Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Riots Spread & Vaccine Board Fired | June 11, 2025

Introduction Morning Wire, presented by Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe, delivers a comprehensive update on current events across politics, culture, education, and sports. In the June 11, 2025 episode titled "Riots Spread & Vaccine Board Fired," the hosts delve into escalating anti-ICE riots, significant changes in vaccine advisory panels led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and groundbreaking developments in college athletics compensation.

1. Escalation of Anti-ICE Riots and Government Response

Overview: The episode opens with a focus on the intensifying anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles and their spread to other major cities across the United States. Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips provides an in-depth analysis of the unrest and the governmental measures being taken to address it.

Key Points:

• Governor Newsom's Actions: Governor Gavin Newsom has attempted to block the deployment of Marines and the National Guard in response to the ongoing riots (00:04).

• Violence and Arrests: In the past 24 hours, violent demonstrations have erupted in cities like San Francisco and New York. Over 150 individuals were arrested in San Francisco for rioting outside the local ICE office, with significant property damage reported (01:34).

• Mayor Karen Bass's Response: Mayor Bass has been criticized for downplaying the severity of the riots, attributing the disorder to ICE raids rather than the rioters themselves. During an interview on CNN at [03:01], she stated:

  "If immigration raids had not happened here, we would not have the disorder that went on last night. I will tell you that it is peaceful now."

• Police Chief's Contrasting View: LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell contradicts Mayor Bass's remarks, highlighting the dangerous tactics used by rioters, including the use of commercial-grade fireworks and cinder blocks to assault officers and damage property ([03:29]).

• Donald Trump's Stance: President Trump has been vocal about the riots, emphasizing a strong response. In a statement from the Oval Office at [04:10], he asserted:

  "If we didn't attack this one very strongly, you'd have them all over the country."

• Legal and Political Fallout: Governor Newsom has filed an emergency motion to restrain the deployment of National Guardsmen and Marines, labeling it an "unmistakable step towards authoritarianism." However, the motion was denied by a judge on Tuesday night ([04:22]).

• Public Trust Polling: Recent polls indicate that among U.S. legal immigrants, the GOP holds an eight-point advantage over Democrats regarding trust in the parties' handling of immigration issues ([05:07]).

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump ([00:10]):

  "I can inform the rest of the country that when they do it, if they do it, they're going to be met with equal or greater force."

• Jim McDonnell ([03:53]):

  "Tonight, we had individuals out there shooting commercial grade fireworks at our officers that can kill you."

2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Dismissing Vaccine Advisory Panel

Overview: A significant development in public health policy saw Robert F. Kennedy Jr. terminate the entire Vaccine Advisory Panel, citing loss of public trust and concerns over conflicts of interest within the group.

Key Points:

• Termination of Panel Members ([06:24]): Kennedy announced the retirement of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel responsible for setting vaccination schedules and recommendations.

• Reasons for Dismissal ([06:42]): In an Op-Ed in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy criticized the ACIP for:

  • Becoming a "rubber stamp" for vaccine approvals without adequate scrutiny of safety issues.
  • Failing to recommend against vaccines even when safety concerns arose.
  • Significant conflicts of interest among panel members, many of whom were appointed by the Biden administration in 2024.

• Desire for Transparency: Kennedy emphasized the need for greater transparency and avoidance of conflicts of interest in the new panel appointments, aiming for members more aligned with his views on vaccine skepticism ([07:22]).

• Political and Public Reactions:

  • Legacy Media: Criticized Kennedy's move as dangerous, defending the ACIP's nonpartisan and science-driven approach. A health expert suggested that panelists deserve "rewards boards" instead of termination.

  • Supporters: RFK Jr.'s supporters applauded the decision, advocating for increased vaccine scrutiny and transparency.

  • Republican Senator Bill Cassidy ([09:27]): Expressed concern that the new panel might lack expertise, stating:

    "There is now a fear that the board will be filled up with people who know nothing about vaccines except suspicion."

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Bass ([08:42]):

  "I am not going to just tell people everything is safe and effective if I know that there's issues."

• Senator Bill Cassidy ([09:27]):

  "There is now a fear that the board will be filled up with people who, quote, know nothing about vaccines except suspicion."

3. Breakthrough Settlement Allows Direct Payment to College Athletes

Overview: A landmark settlement in the lawsuit House v. NCAA has transformed the landscape of college athletics by permitting universities to pay athletes directly, fundamentally altering the relationship between student-athletes and their institutions.

Key Points:

• Settlement Details ([10:24]): District Judge Claudia Wil approved a settlement ending three antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA. This allows schools to compensate athletes directly, diverging from the previous system where athletes could earn income through third-party endorsements under the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) framework.

• Financial Implications: The NCAA is set to distribute nearly $2.8 billion in back damages over the next decade to athletes who competed from 2016 onwards ([11:50]).

• Impact on College Programs:

  • David Cohn ([10:50]): Described the settlement as a "new era in college athletics," indicating significant financial shifts.
  • Georgia Howe ([11:31]): Highlighted potential budget cuts to non-revenue sports like track and field, rowing, and volleyball as schools reallocate funds to comply with new payment structures.

• Future of NIL: The settlement separates direct payments from the existing NIL arrangements, introducing an annual cap starting at $20.5 million for 2025, with plans to increase it over time. This aims to regulate and limit endorsement deals, ensuring they serve valid business purposes rather than purely for recruitment ([13:21]).

• Ongoing Legal and Ethical Debates: While the settlement addresses current lawsuits, debates on whether college athletes should be considered employees, the potential for collective bargaining, and the longevity of their athletic careers at the collegiate level continue ([14:03]).

Notable Quotes:

• David Cohn ([10:50]):

  "A new era has dawned in college athletics."

• Georgia Howe ([11:31]):

  "You're going to see schools start cutting track and field, rowing, volleyball."

Conclusion

The June 11, 2025 episode of Morning Wire offers a comprehensive analysis of pressing issues, from the surge in anti-ICE riots and the governmental response to significant shifts in public health advisory panels and the financial landscape of college athletics. By presenting detailed reports, expert opinions, and notable quotes, the podcast provides listeners with a thorough understanding of these critical developments shaping the nation.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the podcast have been excluded to maintain focus on the core discussions.