Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: “Time’s Person of The Year & More Diddy Lawsuits | Afternoon Update | 12.12.24”
Release Date: December 12, 2024
Hosts: John Bickley and Georgia Howe
Presented by: The Daily Wire

1. Donald Trump Named Time’s 2024 Person of the Year

Cabot Phillips announced that former President Donald Trump has been honored as Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2024. This recognition underscores Trump’s significant impact on American politics and history.

Sam Jacobs, Time Editor in Chief, described the decision as "straightforward", emphasizing that "no single individual has played a larger role in reshaping politics and history than Trump" (00:33).

Despite facing extensive legal challenges, Trump achieved a remarkable political comeback by "sweeping swing states and securing the popular vote, a feat no Republican has accomplished in decades" (00:33). Time attributes his success to his "ability to broaden his appeal across nearly all voter demographics", marking his status as the first president since Ronald Reagan to "ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange" (00:33).

Jeremy highlighted the historic moment, noting, "Historic moment at the New York Stock Exchange as we get this opening bell run by the President Elect Donald Trump" (01:04).

2. Biden Administration’s Border Wall Fire Sale

With the end of his term approaching, the Biden administration is reportedly "fire selling" portions of the border wall, potentially hindering Trump’s plans to refurbish it upon his return to office.

Tim Pierce provided exclusive insights, revealing that "unused border wall materials are being hauled away from areas near Tucson, Arizona" and auctioned off in Marana, Arizona, with steel panels starting at "$5 apiece" (01:29).

A border agent mentioned the administration aims to "clear the materials before Christmas", complicating Trump's efforts to restart construction immediately (01:29). Congressman Eli Crane condemned the move, stating it is "a direct affront to the will of the people" and "undermining Trump's mandate" (01:29). The Biden administration has yet to comment on these actions.

3. President Biden’s Historic Clemency Grants

President Biden has issued a significant number of clemency actions, commuting 1,500 sentences and pardoning 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes. This marks the "largest single day clemency grant in modern history" as per the White House.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre stated, "For far too long, our criminal justice system has closed doors of opportunity for..." (02:11), while John Bickley continued, "too many people who should have the chance to once again participate in daily life and contribute to their communities" (02:29).

Despite these efforts, Biden faces criticism over the controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, with recent polls indicating the public largely disapproves of this decision (02:41). President Biden remains committed to further criminal justice reform before the end of his term (02:41).

4. Inspector General’s Report on January 6 Capitol Riot

The Justice Department's inspector general released a comprehensive review of the January 6 Capitol riot. Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice elaborated on the findings, which indicate that 26 confidential human sources were present during the events, with only three specifically directed by the FBI to attend the rally (02:54).

Jeremy emphasized that "none of these sources were instructed to break the law or encourage others to commit illegal acts" (03:05). The report detailed that three sources entered the Capitol, and eleven accessed restricted areas, yet "none were prosecuted" (03:05). Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security did not designate the rally at the highest security level.

This report was released shortly after FBI Director Chris Wray announced his resignation, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative surrounding the January 6 investigations (03:05).

5. New Lawsuits Against Sean "Diddy" Combs

Sean "Diddy" Combs faces three new anonymous lawsuits alleging sexual assaults at Manhattan hotels and his Hamptons estate. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo reported the details:

• One victim alleges Combs "told him to stop resisting during an assault" (04:10).
• Another recalls "waking to find the attack being filmed" (04:10).
• A third accuses Combs and his associates of "taking turns assaulting him after his drink was drugged at a party" (04:10).

Combs has denied all allegations, with his attorneys characterizing the claims as "lies" and promising to "fight the claims" aggressively (04:10).

6. Alex Jones Retains Control of Infowars

A federal judge has denied the sale of Alex Jones’ Infowars to The Onion, a satirical news site. Cabot Phillips reported that Judge Christopher Lopez found flaws in the auction process but "no bad faith" on Jones’ part (04:40).

The Onion’s bid of $1.75 million, supported by Sandy Hook victims’ families and including benefits for creditors, was outbid by higher offers. The ruling results in delayed payments to Sandy Hook families as Jones continues to contend with nearly $1.5 billion in defamation judgments (04:40).

7. Deadly Stabbing Linked to Migrant Gangs in Lower Manhattan

A tragic stabbing in lower Manhattan, investigated by New York police, resulted in the death of a 17-year-old and injury of an 18-year-old. The attack is tied to rival Venezuelan gangs, specifically the Los Diablos group.

John Bickley shared the survivor’s account: "A group of people show up like a gang and they pull out a knife towards me and my friend" (05:14). Initially considered a hate crime, authorities later attributed it to a dispute over gang signs (05:14). The suspects, captured on video wearing COVID masks, remain at large (05:14).

8. Massachusetts Man Stuck in Chimney During Police Raid

In a bizarre incident, Robert Langlace, a 33-year-old man from Fall River, Massachusetts, became trapped in a chimney while attempting to evade police during a drug raid. Cabot Phillips reported that Langlace had to be rescued by police and firefighters after getting stuck (05:55).

He was subsequently taken to the hospital and faced multiple drug-related charges along with other outstanding warrants (06:20). Additionally, a 32-year-old woman, Tanisha Ebay, was arrested as a second suspect in the operation (06:31).

Conclusion

John Bickley wrapped up the episode by directing listeners to dailywire.com for more information and encouraged tuning into the full episode of Morning Wire for in-depth reporting on the day’s biggest stories (06:31).

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Jacobs (Time Editor in Chief): "No single individual has played a larger role in reshaping politics and history than Trump." (00:33)
• Karine Jean Pierre (White House Press Secretary): "For far too long, our criminal justice system has closed doors of opportunity for..." (02:11)
• John Bickley: "Too many people who should have the chance to once again participate in daily life and contribute to their communities." (02:29)
• Jeremy: "Historic moment at the New York Stock Exchange as we get this opening bell run by the President Elect Donald Trump." (01:04)
• Cabot Phillips: "This fire sale of resources is a direct affront to the will of the people." (01:29)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the December 12, 2024 episode of Morning Wire, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven’t listened to the podcast.