Trump Backs Bondi & ICE Raids CA Farm

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary: "Trump Backs Bondi & ICE Raids CA Farm" Release Date: July 14, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe delve into two major stories dominating the news: President Trump's staunch support for Attorney General Pam Bondi amid controversy over the handling of the Epstein files, and the chaotic ICE raid on a California marijuana farm that has sparked intense political debate. The episode provides comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in politics, law enforcement actions, and the ensuing fallout within both Republican and Democratic circles.

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Trump Defends Attorney General Pam Bondi Amid Epstein Investigation Backlash

The episode opens with President Trump backing Attorney General Pam Bondi, who faces criticism from MAGA loyalists regarding her management of the Epstein files.

"President Trump is standing by his attorney general, even as MAGA loyalists call for Pam Bondi to be ousted over her handling of the Epstein files." (00:04)

Georgia Howe questions Bondi's alignment with MAGA principles:

"Do you think she really gets MAGA?" (00:12)

Cabot Phillips responds skeptically:

"I don't think so." (00:13)

He further adds:

"She wouldn't have behaved this way if she did." (00:15)

This defense sets the stage for exploring internal fractures within the Trump administration.

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Rising Pressure Within the Trump Administration

Tim Pierce, filling in for Cabot Phillips, outlines the escalating tensions:

"Ever since the White House declared the Epstein investigation closed... there's unprecedented backlash from President Trump's most die-hard supporters." (02:30)

A significant conflict is highlighted between FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and AG Bondi. A shouting match at the White House revealed mutual accusations:

"Bongino reportedly accused the AG of misleading the public..." (03:31)

Bongino is now reportedly threatening to resign unless Bondi steps down, signaling deep divisions:

"He's threatening to resign if Bondi is allowed to remain Attorney General." (03:35)

Similarly, FBI Director Cash Patel is contemplating resignation if more Epstein-related documents are not released, intensifying the pressure for transparency.

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Trump's Response and Base Reaction

President Trump’s handling of the situation has further polarized his base. In a Truth Social post, he defended Bondi and dismissed the Epstein investigation as trivial:

"We're on one team, he said, MAGA, and I don't like what's happening... Let's not waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares." (04:00)

This statement sparked significant backlash among Trump’s supporters, evident by the influx of negative comments on Truth Social:

"It appears to be the first post ever made by Trump there with more comments than likes." (05:00)

Even long-standing Trump loyalists and radio hosts have criticized his stance, a rare occurrence demonstrating the gravity of the situation.

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Democrats Intensify Scrutiny

On the Democratic side, the Epstein investigation provides a new battleground. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) launched a social media initiative named "Trump Epstein Bot" to monitor Trump's handling of the files.

"Democratic Rep. Rohana... will be introducing an amendment... to demand a vote on releasing all documents related to the Epstein case unredacted." (05:25)

Senator Jon Ossoff also weighed in during a rally:

"Did anyone really think the sexual predator President who used to party with Jeffrey Epstein was going to release the Epstein files?" (06:06)

These actions suggest Democrats are leveraging the Epstein case to mount a more effective challenge against Trump ahead of the November elections.

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ICE Raid on California Marijuana Farm

Shifting focus, the podcast covers the tumultuous ICE raid on a marijuana farm near Camarillo, California, which resulted in the arrest of over 300 illegal immigrants and the discovery of 14 children, many unaccompanied.

"Officials say that on the farm were at least 14 children, most of them unaccompanied and potentially victims of forced labor." (07:28)

Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, defended the raid:

"There are likely hundreds of thousands of children in California who are being exploited for their labor or sexually exploited, exploited as part of sex trafficking." (09:14)

However, Democrats criticized the administration's handling, with California Governor Gavin Newsom labeling the raid as "inhumane" and blaming Miller's tactics:

"Miller's tactics evoke chaos, fear, and terror within our communities at every turn." (08:55)

In response, Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles initiated support measures for illegal immigrants impacted by the raids, including distributing cash cards, which has drawn further ire from Republicans.

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California’s War with the Trump Administration

The episode transitions to a broader discussion on California’s escalating conflict with the Trump administration. Cabot Phillips outlines key issues:

"Public safety issues, and then we also have the affordability issues. ... On the public safety front, we still have exceedingly high crime and homelessness." (12:16)

He shares a personal account of being a crime victim in LA:

"I was a victim of crime just last night in my house. Part of the house was vandalized... This is how LA has become." (12:16)

Phillips criticizes the state’s handling of affordability, citing soaring energy, water, and insurance costs:

"If you can even afford to get home insurance or car insurance. It's getting really crazy at this point." (12:16)

Regarding ICE raids, he condemns Californian officials' aggressive stance against federal agents:

"They've declared open war on federal officers who are really there enforcing federal law and doing their jobs." (13:32)

Mayor Karen Bass's initiatives to support illegal immigrants are scrutinized:

"She's going to be distributing hundreds of dollars in cash to illegal aliens who are impacted by ICE." (14:16)

Phillips argues that Bass’s actions prioritize illegal immigrants over legal residents:

"Rather than focusing on the people who she has sworn to protect, the citizens... she had an opportunity here to... do so in a peaceful, organized manner." (14:16)

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Protests in Mexico City Against American Remote Workers

Expanding the geopolitical scope, the podcast touches on protests in Mexico City. Local residents are expressing frustration over the influx of American remote workers, attributing rising rents and displacement of long-term residents to the increase in expatriates.

"Protesters demanding that Americans assimilate and learn to speak Spanish." (10:31)

This surge in anti-American sentiment underscores broader tensions related to globalization and remote work trends.

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Conclusion

The Morning Wire episode "Trump Backs Bondi & ICE Raids CA Farm" paints a vivid picture of the current political landscape marked by internal strife within the Trump administration and fierce battles between California state officials and federal authorities. With the Epstein investigation stirring unrest among Trump’s base and Democrats seizing the opportunity to challenge his legacy, coupled with aggressive ICE raids fueling partisan conflicts, the episode underscores a nation grappling with deep-seated divisions and contentious policy implementations.

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Notable Quotes

• Georgia Howe: "Do you think she really gets MAGA?" (00:12)
• Cabot Phillips: "She wouldn't have behaved this way if she did." (00:15)
• Stephen Miller: "We've gone and looked for these children... nothing ever checked if the sponsors were real." (10:31)
• Cabot Phillips: "Rather than focusing on the people who she has sworn to protect... she's basically said to her people, let's go after these guys and I'm going to protect you." (14:16)

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Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript and reflects the perspectives presented therein.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

President Trump is standing by his attorney general, even as MAGA loyalists call for Pam Bondi to be ousted over her handling of the Epstein files.

[Georgia Howe]

Do you think she really gets maga?

[Cabot Phillips]

I don't think so.

[Georgia Howe]

She wouldn't have behaved this way if she did.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Monday, July 14th, and this is Morning Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

The president gives ICE the go ahead to use whatever means necessary to carry out its deportation efforts in the face of growing assaults on agents.

[Stephen Miller]

Look, California and Los Angeles are waging insurrection against the federal government. They are protecting those who traffic in the suffering of children.

[John Bickley]

And California escalates its battle with the Trump administration on several fronts.

[Cabot Phillips]

She's very clearly drawing a line and saying, these are not my people. My people are the folks who are here illegally.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with Morning wire. Stay tuned. We have the news need to know.

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[Georgia Howe]

As the MAGA outrage mounts regarding the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein investigation. The president is standing by. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Daily Wire Senior.

[John Bickley]

Editor Cabot Phillips is here with the latest. Hey, Cabot. So, first, thanks for filling in.

[Tim Pierce]

It was really tough to give you back your chair, but welcome back.

[John Bickley]

You did all right.

[Cabot Phillips]

You did okay.

[John Bickley]

So look A ton has gone on with this story since we last heard from you.

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah, ever since the White House declared the Epstein investigation closed, concluding the billionaire sex criminal died by suicide, did not blackmail powerful individuals, and had no client list. We have seen really just unprecedented backlash from President Trump's most die hard supporters. They are confident that there's more to this story and they want to know why there hasn't been more transparency and more importantly right now, why people like Attorney General Pam Bondi went from saying that the Epstein client list was on their desk awaiting release to saying there was never a list to begin with. And now we are possibly seeing the first legitimate signs of fracture within the administration over the story. On Friday, we learned that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino got into a shouting match with AG Bondi at the White House last week. Bongino reportedly accused the AG of misleading the public, while Bondi reportedly accused him of throwing her under the bus and planting negative stories about her in the press.

[John Bickley]

And now Bongino is reportedly laying out an ultimatum, correct?

[Tim Pierce]

Yes, it appears that way. A source close to Bongino told Daily Wire White House reporter Mary Margaret Olahan that he is so incensed by the Epstein debacle, he's threatening to resign if Bondi is allowed to remain Attorney General. And according to officials at the doj, FBI Director Cash Patel is also considering resigning if more documents are not released. And he also reportedly wants Bondi out as well.

[John Bickley]

All right, so growing pressure within the White House for her to be out. How is President Trump responding?

[Tim Pierce]

Well, remember, he drew outrage last week from supporters when he questioned why anyone still cared about Epstein. And on Saturday, he only added more fuel to that fire. In a lengthy truth social post, Trump defended Bondi, who he said is doing a, quote, fantastic job. We're on one team, he said, maga, and I don't like what's happening. He went on to say that the FBI would be better suited focusing on investigating voter fraud and political corruption instead of Epstein, before ending with a line that drew perhaps the most outrage from his base. Quote, let's not waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares.

[John Bickley]

About, but clearly a lot of people really do care about this and this investigation.

[Tim Pierce]

Exactly, John. It's worth noting, plenty of Americans certainly agree with Trump that there are much bigger fish to fry. But among his most die hard supporters, the Epstein investigation is obviously a major issue. You can tell by how they're responding. This is one of the rare times where the President seems to have misread his base as anecdotal evidence of that, Trump's post on Truth Social, a platform overwhelmingly dominated by MAGA faithful, was flooded with tens of thousands of negative comments. It appears to be the first post ever made by Trump there with more comments than likes. That is a bad sign. And it wasn't just average Republicans sounding off either. We also saw longtime Trump loyalist radio hosts and influencers taking shots at Trump over this saga, something we rarely, if ever, see from that wing of the party.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, for sure. So a lot of consternation, to say the least, among Republicans. What about the left? How are Democrats responding?

[Tim Pierce]

So after largely keeping quiet on this investigation for the last few years, Democrats have now come out in droves to hit Trump's handling of the case. The dnc, for example, launched a social media handle called Trump Epstein Bot. It's got a counter tracking how many days it's been since Trump has not released the full files. Democratic Rep. Rohana went a step further, saying he will be introducing an amendment in the House this week to demand a vote on releasing all documents related to the Epstein case unredacted. So he's saying he wants to put every Republican on the record to see whether they'll go against Trump. And here is Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, who's up for reelection next year, speaking at a rally over the weekend. Did anyone really think the sexual predator.

[Cabot Phillips]

President who used to party with Jeffrey.

[Tim Pierce]

Epstein was going to release the Epstein files? So while we wait to see if there's a shake up at the DOJ or FBI, Democrats seem to believe this issue could play into their hands come next November.

[John Bickley]

They've been struggling to find an angle to attack Trump. Maybe this one sticks.

[Haman Hammadi]

We'll see.

[John Bickley]

Yep. Thanks for reporting.

[Tim Pierce]

Absolutely.

[Brandon]

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[John Bickley]

More details are emerging about the ICE raid of a marijuana farm in California last week that resulted in the arrest of hundreds of illegal aliens. Officials say that on the farm were at least 14 children, most of them unaccompanied and potentially victims of forced labor.

[Georgia Howe]

Here to talk about the raid and the fallout is Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce. So, Tim, this was a legal marijuana growing operation, but many of the workers there were not legal and some of them were children. So what happened at this raid?

[Haman Hammadi]

Well, first, it was quite a dangerous situation. This all went down at a pot farm outside of Camarillo, California. Anti ICE rioters attacked agents with rocks and bricks. Officers were shot at by one person. The government is now offering a $50,000 reward for that suspect. One of the farm workers died in a hospital after he fell 30ft from the roof of a greenhouse. Videos of the raid show protesters attacking federal vehicles as agents try to drive away. One protester appears to use his bike to try to block the road. Authorities deployed tear gas and smoke bombs to try and disperse the estimated 500 people there to protest and block agents. At the end of the day, ICE arrested over 300 illegal aliens in that raid, as well as taken in those 14 children who were found. Now, the chaos here caught special attention from President Trump, who on Friday authorized any ICE agent that is attacked to, quote, stop their car and arrest these slime balls.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, Democrats, though, have framed this quite differently. How have they responded?

[Haman Hammadi]

Well, they put a lot of the blame on Trump and ice. California Governor Gavin Newsom singled out Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff and an immigration hardliner. The governor called the raid inhumane and said Miller's tactics, quote, evoke chaos, fear and terror within our communities at every turn. Miller responded to the attacks in an interview with Fox News.

[Stephen Miller]

I don't know if anybody except the governor of California who would argue that a marijuana plantation is an essential component of America's food supply chain. And if you everywhere you look in California, you see industrial child exploitation on a massive scale. An industrial scale. There are likely Hundreds of thousands of children in California who are being exploited for their labor or sexually exploited, exploited as part of sex trafficking. This administration is liberating these children and helping reunify them with their parents back in their home country.

[Haman Hammadi]

I should also note Los Angeles's Democratic Mayor, Karen Bass signed an executive order on Friday directing city resources to, quote, support immigrant communities. That support includes cash cards given to illegal immigrants impacted by ICE raids. Here's Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley of California reacting on Fox News.

[Cabot Phillips]

And now Bass is giving out these, these free cash cards. And apparently one of the ways you can get one is if you're too afraid to go into work.

[Haman Hammadi]

Now, in the middle of all this, it's worth remembering that last year the Biden administration either lost or did not track hundreds of thousands of unaccompanied children who crossed the border illegally. Miller also commented on that what the.

[Stephen Miller]

Biden administration did with respect to child trafficking is one of the great crimes in human history. Over 500,000 children were illegally trafficked into the country under the previous administration. When we've gone and looked for these children, Martha, the addresses that the US Government provided, in other words, the records that the government kept under Joe Biden are all fake. Nobody ever checked if the addresses were real. Nobody ever checked if the sponsors were real. Nobody ever checked if they were really even relatives or parents or relations or safe.

[John Bickley]

Right.

[Georgia Howe]

And most of those children remain unaccounted for to this day. Now, shifting gears a bit, there have also been protests in Mexico City towards American tourists. What's happening there?

[Haman Hammadi]

Yeah, not often. We have a story about American immigrants traveling south. Protesters and rioters in Mexico are angry that as remote work has grown more common, many Americans have chosen to work in Mexico City because of its low cost of living. That's brought on problems for residents who say that the influx of Americans are raising their rents and pushing out longtime residents. As a result, we have been seeing protesters demanding that Americans assimilate and learn to speak Spanish.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, some great irony there. Tim. Thanks for reporting.

[Haman Hammadi]

Thanks for having me.

[Georgia Howe]

California is digging in in its war with the Trump administration over everything from ICE to women's sports, while several of its cities face growing crises.

[John Bickley]

Joining us now to discuss is board certified Maryland and California political commentator Haman Hammadi. Haman, thanks so much for coming on.

[Cabot Phillips]

It's a pleasure.

[John Bickley]

Look, your state has effectively declared war on the Trump administration on a number of issues, all while facing what I think it's fair to call crises in LA and other cities. What are the most pressing Issues. Right now in California, we have the.

[Cabot Phillips]

Public safety issues, and then we also have the affordability issues. And on the public safety front, we still have exceedingly high crime and homelessness. I was a victim of crime just last night in my house. Part of the house was vandalized. We caught it on camera. This is how LA has become. And on top of that, on the affordability front, we have energy prices. Electricity, gasoline that are sky high, highest in the nation, going through the roof and with no end in sight. Water rates that are very high. Insurance rates that are sky high. If you can even afford to get home insurance or car insurance. It's getting really crazy at this point. People cannot survive in this state. And every one of these crises is something that's either preventable or predictable or manufactured by the administration.

[John Bickley]

Now, we've seen most recently the battle with the Trump administration over ICE raids. How are city and state officials responding to this escalation of violence against ice?

[Cabot Phillips]

You have city leaders like, you know, Mayor Karen Bass. You've even got Gavin Newsom. You've got vice mayor of a tiny town called Cudahy who are openly calling for people to resist ice. The vice mayor of Cudahy actually asked for gang members to come out and fight them in the streets in no uncertain terms.

[Georgia Howe]

Now that your hood's being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain't.

[Stephen Miller]

A peep out of you.

[Cabot Phillips]

So they've declared open war on federal officers who are really there enforcing federal law and doing their jobs. Is it aggressive? Absolutely. Is it in their face? Absolutely. Is that avoidable? Yeah, it would have been had the state and local officials simply cooperated with federal officials and done what they used to do.

[John Bickley]

Now, front and center in this conflict is LA Mayor Karen Bass. We've had new reports that she's maybe providing cash cards for illegal immigrants. And she says openly that she is directing government resources to illegal immigrant families in the face of the ICE raids. What do we know for sure about her handling of the standoff with ice?

[Cabot Phillips]

First, in terms of the cash cards, she made it very clear in plain English that she is going to be distributing hundreds of dollars in cash to illegal aliens who are impacted by ice. And what she means by impacted are people who won't leave their homes, won't go to work because of fear of apprehension, arrest and deportation. And so that means basically everyone qualifies. I think she's partnering with that organization called Chirla, which is an ngo, but it's government funded, that happened to have actually helped organize the riots against the ICE officers, it's keeping them from leaving their homes. It's providing aid and comfort to them while their own citizens who are legally here aren't able to afford food, rent, electricity, gasoline, insurance, et cetera. So it's really backwards and it shows you where her priorities are. Rather than focusing on the people who she has sworn to protect, the citizens, the people who voted her in, she had an opportunity here to say, you know what? We're going to do the uncomfortable thing of cooperating with federal officers, allowing them to do their job, but to do so in a peaceful, organized manner. And instead of that, she's basically said to her people, let's go after these guys and I'm going to protect you.

[John Bickley]

What appears your state's showdown with Trump is only ratcheting up at this point. We'll be watching with interest. Iman, thank you so much for talking with us.

[Cabot Phillips]

It's a pleasure. Thanks for having me.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're watching on YouTube, please like and subscribe. We'll be back later this evening with more news you need to know.