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

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]

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.