Evening Wire: State Freezes Visas & Walz Stares Down Impeachment | 1.14.26

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary
Episode: Evening Wire: State Freezes Visas & Walz Stares Down Impeachment
Air Date: January 14, 2026
Hosts: Georgia Howe & John Bickley, The Daily Wire

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Episode Overview

This “Evening Wire” installment delivers a fast-paced rundown of the top political, legal, and cultural news shaping America and the world at the start of 2026. The primary focus is on escalating immigration enforcement and controversies, both nationally and at the state level, as well as dramatic international developments concerning Iran. Additional highlights include a major telecommunications outage, a surging precious metals market, and tensions over cultural institutions. Listeners are given a comprehensive, fact-first update on headline events with key voices, quotes, and context throughout.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Administration Freezes Visa Applications (00:03 - 01:10)

• The State Department has halted visa applications from 75 countries, including Russia, Somalia, and Iran, effective January 21st and extending indefinitely.
• Consular officers instructed to refuse visas if applicants are likely to become a "public charge" under broad criteria, as the administration reassesses screening and vetting.
• Notable quote:
  • “The State Department will use its long standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.” — State Department Spokesman (00:59)

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2. Federal Funding Cut-Offs for Sanctuary Cities and States (01:10 - 02:12)

• President Trump announces that sanctuary cities and states not in compliance with federal immigration authorities will lose federal funding as of February 1st.
• In a speech, Trump doubles down against “criminal protection centers,” promising significant funding cuts, without specifics.
• Notable quotes:
  • “Starting February 1st, we’re not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states … because they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens and it breeds fraud and crime.” — President Trump (01:18)
  • “It’ll be significant.” — Trump, responding to a reporter pressing for financial details (01:56)
  • In a Truth Social post, Trump refers to sanctuary cities as “corrupt criminal protection centers.” (02:07)

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3. Iranian Threats Against President Trump (02:12 - 03:06)

• Iranian state TV aired a veiled threat with a photo of Trump shortly after the 2024 assassination attempt, with Persian text: “This time the bullet won’t miss.”
• Historical context: Prior threats include an animated 2022 regime video of a Trump assassination and a 2024 foiled Iranian plot targeting him at Mar-a-Lago.

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4. Minnesota Political Turmoil: Governor Walz Faces Impeachment (03:06 - 04:04)

• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faces impeachment over alleged corruption and oversight failures linked to a $9 billion welfare fraud scandal.
• Walz disputes the fraud’s scale and accuses the Trump administration of politicizing the issue.
• Impeachment proceedings await the state Congress’ February reconvening; party-line votes mean at least one Democrat would have to defect.

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5. ICE Operations & Violent Protests in Minnesota

(04:04 – 06:08)

• An ICE agent involved in the shooting death of Renee Good is in hiding following threats; “wanted” posters with his information are circulating.
• Protests have become heated and increasingly violent, targeting both ICE and Trump officials.
• Notable quote:
  • “I just heard a politician just before I walked in here saying ICE has brought chaos to Minnesota. No, chaos brought ICE to Minnesota.” — Tom Homan, White House Border Czar (04:58)
• Law enforcement intent on stepping up enforcement even amid threats and community unrest.
• Multiple schools, businesses, and retail establishments in Minnesota have closed amid ongoing unrest; the Attorney General claims entire districts have shuttered for safety.
• DHS responds accusing state officials of “prioritizing politics over public safety.” (06:08)

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6. US Military Readiness: Tensions with Iran and Base Evacuations (06:08 – 06:59)

• As Iran suppresses nationwide protests (with reports of thousands killed), the US begins evacuating personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
• Trump warns Iran that killing protesters could provoke US action.
• Iran threatens retaliation against US and Israeli interests if the US intervenes militarily.

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7. Inside Iran’s Protest Movement: Eyewitness Account (06:59 – 08:00)

• The New York Post shares a chilling letter from a young Iranian woman recounting the dangers — including friends killed and families forced to pay “bullet fees.”
• Despite tragedy, there’s determination:
  • “Everyone believes that this time the regime will come to an end.” (07:54)

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8. Geopolitics: The US, Greenland, and Missile Defense (08:00 – 09:00)

• Trump declares Greenland “non-negotiable” for US security, as he pushes to build a “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
• The US is engaging Denmark and Greenland in talks to acquire the territory, citing strategic defense against Russia and China.
• Notable quote:
  • “Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space and we will have the best system ever built.” — President Trump (08:31)
  • On Truth Social:
    • “NATO should be leading the way for us to get it… If we don’t, Russia or China will and that is not going to happen.” (08:53)

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9. Crime & Immigration: Violent Gang Member Arrested (09:00 – 09:47)

• ICE arrests a Venezuelan national, alleged Trende Argua gang member, linked to a gruesome suitcase murder in New Mexico.
• The suspect had previously received a final removal order but had not left the US.
• Notable for illustrating the administration’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement.

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10. National Verizon Wireless Outage (09:47 – 10:05)

• Verizon Wireless experiences a major, nationwide service outage, affecting voice and data services for hundreds of thousands of users.
• Engineers are working on the issue, no resolution provided at broadcast time.

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11. Smithsonian Funding Threat and Culture Policy (10:05 – 10:51)

• The Trump administration threatens to withhold federal funding unless the Smithsonian discloses more on exhibitions, citing “ideological bias” and an “emphasis on America’s flaws.”
• 62% of Smithsonian funding is federal; this follows a broader executive order against alleged public institution politicization.

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12. Precious Metals Price Surge (10:51 – 11:14)

• Silver prices have more than tripled in a year, now exceeding $90/oz; gold is also at all-time highs but less volatile.
• The US Mint suspends silver product sales due to price uncertainty.
• The rush to precious metals is seen as a flight from the US dollar amid Fed uncertainty.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Trump on Sanctuary Cities Funding:

• “Starting February 1st, we’re not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states …” (01:18)

Tom Homan on ICE Presence in Minnesota:

• “No chaos brought ICE to Minnesota.” (04:58)

Eyewitness Quote from Iran:

• “He thought only of protecting his wife, stood in front of her and he was shot in the face and killed. Like so many of the dead, the regime is now charging families bullet fees before returning bodies.” (07:30–07:38)

President Trump on Missile Defense:

• “Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space…” (08:31)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:03-01:10: Visa freeze and new eligibility criteria
• 01:10-02:12: Federal funding for sanctuary cities/states
• 02:12-03:06: Iran’s threats against Trump
• 03:06-04:04: Minnesota fraud scandal, Governor Walz impeachment
• 04:04-06:08: ICE operations, protests, school/business closures in Minnesota
• 06:08-06:59: US evacuates Qatar base, Iran crisis
• 06:59-08:00: Iranian protester’s eyewitness account
• 08:00-09:00: US security interests in Greenland, missile defense
• 09:00-09:47: Violent crime, ICE arrest of Venezuelan gang member
• 09:47-10:05: Verizon Wireless outage
• 10:05-10:51: Smithsonian funding and culture wars
• 10:51-11:14: Silver/gold prices spike, US Mint suspends sales

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Tone and Style Notes

The episode’s tone matches the podcast’s reputation: urgent, fact-focused, and direct, often featuring sharp commentary and emphatic attributions especially when quoting political figures. The hosts move briskly between stories, emphasizing the seriousness of federal policies and their on-the-ground consequences. Direct quotes, rapid transitions, and brief but vivid accounts give listeners the sense of immersion in unfolding events.

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For further details or analysis, visit dailywire.com or catch the next Morning Wire update.

Transcript

[A]

The Trump administration halts visas from 75 countries, Minnesota Governor Walz faces impeachment and Verizon Wireless experiences massive mobile outages. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley. It's Wednesday, January 14th, and this is Evening Wire. The Trump administration froze visa applications from 75 countries, including Russia, Somalia and Iran. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the latest.

[B]

The State Department directed consular officers to refuse visas under existing law while the screening and vetting process is reassessed. The visa pause will begin January 21st and continue indefinitely until the full assessment is conducted. Consular officers have also been instructed to deny visas to applicants likely to rely on public welfare, considering factors such as health, age, English proficiency, finances and the potential need for long term medical care. A State Department spokesman affirmed this change, stating, quote, the State Department will use its long standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.

[A]

Sanctuary cities and states could soon see federal funds dry up. Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell has the details.

[B]

The president made the announcement in a speech yesterday afternoon saying localities that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities, so called sanctuary cities and states, should not expect any funding from the government. Here's Trump. Starting February 1st, we're not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities because they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens and it breeds fraud and crime. Trump doubled down when reporters pressed him after the speech said that you're going to be cutting off funding for sanctuary.

[A]

Cities on February 1st. That's right. What kind of funding?

[B]

You'll see. It'll be significant. And in a truth social post early this morning, the president reiterated his promise and the February 1st timeline, calling the sanctuary cities, quote, corrupt criminal protection centers. The White House has not yet released additional details.

[A]

Iranian state TV aired a threat against President Trump's life today. Daily Wire reporter Brecka Stoll has the latest.

[B]

The threat featured a photo of the president moments after the infamous assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.

[A]

But beneath the photo is Persian text.

[B]

Read this time the bullet won't miss.

[A]

This was broadcast nationwide despite the digital.

[B]

Blackout and ongoing citizen protests and originates.

[A]

From a pro regime rally.

[B]

This isn't the first time Iran has threatened Trump's life.

[A]

In 2022, the regime produced a fully.

[B]

Animated video detailing how the president could.

[A]

Be assassinated at his Mar A Lago.

[B]

Golf course in Florida.

[A]

Two years later in 2024, the US.

[B]

Also stopped an Iranian led plot to.

[A]

Kill Trump following the arrest of Farhad.

[B]

Shaqiri, who was, according to court documents, tasked by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps to take out the president.

[A]

Governor Tim Walls is now facing impeachment in his home state. Republican lawmakers in Minnesota have filed articles of impeachment against Walz amid ongoing fraud scandals. State representatives accuse Walz of corrupt conduct and failures of oversight, as federal Prosecutors estimate over $9 billion in welfare program fraud in. Walls has consistently disputed the scale of the fraud in his state and blamed the Trump administration for politicizing the issue against him. Any vote on impeachment could not occur until the Minnesota Congress reconvenes in February, at which time the state House will be evenly split on party lines, necessitating at least one Democrat defector for impeachment to proceed. The ICE agent who shot Renee Good in Minneapolis is in hiding after death threats White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed yesterday that the officer has received an excessive amount of threats against him and his since Good's death last week. In an interview with the show Will Kane Country, Homan said this I think.

[B]

He'S gonna, you know, wait for this investigation to paint itself out and wait for them to come out with actual facts. What happened. I know for a fact, you know, now he has to be in hiding. I mean, there are, there are wanted posters with his picture, his license plate number, you know, and he's the death threats against him and his family.

[A]

Protests following Good's death have featured violent language and threats against ICE and Top Trump officials. At a recent protest in Manhattan, activists chanted slogans such as Save a life, Kill an ICE and Kristi Noem will hang. When asked about Trump's intent for continued operations in Minnesota, Homan said this we're.

[B]

Doubling down in Minnesota. You can protest all you want, you have that constitutional right. But when you cross that line of impeding, interfering and putting hands on an ICE officer standing between us and the bad guy, they're going to be arrested and we got more resources on the ground to do that. I just heard a politician just before I walked in here saying ICE has brought chaos to Minnesota. No chaos brought ICE to Minnesota.

[A]

Another Minnesota woman attempted to block ICE vehicles with her car in Minneapolis today. Daily Wire reporter Lyndon Blake reports. Video showed agents breaking the glass on the passenger side in an attempt to remove her as she continued to step on the gas. Meanwhile, a crowd of about 70 to 80 Protesters can be seen throwing rocks at ICE vehicles while wearing black hoodies and masks. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated a couple of days ago that citizens are afraid to go outside.

[B]

Entire districts have had to cancel school for tens of thousands of students to ensure safety and offer online education because of the students and the parents fear of coming into the school. And some retail stores, daycares and restaurants have actually closed because people are afraid to go out and to do their shopping, whether they're immigrants or whether they are citizens of many generations. This surge has made us less safe.

[A]

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded in a statement accusing Ellison of, quote, prioritizing politics over public safety. The US has begun to evacuate some personnel from the Al Udeid air base in Qatar as President Trump weighs military action against Iran. Here with more is Daily Wire Assistant editor Nathan Gay.

[B]

Personnel started to leave the base recently as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to escalate. Trump has repeatedly warned the Iranian regime that killing protesters would be a red line and earn retribution from the US Late last week, the Iranian government cut off Internet access in the country and has since reportedly killed thousands of protesters. Toronto said that any action by the US Would trigger attacks against US And Israeli military assets in the region. The US Has a major presence at Alhoudid, which was previously targeted by Iran over the summer during the 12 Day War.

[A]

The New York Post published an eyewitness account from a young Iranian woman based in Tehran Tuesday, providing a harrowing but hopeful account of what's happening on the ground. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo has the story. The unnamed woman wrote, quote, I have just heard the news of another death, the fifth in just a few days in my closed circle. This time she said it was a close friend's cousin. He was at a protest with his wife and he saw a green light, presumably from a gun laser that landed on her face.

[B]

He thought only of protecting his wife, stood in front of her and he.

[A]

Was shot in the face and killed. Like so many of the dead, the regime is now charging families bullet fees before they will return the bodies. But even amidst the horror, she said, there is a belief that this time it's different. Everyone believes that this time the regime will come to an end. President Trump said this morning that Greenland is non negotiable for US Security. Daily Wire senior editor Joel Niedler has more.

[B]

The president argued that Greenland is vital for his plans to build a Golden Dome missile defense system for the United States. He also said that NATO would benefit from the US Controlling Greenland to ensure Russia and China are kept at bay. Back in May, Trump explained the ambitious project. Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space and we will have the best system ever built. Vice President J.D. vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with foreign ministers from both Denmark and Greenland at the White House today to discuss efforts to acquire the large island territory. Greenland is a self governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark with control over most domestic affairs, while the European nation has authority over foreign policy and defense. On truth Social, Trump wrote that, quote, NATO should be leading the way for us to get it then in all caps. If we don't, Russia or China will and that is not going to happen.

[A]

ICE recently arrested a Venezuelan illegal immigrant who allegedly took part in a brutal strangling murder. Daily Wire political reporter Cameron Arcand reports.

[B]

The arrest comes as part of an investigation into a violent death that led to the victim being stuffed into a suitcase and buried in a remote part of New Mexico. The alleged Trende Argua gang member is one of 11 people indicted by the Justice Department in December for the case. He is one of seven individuals facing charges for, quote, conspiracy to conduct racketeering activity, murder in aid of racketeering and drug trafficking conspiracy. DHS said he crossed the southern border into the United states illegally in October 2023 during the Biden era, and he had a final order to exit the country in June 2024, just days before the murder occurred.

[A]

Cell service provider Verizon Wireless suffered a nationwide outage today, confirmed this morning. The tracking site down detector showed nearly 200,000 reports of outages prior to 12pm 62% of the outages were regarding mobile phone use. Verizon's engineers reported they are, quote, aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services and are working to fix the problem. The Smithsonian has turned over additional records to the White House following threats to its federal funding. Daily Wire assistant editor Andy Valdez has more. In August, the Trump administration directed the institution to provide information on its exhibitions, programs and archives. After facing resistance, the White House warned.

[B]

It could withhold funding that accounts for.

[A]

Roughly 62% of the Smithsonian's budget.

[B]

The move follows an executive order from.

[A]

President Trump last April that targets what.

[B]

He described as ideological bias in public.

[A]

Museums, parks and monuments.

[B]

The order argues that these institutions emphasize America's flaws, particularly in the issues of.

[A]

Race and gender, rather than a fair.

[B]

Assessment of the nation's history.

[A]

And the price of silver has skyrocketed in recent weeks, shattering all time highs amid economic uncertainty. At the time of this reporting, silver is currently trading just north of $90 per ounce, more than triple its price this time last year, surging around 40% in the last month alone. The US Mint announced yesterday that it has temporarily suspended all sales of silver products amid the massive price uncertainty. Gold is also currently at an all time high but has remained relatively stable compared to silver. The massive bull run signals that investors are seeking alternative stores of wealth moving away from the US Dollar, possibly due to uncertainty around the future of the Federal Reserve and its chairman, Jerome Powell. Those are your drive home updates this evening. To learn more about these stories, go to daily wire.com and in case you missed it, earlier today we covered some major stories, including President Trump suggesting he may come to the aid of Iranian protesters, inflation holding steady as the administration pushes for affordability and Congress tossing around a bill that could keep the lights on until October. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morningwire.