Morning Wire Podcast Summary
Episode: Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
Release Date: January 21, 2025

Presented by Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe, this episode of Morning Wire delivers comprehensive updates on the latest political developments, legal battles, immigration issues, severe weather alerts, and a heartwarming return home of an American citizen.

1. Cabinet Confirmations

The episode kicks off with significant news from the White House as Marco Rubio becomes the first confirmed member of President Trump's Cabinet. Mary Margaret Olihan reports that Rubio was sworn in by Vice President J.D. Vance as the new Secretary of State at [00:40]. Rubio emphasized his commitment to "strengthening, securing and prospering the United States," ensuring that all State Department actions align with these objectives.

Further confirmations include Scott Besant for Treasury Secretary and Pete Heigseth for Defense Secretary, both having successfully navigated their respective committees and poised for floor votes imminently. Additionally, Doug Collins has been selected as VA Secretary, while Elise Stefanik, the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the UN, faced scrutiny during her confirmation process. Stefanik asserted, "No American taxpayer dollars should go towards funding terrorism" at [01:25], underscoring her stance against misallocation of funds.

2. Pardons for Oath Keepers and Proud Boys Members

In a controversial move, President Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6 Capitol riot, including Oath Keepers leader Stuart Rhodes and ex-Proud Boys chief Enrique Tarrio, as reported by Amanda Presto Giacomo at [01:25]. Both Rhodes and Tarrio were convicted of seditious conspiracy despite not physically entering the Capitol building. Trump defended these pardons, stating that these individuals had been "destroyed" by the justice system and directed the Justice Department to seek dismissal of approximately 450 ongoing cases.

Jeff Landry commented on the scale of the pardons at [02:30], stating, "We hope they come out tonight. Frankly, they're expecting approximately 1500 people."

3. Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship Faces Legal Challenges

President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship has sparked legal battles, with John Bickley reporting at [02:38] that 18 Democrat-led states and two cities have filed a lawsuit challenging the order. These challengers argue that the move violates the Constitution and established legal precedents. In response, the Trump administration maintains that the policy is designed to enhance national security and bolster immigration enforcement.

During the signing of the executive order, Trump remarked at [03:04], "We're the only country in the world that does this with birthright, as you know, and it's just absolutely ridiculous. But you know, we'll see. We think it. We have very good grounds. Certainly people have wanted to do this for decades."

4. Immigration Enforcement and ICE Raids on Hold

Amanda Presto Giacomo updates on the temporary halt of ICE raids in sanctuary cities due to a reported security leak within the agency at [03:38]. Originally planned as a large-scale crackdown targeting illegal immigrants deemed public safety threats, these raids have been postponed to preserve their element of surprise. Tom Homan, Border Czar, confirmed the delay, noting the administration's intent to maintain operational secrecy.

Concurrently, congressional efforts are underway to introduce legislation aimed at retaining non-citizens convicted of theft and other crimes in detention. The Lake and Riley Act, which passed the Senate at [04:23], is poised to reach President Trump's desk pending House approval. This bill empowers states to sue the federal government for inadequate enforcement of immigration laws.

5. Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Report Blocked

In a significant legal development, John Bickley reports at [04:23] that Volume Two of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on President Trump has been blocked by Judge Eileen Cannon. The ruling cited concerns that releasing details about Trump's classified documents case to Congress could lead to prejudicial outcomes. While Trump's legal team successfully restricted access to the full report, Volume One, which addresses election interference, had been partially disclosed. Trump has dismissed the findings as a "fake report," further escalating tensions between his administration and investigative authorities.

6. Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning Issued

A rare and severe winter storm has prompted Blizzard warnings across parts of the Gulf Coast, including Louisiana. Amanda Presto Giacomo details at [04:47] the forecast of heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures expected to disrupt travel and daily life across multiple states. Louisiana officials have admitted to being unprepared for such an event, leading to urgent calls for residents to remain indoors.

Governor Jeff Landry issued a stern warning at [05:10], stating, "It is extremely important to stay off the road unless you absolutely need to be on the road. Stay at home and stay warm." The storm has already resulted in the cancellation of thousands of flights, with expectations that conditions will remain hazardous through Thursday.

7. Ryan Corbett Returns Home After Taliban Captivity

A heartening story concludes the episode as John Bickley shares the return of Ryan Corbett, who has been held captive by the Taliban for over two years. Daily Wire reporter Mare Delordi provides an update at [05:42] that Corbett has been reunited with his family following complex negotiations during the final hours of President Biden's administration and the early days of Trump's presidency.

Anna Corbett, Ryan's wife, expressed profound gratitude in a statement at [06:25], "Today our hearts are filled with overwhelming gratitude and praise to God for sustaining Ryan's life and bringing him back home after what has been the most challenging and uncertain 894 days of our lives." The exchange reportedly involved the release of a convicted drug trafficker and another American, William Wallace McKenty, in return for Corbett's freedom. However, two additional Americans remain imprisoned in Afghanistan as Taliban detainees.

For more in-depth coverage on these stories and the latest news, visit dailywire.com and tune into the full episodes of Morning Wire every morning.