Evening Wire: US Considers Strikes? & Biden Coverup Hearing | 06.17.25 - Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 17, 2025

Hosts: John Bickley (Executive Editor), Georgia Howe
Podcast: Morning Wire by The Daily Wire

1. Escalating Tensions in the Middle East and Potential US Strikes on Iran

Tim Rice [00:22]:
Tensions in the Middle East are intensifying as White House officials indicate that US strikes on Iran are still under active consideration.

Georgia Howe [00:33]:
President Trump convened with his national security team in the Situation Room following a provocative social media post, where he asserted, "America knows where the Ayatollah is hiding" ([00:33]). He labeled Iran's Supreme Leader as an "easy target" and demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender." In response, the Pentagon is bolstering the US military presence in the region by deploying additional F16, F22, and F35 fighter jets, alongside the USS Nimitz carrier strike group joining the USS Carl Vinson in the Middle East.

John Bickley [01:05]:
On Air Force One, President Trump clarified his objectives in the Israel-Iran conflict, stating, "An end, a real and not a ceasefire?" ([01:21]). He emphasized that a permanent resolution is sought, rejecting the idea of temporary halts.

Donald Trump [01:24]:
"An end. So something that will be permanent or giving up entirely? Is that okay, too? Are you close there? Are you possible?" ([01:21]-[01:33])

Discussion:
President Trump's aggressive stance signifies a potential shift towards more decisive military action against Iran. By rejecting a ceasefire, he underscores a determination for a lasting resolution, which may involve significant military engagement.

2. Reversal of Deportation Exemptions for Farming and Hospitality Industries

John Bickley [02:31]:
The Trump administration has rescinded previous exemptions that allowed farms and hotels to bypass deportation operations. This reversal comes after conservative backlash and new directives from the White House, compelling DHS agents to resume immigration raids in these sectors.

Donald Trump [02:53]:
"Our farmers are being hurt badly by, you know, they have very good workers, they've worked for them for 20 years... We can't take farmers and take all their people and send them back because they don't have maybe what they're supposed to have..." ([02:53]-[03:23])

Discussion:
Trump criticizes the prior DHS exemptions, highlighting economic impacts on agriculture and hospitality. The administration's decision to enforce deportations aims to address unauthorized workforce dependencies, though it faces legal and humanitarian debates.

3. Chicago’s Response to Federal Immigration Crackdown

Tim Rice [03:42]:
Chicago has shut down its City Key website, which previously allowed illegal immigrants to obtain IDs.

Anna Valencia [03:50]:
"The City Key program... allows illegal immigrants to get IDs regardless of legal status or criminal history." ([03:50])
Anna accuses Trump of a "witch hunt" to intimidate illegal immigrants and insists that the city will not comply with ICE's subpoenas without a court order, setting the stage for a legal confrontation.

Discussion:
Chicago's move represents resistance against federal immigration policies, emphasizing local autonomy and the protection of immigrant communities. This standoff highlights the growing tension between city administrations and federal immigration enforcement.

4. Media Bias in Reporting Peaceful Protests

John Bickley [04:34]:
New data from the Media Research Center (MRC) reveals that left-leaning networks have disproportionately labeled violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles as peaceful. Specifically, CNN and MSNBC referred to these events as peaceful 211 times between June 7th and 11th, despite footage showing significant violence and chaos.

Discussion:
This segment critiques mainstream media's tendency to downplay the severity of protests, suggesting a bias that shields left-wing movements from necessary criticism and accountability.

5. Senate Investigation into Alleged Biden Administration Cover-Up

Tim Rice [05:09]:
Senate Republicans are probing claims that President Biden's administration concealed his alleged cognitive decline.

Eric Schmidt [05:18]:
"GOP lawmakers alleged that Biden's inner circle and friendly media outlets concealed his deteriorating cognitive health... a threat to the nation and the rule of law." ([05:18]-[06:10])

Details of the Hearing:

• Leaders: Senator Eric Schmidt and Senator John Cornyn
• Participants: Former Trump Press Secretary Sean Spicer, former DOJ official Theodore Wold, and constitutional law scholar John Harrison
• Objective: To uncover who was aware of Biden's cognitive issues and how it was handled
• Schmidt's Statement: "Having a functioning president is actually kind of an important thing in our constitutional order..." ([05:18]-[06:10])

Discussion:
This investigation aims to hold the Biden administration accountable for any potential mismanagement regarding presidential health disclosures, framing it as a constitutional and national security concern.

6. Alleged Chinese Interference in the 2020 US Election

John Bickley [06:18]:
The FBI has submitted extensive intelligence reports to Congress alleging a Chinese scheme to interfere in the 2020 election.

Marita Lordy [06:29]:
"Kash Patel: While the exact details are not public, a confidential source told the New York Post that the plot involved thousands of fake US Driver's licenses, which would have been used to register fake voters who would cast mail-in ballots for then-candidate Joe Biden." ([06:29]-[06:58])

Details:

• FBI Director: Kash Patel has declassified the original report and forwarded it to Senator Chuck Grassley for further scrutiny.
• Implications: Suggests a coordinated effort by China to manipulate voter registration and influence electoral outcomes.

Discussion:
The revelation of this alleged interference raises significant concerns about foreign influence in US elections and the integrity of the democratic process.

7. Former Senator Bob Menendez Sentenced to Prison

Tim Rice [06:58]:
Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of bribery charges last year. Menendez, who served nearly two decades in the Senate, was found guilty of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Egypt and Qatar, and abusing his position for their benefit.

Additional Details:

• Evidence: Gold bars, a Mercedes Benz, and nearly half a million in cash were discovered at Menendez's home.
• Background: His first corruption charges in 2015 were dismissed after a hung jury, making this the second successful conviction.

Discussion:
Menendez's conviction underscores ongoing issues of corruption within political offices and the legal system's role in addressing misconduct.

8. Legal Developments and Corporate Changes

Brendan Paul and Sean "Diddy" Combs:

• John Bickley [07:34]:
  Brendan Paul, accused of being a drug mule for Sean Combs, has been granted immunity to testify against Combs.
• Charges Against Combs: Racketeering and sex trafficking related to coercing women into non-consensual activities at parties.
• Defense's Stance: Combs claims all activities were consensual and denies trafficking or rape.

Wage Growth Under Trump Administration:
Tim Rice [08:07]:
Blue-collar workers have experienced a wage growth of 1.7% since Trump began his second term, marking the largest increase in nearly 60 years.
Treasury Secretary Scott Besant:
"The only other time when wage growth has been this high was President Trump's first term." ([08:07]-[08:37])

Corporate Health Initiatives:
Georgia Howe [08:35]:
Kraft Heinz announced the removal of all FDC artificial dyes from its US products by 2027 and ceased launching new products with artificial colors. This move aligns with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to phase out artificial dyes linked to cancer.

Media Developments:
Tim Rice [09:26]:
Anderson Cooper has hired a Hollywood super agent, suggesting a potential departure from CNN amid rumored budget cuts and recent layoffs affecting other CNN anchors like Jim Acosta, Don Lemon, and Chris Wallace.

Discussion:
These segments highlight significant legal prosecutions, economic improvements under the Trump administration, corporate responsibility initiatives, and shifts within major media organizations, reflecting broader socio-political trends.

Conclusion and Upcoming Stories

John Bickley [10:01]:
The episode wrapped up with a recap of major stories, including Trump's orders regarding Tehran, renewed deportation efforts in blue cities, and new allegations against Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com for more information and to tune in the next morning for further updates.

Notable Closing Quote:
Donald Trump: "This is Dr. Jordan B. Peterson." ([10:27])

Summary:
This episode of Evening Wire provided a comprehensive overview of critical geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran, significant shifts in immigration enforcement policies, and ongoing political investigations into President Biden's administration. Additionally, the podcast delved into media bias, legal convictions of prominent figures, economic data reflecting wage growth under the Trump administration, corporate health initiatives, and notable changes within major media outlets. The discussions were enriched with direct quotes and timestamps, offering listeners detailed insights into each topic.