proposal. It's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step.

[Tim Pierce]

Trump later added that the communication blackout within Iran seems to be hampering the peace process.

[President Trump]

They're at the weakest point they've ever been. In fact, the biggest problem we have in our negotiation is that they can't communicate. They have no method of communication. So we're doing, we're communicating like they used to communicate 2,000 years ago with children. Bring in a note.

[Narrator/Reporter]

Back and forth, a key Iranian military figure has been taken out. The Israeli military announced that it's killed Asgar Bakari, the leader of an undercover unit within the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force. Officials say Beri was involved in planning attacks on both Israeli and American targets, as well as coordinating operations across the region. Meanwhile, the conflict between Israel and the Iran sponsored terror organization Hezbollah in Lebanon continues. Retired IDF Brigadier General Amir Avivi spoke to Morningwire about Israel's progress against the terror group.

[Amir Avivi]

The ground forces are operating mostly in South Lebanon, creating a buffer zone that will defend the Israeli towns. And as this is happening, the Israeli air force is attacking firstly Hezbollah positions, headquarters leaders and multiple sites where Hezbollah is shooting indiscriminately rockets into Israeli towns and in the north mostly, but also occasionally to the center of Israel. The goal is very clear to dismantle Hezbollah as a terror organization in Lebanon.

[Georgia Howe]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the legal status of relatives of the infamous Iranian butcher and sent them packing. Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell has more

[Zach Jewell]

Immigration agents arrested relatives of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani's niece and grand niece were living in the US as lawful permanent residents until State Department authorities revoked the pair's green cards. Secretary Rubio sent in a statement that Hamade Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are pending deportation because of their support for the Iranian regime amid the war. Rubio said that while living lavishly in Los Angeles, Afshar celebrated attacks against American soldiers, voiced unflinching support for terrorists and denounced America as the Great Satan. The secretary said, quote, the Trump administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti American terrorist regimes.

[Narrator/Reporter]

The Orion spacecraft officially entered the moon's sphere of gravitational influence this morning, and the crew has already traveled farther from Earth than any humans have ever been. Later this evening they'll be passing behind the dark side of the moon. They're scheduled to briefly lose contact with Earth at about 6:45pm Eastern. They'll regain communication by 7:30, at which time they'll begin their journey home.

[Georgia Howe]

One person is dead and another seriously injured following an Easter Sunday shooting in Brooklyn. Daily Wire homepage editor Jordan Schroeder has the details.

[Jordan Schroeder]

Police say a gunman opened fire in broad daylight, striking a 30 year old man and a 50 year old man multiple times. The younger victim was pronounced dead while the older man remains in critical condition. Disturbing surveillance footage shows the suspect pulling out a handgun and firing repeatedly, even continuing to shoot after both victims had collapsed on the sidewalk. The shooting happened just before 6pm as bystanders looked on and police quickly flooded the area recovering numerous shell casings. A person of interest is now in custody, but authorities have not yet identified a motive. The investigation is ongoing.

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[Georgia Howe]

President Trump has endorsed a candidate in California's crowded governor's race. Daily Wire political reporter Cameron Arcand has more.

[Cameron Arcand]

The president endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton. On Monday morning. In a post on Truth Social, the president said, quote, steve can turn it around before it's too late. Adding that quote, with federal help and a great governor like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before. Trump's endorsement comes as several candidates jockey for the Democratic vote, leading Republicans to hope that California's primary system could split the vote and allow two GOP candidates to advance to the general election. Under the state's so called jungle primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot and the top two vote getters do go to the general election in November, regardless of party. Recent polling has generally placed Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco among the top contenders, though some newer surveys suggest a tighter race with several Democrats like Congressman Eric Swalwell rising.

[Georgia Howe]

Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today show this morning. Daily Wire reporter and host of that so Criminal Lyndon Blake has more.

[Lyndon Blake]

Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today show this morning 64 days after the disappearance of her 84 year old mother from Tucson. Nancy Guthrie is believed to have been abducted during the night. Now, more than two months ago as the show started, Savannah told viewers it was, quote, good to be home. And she said this after rejoining her co host Craig Melvin.

[Cameron Arcand]

Well, here we go.

[Georgia Howe]

Ready or not, let's do the news.

[Lyndon Blake]

Outside on Rockefeller Plaza, Savannah told the viewers she felt all the prayers amid this ongoing and tragic case. Fans showed up with signs that said we love you Savannah. We love you, Nancy. Some of them even wore T shirts with encouraging message for the Today show host.

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[Narrator/Reporter]

A federal judge has overruled an agreement from Trump's IRS that allowed churches to endorse political candidates without risking their tax exempt status. The Treasury Department is now working on new guidelines to circumvent the court ruling. Daily Wire assistant editor Andy Valdez has more.

[Andy Valdez]

Treasury Secretary Scott Besant responded to the court ruling, saying religious liberty is foundational to our Constitution and the freedom to practice one's faith openly and in community is central to the American story as we celebrate 250 years of independence as a nation this year. The ruling stems from the 1954 Tax Code section known as the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits tax exempt religious institutions from endorsing any particular political candidate to their congregations. As the Treasury Department continues to look for a new workaround, the constitutionality of the amendment may soon be tested by

[Georgia Howe]

the Supreme Court and Instagram has apparently let a ban on nudity slide, allowing a trans musician to post restricted content. Daily Wire entertainment reporter Amanda Harding has the story.

[Mint Mobile Announcer]

Ethel Kane, a trans identifying artist, posted the risque bedroom photos on Thursday clearly showing his male genitalia. The Post originally had no content warning, but sometime prior to Saturday received a blurred, sensitive content warning, which can be circumvented with a single click by account holders of any age. Instagram normally bans all nudity beyond images of breastfeeding or nudity in sculptures or paintings. It is unknown why they made an exception this time. Kane's previous posts show the artist wearing a shirt labeled Legalize Incest as well as a real missing person poster for a murdered child repurposed with his own name. Mehta did not immediately reply to the Daily Wire's request for comment.

[Narrator/Reporter]

All right, those are your Drive home updates. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, earlier today we covered some major stories, including new details emerging about the daring rescue operation in Iran, positive job numbers despite economic turbulence, and Virginia standing by sanctuary policies in the wake of illegal immigrant violence. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.