Trump’s Border Wall Brief & Congress’ Funding Plan | Afternoon Update | 12.20.24

Summary

Morning Wire Summary: Trump’s Border Wall Brief & Congress’ Funding Plan | December 20, 2024

Presented by The Daily Wire’s Morning Wire, hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe.

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1. President Trump Challenges Biden Administration's Border Wall Material Sales

Georgia Howe opens the episode by highlighting President-elect Donald Trump's recent legal action against the Biden administration: an amicus brief filed in a Texas court aiming to stop the sale of border wall materials.

Tim Rice elaborates on the issue, stating:

"Trump accuses the outgoing administration of undermining his plan to complete the southern border wall. The brief, which cites the Daily Wire's exclusive report on the Biden administration hauling off border wall pieces, claims the materials are being auctioned for pennies on the dollar, potentially in violation of federal law." (00:37)

Trump's attorney contends that these auctions hinder the incoming administration's border security objectives and demands an investigation. Conversely, the Biden administration maintains that the sales are permissible under a 2023 defense bill. Trump, however, deems these actions unconstitutional.

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2. GOP's New Plan to Avert Government Shutdown

With a government shutdown imminent, Georgia Howe discusses the latest House GOP strategy to prevent it. The Republican leaders have introduced a third proposal that includes:

• A separate vote on a three-month spending plan
• $100 billion allocated for disaster relief
• $10 billion earmarked for farm aid

However, this plan notably excludes any action on raising the debt ceiling. Speaker Mike Johnson mentioned ongoing discussions with the Republican conference. Previous attempts faltered as nearly 40 Republicans sided with Democrats against the spending bills.

President-elect Trump has urged swift action, emphasizing that any resulting shutdown should occur under the Biden administration rather than his own leadership.

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3. Future of TikTok in the United States

Amanda Presa Giacomo introduces the contentious topic of TikTok's potential ban in the U.S., with Tim Pierce providing detailed insights:

"The Supreme Court will hear arguments on January 10 over TikTok's bid to block a federal ban that could take effect on January 19th unless the platform is sold to an American company." (01:52)

TikTok, which boasts 170 million U.S. users, argues that the ban infringes upon First Amendment rights. A lower court recently denied TikTok's plea for a sales pause, citing national security threats related to potential Chinese government data access. The decision looms just days before Trump's inauguration. Interestingly, Trump, initially a vocal critic of TikTok, has since praised the platform for its role in engaging younger voters.

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4. FAA's Enforcement Against Unauthorized Drone Activity in New Jersey

Addressing national security concerns, Amanda Presa Giacomo reports on the Federal Aviation Agency's intensified measures over New Jersey's airspace due to a surge in drone sightings.

William Dunn from the Strategic Resilience Group explains:

"The FAA's temporary restrictions exclude operations supporting defense, security and emergency missions. While 5,000 tips have been reported since November, the FBI says fewer than 100 required further investigation with no evidence of large scale drone activity." (02:41)

Dr. Patrick Soon Cheong voices his concerns:

"I believe they're being used by government agencies or other agencies to support a specific mission that the government is not telling us about. The greater concern are the small drones that can be carried in a backpack, carried in a knapsack over the southern border by a nefarious actor that plans to do harm to the United States." (03:12)

Flight restrictions over New Jersey will remain until January 17th, as authorities continue to monitor and assess the situation.

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5. Astronauts Stranded on the International Space Station

Amanda Presa Giacomo covers the distressing news of astronaut Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore being stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June. A recently shared holiday photo of the 59-year-old Williams shows her appearing gaunt, raising online concerns.

Due to recurring issues with their Boeing spacecraft, their mission, initially planned for eight days, has been postponed. NASA now anticipates their return in late March.

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6. State of Emergency in California and First U.S. H5N1 Bird Flu Case

Georgia Howe informs listeners that California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency following outbreaks in nearly 650 dairies since August. Additionally, the first severe U.S. case of H5N1 bird flu has been identified in a Louisiana patient, who was exposed to a backyard flock. The CDC reported this case, marking the first linked to backyard birds in the country. Despite 61 cases reported nationwide this year, the CDC assures there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission and that public risk remains minimal.

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7. Peyton McNabb’s Story of Injury and Advocacy for Female Athletes

A former high school volleyball star, Peyton McNabb, shares her harrowing experience in a new documentary titled "Killshot." After suffering a severe injury from a spike to the head by a trans-identifying male player in 2022, McNabb has endured a traumatic brain injury, partial paralysis, and other long-term effects.

Peyton McNabb reflects on her struggles:

"I couldn't really understand or comprehend my work as well at school so I had to get extra help and accommodations to help with testing and tutoring and stuff and that's never been the case for me and of course the headaches and I was having to have someone with me at all times. I couldn't drive for a few months. It was really bad at first, but thankfully I've grown a lot since then, I still have to get help now that I'm in college." (05:11)

McNabb hopes her story will drive changes to better protect female athletes and address related issues within the Los Angeles area.

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8. Dr. Patrick Soon Cheong's Reforms at The Times

In a notable shift, Dr. Patrick Soon Cheong, associated with The Times, discusses significant changes within the publication. Georgia Howe highlights that Dr. Cheong has been instrumental in steering the paper away from political endorsements, emphasizing a commitment to serving as a comprehensive voice for all readers.

During an interview with Morning Wire, Dr. Cheong stated:

"When I first started this, obviously Norm Polstein was the executive editor with me and really seasoned, and we had that same mission. Unfortunately, Covid happened and I had to take my eye off the paper to focus on what I was doing on cancer. And Covid and I hired a new editor as Norm retired. And the new editor, unfortunately, I think, pushed the paper into something I didn't believe was the right direction. So once I had time, which I did last year and beginning of this year, I began to realize we really need change." (06:10)

He emphasized efforts to distinguish between news and opinion, aiming for greater transparency and inclusivity within the publication.

Georgia Howe invites listeners to tune in the next day for a full interview with Dr. Cheong, where they will delve deeper into his perspectives on the incoming administration and his ongoing cancer research.

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Closing Remarks

Amanda Presa Giacomo concludes the episode by directing listeners to visit dailywire.com for more detailed coverage and encourages tuning in to future episodes of Morning Wire for comprehensive updates on the day's most significant stories.

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Morning Wire’s December 20, 2024 episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.

Transcript

[Advertiser Voice]

This episode is brought to you by Balance of nature. Go to balanceofnature.com and use promo code WIRE for 35% off your first order as a preferred customer. Plus get a free bottle of Fiber and Spice. That's balanceofnature.com promo code wire.

[Georgia Howe]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley. It's Friday, December 20th, and this is your Morning Wire afternoon update. President elect Donald Trump has filed an amicus brief urging a Texas court to halt the Biden administration's fire sale of border wall materials. Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice has the latest.

[Advertiser Voice]

Trump accuses the outgoing administration of undermining his plan to complete the southern border wall. The brief, which cites the Daily Wire's exclusive report on the Biden administration hauling off border wall pieces, claims the materials are being auctioned for pennies on the dollar, potentially in violation of federal law. Trump's attorney argues the sales obstruct the incoming administration's border security priorities and calls for an investigation. While the Biden administration defends the sales under a 2023 defense bill, Trump insists its actions are unconstitutional.

[Georgia Howe]

As a government shutdown looms, House GOP leaders are pushing a new plan. The now third proposal includes separate votes on a three month spending plan, 100 billion in disaster relief and 10 billion for farm aid, but excludes action on the debt ceiling. Speaker Mike Johnson says discussions with the Republican conference are ongoing. Earlier attempts to pass spending bills failed, with nearly 40 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. President elect Donald Trump has called for immediate action, saying any shutdown should happen under the Biden administration, not his own.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Will TikTok get banned in the US Next month? The Supreme Court will likely decide. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presa Giacomo has more.

[Tim Pierce]

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on January 10 over TikTok's bid to block a federal ban that could take effect on January 19th unless the platform is sold to an American company. TikTok, with 170 million U.S. users, argues that the ban violates First Amendment rights. A lower court recently rejected TikTok's request for a pause, citing security concerns over potential Chinese government data access. The band's fate hangs in the balance just days before President Elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Trump, once a critic of TikTok, has since warmed to the platform and has credited it with helping him connect to younger voters.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

The Federal Aviation Agency is cracking down on New Jersey's airspace following a rise in drone sightings. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the details.

[William Dunn]

The FAA's temporary restrictions exclude operations supporting defense, security and emergency missions. While 5,000 tips have been reported since November, the FBI says fewer than 100 required further investigation with no evidence of large scale drone activity. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the Biden administration. He said answers on the drones remain elusive despite meetings with federal agencies. Meanwhile, experts continue to say the drones are likely coming from within the U.S. here's President of Strategic Resilience Group William Dunn on Fox News.

[Dr. Patrick Soon Cheong]

I believe they're being used by government agencies or other agencies to support a specific mission that the government is not telling us about. The greater concern are the small drones that can be carried in a backpack, carried in a knapsack over the southern border by a nefarious actor that plans to do harm to the United States.

[William Dunn]

The flight restrictions over the Garden State remain in effect until January 17th.

[Advertiser Voice]

This episode is brought to you by responsible man. Visit responsibleman.com and use code wire for 60% off your order. That's responsibleman.com Codewire.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Concern has grown for one of the astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station. A holiday photo shared by NASA shows astronaut Suni Williams looking gaunt, sparking worried reactions online. 59 year old Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore, who've been on the station since June, were scheduled for an eight day stay but have faced repeated delays due to issues with their Boeing spacecraft. NASA now says their return is delayed until late March.

[Georgia Howe]

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency after outbreaks among cattle in nearly 650 dairies since August. The first severe US case of H5N1 bird flu was detected in a Louisiana patient now hospitalized after exposure to a backyard flock. The CDC confirmed the case Friday, marking the first linked to backyard birds in the U.S. while 61 cases have been reported nationwide this year, the CDC stresses there is no evidence of human to human spread and the public risk remains low.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

A former high school volleyball star who suffered serious injury after a spike to the head from a trans identifying male player is speaking out. Peyton McNabb is featured in a new documentary titled Killshot. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, partial paralysis and other long term effects from the 2022 incident.

[Peyton McNabb]

I couldn't really understand or comprehend my work as well at school so I had to get extra help and accommodations to help with testing and tutoring and stuff and that's never been the case for me and of course the headaches and I was having to have someone with me at all times. I couldn't drive for a few months. It was really bad at first, but thankfully I've grown a lot since then, I still have to get help now that I'm in college.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

McNabb says she hopes her story inspires change to protect female athletes and LA.

[Georgia Howe]

Times Dr. Patrick Soon Cheong is making headlines lately for a few notable shakeups at the paper, one of which was choosing to not endorse a presidential candidate. In an interview with Morningwire, Soon Chiang says these changes are part of his mission to make the paper a voice for all people. He also told us he's really zeroed in on making sure people know what's new versus opinion.

[Dr. Patrick Soon Cheong]

When I first started this, obviously Norm Polstein was the executive editor with me and really seasoned, and we had that same mission. Unfortunately, Covid happened and I had to take my eye off the paper to focus on what I was doing on cancer. And Covid and I hired a new editor as Norm retired. And the new editor, unfortunately, I think, pushed the paper into something I didn't believe was the right direction. So once I had time, which I did last year and beginning of this year, I began to realize we really need change.

[Georgia Howe]

Tune in tomorrow morning for our full interview with Dr. Soon Cheong in which we discuss his thoughts on the incoming administration and his research in cancer treatment.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

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 every morning.