December 16th, 2024: Will Iran Be The Next To Fall? & Iran’s ‘Drone Motherships’ Revealed

Summary

The President's Daily Brief: December 16th, 2024

Host: Mike Baker
Co-Host: [Co-Host Name]
Duration: 20 Minutes
Release Date: December 16, 2024

---

1. Introduction and Overview

In today's episode of The President's Daily Brief, hosted by former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker, listeners are provided with a comprehensive analysis of pressing global issues. The focus centers on the uncertain future of the Iranian regime, the unveiling of Iran’s mysterious drone motherships, significant political turmoil in South Korea, and a destructive wildfire raging in Malibu, California.

---

2. Iran’s Regional Influence and Challenges

Collapse of the Assad Regime

The downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has significantly weakened Iran’s strategic foothold in the Middle East. Mike Baker highlights the critical role Assad played as a key ally, stating:

"Under the Assad family, Syria was basically a satellite state of Iran. It served as a vital hub for Iranian influence..." ([02:58])

The demise of Assad has severed essential supply lines, including the transit of advanced weaponry and support for Hezbollah in Lebanon. This loss marks a substantial blow to Iran’s regional ambitions.

Impact on Hezbollah and Proxies

Hezbollah, once considered the crown jewel of Iran’s militant network, is grappling with severe military and political setbacks. The co-host explains:

"Hezbollah has suffered significant leadership losses due to targeted Israeli military operations." ([04:12])

Notably, the assassination of Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah, in September Beirut airstrikes, has decimated the group's command structure, rendering it a mere shadow of its former self ([04:36]).

Internal Protests and Economic Struggles

Internally, Iran faces mounting dissent fueled by economic hardships and government corruption. The protests, initially sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, have evolved into a broader movement demanding regime change:

"It's about a growing sense of anger toward a regime that prioritizes foreign wars, proxies, and nuclear ambitions over the well-being of its people." ([07:09])

These demonstrations, characterized by slogans like "Women, Life, Freedom," have transcended urban centers, reaching even traditionally loyal rural areas. The economic strain, exacerbated by sanctions and mismanagement, further undermines the regime’s stability.

Potential Internal Upheaval

With Iran's external alliances crumbling and internal unrest intensifying, experts like Mike Baker suggest that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the broader regime may be teetering on the brink of significant upheaval:

"If the regime can't project power abroad and can't maintain stability at home, that would appear to be a recipe for internal upheaval." ([08:41])

---

3. Iran’s ‘Drone Motherships’ Revealed

Satellite Imagery Analysis

Recent satellite images have shed light on Iran’s so-called "drone motherships," revealing a converted commercial container ship outfitted for drone operations. Mike Baker details:

"The vessel modifications include a ski jump ramp and an angled flight deck, both designed for launching and recovering drones." ([10:58])

These motherships are stationed in the Persian Gulf, contradicting earlier speculations that they were near the U.S. East Coast. However, discrepancies remain as the Pentagon has dismissed claims linking these ships to drone activities off the Jersey Shore:

"There is, quote, no evidence linking Iran to the sightings." ([11:42])

Government and Public Response

Despite the Pentagon’s stance, local authorities and political figures like New York Governor Kathy Hochul are pushing for increased federal oversight:

"This has gone too far." ([13:02])

Legislation such as the Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authority, Security Safety and Reauthorization Act aims to enhance FAA surveillance and empower local law enforcement to respond more effectively to drone threats. However, the origin of the drones remains unidentified, with theories ranging from foreign actors to potential covert U.S. government projects.

---

4. South Korea’s Political Crisis

Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol

In a historic political upheaval, South Korea’s Parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his contentious declaration of martial law on December 3rd. This move makes Yoon only the second South Korean president to be removed via constitutional processes.

Martial Law Backfire

Yoon's attempt to suppress opposition lawmakers by deploying troops led to widespread protests and condemnation across the political spectrum:

"This seismic shift comes after Yoon declared martial law... triggering widespread protests and condemnation." ([15:29])

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) initially supported Yoon but withdrew its backing as public outrage intensified, leading to his impeachment:

"On Saturday, Parliament overwhelmingly passed the impeachment motion..." ([16:53])

Legal Challenges and Future Prospects

Facing multiple investigations into treason, abuse of power, and insurrection, Yoon has been summoned for questioning but failed to appear, escalating the crisis:

"Authorities are reportedly preparing arrest warrants for high-ranking military officials involved in enforcing the declaration." ([17:44])

The Prime Minister has assumed acting presidential duties while the Constitutional Court deliberates Yoon’s fate, a process expected to span up to six months. Analysts express concern over potential clashes between Yoon’s security forces and authorities seeking his detention.

---

5. Malibu Wildfire Update

Franklin Fire Progress

The Franklin wildfire in Malibu, which erupted last Monday, has surged to over 4,000 acres amidst challenging weather conditions. Firefighters are now capitalizing on cooler weather and calmer winds to contain the blaze:

"Containment reached over 40% on Sunday, and that is a significant advance from the early days of the fire." ([21:51])

Firefighting Efforts and Challenges

With over 1,700 firefighters deployed, the efforts involve both ground crews and aerial suppression. The steep and perilous Malibu terrain complicates containment:

"Fire officials describe the Malibu seaside terrain as steep and very dangerous." ([21:45])

Evacuations and Future Risks

While evacuation orders have been lifted for several neighborhoods, authorities warn that containment remains fragile due to the unpredictable Santa Ana winds:

"Fire crews remain locked in a race against the clock, hoping to capitalize on favorable weather before the region's infamous Santa Ana winds return." ([22:29])

The cause of the Franklin fire is still under investigation, with human activity remaining a potential factor.

---

6. Conclusion

Today's President's Daily Brief underscores a pivotal moment for Iran’s geopolitical standing, significant political instability in South Korea, and a major wildfire threatening Southern California. As Iran grapples with both external and internal pressures, South Korea faces unprecedented political turmoil, and Malibu battles a formidable wildfire, the global landscape remains fraught with challenges that demand vigilant attention and strategic responses.

For further insights and updates, listeners are encouraged to engage with the PDB Operations Center and participate in upcoming Ask Me Anything sessions hosted on the podcast's YouTube channel.

Stay informed, stay safe, and stay engaged.

---

Notable Quotes:

• "Under the Assad family, Syria was basically a satellite state of Iran..." ([02:58])
• "Hezbollah is now a shadow of its former self." ([04:42])
• "It's about a growing sense of anger toward a regime that prioritizes foreign wars..." ([07:09])
• "There is, quote, no evidence linking Iran to the sightings." ([11:42])
• "This has gone too far." ([13:02])
• "On Saturday, Parliament overwhelmingly passed the impeachment motion..." ([16:53])
• "Fire crews remain locked in a race against the clock..." ([22:29])

---

Contact Information:

For questions or comments to be addressed in future episodes, please reach out to [e-mail].

---

Stay Connected:

• YouTube: Presidents Daily Brief
• Email: [e-mail]

---

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights presented in the December 16th, 2024 episode of The President's Daily Brief. For comprehensive details, please listen to the full episode available on The First TV platform.

Transcript

[Advertiser 1]

This episode is brought to you by Lifelock. The holidays mean more travel, more shopping, more time online and more personal info in places that could expose you to identity theft. That's why LifeLock monitors millions of data points every second. If your identity is stolen, their US based restoration specialist will fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Get more holiday fun and less holiday worry with Lifelock. Save up to 40% your first year. Visit lifelock.com podcast terms apply.

[Mike Baker]

This episode is brought to you by Patriot Gold Group. Protect your retirement assets and safeguard your future. Give the knowledgeable folks over at Patriot.

[Co-Host]

Gold a call today.

[Mike Baker]

They've been the top rated gold IRA dealer for seven years in a row.

[Co-Host]

That's a lot of years in a row.

[Mike Baker]

Go to patriotgoldgroup.com or call 1-888-621-3856 for a free investor. It's Monday, the 16th of December. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears.

[Co-Host]

On the world stage and in the ongoing game of Where's Waldo?

[Mike Baker]

This week, we're still somewhere in the Middle East.

[Co-Host]

All right, let's get briefed. We'll begin today's show with a look at why the Iranian regime may be in trouble as its key ally Hezbollah.

[Mike Baker]

Struggles to recover from devastating leadership losses. While the fall of the Assad regime.

[Co-Host]

In Syria leaves Tehran's influence in the region significantly diminished. Later in the show, new satellite images.

[Mike Baker]

Reveal Iran's so called drone motherships and.

[Co-Host]

Apparently, despite some claims, they're nowhere near the East Coast.

[Mike Baker]

Plus, we'll have an update on the.

[Co-Host]

Political chaos in South Korea where the parliament has voted to impeach the defiant president following his martial law debacle. But to be fair, who hasn't had.

[Mike Baker]

A martial law debacle at some point during their lives?

[Co-Host]

And in today's Back of the Brief, we'll have the latest on that destructive wildfire in Malibu, which firefighters are still struggling to contain. But first, today's PDB Spotlight. Since the October 7th attacks by Hamas on Israel, well, it's been one bad headline after another for the Iranian regime.

[Mike Baker]

The collapse of Assad is just the.

[Co-Host]

Latest and perhaps most hard hitting blow.

[Mike Baker]

To their ambitions in the region. For years, Iran's Islamic regime has relied.

[Co-Host]

On allies like Assad and proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas to maintain its influence. But with Assad gone, one of those.

[Mike Baker]

Pillars has obviously crumbled and others are significantly weakened and decimated. The question now is could the mullahs.

[Co-Host]

And their Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC be in danger.

[Mike Baker]

For decades, Assad was one of Tehran's closest allies. Under the Assad family, Syria was basically a satellite state of Iran. It served as a vital hub for Iranian influence, acting as a transit point for sending advanced weaponry, including precision guided.

[Co-Host]

Missiles, drones and anti tank systems to Hezbollah in Lebanon. It was also the route for transferring fighters trained by the irgc.

[Mike Baker]

Not to mention billions of dollars in.

[Co-Host]

Financial support which funded Hezbollah's vast network.

[Mike Baker]

Of social services, media outlets and military operations. Without Assad, that corridor is now gone.

[Co-Host]

The rebels victory cuts a critical supply.

[Mike Baker]

Line to one of Iran's most powerful proxies.

[Co-Host]

And speaking of Hezbollah, they're facing their own. Well, let's call it an existential crisis. The group has sometimes been referred to as the crown jewel in Iran's terror.

[Mike Baker]

Empire, but it's currently dealing with unprecedented losses in Lebanon, both militarily and politically.

[Co-Host]

Israeli strikes have targeted their weapons depots and operational hubs, while internal Lebanese unrest, fueled by a collapsing economy has weakened their public support.

[Mike Baker]

As we've been reporting for months here.

[Co-Host]

On the pdb, Hezbollah has suffered significant leadership losses due to targeted Israeli military operations. Most notably, their secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah was killed in September in an airstrike in Beirut.

[Mike Baker]

These strikes have eliminated much of Hezbollah's.

[Co-Host]

Senior leadership, including key commanders and unit leaders, severely disrupting the group's command structure.

[Mike Baker]

Reports now indicate that nearly all of the group's top commanders have been neutralized.

[Co-Host]

Hezbollah is now a shadow of its.

[Mike Baker]

Former self, underscored by its complete inability.

[Co-Host]

To intervene as Assad's forces were pushed back and ultimately defeated by the rebels. Okay, so let's zoom out here and take a look at it from the 30,000 foot view.

[Mike Baker]

This isn't just about Syria or Lebanon. These are pillars of Iran's so called axis of resistance.

[Co-Host]

Assad, Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon, various militia groups in Iraq, Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen all acted as.

[Mike Baker]

Tehran's outposts in its campaign to dominate the region. And of course to remove Israel from the map, as they've stated many times.

[Co-Host]

In the past as an objective.

[Mike Baker]

But what we're seeing now is the axis crumbling. And the Islamic regime in Iran is looking increasingly isolated.

[Co-Host]

Their proxies are under pressure, their economy is in tatters, hammered by sanctions and.

[Mike Baker]

Their own mismanagement and the corruption of the irgc.

[Co-Host]

And perhaps most importantly, the regime appears.

[Mike Baker]

To be losing credibility at home. Now let's not forget Iranians have been protesting against their government for over two years now.

[Co-Host]

And the grievances well, they haven't disappeared. They began in September of 2022 after the death of 22 year old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police. Yeah, always be concerned when your country has what they call the morality police. Her death, reportedly due to severe beatings.

[Mike Baker]

Sparked outrage and became the catalyst for nationwide demonstrations led by women and youth. The protests initially focused on women's rights.

[Co-Host]

Particularly against the mandatory hijab laws, but.

[Mike Baker]

Quickly expanded into broader anti government movements.

[Co-Host]

Over time, these protests, well, they have evolved.

[Mike Baker]

Economic grievances over inflation, unemployment and government.

[Co-Host]

Corruption merged with calls for regime change. What began as isolated demonstrations have grown.

[Mike Baker]

Into a sustained movement with slogans like.

[Co-Host]

Women, Life, Freedom resonating across cities, towns.

[Mike Baker]

And even rural areas, typically strongholds for the regime.

[Co-Host]

Despite brutal crackdowns by security forces resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of.

[Mike Baker]

Arrests, Iranians have continued to defy the.

[Co-Host]

Regime through strikes, public demonstrations, and various.

[Mike Baker]

Acts of civil disobedience. The focus now isn't just about women's.

[Co-Host]

Rights or economic hardship.

[Mike Baker]

It's about a growing sense of anger.

[Co-Host]

Toward a regime that prioritizes foreign wars, proxies and nuclear ambitions over the well being of its people. The protests are revealing deep discontent with the government that pours resources into supporting groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, while failing to address crumbling infrastructure, water shortages and poverty at home. In the days since the fall of.

[Mike Baker]

Damascus, the government has faced a fierce.

[Co-Host]

Public backlash over the billions of dollars.

[Mike Baker]

Spent in the Iranian blood shed to prop up the Assad regime.

[Co-Host]

The criticism has come from unexpected corners.

[Mike Baker]

Including conservatives, and is flowing freely on.

[Co-Host]

Television channels, talk shows, and in virtual town halls attended by thousands of Iranians.

[Mike Baker]

It also appears on the front pages.

[Co-Host]

Of newspapers every day.

[Mike Baker]

One former lawmaker declared on social media that Iranians should rejoice at the fall of Assad, saying, quote, no one will be able to waste Iran's dollars for maintaining a spider web anymore.

[Co-Host]

End quote. Now, of course, Tehran's security forces are ruthless and the regime has a history.

[Mike Baker]

Of clamping down hard on dissent.

[Co-Host]

Over the decades, there have been moments.

[Mike Baker]

When much of the population seemed ready.

[Co-Host]

To push back against the regime. But those moments have been short lived in the face of brutal repression. However, since October 7, it feels like the regime has been playing defense.

[Mike Baker]

Their proxies have been exposed as weaker than advertised.

[Co-Host]

Assad's fall is a significant body blow to their regional strategy and their compadre in chaos, Vladimir Putin. Well, he of course is distracted with his own problems due to his invasion of Ukraine. If the regime can't project power abroad and can't maintain stability at home, well, that would appear to be a recipe for internal upheaval. And frankly, there are numerous regional players.

[Mike Baker]

In the Middle east who would not.

[Co-Host]

Shed a tear if the current Iranian regime were to go the way of Assad. Alright, coming up next, new satellite images expose Iran's drone motherships.

[Mike Baker]

And we'll have the latest on South.

[Co-Host]

Korea's political chaos as the nation's legislature.

[Mike Baker]

Votes to impeach the president.

[Co-Host]

I'll have those stories when we come back.

[Advertiser 2]

You've been prescribed medication for BPH or enlarged prostate. You don't like the idea of a daily medication for the rest of your life. If you have to take it forever, is it really worth it? But that's what the doctor ordered and symptoms from BPH were negatively impacting your life. A weak flow, an urgent need to go interrupted sleep. Now you feel stuck between medications that aren't really doing the trick. And the idea of invasive surgery. There may be another option, a minimally invasive procedure covered by most insurance called the Urolift System. The Urolift system may provide up to three times the symptom relief as a common BPH medication based on early data from a head to head study. Men 45 and over. Go to nobphmeds.com to learn more and find a UroLift system trained doctor near you. Most common side effects are temporary and can include discomfort when urinating, urgency, inability to control the urge, pelvic pain and some blood in the urine. Rare side effects including bleeding and infection may lead to a serious outcome and may require intervention. The minimally invasive Urolift system. Go to nobphmeds.com welcome back to the PDB.

[Co-Host]

Shifting now over to the US and the mysterious drone activity over New Jersey's skies.

[Mike Baker]

New satellite imagery reveals Iran's so called.

[Co-Host]

Drone mothership conducting its first sea trials. And those trials are far from the east coast of the U.S. the satellite.

[Mike Baker]

Images obtained from Maxar Technologies and shared.

[Co-Host]

With the Hill show a converted commercial container ship now outfitted as a drone launch vessel and anchored off an Iranian.

[Mike Baker]

Naval port in the Persian Gulf, not.

[Co-Host]

Off the Jersey Shore as some have suggested.

[Mike Baker]

The vessel modifications include a ski jump.

[Co-Host]

Ramp, of course you need one of.

[Mike Baker]

Those, and an angled flight deck, both.

[Co-Host]

Designed for launching and recovering drones.

[Mike Baker]

Flanking the carrier are two similar vessels showing Iran's growing drone arsenal.

[Co-Host]

Interestingly and well, I suppose concerningly enough.

[Mike Baker]

The drone carrier operated untracked for weeks with satellite data indicating its departure from Iran's naval port sometime between 12 and 28 November.

[Co-Host]

Speculation regarding the vessel's whereabouts reached a.

[Mike Baker]

Fever pitch last week when New Jersey.

[Co-Host]

Representative Jeff Van Drieu alleged that an.

[Mike Baker]

Iranian mothership was responsible for the drone activity along the east coast, an assertion that the Pentagon swiftly dismissed as baseless, stating there is, quote, no evidence linking Iran to the sightings.

[Co-Host]

Of course, the Pentagon unfortunately failed to provide evidence that would link the drones to anyone.

[Mike Baker]

Van Drew's sighting from his confidential sources.

[Co-Host]

Regarding the whereabouts of the drone carrier.

[Mike Baker]

Suggests Iran had been conducting clandestine drone.

[Co-Host]

Operations near New Jersey and Staten Island. The latest satellite imagery, well, along with the statements from the Pentagon and White House, would seem to refute that notion.

[Mike Baker]

Still, the drone mystery, well, it continues, including a sighting that had the FAA temporarily shut down Stewart International Airport, that's some 60 miles north of New York.

[Co-Host]

City, for a drone buzzing overhead on Friday night.

[Mike Baker]

Since mid November, New Jersey residents have.

[Co-Host]

Flooded federal hotlines with nearly 5,000 tips.

[Mike Baker]

However, federal investigators, including the FBI, confirmed that fewer than 100 of those reports.

[Co-Host]

Yielded any actionable leads.

[Mike Baker]

Against the backdrop, though, of escalating unease.

[Co-Host]

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York called on Congress Saturday to pass the Counter.

[Mike Baker]

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authority, Security Safety and.

[Co-Host]

Reauthorization act to who comes up with.

[Mike Baker]

The names for these acts? Legislation aimed at enhancing FAA oversight of drone activity and granting local law enforcement.

[Co-Host]

Expanded authority to respond to potential threats. Hochul stated, quote, this has gone too far, end quote. Well, that's quite the quote.

[Mike Baker]

Pressing for additional federal resources to address.

[Co-Host]

The disruptions, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, and several members of Congress have also urged the federal government to investigate the sightings.

[Mike Baker]

Despite these efforts, the source of the.

[Co-Host]

Drone activity apparently remains unknown, which in today's world, with today's technology, seems odd. The FAA and FBI have yet to.

[Mike Baker]

Establish a clear link between the sightings and any foreign or domestic actor.

[Co-Host]

And of course, there's always the possibility.

[Mike Baker]

That the drones are part of a.

[Co-Host]

US Government black files project, perhaps testing.

[Mike Baker]

Capabilities or new technology.

[Co-Host]

Although you have to ask why they'd be operating in plain sight.

[Mike Baker]

And for now, the Iranian drone carrier, well, it remains anchored in the Persian.

[Co-Host]

Gulf, and there's no evidence yet connecting.

[Mike Baker]

It to the drones disrupting critical infrastructure.

[Co-Host]

In the US and in other unidentified.

[Mike Baker]

Mysterious drone news, there's lots of it. The airspace over Wright Patterson Air Force.

[Co-Host]

Base, that's a massive military complex in.

[Mike Baker]

Ohio, was closed temporarily over this past weekend due to. You got it. Drone intrusions. The airspace has since reopened but, well, there's no word on the origins or.

[Co-Host]

Ownership of those drones now. Wright Patterson is home to the Air Force Research Lab, the Air Force materiel command, the 655th intelligence, surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, and the National Air and Space.

[Mike Baker]

Intelligence center, among other important elements. Look, if it seems like the US.

[Co-Host]

Government, the military and law enforcement don't have clear, consistent guidelines for dealing with drone intrusions over and near critical infrastructure, well, you wouldn't be wrong.

[Mike Baker]

Perhaps.

[Co-Host]

And here I'm just spitballing.

[Mike Baker]

Perhaps it's time that they get that sorted out. Okay, Turning to South Korea, we're in a historic move. Parliament impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on.

[Co-Host]

Saturday after his controversial martial law declaration backfired, leaving even his ruling party to turn against him.

[Mike Baker]

As we've reported on the pdb, this.

[Co-Host]

Seismic shift comes after Yun declared martial.

[Mike Baker]

Law on 3 December, deploying troops to.

[Co-Host]

Parliament in an attempt to suppress opposition lawmakers.

[Mike Baker]

The unprecedented act backfired spectacularly, triggering widespread.

[Co-Host]

Protests and condemnation from across South Korea's political spectrum. The dramatic confrontation culminated in lawmakers physically breaking through military barricades at the national assembly, forcing a vote to nullify martial.

[Mike Baker]

Law and demanding Yun's resignation. Initially, Yun appeared defiant, framing his actions as necessary in a speech on Thursday.

[Co-Host]

To save the country from perceived opposition party chaos and vowing to fight for his presidency.

[Mike Baker]

His ruling People Power Party, the ppp, stood by him, blocking an initial impeachment.

[Co-Host]

Vote last week and urging Yun just.

[Mike Baker]

To step down voluntarily.

[Co-Host]

However, his refusal to relent, coupled with widespread public outrage, triggered a political chain reaction.

[Mike Baker]

The turning point came when the PPP.

[Co-Host]

Leader withdrew his support just before Yoon's speech, denouncing the president's actions as indefensible and calling impeachment the only way to defend democracy.

[Mike Baker]

On Saturday, Parliament overwhelmingly passed the impeachment motion, making Yun only the second South Korean president to face removal from office under the country's constitutional process. The prime minister has assumed the role.

[Co-Host]

Of acting president while the Constitutional Court deliberates Yoon's fate.

[Mike Baker]

The acting chief justice of the Constitutional Court has pledged a swift and fair review set to begin Monday, though notably the process could take up to six months.

[Co-Host]

Meanwhile, Yoon's legal troubles are mounting.

[Mike Baker]

Prosecutors launched multiple investigations into allegations of treason, abuse of power and insurrection, with.

[Co-Host]

Parliament approving a special counsel to probe his martial law declaration. According to Yonhap News agency, Yun was.

[Mike Baker]

Summoned for questioning on Sunday but failed to appear.

[Co-Host]

Further inflaming the political crisis.

[Mike Baker]

Authorities are reportedly preparing arrest warrants for.

[Co-Host]

High ranking military officials involved in enforcing the declaration, including the head of the Army Special Warfare Command and the chief.

[Mike Baker]

Of the Capital Defense Command. It's important to note that although Yoon retains immunity from most criminal charges as a sitting president, allegations of treason or rebellion remain exceptions. Analysts note that while he's been barred.

[Co-Host]

From leaving the country, authorities may hesitate to detain him, fearing a direct clash with his presidential security service. Yoon, for his part, has vowed to.

[Mike Baker]

Continue fighting, declaring on Sunday that he.

[Co-Host]

Will, quote, not give up on his vision for the nation, even as his.

[Mike Baker]

Political and legal battles multiply. All right, coming up in the back.

[Co-Host]

Of the brief, an update on the.

[Mike Baker]

Franklin fire in Malibu, where firefighters are still battling to bring the blaze under control.

[Co-Host]

I'll be right back.

[Advertiser 3]

Hey, Mike, Baker here. Now, if you've ever worried about the safety and security of your home and family, well, frankly, there's no better time to act than now because right now Simplisafe is extending its massive Black Friday deal for my listeners. That's right, get 50% off a new SimpliSafe security system. Correct. I said 50% off. Look, SimpliSafe is the home security that I trust. It brings priceless peace of mind knowing that my home is protected 24. 7. So get 50% off today just by visiting simplisafe.com baker this is your last chance to protect your home at SimpliSafe's lowest prices of the year. Now, Simplisafe is a new way to protect your home that stops intruders before they break into your home. The truth is, look, old school systems only take action once someone is already inside your place. And that's, well, that's too late. Simplisafe Active Guard Outdoor Protection changes the game by preventing crime before it even happens. If someone's lurking around or acting suspiciously, the SimpliSafe agents see them in real time. They talk to them directly, set off your spotlights and even call the police, all before they've had a chance to break in. Plus, there are no long term contracts, no cancellation fees, and it's around $1 a day for all this protection and peace of mind. And I love the simplicity and the ease of installation and use. Simplisafe is extending its massive Black Friday deal for my listeners of the PDB this week only you can get 50% off. Think about that. 50% off any new system with a select professional monitoring plan. This is your last chance to claim their best offer of the year. So head to simplisafe.com baker that's B A K E R that's simplisafe.com baker there's no safe like Simplisafe.

[Advertiser 4]

This episode is brought to you by Dutch Bros. Get stoked for all the holly jolly vibes this season at Dutch Bros. Stay cozy with returning winter faves Hazelnut Truffle Mocha and Candy Cane Mocha. Plus the new Winter Shimmer Rebel energy drink blends up sweet cream and blue razz flavor with soft top and shimmer sprinks to keep those spirits energized all winter long. Download the Dutch Bros. App to find your nearest shop, order ahead and start earning rewards.

[Co-Host]

In today's Back of the Briefs the Franklin fire in Malibu, California.

[Mike Baker]

Has entered a critical phase as cooler weather and calmer winds provide a vital window for firefighters battling the over 4,000.

[Co-Host]

Acre inferno since erupting last Monday.

[Mike Baker]

What began as a five acre blaze exploded into a fast moving wildfire driven by punishingly low humidity and wind gusts surpassing 50 mph that propelled flames at a staggering pace.

[Co-Host]

At its peak, the fire consumed over.

[Mike Baker]

Five football fields of land per minute.

[Co-Host]

According to cal fire, over 1700 firefighters.

[Mike Baker]

Have been deployed to combat the Franklin.

[Co-Host]

Fire using a combination of ground crews and aerial suppression.

[Mike Baker]

Fire officials describe the Malibu seaside terrain as steep and very dangerous, and it is. But notably, containment reached over 40% on Sunday, and that is a significant advance from the early days of the fire. Over the weekend, evacuation orders were lifted for several neighborhoods granting residents a tentative.

[Co-Host]

Return to their homes.

[Mike Baker]

However, fire officials cautioned that containment efforts.

[Co-Host]

Remain fragile depended on weather conditions that.

[Mike Baker]

Could shift at any moment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not ruled out human activity as a potential factor. As the week unfolds, fire crews remain.

[Co-Host]

Locked in a race against the clock, hoping to capitalize on favorable weather before the region's infamous Santa Ana winds return. And that, my friends, is the President's.

[Mike Baker]

Daily brief for Monday, 16th December if you have any questions for me that.

[Co-Host]

You'D like me to address on the air, please reach out to [e-mail] the.

[Mike Baker]

PDB Operations center is busy preparing another.

[Co-Host]

Episode of the critically acclaimed Ask Me Anything, in which we answer your questions and relay your comments to the global PDB community. And I hope you had a chance to check out this past weekend's PDB Situation Report.

[Mike Baker]

We had excellent guests including Brian Carter.

[Co-Host]

And Steve Yates with a focus on.

[Mike Baker]

Syria, the Middle East, China and Taiwan. Give it a watch over on our YouTube channel.

[Co-Host]

Check that out. You can find it at Presidents Daily Brief. It's chock full of information and insight.

[Mike Baker]

I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back later today with the BDB Afternoon Bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay co.

[Chumba Casino Ad Voice]

It can get lonely climbing Mount McKinley. So to entertain myself I go to Chumbacasino.com at Chumba Casino. I can play hundreds of online casino style games for free like online slots, bingo, slingo, and more. Plus I get a daily login bonus. It's just too bad that up here I don't have anyone to share my excitement with.

[Chumba Casino Ad Voice 2]

Woohoo.

[Chumba Casino Ad Voice 3]

Live the Chumba life anytime, anywhere.

[Advertiser 4]

Play for free now at chumbacasino.

[Chumba Casino Ad Voice 3]

Com BTW Group no purchase necessary. Void web prohibited by law. See terms and conditions 18 +.