Iran Response Imminent? & 'Gender Surgeon' Scrutinized | 2.19.26

Summary

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Morning Wire Episode Summary

Podcast: Morning Wire
Episode: Iran Response Imminent? & 'Gender Surgeon' Scrutinized | 2.19.26
Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe

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Overview

This Morning Wire episode, hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, delivers a critical look at escalating U.S.–Iran tensions, a controversial gender surgeon case in Washington State, the FDA’s Moderna flu vaccine decision, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign against ultra-processed foods. The episode blends breaking political developments with investigative reporting and notable health news, offering listeners a brisk, informed start to the day.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S.–Iran Tensions: War on the Horizon?

Segment starting at [02:31]

• Background: The Trump administration is ramping up demands on Iran to end support for terror groups, stop violence against protesters, and abandon nuclear ambitions.
  • Previous U.S. demands have not curbed Iranian actions; severe crackdowns and nuclear defiance persist.
  • "Thousands, potentially tens of thousands of Iranian citizens have been slaughtered amid those unprecedented protests nationwide." – Cabot Phillips [02:47]
• Current Moment:
  • Massive U.S. military buildup in the Middle East: hundreds of cargo flights, fighter jets, warships, and multiple carrier groups heading toward Iran.
  • Is this a negotiation tactic or a genuine preparation for military action? Trump officials and advisers doubt it’s a bluff.
  • "I can't imagine this much buildup of military power in the region without President Trump actually taking action." – Former U.S. official [04:31]
• Military & Diplomatic Posturing:
  • Trump emboldened by recent military successes (e.g., operation against Maduro).
  • Approach to Iran echoes the ‘surrender or be attacked’ ultimatum used with Venezuela.
  • "Diplomacy is always his first option, and Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump." – White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt [05:05]
• Iran’s Response:
  • Defiant rhetoric from leaders—public threats, social media taunts, and preparation for U.S. assault.
  • Accusations that the U.S. is “incapable of doing a damn thing,” threats to sink U.S. carriers, and dismissals of American threat efficacy.
  • "Structurally, it's playing for time...In the long term, to try to get some kind of foreign financial stabilization and sanctions relief." – Ben Talablou, Iran Program Senior Director, Foundation for Defense of Democracies [06:07]
  • Satellite evidence of defensive preparations; generals on high alert.
• Summary: The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for imminent U.S. military action.

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2. Washington State's Gender Surgery Program Under Scrutiny

Segment starting at [08:12]

• Investigation Findings:
  • Washington State spent over $4.3 million since 2019 on surgeries by Dr. Jeffrey Stiller, a prolific and controversial gender transition surgeon.
  • Dr. Stiller’s clientele included a regular flow of inmates from the Department of Corrections.
  • "Dr. Stiller is a prolific transgender surgeon...he's performed over a thousand vaginoplasties, averaging five procedures per week." – Meg Brock [08:33]
• Public Reception and Controversy:
  • Dr. Stiller’s move from Idaho (where he faced backlash and national attention) to Washington did not quell controversies.
  • Notable issues: a DUI arrest, multiple malpractice suits, and complications with some procedures.
• Patient Outcomes:
  • Emails reveal inmates struggled with identity and results post-surgery, e.g., dissatisfaction over “non-binary mastectomy” and logistical requests for privacy post-surgery.
  • “It is clear that these surgeries can have very long unintended negative consequences.” – Meg Brock [09:18]
• Policy Implications:
  • The Trump administration cut federal funding via executive order, currently under legal challenge.
• Financial Scope: Millions funneled for inmate surgeries, raising questions about oversight and necessity.

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3. Moderna’s MRNA Flu Vaccine: FDA Reversal

Segment starting at [12:02]

• Regulatory Whiplash:
  • The FDA blocked, then allowed Moderna’s new mRNA-based flu vaccine to proceed to review after demands for additional testing were addressed.
  • Two-phase approval: elderly (65+) first, broader adult population (50-64) later pending test outcomes.
  • "The era of rubber stamping vaccines for pharma companies is now over." – John Bickley summarizing FDA’s new posture [13:36]
• Industry Implications: Reflects a more cautious, evidence-based approach from the FDA, especially under new leadership.

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4. RFK Jr.’s Campaign Against Ultra-Processed Foods

Segment starting at [13:36]

• RFK Jr.'s Position:
  • He’s intensified warnings on ultra-processed foods, branding them as a primary cause for America’s obesity epidemic.
  • "It's because we're being given food that is low in nutrition and high in calories, and it's destroying our health." – RFK Jr. on 60 Minutes [14:08]
• Public Engagement:
  • Notable figures like Mike Tyson and Kid Rock join RFK’s “Eat Real Food” campaign.
  • "This is the biggest fight of my life. I want to be a hero in this particular field because it affects my life." – Mike Tyson [14:54]
• Policy & Education:
  • Focused on informing Americans rather than regulation, with RFK advocating lifestyle changes (healthy eating, exercise, cold plunges).
• Media Coverage: RFK’s efforts draw attention amid a broader skepticism of processed food and vaccines.

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5. Leadership Change in Public Health

Segment ending at [15:32]

• Notable Appointment:
  • Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, celebrated for his COVID-19 stance, is named acting CDC Director.
  • "Some people will remember Jay Bhattacharya was a real hero during COVID." – John Bickley [15:32]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On U.S.–Iran Standoff
  • “The war drums are beating, and military action against Iran appears increasingly likely.”
    – Cabot Phillips [02:47]
• On Diplomatic Pretense
  • “The more he brings military assets to the theater, the more flexibility and options he can actually find.”
    – Ben Talablou [00:36]
• On Food Policy & Health
  • “70% of Americans are either obese or overweight…because we’re being given food that is low in nutrition and high in calories.”
    – RFK Jr. [14:08]
• On Celebrity Advocacy
  • “I want to be a hero in this particular field because it affects my life.”
    – Mike Tyson [14:54]

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Key Timestamps

• [02:31] – U.S.–Iran situation analysis begins
• [08:12] – Washington State’s gender surgery program investigation
• [12:02] – Moderna flu vaccine and FDA decision
• [13:36] – RFK Jr.’s campaign against ultra-processed foods and celebrity endorsements
• [15:32] – CDC leadership update: Dr. Jay Bhattacharya announced as acting director

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Tone

Consistent with The Daily Wire’s style—direct, critical, and fact-focused with elements of skepticism toward government and institutional narratives.

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This well-paced episode delivers crucial updates on looming international conflict, controversial state-level spending, shifting health regulations, and pop-culture-infused public health campaigns, presenting the facts necessary for listeners to start their day informed.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

5:00Am I'm up with a crisp Celsius energy drink running 12 miles today. Grab a green juice, quick change and head to work. Meetings, workshops. One more Celsius. No slowing down. Working late, but obviously still meeting the girls for a little dancing. Celsius Live Fit. Go grab a cold refreshing Celsius at your local retailer or locate [e-mail]. Though the US And Iran cite progress in their negotiations, the US Military buildup in the Middle east tells a different story.

[Ben Talablou]

The president does have many options here, and the more he brings military assets to the theater, the more flexibility and options he can actually find.

[Georgia Howe]

Are the two countries on the brink of war?

[John Bickley]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley. It's Thursday, February 19th, and this is Morning Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

A new Daily Wire investigation reveals that Washington spent millions on gender transition procedures.

[John Bickley]

For prisoners and the FDA reverses on the Moderna flu vaccine while RFK ratchets up his assault on processed foods.

[Guest or Health Expert (possibly RFK or spokesperson)]

We're seeing in our population people who are obscenely obese and at the same time malnourished.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

[Guest or Health Expert (possibly RFK or spokesperson)]

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[Georgia Howe]

As tensions escalate over Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and the murder of thousands of protesters, the Trump administration is gearing up for war.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips has the latest. So, Cabot, a lot of moving parts to this story, but can you catch us up to speed on the latest?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah. Bottom line, the war drums are beating and military action against Iran appears increasingly likely. So let's give some context to start. For the last year, the Trump administration has been pushing Iran on three main fronts. First, they want Iran to cut off their support of terror groups like the Houthis and Hamas. But that has not happened. So call that strike one. Second, Trump has demanded that the supreme Leader stop targeting protesters, warning that he was, quote, locked and loaded and ready to go if they continued to kill anti regime demonstrators. But despite those warnings, as we've talked about on the show, thousands, potentially tens of thousands of Iranian citizens have been slaughtered amid those unprecedented protests nationwide. So we'll call that strike two. And finally, and most importantly, the US has demanded that the Ayatollah give up his pursuit of nuclear weapons, offering sanctions relief in exchange for them doing away with their nuclear program. Now, the two sides have held multiple rounds of talks on the topic, but those have failed to bear much fruit. Meantime, the Ayatollah has continued to put out defiant statements reiterating that he will never give up his nuclear ambitions. And that could potentially be strike three.

[John Bickley]

Well, and now it's looking more and more likely each day that there is going to be a military response. Is that correct?

[Cabot Phillips]

Right. Over the last 36 hours, we've seen arguably the largest military buildup in the Middle east in decades. Hundreds of cargo flights have transported weapons systems to the region as hundreds more fighter jets, dozens of warships, and multiple aircraft carrier groups have also made their way towards Iran. Now, it is always possible this is a negotiating tactic from Trump to try and get concessions from the regime as these diplomatic talks continue with. But numerous advisers to the president, including his former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said they do not think it's a bluff.

[Guest or Health Expert (possibly RFK or spokesperson)]

And I can't imagine this much buildup of military power in the region without President Trump actually taking action. That leads to an outcome that he's been seeking for an awfully long time.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, zooming out here, President Trump does reportedly feel emboldened by the immense success of his bombing raid on their nuclear facilities back in June and, of course, the operation to grab Nicolas Maduro back in January. As one former US Diplomat put it to the Wall Street Journal, Trump is now offering Iran, quote, a similar offer to Venezuela, Surrender and we won't attack you. For her part, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt had this to say on Wednesday.

[Meg Brock]

Well, there's many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against the. Against Iran. Diplomacy is always his first option, and Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump.

[John Bickley]

And how is the Iranian regime responding to that pressure?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, as we've come to expect, they have continued to strike a very defiant tone. One top general said the US Is, quote, incapable of doing a damn thing, while the Ayatollah himself gave a speech vowing to sink our aircraft carriers. They keep saying we have sent warships toward Iran. Okay. Of course, a warship is a dangerous device, but more dangerous than that is a weapon that can send that warship deep under the sea. The Ayatollah went on to taunt President Trump on social media, saying, quote, the American president said that for 47 years, America has failed to destroy the Islamic Republic. That is an admission that speaks volumes. As for me, I say you won't be able to do it either. For more context on the Iranian strategy, we spoke with Benom Ben Talablou, the Iran Program Senior Director at the foundation for Defense of Democracies.

[Ben Talablou]

Diplomatically, the Islamic Republic is still playing the same game. Structurally, it's playing for time. In the short term, it wants to try to thwart or deter or impede a military attack. In the medium term, it's trying to dishearten Iranian protesters and prove that Uncle Sam is more interested in talking to the regime which has killed people, rather than in standing with the Iranian people and practice it in a more meaningful way. And then lastly, in the long term, if it can, to try to get some kind of foreign financial stabilization and sanctions relief.

[Cabot Phillips]

But despite their posturing, the Iranians, as you can imagine, are reportedly still fearful of their ability to actually withstand a prolonged assault. Satellite images show that they've constructed new concrete barriers over sensitive military and nuclear facilities in preparation for an attack. And in addition, the nation's top generals have reportedly been place on high alert and given orders to take precautions that would prevent a strike from simultaneously taking out all of their leadership team.

[John Bickley]

Well, as we saw with Operation Midnight Hammer last summer, it'll take more than concrete slabs to stop a U.S. military attack. Cabot, thanks for reporting.

[Guest or Health Expert (possibly RFK or spokesperson)]

Absolutely.

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[John Bickley]

A new investigation found that Washington state spent millions on the services of a gender transition surgeon who performed surgeries on prison inmates.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire investigative reporter Meg Brock is here to talk about what she's uncovered. Great to have you back on the show, Meg.

[Meg Brock]

Hey John, thanks for having me.

[Georgia Howe]

So what have you learned about what's happening in Washington State?

[Meg Brock]

Washington State sent millions of dollars for the services of a very controversial transgender surgeon. Washington State Healthcare Authority has paid more than $4.3 million since July 2019 for the services of Dr. Jeffrey Stiller. Dr. Stiller is a prolific transgender surgeon, and according to his website, he's performed over a ,ousand Vaginopl, averaging five procedures per week, making him a what he calls an extremely sought after transgender surgeon. And importantly for this investigation, public records obtained by the Daily wire show that Dr. Stiller's clientele included a flow of inmates from the Washington Department of Corrections.

[Georgia Howe]

Facilities. Now, in your report, you highlight how this surgeon was given a national spotlight for bringing genital surgery to small town America.

[Meg Brock]

Correct? Yes, that's right. In 2017, Stiller brought vaginoplasty and genital surgery to a small town in Idaho. Idaho. Now, this was very controversial. There was a lot of public outrage, and the Washington Post actually profiled him as a compassionate surgeon who was bringing, quote, unquote, medically necessary care to an underserved population. After experiencing Backlash In Idaho, Dr. Stiller opened a practice in Spokane, Washington. Even in Washington, controversy continued to follow him. There is a record of a 2021 drunk driving arrest and multiple malpractice lawsuits over the past five years. I reached out to Dr. Stiller for comment on these controversies, but I did not receive a response. Records obtained by the Daily Wire show that while getting these procedures might be somewhat easy for inmates, they can have complications that are difficult to deal with. One email showed a patient was struggling with self image after receiving a quote unquote non binary mastectomy. Medical staff described the patient who was identifying themselves as non binary and asexual and though they did not want to maintain breasts, they also report they did not want a male chest either. In particular, they are not happy with the nipple placement and would have liked them placed more central, the email stated. Another email showed a staff member requesting that an inmate had a single cell for a year after their genital surgery so they could dilate themselves in privacy. It's unclear if either of These patients were Dr. Stillers, but it is clear that these surgeries can have very long unintended negative consequences. The Trump administration has salted the federal funding of transgender surgeries through an executive order. However, that order is currently being challenged in.

[Georgia Howe]

Court. Well, as you've shown just in this one state, millions of dollars being funneled to these surgeries. Meg, thank you so much for.

[Meg Brock]

Reporting. Thank.

[John Bickley]

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[John Bickley]

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[Georgia Howe]

1-800-545-5979. Moderna is feeling some whiplash after the FDA reversed its decision to not review the company's new flu.

[John Bickley]

Vaccine. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce is here to talk about the latest in The Trump administration's effort to make America healthy again. So, Tim, first, what's going on with.

[Tim Pierce]

Moderna? Yeah, the Food and Drug Administration has decided it will allow Moderna to move forward with its new MRNA flu vacc. The agency had blocked it last week, much to Moderna's surprise, but allowed it to move forward again after the pharma company agreed to additional testing. What will happen now is the FDA will review Moderna's application for the vaccine, which Moderna wants to bring to market later this year for the 2026, 2027 flu season. But now the vaccine is expected to be brought to market in two phases. The first for people 65 and older, through a process of accelerated approval, which will allow it to move forward with limited evidence. The vaccine for that coh later get full approval with more tests. And after those are completed, the vaccine will be released for adults ages 50 to 64 as well, assuming the results of those tests come back positive. From the FDA's perspective, this was all about testing to begin with. The head of vaccines for the fda, Vinay Prasad, initially blocked Moderna's application for review because he said Moderna's clinical trials had not compared its vaccine to the best flu shot available on the market. And this kind of back and forth seems to be the new normal under the FDA, under Dr. Marty Makary, who has been saying for months now that the era of rubber stamping vaccines for pharma companies is now.

[John Bickley]

Over. Well, and that sounds like it's in line with RFK's skepticism towards vaccines, which of course, the media has made a lot of hay out of. Speaking of rfk, he's now doing a media blitz with ads warning about the dangers of ultra processed foods. Can you tell us about that?

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah. Ultra processed foods have become standard in the American diet in recent decades and they make up a whole slew of normal grocery store items, such as soft drinks and packaged snacks to most cereals and deli meats. RFK has called them poison. Here he was on 60.

[Guest or Health Expert (possibly RFK or spokesperson)]

Minutes. 70% of Americans are either obese or overweight. And it's not because they got indolent or because we became lazy or because we suddenly developed giant appetites. It's because we're being given food that is low in nutrition and high in calories, and it's making. It's destroying our.

[Tim Pierce]

Health. Now, RFK isn't trying to ban ultra processed foods per se, but he does want Americans to be much better informed about the health consequences of what has become standard in so many people's. Diets.

[John Bickley]

Well. And tell us about the celebrities that he's teaming up with for this campaign.

[Tim Pierce]

Right. Boxing legend Mike Tyson joined RFK this month in the health secretary's Eat Real Food.

[Guest or Health Expert (possibly RFK or spokesperson)]

Campaign. This is the biggest fight of my life. I want to be, I want to be a hero in this particular field because it affects my life. Every time I see someone who may be obese, I have an affinity for them. I want to be close to them. I want to talk to them. I want them to let them know that I'm their.

[Tim Pierce]

Friends. And Kennedy also released an ad with Kid Rock pushing a healthy lifestyle that includes things like working out and cold plunges in addition to eating healthy. So that's where RFK's MAHA agenda stands right now. But before I go, there is one more piece of health news that I should mention, and that is that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, currently the head of the National Institutes of Health, will take over the CDC as acting.

[John Bickley]

Director. Well, some people will remember Jay Bhattacharya was a real hero during COVID Tim, thanks for.

[Tim Pierce]

Reporting. Thanks for having.

[Georgia Howe]

Me. Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're listening to the show, you can now watch the show free on Daily Wire. Plus, we'll be back this evening with more news you need to.