Evening Wire: US Considers Strikes? & Biden Coverup Hearing | 6.17.25

Summary

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

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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.

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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The Trump administration has rescinded previous exemptions that allowed farms and hotels to bypass deportation operations.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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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])

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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.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

Trump lays out the end game for Iran and reverses deportation exemptions for farms and hotels and FBI head cash. Patel uncovers an alleged Chinese plot to interfere in the 2020 election. I'm Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Tuesday, June 17th, and this is Evening Wire.

[Tim Rice]

Tensions in the Middle east continue to escalate as White House officials say US Strikes on Iran remain under active consideration. Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice has the latest.

[Georgia Howe]

President Trump met with his national security team in the Situation Room after posting on social media that America knows where the Ayatollah is hiding. Calling the Supreme Leader an easy target, the president's Truth Social post went on to say that American patience is wearing thin and later demanded Iran's unconditional surrender. The Pentagon is now rapidly reinforcing US military presence in the region. Additional F16, F22 and F35 fighter jets are being deployed, while the USS Nimitz carrier strike group is joining the USS Carl Vinson in the Middle East.

[John Bickley]

President Trump explained his ultimate goal in the conflict between Israel and Iran this morning and it's not a ceasefire. Here's the president on Air Force One when asked about his aims for the war. What specifically is better than a ceasefire? What are you looking for here?

[Donald Trump]

An end, A real and not a ceasefire?

[John Bickley]

An end. So something that will be permanent or giving up entirely? Is that okay, too? Are you close there? Are you possible?

[Eric Schmidt]

Is that possible?

[John Bickley]

President also made clear on Truth Social early Tuesday morning that he had not reached out to Iran for peace talks in any way, shape or form, calling such claims more highly fabricated fake news. He added that Iran should have taken the deal that was on the table. It would have saved a lot of lives.

[Tim Rice]

The Israeli Defense Forces killed another top Iranian military leader just days after taking out his predecessor. IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani announced early this morning that for the second time in days, the IDF has eliminated the most senior military commander of the Iranian regime, Ali Shadmani. Shoshani also explained why so few Iranian missiles were fired toward Israel last night.

[Donald Trump]

More than a third of their missile.

[John Bickley]

Launchers we have been able to eliminate.

[Donald Trump]

We have been able in many dozens.

[John Bickley]

Of occasions to find those missiles in.

[Donald Trump]

Real time in Iran. We're intercepting them in Iran now, not.

[John Bickley]

Intercepting them above our skies. The Trump administration has reversed its exemptions for deportations in the farming and hotel industries. New Department of Homeland Security guidance last week exempted some industries, including farming and hospitality, from deportation operations. President Trump was questioned by reporters last week about the rationale behind the policy.

[Donald Trump]

Our farmers are being hurt badly by, you know, they have very good workers, they've worked for them for 20 years. They they're not citizens, but they've turned out to be, you know, great. And we're going to have to do something about that. 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, maybe not. And you know what's going to happen and what is happening. They get rid of some of the people and then you know what happens? They end up hiring the people, the criminals that have come in, the murderers from prisons and everything else.

[John Bickley]

But after conservative pushback and new White House directives, DHS told staff Monday that it's reversed the guidance and agents must continue conducting immigration raids at farms, hotels and restaurants. The Washington Post reports that the reversal comes after the White House made clear over the weekend that they did not support it.

[Tim Rice]

Chicago has officially cut off their website that allowed illegal immigrants to obtain IDs. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has more.

[Anna Valencia]

The City Key program was introduced by Democrats and allows illegal immigrants to get IDs regardless of legal status or criminal history. With the Biden era migrant surge overwhelming cities like Chicago, officials expanded City Key to online applications, creating digital records that ICE is now targeting under President Trump's renewed deportation crackdown. Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia claims the city won't turn over any data to federal authorities and accused Trump of conducting a witch hunt to intimidate illegal immigrants. The city also argues it's not required to comply with ICE's subpoena, but if federal agents obtain a court order, a legal showdown could follow. This comes just a day after Trump doubled down on his deportation efforts in Democrat led cities like Chicago.

[John Bickley]

New data out of the Media Research center shows just how much left leaning networks have leaned on the peaceful protest rhetoric. According to mrc, shows on CNN and MSNBC labeled the violent anti ICE riots in la as peaceful 211 times between June 7th and 11th. Despite alarming videos of cars on fire, assaults on law enforcement and far reaching chaos in la, anchors on the networks repeatedly downplayed riots. Critics say the coverage reflects media bias, shielding left wing protests from criticism even as law enforcement faced life threatening violence.

[Tim Rice]

Senate Republicans are looking to get to the bottom of what they say was a major cover up of President Biden's mental decline. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo has more.

[Eric Schmidt]

GOP lawmakers alleged that Biden's inner circle and friendly media outlets concealed his deteriorating cognitive health raising constitutional concerns over who is truly steering the ship. Senator Eric Schmidt called the alleged cover up a threat to the nation and to the rule of law. Tomorrow's hearing will be led by Schmidt and Senator John Cornyn and will feature former Trump press Secretary Sean Spicer, former DOJ official Theodore Wold, and constitutional law scholar John Harrison. Senator Schmidt told Morning Wire that the American people deserve to know who knew what, when, what should have been seen and what should have been done about it. I chair the Senate, the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution. Having a functioning president is actually kind of an important thing in our constitutional.

[John Bickley]

Order, and I think this scandal is.

[Eric Schmidt]

Bigger than Watergate, but everybody's very eager to sweep it under the rug and I just don't think the American people should accept that.

[Tim Rice]

Meanwhile, House Republicans are pursuing a parallel investigation. Look for our interview with Senator Schmidt in tomorrow morning's episode.

[John Bickley]

The FBI has delivered thousands of pages of intelligence to Congress detailing an alleged Chinese plot to interfere in the 2020 election. Daily Wire reporter Marita Lordy has the details.

[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. The FBI caught wind of the plot in August of 2020, but it appears the matter was not fully investigated. FBI Director Kash Patel has declassified the original report and sent it over to Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, for additional vetting.

[Tim Rice]

Disgraced former Senator Bob Menendez reported to prison Today, beginning an 11 year sentence after being convicted on charges of bribery last year. Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, served in the senate for nearly two decades. He was first charged with corruption in 2015, but the original case was dropped after his first trial resulted in a hung jury. The second 2023 investigation found gold bars, a Mercedes Benz and nearly half a million in cash stashed in Menendez's home. The Senator was found guilty of acting as an unregistered foreign A agent for the governments of Egypt and Qatar and abusing his position for their benefit.

[John Bickley]

Brendan Paul, an alleged drug mule for the disgraced music mogul Sean Diddy, Combs has been granted immunity in exchange for his testimony against his former associate. Combs has been accused of using his fame and fortune to coerce women, including former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, into so called freak offs at debauched parties and has been charged with racketeering and sex trafficking. Combs, defense has argued that all sexual activity was consensual and that combs personal behavior, while abusive, did not qualify as trafficking or rape.

[Tim Rice]

Blue collar workers have seen wage growth of 1.7% since President Trump began his second term. This is the largest increase for any administration in almost 60 years and contrasts the Biden administration's negative growth. President Trump is the only president to report positive growth for blue collar workers in his first five months since Richard Nixon in 1969. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said the only other time when wage growth has been this high was President Trump's first term.

[John Bickley]

No president has done that before.

[Eric Schmidt]

And why is that?

[John Bickley]

It's the president's emphasis on manufacturing. I think there's also likely a component.

[Georgia Howe]

Of whether it's 12 or 20 million.

[John Bickley]

Illegal aliens coming out of the workforce. Kraft Heinz says it will remove all FDC artificial dyes from its products in the US by 2027. The umbrella brand. Kraft also said they will not launch any new products in the US with artificial colors. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has focused much of his time on phasing artificial dyes out of food and drugs. And the FDA banned red number three earlier this year after linking it to cancer in animals. Heinz said it uses artificial colors in a small number of its products due to the FDA's previous approval, but it will start cutting them out now.

[Tim Rice]

And Anderson Cooper just hired a Hollywood super agent, a move that suggests his time at CNN may be coming to an end. The agent's clients include George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson and Brad Pitt. Some outlets say Cooper's salary is $18 million a year, though CNN disputes that number and will not confirm an actual salary. Cooper's move comes amid rumored budget cuts at the network and follows a slew of layoffs. The media group that owns CNN recently announced plans to restructure and cut costs across its networks. Other CNN anchors that include Jim Acosta, Don Lemon and Chris Wallace.

[John Bickley]

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 ordering the evacuation of Tehran as strikes escalate, Trump doubling down on deportations in blue cities and new allegations against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of MORNING wire.

[Donald Trump]

This is Dr. Jordan B. Peterson.

[John Bickley]

Watch Parenting, available exclusively on Daily Wire. Plus, we're dealing with misbehaviors with our son. Our 13 year old throws tantrums, her son turned to some substance abuse. Go to dailywireplus.

[Donald Trump]

Com today.