Evening Wire: Trump-Iran Standoff & SCOTUS Backs TN | 6.18.25

Summary

Evening Wire: Trump-Iran Standoff & SCOTUS Backs TN | 6.18.25 - Detailed Summary

Released on June 18, 2025, "Evening Wire" hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe from The Daily Wire delivers a comprehensive analysis of pressing national and international issues. This episode delves into the escalating tensions between President Trump and Iran, a significant Supreme Court decision impacting transgender minors in Tennessee, the ongoing TikTok ownership saga, and various other noteworthy events.

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1. Trump-Iran Standoff

Overview: The episode kicks off with an intense discussion on the deteriorating relations between President Donald Trump and Iran, highlighting a series of military and diplomatic maneuvers.

Key Points:

• President Trump's Position: Trump remains non-committal about initiating a U.S. strike on Iran, stating, “I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do” [00:55].
• Iran’s Military Preparations: Reports indicate that Iran is preparing missiles aimed at American bases, intensifying fears of a broader conflict.
• Ayatollah Khamenei’s Stance: In response to Trump’s ultimatum, Ayatollah Khamenei has rejected calls for surrender, warning that any U.S. military involvement could escalate into an all-out war.
• Israeli Strikes on Iran: Israel is actively targeting Iranian assets, with significant destruction of Tehran’s missile launchers and air defense systems. Israeli Defense Forces claim they have "wiped out nearly 40% of Iran's ballistic missile launchers and over 70 air defense batteries" [01:40].
• Trump’s Critique of Previous Administration: Trump criticizes the Biden administration for its handling of the conflict, asserting, “We see the success in all fronts and I think this is, this is the world is a better place today than it used to be” [02:13].

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump: “I may do it, I may not do it. … Iran's got a lot of trouble … why didn't you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction?” [00:55]
• John Bickley on Israeli Strikes: “Israel's defense forces say they've wiped out nearly 40% of Iran's ballistic missile launchers and over 70 air defense batteries.” [01:40]

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2. Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee's Transgender Ban

Overview: A landmark decision by the Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee's legislation banning transgender medical procedures for minors, sparking significant debate.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Ruling: The Court ruled that prohibiting puberty blockers, sex hormones, and gender transition surgeries for minors does not violate the Constitution [02:38].
• Chief Justice John Roberts’ Statement: Advocated against viewing these treatments as constitutional rights, emphasizing the law's applicability to all minors.
• Tennessee Attorney General’s Perspective: Jonathan Scarmetti highlighted the risks associated with such medical procedures, stating, “there is a huge risk to kids from these procedures with very little, if any benefit” [03:27].
• Broader Implications: With over 20 states enacting similar laws, the decision paves the way for nationwide enforcement [03:50].

Notable Quotes:

• Jonathan Scarmetti: “This is really important… we need to make sure kids are protected.” [03:27]
• Mary Margaret Olohan: “More than 20 states have passed similar laws and this ruling paves the way for their full enforcement.” [03:50]

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3. TikTok Ownership Battle

Overview: The administration is pressing for an American purchase of TikTok’s Chinese parent company to ensure data security and mitigate espionage risks.

Key Points:

• White House Directive: ByteDance has 90 days to find an American buyer, ensuring TikTok remains accessible to U.S. users without Chinese Communist Party surveillance [03:55].
• Legal Backing: Last year’s law, upheld by the Supreme Court, mandates TikTok severing ties with ByteDance due to national security concerns.
• Trump’s Firm Stance: Despite delaying the law’s enforcement twice, Trump announced, “come September, he's done playing games” [04:04].
• Data Protection Emphasis: Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stressed the necessity of protecting U.S. data in any potential deal.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley: “President Trump is giving TikTok's Chinese owner one more chance to find an American buyer.” [03:55]
• Georgia Howe: “… the president is making it clear that come September, he's done playing games.” [04:04]

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4. Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady

Overview: The Federal Reserve has maintained interest rates within the 4.25 to 4.5% range, continuing the pattern of steady rates from recent months.

Key Points:

• Rate Decision: Rates remain unchanged, following similar decisions in January, March, and May, despite previous cuts in the past year.
• Trump’s Criticism: The President condemned Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, labeling him a “stupid person” for not reducing interest rates, which he claims is harming the U.S. economy [05:03].

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump: “I think he hates me, but that's okay… I do it every way in the book. I'm nasty, I'm nice. Nothing works.” [05:03]
• John Bickley: “President Trump is blasting the Fed's inaction…” [05:23]

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5. Senate Hearing on Biden's Administration Decline

Overview: Senate Republicans initiated a congressional hearing to investigate the decline of President Biden’s administration amid allegations of a constitutional crisis.

Key Points:

• Democratic Boycott: Majority of Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee walked out, refusing to call their own witnesses in protest [05:30].
• Republican Perspective: Senator Eric Schmidt labeled the situation a “constitutional crisis bigger than President Biden” and questioned the legitimacy of the current administration’s decision-makers [05:59].
• Call for Accountability: Senators like John Cornyn emphasized Congress’s responsibility to uncover who was truly in charge during Biden’s tenure.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Schmidt: “We need to know who was in charge during the last months of the Biden administration…” [05:59]
• John Cornyn: “Congress had a responsibility to determine who was making decisions in the Biden White House.” [05:30]

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6. FBI Captures Another Illegal Immigrant from ICE Breakout

Overview: The FBI successfully apprehended a third out of four illegal immigrants who escaped from Delaney Hall detention facility following a breakout incident.

Key Points:

• Breakout Details: On June 12, approximately 50 detainees forced down a dormitory wall due to delayed meals [06:39].
• Current Status: Three out of four escapees have been captured, with the last remaining suspect, Andres Felipe Pineda Mongollon, still at large [06:39].
• Background on Pineda Mongollon: Entered the U.S. in 2023, overstayed his tourist visa, and has prior arrests for larceny and burglary [07:11].

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Howe: "Of four, three were caught…" [07:11]
• John Bickley: “The FBI says it snabbed another illegal immigrant…” [06:39]

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7. Venezuelan Gang Violence in Colorado

Overview: A disturbing incident involving suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Trend Aragua has shaken a Colorado apartment complex, mirroring previous violent acts in the area.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: Videos captured nine individuals terrorizing residents, pointing guns, and forcibly entering an apartment populated by Venezuelan immigrants [08:14].
• Police Response: At least six suspects have been detained, with ongoing investigations to identify all involved parties.
• Community Impact: The violent actions have heightened tensions within the immigrant community and raised concerns about gang influence.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Howe: “Of nine were caught on camera terrorizing a Colorado apartment complex.” [08:14]
• Dr. Jordan B. Peterson: “We are proactively addressing” gang violence to ensure community safety [08:45].

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8. Manhunt for Washington State Murder Suspect

Overview: Authorities are intensifying efforts to locate Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three daughters, who has been on the run for three weeks.

Key Points:

• Suspect’s Background: Decker entered the U.S. in 2023, overstayed his visa, and has a criminal history including larceny and burglary [09:08].
• Current Status: Only one suspect remains at large after the FBI captured three out of four escapees from a recent breakout [09:08].
• Public Appeal: The U.S. Marshals are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker’s capture [09:37].

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Schmidt: “I hope he's watching… We only have to be perfect one day.” [09:30]
• John Bickley: “The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward…” [09:37]

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9. UK Parliament Moves Towards Legal Abortion Until Birth

Overview: The British Parliament has taken a significant step by approving an amendment that permits abortions up to the moment of birth, a controversial shift in reproductive rights.

Key Points:

• Vote Outcome: The House of Commons passed the amendment with a 379 to 137 vote [09:49].
• Legal Implications: Women will no longer face prosecution for abortions performed after the legal limit, effectively legalizing late-term abortions.
• Historical Context: The decision follows a crackdown on pro-life demonstrations, including the arrest of Adam Smith Connor for silently praying outside an abortion clinic [09:49].
• Vice President J.D. Vance’s Commentary: Addressed the issue at the Munich Conference, highlighting the tension between pro-life activists and government policies.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Howe: “The British Parliament took the first step toward making abortions legal till birth in England and Wales.” [09:49]
• John Bickley: “Vice President J.D. Vance addressed the case in his passionate speech…” [09:49]

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10. Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia Causes Widespread Disruptions

Overview: A powerful volcanic eruption in Indonesia has led to extensive evacuations and significant flight cancellations across multiple countries.

Key Points:

• Eruption Details: Multiple explosive events have sent ash clouds thousands of feet high, expanding the danger zone to a five-mile radius around the volcano [10:40].
• Impact on Air Travel: Flights to and from Australia, China, India, Malaysia, and New Zealand have been canceled, affecting thousands of travelers [10:40].
• Previous Activity: The volcano last erupted in March, with a prior eruption in November resulting in nine fatalities [10:40].
• Current Status: No deaths reported in the latest eruption, but authorities continue to monitor the situation closely [10:40].

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley: “A volcanic eruption in Indonesia is causing evacuations and flight cancellations.” [10:40]

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11. Violence Erupts in WNBA Game

Overview: A heated altercation during a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun resulted in three player ejections, overshadowing the match’s competitive spirit.

Key Points:

• Incident Breakdown: The conflict ignited when a Sun player poked Fever star Caitlin Clark in the eye, leading to aggressive tackles and a fight that saw three ejections [11:15].
• Officials’ Role: Announcers criticized referees for their handling of the situation, attributing partial responsibility for the escalation [11:56].
• Host Commentary: Georgia Howe emphasizes the need for better officiating to prevent such incidents [11:15].

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley: “That's a hard foul.” [11:47]
• Dr. Jordan B. Peterson: “That's a flagrant foul.” [11:49]

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12. Texas Man Faces Felony Charges Over Offensive T-Shirt

Overview: Sammy Morris, a Texas man, finds himself in legal trouble not only for felony charges but also for wearing an inappropriate T-shirt to court.

Key Points:

• Offense Details: Morris attended a Jefferson County court session wearing a T-shirt that read, “world's best father,” but featured an ambiguous graphic causing the judge to reprimand him [11:56].
• Judicial Response: Judge Raquel West deemed the attire inappropriate for felony court, warning Morris to secure legal representation or risk bond revocation [11:56].
• Case Status: Morris's court date has been rescheduled for 30 days following the incident [11:56].

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Howe: “What made you think that was a good shirt to wear to court this morning?” [11:56]
• John Bickley: “The judge was not amused.” [11:56]

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Conclusion

The "Evening Wire" episode provides a thorough exploration of the multifaceted geopolitical tensions, landmark legal decisions, and societal issues shaping today's landscape. From the brinkmanship between global powers to pivotal judicial rulings and local incidents reflecting broader cultural conflicts, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe deliver incisive commentary and expert insights, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the critical matters of the day.

For more detailed coverage and updates on these stories, visit dailywire.com.

Transcript

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

This is Dr. Jordan B. Peterson. Watch Parenting, available exclusively on Daily Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

Plus, we're dealing with misbehaviors with our son. Our 13 year old throws tantrums. Her son turned to some substance abuse.

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

Go to DailyWirePlus.com today.

[John Bickley]

President Trump remains undecided on Iran. The Supreme Court upholds Tennessee's ban on transgender procedures on minors. And TikTok gets one more chance to find an American owner. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executives executive editor John Bickley. It's Wednesday, June 18th, and this is EVENING Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

War of words is underway between President Trump and Ayatollah Khamenei as Israel continues to knock out Iranian targets. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the latest. Trump says Iran is now totally defenseless and that he's weighing whether to launch a US Strike. Here he is speaking to reporters earlier today.

[Donald Trump]

I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do. I can tell you this, that Iran's got a lot of trouble and they to negotiate. And they said, why didn't you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction?

[Georgia Howe]

The president's comments come after reports that Iran is prepping missiles to strike American bases. They also come in response to Ayatollah Khamenei rejecting Trump's call for surrender. Iran warned the US Overnight that any military involvement in its conflict with Israel would trigger an all out war. Trump had previously said the US Knows exactly where Khamenei is hiding, calling him an easy target, but added, not for now. Meanwhile, US Fighter jets and carrier groups are headed toward the region as Israel continues to strike Iranian targets, including Iran's internal security headquarters.

[John Bickley]

Iran's strikes against Israel have lost steam in recent days, leading experts to question the regime's stockpile. After firing over 200 rockets in the early days, Iran's latest volleys have dropped to just a few dozen. Israeli strikes have destroyed dozens of Tehran's launchers and silos, crippling Iran's attack capability. Israel's defense forces say they've wiped out nearly 40% of Iran's ballistic missile launchers and over 70 air defense batteries. Knesset member Simcha Rothman spoke to we.

[Donald Trump]

All saw what happened sadly with the Biden administration who basically instead of helping us to finish the war faster and eliminate our enemies faster, basically put a weapons embargo on the state of Israel once this was removed. We see the success in all fronts and I think this is, this is the world is a better place today than it used to be.

[Georgia Howe]

A week ago today, the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on transgender medical procedures for minors. Daily Wire White House correspondent Mary Margaret olihan reports from D.C. in a 6.

[Mary Margaret Olohan]

3 decision, the court ruled that blocking puberty blockers across sex hormones and so called gender transition surgeries does not violate the Constitution. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts slammed the idea that these risky experimental treatments are a right, saying that Tennessee's law applies to all minors regardless of sex. The law holds doctors accountable for trying to transition kids with possible license revocations and fines, while giving families the right to sue for harm. It comes after Daily Wire host Matt Walsh exposed disturbing practices at Vanderbilt's gender clinic. Morning Wire spoke to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Scarmetti shortly after the decision came down. Here's what he told us.

[Georgia Howe]

This is a really important ruling. This is an issue that's come up very quickly. It affects an increasingly large number of kids and the evidence that keeps coming in shows more and more that there is a huge risk to kids from these procedures with very little, if any benefit. So it's really important that our legislatures be allowed to follow the evidence and do what they need to do to make sure kids are protected.

[Mary Margaret Olohan]

More than 20 states have passed similar laws and this ruling paves the way for their full enforcement.

[John Bickley]

President Trump is giving TikTok's Chinese owner one more chance to find an American buyer. Daily Wire deputy Managing editor Tim Rice has the details.

[Georgia Howe]

The White house says that ByteDance has 90 days to sell an extension it says ensures TikTok users can keep the app without letting the Chinese Communist Party spy on Americans. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said Trump does not want TikTok to go dark, but insists any deal must protect US data. Last year, Congress passed a law demanding TikTok sever ties with ByteDance, its Beijing based owner. Just before Trump returned to office, the Supreme Court upheld that law, saying the platform's data harvesting and CCP ties posed a serious threat. Trump has now delayed enforcing the law twice, but the president is making it clear that come September, he's done playing games. The Federal Reserve has once again held interest rates steady. The rates will stay in the 4.25 to 4.5% range. The Fed left rates alone in January, March and May, but cut rates at its final three meetings last year. Today's decision comes after President Trump slammed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling him a stupid person for refusing to cut interest rates.

[Donald Trump]

I think he hates me, but that's okay. You know, he should, he should. I call him every name in the book, trying to get him to do something. I've been nice to him. I do it always. I don't know how to sell. I've been so nice to him. Fellas, you wouldn't. Let's have dinner. Too late. I call him. Too late, come on. Too late. Let's have dinner. I do it every way in the book. I'm nasty, I'm nice. Nothing works.

[Georgia Howe]

Trump blasted the Fed's inaction, saying it's costing the US economy billions. While Europe races ahead with 10 rate.

[John Bickley]

Cut today, Senate Republicans held the first congressional hearing investigating the COVID up of President Biden's decline. The majority of Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee did not call a single witness of their own and walked out of the hearing in protest. Senator Eric Schmidt of Missouri, who co chaired the meeting, said the Democrats boycott of the meeting was deeply disappointing. Senator John Cornyn of Texas said that Congress had a responsibility to determine who was making decisions in the Biden White House.

[Eric Schmidt]

This was a constitutional crisis bigger than President Biden, bigger than any single election, and one that cannot be absolved by the collective apology of the press and an election where the President's party lost. We need to know who was in charge during the last months of the Biden administration. Was it his wife? His chief of staff? Nameless others? None of these people were elected by the American people, nor were they authorized by the Constitution and laws of the United States to carry out the duties of the President of the United States.

[John Bickley]

The FBI says it snabbed another illegal immigrant who escaped an ICE detention facility last week. That brings the total number of captures to three of the four. The inmates broke out of Delaney hall on June 12 after around 50 detainees pushed down a dormitory wall, aggravated that meals were delayed. The only inmate who remains at large is Andres Felipe Pineda Mongollon, who entered the US in 2023 and overstayed his tourist visa. He was previously arrested twice, once for larceny and once for burglary.

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

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[Georgia Howe]

Of nine were caught on camera terrorizing a Colorado apartment complex. The subjects are suspected Trend Aragua members and their actions resemble violence previously committed in the area by the Venezuelan gang. The video shows the suspects pointing guns and knocking on the door of an apartment, the residents of which are also Venezuelan immigrants who had moved in just two days prior. After the incident, police began identifying the subjects of the video and have detained at least six of the suspects. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

The reason that I am showing this video now is because I want everyone to understand and to know that we are ahead of this. This isn't something that we are reacting to. This is something that we are proactively addressing. With everything that we can possibly do, everything that we can possibly achieve, and everyone we can possibly hold accountable, we will do so.

[John Bickley]

Authorities are still searching for a man suspected of killing his three daughters in Washington State. The suspect, Travis Decker, has been the run for three weeks. A sheriff's office released digitally altered photos that show how Decker may have changed his appearance. The photos show Decker with a shaved head and no beard. A week ago, authorities issued a warning to Decker.

[Eric Schmidt]

I hope he's watching. I hope he knows that we haven't given up. But you got to be perfect every single day, Travis. We only have to be perfect one day.

[John Bickley]

Decker's daughters were found dead at a campground. They'd spent the day with Decker during a custody visit. The U.S. marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decke.

[Georgia Howe]

The British Parliament took the first step toward making abortions legal till birth in England and Wales. Yesterday's 379 to 137 vote in the House of Commons approved an amendment that prevents women from facing prosecution over aborting a child after the legal limit, even up to the moment of birth. Over the last few years, the UK has cracked down on pro life demonstrations, even arresting a man for silently praying outside an abortion Clinic. Vice President J.D. vance addressed the case in his passionate speech at the Munich Conference a little over two years ago. The British government charged Adam smith Connor, a 51 year old physiotherapist and an army veteran, with the heinous crime of standing 50 meters from an abortion clinic and silently praying for three minutes.

[John Bickley]

A volcanic eruption in Indonesia is causing evacuations and flight cancellations. Multiple eruptions send ash and gray clouds thousands of feet into the sky. The danger zone was expanded to a 5 mile radius from the mountain. The smoke caused canceled flights to and from Australia, China, India, Malaysia and New Zealand. The cancellations affected thousands of tourists, but some airlines say they plan to reschedule flights as soon as the clouds clear. So far, no deaths have been reported. The volcano most recently erupted in March and a previous eruption in November killed nine.

[Georgia Howe]

Basketball turns to fisticuffs on the WNBA court Three players were ejected after a fight in last night's game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun. A Fever player tackled a Sun player with seconds left in the game. A fight ensued and caused three ejections. The fight came after a Sun player poked Fever star Caitlin Clark in the eye. A Fever teammate then knocked Clark to the floor. Those players had received fouls instead of ejections. Announcers blamed the officials for the fight. It is totally their responsibility.

[John Bickley]

That's a hard foul.

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

That's a flagrant foul.

[Georgia Howe]

And if they had taken care of.

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

The business earlier, we would be in this situation right now.

[John Bickley]

And a Texas man landed in hot water this week, not just for his felony charge, but also for his T shirt. What made you think that was a good shirt to wear to court this morning? Sammy Morris showed up to court in Jefferson county wearing a T shirt that read, and I'm quoting, world's best farter. I mean father. The judge was not amused. I can read it. I see what it says at the bottom. You're in felony court. You need to dress appropriately to felony court and that's not appropriate. Judge Raquel west also warned Morris to hire an attorney or risk having his bond revoked. His case was reset for 30 days.

[Georgia Howe]

All right, those are your Drive Home updates. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, this morning we covered some major stories, including Trump's call for Iran's surrender, a preview of today's hearing on the COVID up of Joe Biden's decline and an interview with Don Jr. And Eric Trump on the 10th anniversary of the fateful escalator ride. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with more news you need to know.