Morning Wire: ICC Arrest Warrants & Smollett Conviction Overturned | Afternoon Update | 11.21.24

Release Date: November 21, 2024

Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Wire) and Georgia Howe

1. Matt Gaetz Withdraws Attorney General Nomination

Timestamp: [00:26]

Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz has officially withdrawn his nomination for Attorney General. Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice reported that Gaetz cited concerns over his confirmation process becoming a "distraction." In his statement, Gaetz expressed gratitude for the support received but emphasized the necessity to "avoid unnecessary delays."

Gaetz’s withdrawal comes amidst lingering scrutiny from past allegations, including a federal investigation into sex trafficking that ultimately concluded without charges. The House Ethics Committee previously deliberated on the matter but decided not to release a report. Committee Chair Michael Guest confirmed that the committee will reconvene on December 5th to further discuss Gaetz's case.

Senator Lindsey Graham's Response:
Senator Lindsey Graham responded to Gaetz’s decision, stating, "The president nominated somebody. They chose to not go forward. Now he'll nominate somebody else. You know all this interest about Republican nominees. I understand it. But where were most of y'all at when the Democrats were doing this?" (Timestamp: [01:09]). Graham expressed respect for Gaetz’s decision while urging the party to move forward and support new nominees.

2. Escalation in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Timestamp: [01:24]

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to rise, with significant developments threatening to draw in the United States directly into the conflict. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce reported that Ukrainian officials have confirmed Russia's launch of an interconnected intercontinental ballistic missile targeting key infrastructure—a first in the ongoing war.

Former National Security Aide John Elliott's Analysis:
John Elliott criticized the Biden administration's actions, stating, "Reacting this would mean a major escalation, really a response to the provocation that the Biden administration is doing in the last throws. We got two months going in this administration. President Trump has said that he's going to ramp this war down and suddenly why are we provoking the Russians and then having a tit for tat?" (Timestamp: [01:49]). Elliott views the missile attack as a direct response to perceived provocations by the current U.S. administration.

In retaliation, Moscow has threatened to target a new U.S. missile defense base in Poland, arguing that it enhances nuclear risks. In response, Polish officials maintain that the base is solely for defensive purposes, not for offensive attacks (Timestamp: [02:07]).

3. Massive Migrant Caravan Heads Towards the U.S.

Timestamp: [02:25]

A significant caravan comprising at least 1,500 migrants, including numerous children, is making its way northward with the intention of crossing into the United States before President Elect Donald Trump assumes office. Many individuals within the caravan hope to secure faster entry approvals ahead of Trump's anticipated immigration crackdown.

Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice highlighted the urgency among migrants, noting their anxiety over potential policy changes that could impede their ability to enter the U.S. swiftly (Timestamp: [02:25]).

4. ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders

Timestamp: [02:57]

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes. These charges include allegations of using starvation as a warfare tactic and targeting civilians.

President Isaac Herzog's Condemnation:
President Herzog condemned the ICC's decision, describing it as a "mockery of justice" and accused the court of "siding with terrorism" (Timestamp: [03:09]). Despite Israel's attempts to block the warrants by arguing that the ICC lacks jurisdiction, the court upheld its decision.

U.S. Response:
The United States has voiced strong disapproval of the ICC's actions. Senate Majority Leader Elect John Thune warned of potential sanctions against the ICC if the warrants are not reversed (Timestamp: [03:09]).

Reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo's Commentary:
Amanda Presto Giacomo urged Senator Chuck Schumer to advance a bill sanctioning the ICC, noting that the House has already passed the legislation with bipartisan support. She added, "If he chooses not to act, the new Senate Republican majority next year will." (Timestamp: [03:46])

5. Jussie Smollett's Conviction Overturned

Timestamp: [04:00]

In a significant legal development, the Illinois Supreme Court has overturned Jussie Smollett's conviction related to his orchestrated attack in January 2019. The court ruled that Smollett's Fifth Amendment rights were violated when a special prosecutor pursued charges after the initial ones were dropped.

Smollett had falsely claimed that two men attacked him, a hoax he orchestrated with two brothers reportedly to boost his career. Despite the court's decision, Smollett maintains his innocence, insisting that he did not fabricate the attack (Timestamp: [04:00]).

6. Pennsylvania Election Official Apologizes for Controversial Remarks

Timestamp: [04:26]

Diane Ellis Marseglia, a Bucks County Commissioner and Democratic election official in Pennsylvania, issued an apology following backlash over her comments regarding the counting of provisional ballots in the state Senate recount. Marseglia stated that her remarks, which suggested that "precedent doesn't matter anymore," were in reference to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade (Timestamp: [04:26]).

Marseglia's Statement:
"I took my frustration out on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, many of whom are friends of mine and whom I respect and whose decisions are complicated, difficult, and important. We are all gonna learn lessons from this new media landscape and most of," Marseglia explained (Timestamp: [04:50]). Her comments were widely criticized, prompting her to clarify the intent behind her statements and acknowledge the complexity of the judicial decisions involved.

7. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Relocate Post-Trump Election

Timestamp: [05:03]

In a surprising move, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have decided to leave the United States following Donald Trump's election victory. The couple has chosen to reside permanently in the Cotswolds in southwest England, next door to celebrities such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and Elizabeth Hurley.

DeGeneres, whose net worth is estimated at $370 million, previously lived in Montecito, California, near friends and prominent figures. The duo has publicly stated their intention never to return to the U.S., signaling a significant response to the political climate under the new administration (Timestamp: [05:03]).

Conclusion

This episode of Morning Wire provides a comprehensive overview of critical political and social developments, including significant shifts in U.S. political nominations, escalating international conflicts, legal battles involving high-profile figures, and notable relocations of public personalities. Hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe ensure listeners are well-informed with detailed reporting and insightful commentary on each topic.

For more in-depth analysis and the latest updates, visit dailywire.com and tune into the full episodes of Morning Wire every morning.