Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: January 6th Certification & Trump Sentencing | 1.6.25
Release Date: January 6, 2025
Host: John Bickley, Co-Host: Georgia Howe
Presented by The Daily Wire

1. Introduction

In this episode of Morning Wire, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe delve into two major news stories: the certification of the 2024 presidential election results on January 6th and the impending sentencing of former President Donald Trump in a contentious hush money case. Additionally, the podcast covers recent terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, exploring their motives and potential connections to ISIS.

2. January 6th Certification & Trump Sentencing

a. Certification Process Amidst a Snowstorm

• John Bickley introduces the primary topic: "Congress is set to certify Donald Trump's presidential victory today as the country re-examines the legacy and aftermath of January 6." [00:03]

• Cabot Phillips reports on the logistical challenges posed by an impending snowstorm in Washington, D.C., expected to bring over 10 inches of snow. "House Speaker Mike Johnson... doesn't expect the blizzard to interfere with the vote." [02:04]

• John Bickley emphasizes the importance of full attendance despite the weather: "We encourage all of our colleagues, do not leave town, stay here... making sure this is done." [02:24]

b. Trump's Potential Pardon for January 6th Defendants

• Cabot Phillips discusses Trump's stance on pardoning those charged in the Capitol riot: "Trump has repeatedly stated he's open to pardoning many of those charged and has spoken out against what he calls unfair treatment of mostly peaceful protesters." [03:20]

• Tim Rice criticizes the imprisonment conditions and the charges against defendants: "They've been in there for years and they're in a filthy, disgusting place that shouldn't even be allowed to be opened." [00:18]

• Cabot Phillips anticipates that pardoning January 6th defendants might be one of Trump's early actions in his second term: "I wouldn't be surprised if pardoning January 6th defendants is one of the first big things Trump does." [04:14]

c. Shift in Public Opinion

• Cabot Phillips notes a significant shift in public sentiment regarding January 6th: "Fewer and fewer people think that Trump did anything wrong or that the day was a real threat to democracy." [04:19]

• He also highlights the departure of Matthew Graves, the D.C. Attorney General who prosecuted the January 6th defendants: "Graves just announced that he's stepping down before Trump returns to the White House." [04:19]

d. Latest Developments on Trump’s Legal Cases

• John Bickley updates listeners on Trump's hush money case: "New York Judge Juan Mershon has denied Trump's motion to dismiss his conviction in a controversial hush money case." [05:41]

• Amanda Presto Giacomo explains the details of the conviction: "Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts on charges relating to falsifying business records... he could potentially be sentenced this Friday, just 10 days before inauguration Day." [06:06]

e. Reactions to the Sentencing

• Amanda Presto Giacomo reports on Trump's reaction: "Trump swiftly condemned Merchan, saying he effectively made up these charges and called him the most conflicted judge in New York State history." [07:56]

• Legal scholars weigh in, with Jonathan Turley stating Merchan's decisions are "the final cathartic act for lawfare warriors." [07:56]

• Andy McCarthy suggests the sentencing aims to ensure Trump enters office as a convicted felon: "The pre-Inauguration Day sentencing appears to be a bid by Merchan to ensure that Trump enters office as a formally convicted felon." [07:56]

f. Status of Other Trump Cases

• Amanda Presto Giacomo provides an overview of Trump's other legal battles:
  • "Two federal prosecutions... concerning J6 matters and classified documents have been dropped."
  • "Trump is also appealing a civil fraud judgment that totals nearly half a billion dollars and a civil verdict in the E. Jean Carroll case." [09:00]

3. Recent Terror Attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas

a. New Orleans Attack Details

• Cabot Phillips and Kevin discuss the tragic attack in New Orleans, resulting in 14 deaths: "The man responsible, Shamsu Din Jabbar, was wearing meta glasses equipped with a camera..." [10:26]

• Jabbar's background is examined: "A 42-year-old from Houston who originally contemplated attacking his family but decided on a terror attack to focus on the war between believers and disbelievers of Islam." [10:26]

b. Potential ISIS Connections and Resurgence

• Kevin reveals that Jabbar posted videos supporting ISIS: "He proclaimed his support for the terror group he says he joined before this summer." [11:25]

• Tim Rice highlights concerns over ISIS materials: "A rare bomb-making material that was not available in the United States... some real ISIS connections here that need to be followed up." [12:17]

• Kevin discusses the broader context of ISIS resurgence: "While ISIS was largely eradicated under President Trump's first term, the group has slowly rebuilt... national security experts warn of a dangerous power vacuum in Syria." [12:34]

c. Las Vegas Bombing Incident

• Kevin reports on the Las Vegas bombing by Matthew Livelsberger: "A 37-year-old Army Green Beret set off a car bomb outside Trump Hotel, killing himself and injuring seven others." [13:28]

• Livelsberger's motives are explored: "He urged veterans and all Americans to wake up regarding our government, which he said was weak and only serves to enrich themselves." [13:58]

• Kevin shares exclusive details from the Daily Wire:

  • "Livelsberger initially claimed to be visiting the Grand Canyon but set the car to navigate to Trump Hotel from the beginning."
  • "Cameras showed him stopping at a sporting goods store and picking up materials potentially used for bomb making." [14:03]

4. Conclusion

John Bickley and Georgia Howe wrap up the episode by underscoring the complexity and gravity of the issues discussed. From the political ramifications of January 6th's certification and Trump's legal battles to the unsettling resurgence of terrorist activities, Morning Wire provides a comprehensive analysis of events shaping the nation's landscape.

“Thanks for waking up with MORNING wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.” [01:05]

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Rice on January 6th defendants:
  “They've been in there for years and they're in a filthy, disgusting place that shouldn't even be allowed to be opened.” [00:18]

• Trump’s condemnation of Judge Mershon:
  “Mershon effectively made up these charges... the most conflicted judge in New York State history.” [07:56]

• Kevin on ISIS resurgence:
  “National security experts have been warning... that the turmoil in Syria could well open up a dangerous power vacuum that allows ISIS to regain an even larger foothold.” [12:34]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Morning Wire episode, providing listeners with an informative overview of critical current events.