Israel Strikes Iran & LA Riots Money Trail | 6.13.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Israel Strikes Iran & LA Riots Money Trail | 06.13.25
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: John Bickley, Co-host: Georgia Howe

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1. Israel Launches Operation Rising Lion Against Iran

Timestamp: 00:04 – 05:37

The episode opens with a significant geopolitical development: Israel initiates Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and key military sites following the collapse of nuclear negotiations with Iran.

• John Bickley introduces the operation:
  "After nuclear talks with Iran break down, Israel launches Operation Rising Lion, striking Iranian nuclear facilities and key military sites." [00:04]

• Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, underscores the threat posed by Iran:
  "We will not let the world's most dangerous regime get the world's most dangerous weapons." [00:13]

• Detailed Targets and Rationale:
  Netanyahu elaborates on the specific targets and the existential threat Iran poses:
  "For decades, the tyrants of Tehran have brazenly openly called for Israel's destruction... Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs... This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival." [02:36]

• Impact of the Strikes:
  Reporter Tim Peerce provides updates on the operation's execution:
  "A New York Times graphic showed at least half a dozen locations across Iran where explosions were seen... Israeli fighter jets were reported over Tehran, and key figures in Iran’s military and nuclear sectors were reportedly killed." [03:49]

• Israeli Unity and International Relations:
  Peerce highlights the unanimous support within Israel for the strikes:
  "The Israeli people are fully behind these strikes and view them not as an act of aggression, but of self-defense." [04:24]

• U.S. Administration Response:
  The Trump administration shows support for Israel's actions without direct involvement:
  "Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the US was not involved in these strikes but warned Iran against any attacks on U.S. interests or personnel." [05:05]

2. FBI Investigates Funding Behind Los Angeles Riots

Timestamp: 06:43 – 10:44

The podcast delves into the escalating riots in Los Angeles, focusing on the groups financing the anti-ICE protests and violence.

• Georgia Howe introduces the topic with insights from Culture Reporter Megan Basham:
  "There is a curfew now in effect. National Guard troops have been deployed to disperse the protests so that ICE can do the work that they need to do." [07:06]

• Extent of the Riots:
  Basham describes ongoing chaos, including violence and looting:
  "Burning cars, traffic shutdowns, looting of stores including major retailers like Apple, all of that is still continuing." [07:06]

• Political Responses and Legal Actions:
  California Governor Gavin Newsom opposes federal troop deployment, facing criticism from Congressman Kevin Kiely:
  "Newsom is more worried about politics than the safety and peace of his constituents." [07:44]

• Funding Sources and Organized Efforts:

  • Megan Basham uncovers significant financial backers behind the riots:
    "Neville Singham... has allegedly funneled over $20 million into radical groups linked to these riots and to the anti-Israel protests." [08:12]

  • Indivisible, supported by the George Soros Foundation, ActBlue, and the Barbra Streisand Foundation, is identified as a key organizer:
    "Authorities are now starting to arrest some of these leaders who are facilitating the riots." [08:12]

  • Brandon emphasizes the orchestrated nature of the violence:
    "It appears they're well orchestrated and coordinated and well funded." [09:21]

3. Upcoming Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests

Timestamp: 09:37 – 10:44

Looking ahead, the podcast discusses the planned 'No Kings' protests set to occur nationwide.

• Scope of the Protests:
  Basham reveals the scale and funding behind the protests:
  "There are going to be roughly 1,800 of those protests all across the country, in some 1,500 cities this Saturday." [09:44]

• Additional Backers:
  Christy Walton, a Walmart heiress, is highlighted for her role in funding:
  "She paid for a full-page ad in national newspapers calling for the public to mobilize against ICE agents." [09:44]

• Corporate Responses and Law Enforcement Preparedness:
  Walmart distances itself from Walton's actions:
  "Advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart." [09:44]

  Concurrently, governors from South Carolina, Utah, and Texas brace for possible mass arrests to maintain order:
  "Troops are standing by for deployment in several states as the protests spread." [09:44]

4. Congressional Hearings on Sanctuary Policies

Timestamp: 10:48 – 14:54

The episode shifts focus to a heated congressional hearing where Democratic governors defend their sanctuary state policies amid rising tensions and riots.

• Georgia Howe introduces Investigative Reporter Mairead Elordi's coverage of the hearing:
  "Three Democratic governors... appeared before the House Oversight Committee to testify about their state's sanctuary policies." [11:03]

• Confrontation with Congressmen:

  • Elise Stefanik challenges Governor Kathy Hochul with a specific crime case:
    "He found a sleeping woman on the subway, lit her on fire, and burned her alive... because of your sanctuary state policies." [11:37]

  • Governor Hochul attempts to respond but faces further questions:
    "Rather than going after the viral moment, I suggest you." [12:14]

  • Governor Tim Walz faces pressure regarding the legality of detaining illegal migrants:
    "I don't know that I just want to know. I want to... I'm just going by your attorney general." [12:38]

• Expansion of Sanctuary Jurisdictions:
  Mairead Elordi cites Hannah Davis from the Federation for American Immigration Reform on the growth of sanctuary cities:
  "As of May of 2025, we found 1,003 sanctuary jurisdictions across the US... emboldening radical opposition to the enforcement of federal immigration policy." [13:55]

• Connection to Current Unrest:
  The national debate on sanctuary policies coincides with ongoing efforts to control the LA riots:
  "The national conversation around sanctuary policies is happening as police try to get the Los Angeles riots against ICE under control." [14:41]

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Conclusion

This episode of Morning Wire provides an in-depth analysis of two major national issues: Israel's military action against Iran in response to nuclear threats, and the domestic turmoil in Los Angeles fueled by anti-ICE protests and their financial backers. Additionally, the podcast sheds light on the contentious political battles surrounding sanctuary state policies amidst rising civil unrest. Through expert reporting and direct quotes from key figures, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of these critical developments shaping the current political and social landscape.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

After nuclear talks with Iran break down, Israel launches Operation Rising lion, striking Iranian nuclear facilities and key military sites.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

We will not let the world's most dangerous regime get the world's most dangerous weapons.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Friday, June 13th and this is Money Wire. The FBI zeroes in on the groups bankrolling the nationwide anti ice violence.

[Brandon]

It appears they're well orchestrated and coordinated and well funded.

[Georgia Howe]

And sanctuary state governors face tough questions on Capitol Hill.

[Elise Stefanik]

Do you know who Raymond Rojas Basilio is?

[Mairead Elordi]

I just want to say this. These crimes are horrific.

[Elise Stefanik]

Because of your sanctuary state policies.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. News you need to know.

[Brandon]

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[John Bickley]

Israel bombed Tehran early Friday morning local time, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile stockpiles and other key military sites. The move comes after the Trump administration ordered non essential personnel out of the Middle east and amid growing tensions with the Iranian regime. Joining us to discuss is Daily Wire reporter Tim Peerce. Tim, so we knew something was probably in the works here after these nuclear talks. Talks broke down. We now have Operation Rising. Lion, what do we know so far?

[Tim Peerce]

As you mentioned, this was not totally unexpected. There were signals all week that a strike might be in the works. President Trump has been working to hammer out a deal that would prevent Iran from having any nuclear weapons capacity. But his 60 day deadline for Iran to agree to a deal lapsed and talks really broke down over the last week. So Israel felt that their hand was forced. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a global address soon after what he called Operation Rising. And he explained the rationale for the strikes.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

For decades, the tyrants of Tehran have brazenly openly called for Israel's destruction. They've backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a program to develop nuclear weapons. In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom Bombs. Nine. In recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before, steps to weaponize this enriched uranium. And if not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time. It could be a year, it could be within a few months, less than a year. This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival.

[Tim Peerce]

Netanyahu also detailed what Israel targeted in its first night of bombings.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program. We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear weaponization program. We targeted Iran's main enrichment facility in Natanz. We targeted Iran's leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb. We also struck at the heart of Iran's ballistic missile program.

[John Bickley]

Now, the Prime Minister listed some of the key targets there. What and who do we know were hit so far?

[Tim Peerce]

Yeah. A New York Times graphic showed at least half a dozen locations across Iran where explosions were seen. Reports say bombs hit around Tabriz in Iran's north, close to where a nuclear facility and two military bases are located. Residents in Tehran reported Israeli fighter jets overhead. Iranian state media also reported that the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard and two of its top nuclear scientists were killed in the strikes. And Israel says this operation is just beginning. The Israeli military said it plans to continue this attack for days more.

[John Bickley]

All right, so this will be a multi day campaign, but already some key targets taken out.

[Tim Peerce]

Right. And it's important to note that Israel appears very much united in this operation. We spoke with the human rights attorney, Arsen Ostrovsky, the CEO of the International Legal Forum, who is on the ground there in Tel Aviv. He said the Israeli people are fully behind these strikes and that they view them not as an act of aggression, but of self defense.

[John Bickley]

Iran presents first and foremost a direct and existential threat to the state of Israel, but it's also a very real threat to the United States, to American forces, to shipping, to regional stability as well. So what Israel is doing is not only defending ourselves as any sovereign nation would, but I believe is also defending the interests of the west and, and the United States as well. Now, what are we hearing so far from the Trump administration?

[Tim Peerce]

Well, we've seen all along consistent support from Trump for Israel's operations against Iran and its terror proxies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio put out a statement last night that emphasized that the US Was not involved in these strikes. He also seemed to warn Iran against any attacks on, quote, U.S. interests or personnel. We've also seen some statements of solidarity from top Republicans as well as Democrats. Speaker Johnson, for instance, endorsed the attack in a post with an Israeli flag.

[Brandon]

Right.

[John Bickley]

Well, Israel appears to have hit their main ballistic missile sites. Tim, thanks so much for reporting.

[Tim Peerce]

Thanks for having me on.

[Brandon]

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[Georgia Howe]

As the riots in Los Angeles have escalated with the deployment of military forces, focus has turned to the groups organizing these violent protests, especially Indivisible, an activist organization funded by George Soros Daily Wire.

[John Bickley]

Culture reporter Megan Basham joins us now with more. Hey, Megan. So before we get to the funding question, let's start with the latest. What's happening on the ground now?

[Megan Basham]

Well, you know, the situation has certainly escalated, John. There is a curfew now in effect. As Cabot reported this week, National Guard troops have been deployed to disperse the protests so that ICE can do the work that they need to do. The burning cars, the traffic shutdowns while waving Mexican flags, the looting of stores, including major retailers like Apple, all of that is still continuing. California Governor Gavin Newsom in the meanwhile, is opposing deployment and he has sued to keep Trump from using federal troops. But California Congressman Kevin Kiely told Newsmax that Newsom is more worried about politics than the safety and peace of his constituents.

[John Bickley]

He views the emergency here, the clear.

[Brandon]

And present emergency is not the looters, not the rioters posing a threat to life and property, but rather the dedicated National Guard Guardsmen who are there to get the rioting and the looting under control and to try to keep the peace.

[John Bickley]

Now, there's been a lot of online chatter about this no Kings protest plan for cities around the country on Saturday. I've seen allegations that groups funding that are also funding the LA riots. What can you tell us about that?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah, John, I spent a couple of days looking into who is funding these groups and what I can tell you is that they have some very deep pockets behind them. So Neville Singham, a tech billionaire living in Shanghai, is a key figure here. He's been described as a financier of pro Chinese Communist Party propaganda and he allegedly funneled over $20 million into radical groups linked to these riots and to the anti Israel protests. Another key group here is Indivisible. They are openly acknowledging their involvement. And it's noteworthy that this is the same group that was behind some of those Tesla protests. They've received some 9 million in funding from George Soros Foundation. They've also received funding from democratic fundraising platform ActBlue. And then, you know, just for fun, for a little bit of Hollywood glamour, the Barbra Streisand foundation has also been supporting Indivisible. Authorities are now starting to arrest some of these leaders who are facilitating the riots. Just one example, U.S. attorney Bill Asale told Fox that the FBI arrested a man passing out bionic shield face masks to LA rioters. He said that this is part of an orchestrated effort, that it is not organic.

[Brandon]

We have made it a huge priority to try to identify, locate and arrest those who are involved in organizing, supporting, funding or facilitating these riots that they're going on. It appears they're well orchestrated and coordinated and well funded.

[John Bickley]

Right. We had Mark Hemingway on yesterday and he talked about that very thing. Now how about the upcoming no Kings protest? What do we know so far?

[Megan Basham]

Yes, there's going to be roughly 1800 of those protests all across the country, John, in some 1500 cities this Saturday. It's funded by many of the same organizations, except for this time. You can throw a Walmart heiress into the mix. So Christy Walton, who married into the family, paid for a full page ad in national newspapers calling for the public to mobilize against ICE agents. Now that has sparked demand for Walmart boycotts. But Walmart is trying to distance themselves from this. A Walmart spokesperson issued a statement saying the advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart. The big picture though, troops are standing by for deployment in several states as the protests spread. And the governors of South Carolina, Utah, and Texas are warning protesters that they are prepared to make mass arrests if necessary.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, I'm sure that there's lots of concern in these cities that these protests will devolve into the violence and mayhem we're seeing in Los Angeles. Praying that doesn't happen. Megan, thanks so much for reporting.

[Megan Basham]

Yep, thanks, John.

[John Bickley]

Democrat governors tried to defend their sanctuary policies before Congress. Yesterday.

[Georgia Howe]

Republicans grilled governors on their handling of criminal illegal migrants in a fiery hearing. Daily Wire investigative reporter Mairead Elordi is here with the details. So, Mairead, tell us about this hearing.

[Mairead Elordi]

Hi, Georgia. Yes. So this was an extremely heated congressional hearing. Three Democratic governors, Kathy Hochul of New York, J.B. pritzker of Illinois, and Tim Walls of Minnesota, who was Kamal Harris's running mate, they appeared together before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday to testify about their state's sanctuary policies. And of course, this hearing played out as Los Angeles and other cities struggled to get riots protesting ICE enforcement under control. At one point during the hearing, New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik read off a list of horrific crimes committed by illegal migrants to Kathy Hochul, who struggled to respond.

[Elise Stefanik]

Well, this is an illegal migrant in New York because of your sanctuary state policies. Do you know what crime he committed?

[Mairead Elordi]

I'm not familiar at this moment.

[Elise Stefanik]

I bet you're going to be familiar when I remind you he found a sleeping woman on the subway, lit her on fire, and burned her alive. This is in Kathy Hochul's New York. And as I'm sure you are aware, and I'll remind you that ICE issued an order to detain this violent criminal, but that was rejected by New York officials due to sanctuary state laws. They are walking down the streets because of your policies and your executive order that you signed three times. I appreciate.

[Mairead Elordi]

Rather than going after the viral moment, I suggest you.

[Elise Stefanik]

No, no, no. I'm standing up for New Yorkers.

[Georgia Howe]

So a swipe there at the end from Hochul. How did the questions for the other two governors go?

[Mairead Elordi]

About the same, really. At another point, Congressman Andy Biggs tried to get Governor Tim Walz to answer whether he agreed with his own Minnesota attorney general, who said it was not lawful for counties to hold illegal migrants in custody for ice, even with an immigration warrant.

[Brandon]

That's his statement. It's not yours. I just want to know if you agree with him. Yeah, well, I know you know this, congressman, that all 87 Minnesota counties follow federal law. I don't know that I just want to know. I want to. I don't know, though. Why would I know that? I'm just going by your attorney general. I haven't got to do it. Do you agree with the attorney general? That's all I'm asking. The attorney general is elected independently in Minnesota. Nothing in his opinion allows it in Minnesota. So are you telling me you don't. You disagree with him? Could I have a few seconds just to. I just want you to answer the question. You're not answering the question.

[Mairead Elordi]

Then Illinois Governor Pritzker balked at answering whether he thinks a certain Guatemalan man had a right to be in the country illegally who was arrested on suspicion of killing two women ages 20 and 21, by crashing into them at a traffic light while driving drunk. That migrant is also under federal indictment for having a fraudulent permanent resident card, Social Security card and passport. Here's that exchange with Congressman James Comer.

[Brandon]

I understand, Governor, should the, should that criminal have been here in the first place? Did he have a right to be in this country illegally? If the person is a criminal of any sort, then they ought to be. So. So that person had a right to be in the United States. They ought to be given their due process rights and they ought to be convicted.

[Mairead Elordi]

We spoke to Hannah Davis, policy analyst at the Federation for American Immigration Reform. She said the number of sanctuary districts in the United States has exploded over the last decade. So back in 2018 was when Fair did its last report and we found a little over 550. So it's been a few years. But as of May of 2025, we found 1,003 sanctuary jurisdictions across the US and unfortunately, what began as a small movement initially surrounding the concept that noncitizens should be able to report crimes to local law enforcement without fear of deportation has been emboldening radical opposition to the enforcement of federal immigration policy. And again, the national conversation around sanctuary policies is happening as police try to get the Los Angeles riots against ICE under control.

[Georgia Howe]

Right. And those riots are now spreading to more cities. Mairead, thanks for reporting.

[Mairead Elordi]

Thanks, Georgia.

[Georgia Howe]

And a quick programming note. Afternoon update is back. Look for evening Wire in your podcast feeds on weekdays at 5pm Eastern Time.

[John Bickley]

Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're watching on YouTube, like and subscribe, we'll be back this evening with more news. You need to know.

[Brandon]

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[John Bickley]

This is Dr. Jordan B. Peterson. Watch Parenting. Available exclusively on Daily Wire.

[Brandon]

Plus we're dealing with misbehaviors with our son.

[John Bickley]

Our 13 year old throws tantrums. Our son turned to some substance abuse. Go to dailywireplus.com today.