Jack Smith Report Released & Terror-Related Exemptions | Afternoon Update | 1.14.25

Summary

Morning Wire Episode Summary: January 14, 2025

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, the January 14, 2025 episode of Morning Wire delves into a range of pressing issues, from high-stakes political confirmations to significant developments in international conflicts and public health. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode's key discussions and insights.

---

1. Confirmation Hearing of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense

Overview: Former NFL player and Trump ally, Pete Hegseth, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing as Secretary of Defense. The hearing was marked by intense scrutiny from Democratic senators, particularly concerning Hegseth's past statements about women in combat roles.

Key Discussions:

• Democratic Criticism: Senator Elizabeth Warren voiced strong opposition to Hegseth’s previous comments on women serving in the military. At [00:48], she questioned his commitment to reversing his stance, stating, “Back and forth if you can convert so rapidly your long held and aggressively pursued views in just the 32 days...” This highlighted the Democrats' concern over potential policy shifts post-confirmation.

• Hegseth’s Defense: In response, Hegseth emphasized his focus on maintaining high standards within the military. At [01:11], he asserted, “I was talking about standards. Standards are what it's always been about,” countering allegations that his views on gender roles were exclusionary.

• Senator Tommy Tuberville’s Interaction: Senator Tuberville lightened the tense atmosphere by jokingly addressing Hegseth as "General Hegseth" at [01:30], showcasing bipartisan interactions during the hearing.

• Commitment to Rule of Law: When questioned about adherence to the Geneva Convention, Hegseth affirmed his commitment to the rule of law, stating at [01:51], “We are a country that fights by the rule of law,” underscoring his dedication to lawful military conduct.

---

2. Release of Jack Smith’s Final Report on Trump Investigations

Overview: The Department of Justice unveiled Volume One of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s final report concerning investigations into President-Elect Donald Trump. The report addresses the decision to pause prosecutions following Trump’s 2024 election victory.

Key Insights:

• Decision to Drop Cases: Jack Smith justified the cessation of prosecutions by citing constitutional restrictions against prosecuting a sitting president. At [02:13], Smith defended the charges, highlighting their basis on "flagrant offense defenses and strong evidence."

• Trump’s Response: Trump criticized the report on social media, labeling Smith’s findings as “desperate” and asserting, “the lame brain special counsel couldn’t get my case tried before the election, which I won in the landslide,” emphasizing his victory and voter mandate.

• Expert Analysis: Former federal prosecutor Andrew Cherkassky expressed skepticism about Smith’s confidence in securing a conviction, stating at [02:49], “This doesn't go through the due process system... not to call the witnesses or go through all of the legal hoops.”

• Volume Two Pending: The second volume, focusing on classified documents, remains delayed due to ongoing legal proceedings, leaving several aspects of the investigation unresolved as of [03:14].

---

3. Prospects for Ending the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Overview: After a protracted 15-month conflict, there are tentative signs that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas may be imminent, with diplomatic efforts showing promise.

Key Updates:

• Ceasefire Agreement: Officials report that Hamas has agreed to a draft ceasefire deal, which involves the release of 33 hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Cabot Phillips highlighted that the agreement, mediated by Qatar and endorsed by the U.S., awaits final approval from the Israeli cabinet ([03:25]).

• Phased Plan: The proposed three-phase plan includes the freeing of hostages, an increase in humanitarian aid, and a gradual reduction of Israeli military presence in Gaza. However, Hamas insists on a complete withdrawal to finalize the deal, while Israeli authorities remain determined to prevent Hamas from maintaining power ([03:34]).

• Optimism for Resolution: Andrew Cherkassky expressed cautious optimism, mentioning they are close to finalizing the deal and are actively working to realize it within the week ([03:20]).

---

4. Surge in Terror-Related Exemptions for Foreign Nationals Entering the U.S.

Overview: A draft report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reveals a significant increase in the number of foreign nationals granted exemptions from terrorism-related restrictions in 2024.

Key Points:

• Exemption Statistics: Nearly 7,000 foreign nationals received exemptions, marking a sharp rise under the Biden administration ([04:13]).

• Criteria for Exemptions: These exemptions are granted to individuals deemed non-threatening, including those who might have aided terror groups under duress. DHS emphasizes that all exemptions undergo "rigorous security checks" and are crucial for supporting U.S. allies and Afghan evacuees ([04:13]).

• Criticism and Concerns: Critics, particularly Republicans, argue that the policy could pose national security risks by potentially allowing individuals with malicious intent to enter the country ([04:48]).

---

5. Alarming Rise in Dementia Risk Among Americans

Overview: A groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine highlights a dramatic increase in the lifetime risk of developing dementia among Americans aged 55 and older.

Findings:

• Statistical Insights: The study reveals that 42% of Americans over 55 are at risk of developing dementia, effectively doubling previous estimates. Cabot Phillips attributed this surge to factors such as an aging population, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle-related issues like hypertension and diabetes ([04:05]).

• Public Health Implications: The rise underscores the urgent need for enhanced public health strategies focusing on preventive measures, early diagnosis, and comprehensive care for those affected.

---

6. Leadership Change at MSNBC Amid Declining Ratings

Overview: MSNBC is undergoing significant leadership changes as President Rashida Jones resigns, citing a desire to pursue new opportunities amidst the network's declining viewership.

Details:

• Jones' Tenure: During her four-year leadership, Jones expanded MSNBC’s streaming initiatives but struggled to reverse the network’s faltering ratings ([05:15]).

• Corporate Restructuring: The resignation coincides with MSNBC’s parent company’s plans to spin off its cable properties into a new entity, Spinco, indicating a strategic pivot in the network’s operational focus ([05:15]).

---

7. Princess of Wales Announces Cancer Remission

Overview: Princess Kate Middleton shared joyous news with the public, announcing her remission following a successful battle with cancer.

Highlights:

• Emotional Announcement: In an Instagram post at [05:40], Middleton thanked the staff at London's Royal Marsden Hospital for their exceptional care, expressing gratitude and relief at her recovery.

• Commitment to Advocacy: Now a joint patron of the Royal Marsden Hospital, Middleton aims to support groundbreaking cancer research and enhance patient care, reinforcing her dedication to health-related causes.

---

Conclusion: The January 14th episode of Morning Wire provided listeners with a thorough analysis of significant national and international events. From critical political confirmations and legal reports to humanitarian efforts and public health concerns, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe ensured a comprehensive overview of the day's most impactful stories. For more detailed insights, listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com or tune into the full episode of Morning Wire.

Transcript

[Good Ranchers]

This episode is brought to you by Good Ranchers Tired of mystery meat at the grocery store? Make new meat your New year's [e-mail] subscribe now using Code Wire to get $25 off free express shipping and your choice of add ons for an entire year. Good Ranchers American Meat delivered.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Tuesday, January 14th, and this is your Morning Wire afternoon update.

[Cabot Phillips]

Trump's choice for secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, appeared before the Senate AR Armed Services Committee today for a hearing to confirm his nomination. Daily Wire Senior editor Cabot Phillips reports.

[Elizabeth Warren]

Throughout the hearing, Democrats routinely criticized Hegseth's previous comments regarding women serving in the military, particularly in combat roles. Here's Senator Elizabeth Warren in one heated.

[Senator]

Back and forth if you can convert so rapidly your long held and aggressively pursued views in just the 32 days that 32 days after you get confirmed, maybe you'll just reverse those views and go back to the old guy who said straight up women do not belong in combat.

[Pete Hegseth]

I was talking about standards. Standards are what it's always been about.

[Senator]

Standards have the same fight.

[Elizabeth Warren]

Warren also noted that Hegseth had in the past supported banning retired military generals from lobbying and then asked him to make the same pledge for himself, to.

[Pete Hegseth]

Which he replied, I'm not a general senator.

[Elizabeth Warren]

Following Warren, Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville jokingly addressed the nominee as General Hegseth. Hegseth also committed to upholding the, quote, rule of law when grilled about whether he would abide by the Geneva Convention. During the exchange, Senator Angus King had asked Hegseth if he thought torture was okay, while referencing past comments from Hegseth on the topic. Here's some of that answer I've never.

[Pete Hegseth]

Been party to torture. We are a country that fights by the rule of law, but an American first national security policy is not going to do is hand its prerogatives over to international bodies.

[John Bickley]

The DOJ has released Volume one of Jack Smith's final report on the investigations into President Elect Trump. Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice has more.

[Andrew Cherkassky]

The special counsel report's first volume explains the decision to drop cases after Trump's 2024 election win, citing constitutional limits on prosecuting a sitting president. Smith defended the charges, stating they were based on flagrant offense defenses and strong evidence. Trump criticized the release on social media, calling Smith's findings desperate. Trump said the, quote, lame brain special counsel couldn't get his case tried before the election, which I won in the landslide, adding the voters have spoken. While Smith maintains that he believes he would have gotten a conviction, legal experts aren't so sure. Here's former federal prosecutor Andrew Cherkassky on Fox.

[Tim Rice]

We have here over 100 pages of Jack Smith going over all of the details as to why he think he would have obtained the conviction, but it's not rebutted. This doesn't go through the due process system. The defense doesn't have their opportunity to respond to it, certainly not to call the witnesses or go through all of the legal hoops that are necessary to get to a fair and reasonable conclusion in a criminal case.

[Andrew Cherkassky]

The report's second volume, focusing on classified documents, remains held up due to legal proceedings.

[Cabot Phillips]

The roughly 15 month war between Israel and Hamas could soon come to an end.

[Andrew Cherkassky]

We are close to a deal and it can get done this week.

[John Bickley]

I'm not making a promise or prediction, but it is there for the taking.

[Andrew Cherkassky]

And we are going to work to make it happen.

[Cabot Phillips]

Officials involved in the talks say Hamas has accepted a draft ceasefire deal that includes releasing 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement, mediated by Qatar and endorsed by the US Awaits Israeli cabinet approval. Under the three phase plan, hostages will be freed, humanitarian aid increased and Israeli forces will gradually reduce their presence in Gaza. Hamas has demanded a full withdrawal for the deal's completion, while Israeli officials vow to prevent the group from retaining power.

[John Bickley]

A record number of terror linked foreign nationals entered the US in 2024. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the latest.

[Tim Pierce]

According to a draft DHS report first reported by Fox News, nearly 7,000 foreign nationals were granted exemptions from terrorism related restrictions in 2024. These exemptions, which have risen sharply under the Biden Admin Administration, allow entry for individuals vetted as posing no security threat, such as those who provided aid to terror groups under duress. DHS insists all exemptions undergo rigorous security checks and are vital for supporting US Allies, particularly Afghan evacuees. But critics argue the policy may compromise national security, with some Republicans warning it could open the door to potential threats.

[Cabot Phillips]

A new study reveals the staggering rise in dementia risk among Americans, with nearly half of those over 55 expected to develop the condition. A study published published in Nature medicine shows that 42% of Americans 55 and older face a lifetime risk of developing dementia, doubling previous estimates. The increase is linked to an aging population, genetic factors and lifestyle factors leading to hypertension and diabetes.

[John Bickley]

MSNBC's president is stepping down amid the network's failing ratings. Rashida Jones announced her departure today after four years of holding the reins. Jones cited a desire to pursue new opportunities as the network grapples with declining viewership in a Its parent company prepares to spin off its cable properties into a new entity, Spinco. During her tenure, Jones expanded MSNBC's streaming efforts.

[Cabot Phillips]

And the Princess of Wales announced she's in remission after completing cancer treatment last year. Kate Middleton shared the joyous news today, less than nine months after announcing her diagnosis last March. In an emotional Instagram post, the 43 year old royal thanked the staff at London's Royal Marsden Hospital for their exceptional care. Middleton revealed she is now joint patron of the hospital and hopes to support groundbreaking cancer research and patient care.

[John Bickley]

All right, those are your drive home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and for more in depth reporting on the biggest stories of the day, tune in to our full episode of Morning Wire.

[Andrew Cherkassky]

Every morning.