January 14th, 2025: Russia And Iran Sign Historic Partnership & China Builds Taiwan Invasion Barges

Summary

The President's Daily Brief: January 14th, 2025

Hosted by Mike Slater

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1. Russia and Iran Forge a Historic Strategic Partnership

Overview: The episode kicks off with the landmark development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran. This alliance is poised to have significant geopolitical and nuclear implications, marking a substantial shift in Middle Eastern and global power dynamics.

Key Points:

• Diplomatic Talks: The Iranian president is scheduled to visit Moscow on January 17th to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership pact. This agreement focuses on expanding bilateral trade, investment, cooperation in transport and logistics, and humanitarian efforts.
• Strategic Defense Cooperation: Since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has been cultivating closer ties with Tehran, primarily through strategic defense cooperation. Iran has supplied Russia with advanced kamikaze drones and ballistic missiles, enhancing Russia's military capabilities in Ukraine.
• Nuclear Ambitions: An exclusive report by Britain's The Times reveals that Iran is engaging in secret talks with Moscow to bolster its nuclear program. A senior Iranian advisor has been conducting covert diplomatic missions to secure Russian assistance in advancing Tehran's atomic and air defense technologies.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Slater (04:10): "One item not explicitly on the agenda in Moscow this week is Iran's nuclear program, but an exclusive report from Britain's The Times reveals that the Islamic Republic has also been engaging in secret talks with Moscow to advance its atomic ambitions."
• Dr. Emma Salisbury, Sea Power Research Fellow (09:06): "Any invasion of Taiwan would require a large number of ships to transport personnel and equipment across the strait."

Insights: The deepening relationship between Russia and Iran raises alarms within the international community, particularly regarding nuclear proliferation. Western intelligence sources express concern that Russia may cross previously established red lines concerning Iran's nuclear advancements. This partnership could potentially destabilize existing nuclear non-proliferation frameworks and embolden authoritarian regimes.

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2. China Constructs Specialized Amphibious Assault Barges Targeting Taiwan

Overview: China's recent development of specialized amphibious assault barges signifies a strategic preparation for a possible invasion of Taiwan. These vessels are designed to enhance China's military logistics and operational capabilities in the region.

Key Points:

• Barge Specifications: At least five specialized barges are under construction in a southern Chinese shipyard. Each vessel features a 400-foot-long extended road bridge capable of facilitating the direct offloading of tanks, trucks, and heavy equipment onto various shorelines.
• Operational Capabilities: The barges are equipped with stabilizing jackup pillars, allowing them to function as mobile piers even in poor weather conditions. This design mirrors the Mulberry Harbors used during World War II's D-Day invasion, indicating a focus on robust amphibious landing operations.
• Strategic Implications: These barges could enable China to bypass Taiwan's heavily defended ports, delivering military assets to previously inaccessible areas. This development complicates Taiwan's defense strategies and underscores the evolving nature of regional threats.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Slater (09:25): "These barges, along with China's growing fleet of roll-on, roll-off ferries designed for dual civilian and military use, indicate a deliberate effort to enhance China's amphibious assault capabilities."
• Dr. Emma Salisbury (09:06): "Any invasion of Taiwan would require a large number of ships to transport personnel and equipment across the strait."

Insights: China's investment in such specialized military infrastructure highlights Beijing's commitment to maintaining the option of unification with Taiwan by force. The enhanced amphibious capabilities diminish Taiwan's geographical advantages, potentially altering the strategic balance in the Taiwan Strait. International observers fear that these developments could lead to increased military tensions and destabilize the broader Indo-Pacific region.

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3. Israel and Hamas Nearing Ceasefire Amidst Hostage Negotiations

Overview: Optimism mounts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, driven by high-stakes negotiations involving hostage releases and territorial adjustments. The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., reflect a pivotal moment in the enduring conflict.

Key Points:

• Hostage Releases: The proposed ceasefire's first phase involves Hamas releasing 33 humanitarian hostages, including children, women, the elderly, and the sick. Successful completion of this phase over 16 days will initiate the second stage, focusing on the release of male soldiers, men of military age, and the remains of deceased captives.
• Territorial Adjustments: Israel plans to establish a new buffer zone within Gaza and withdraw from most areas while maintaining border security. This includes creating strategic points along the Gaza-Egypt border under Israeli control to oversee security while allowing civilian movement within Gaza.
• Diplomatic Influences: The impending inauguration of President Elect Donald Trump has influenced Iran's renewed diplomatic efforts. Iran has offered to cap its nuclear enrichment program and allow inspections, though skepticism remains regarding the authenticity of these commitments.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Slater (10:03): "The proposed ceasefire's first phase hinges on Hamas releasing 33 humanitarian hostages, so that means children, women, elderly and the sick."
• Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Representative (12:34): "The IDF defended its actions, stating that prior warnings of Hezbollah violations have gone unaddressed by the international mechanism overseeing the ceasefire."

Insights: The negotiations reflect a potential thaw in one of the most protracted and volatile conflicts in the Middle East. However, the exclusion of high-profile Palestinian prisoners and individuals linked to the October 23 terror attacks underscores the complexities and limitations of the proposed agreement. Additionally, the ongoing tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon highlight the fragility of regional ceasefires, indicating that lasting peace remains uncertain.

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4. Los Angeles Grapples with Devastating Wildfires and Opportunistic Looting

Overview: Los Angeles is currently facing some of its most severe wildfires, exacerbated by powerful Santa Ana winds. The crisis has led to extensive property destruction, loss of lives, and a troubling increase in opportunistic crimes, including looting.

Key Points:

• Wildfire Impact: In just seven days, four major fires have consumed over 62 square miles of Los Angeles County, a size triple that of Manhattan. Key fires include the Eaton Fire near Pasadena and the Palisades Fire in the affluent Pacific Palisades area, with containment rates languishing at one-third and 14%, respectively.
• Response Efforts: The region has mobilized nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and over 14,000 firefighters from across California, nine other states, and even Canada and Mexico. Pre-positioned firefighting resources and water trucks have been strategically deployed to address the expanding infernos.
• Looting and Crime: The disaster has seen a surge in looting incidents, including suspects disguising themselves as firefighters to exploit the chaos. As of Sunday, the death toll has risen to 24, with nearly 100,000 residents under evacuation orders. The LA County Sheriff reported 29 arrests related to looting near fire-affected zones.

Notable Quotes:

• Fire Chief of Los Angeles County (15:27): "We're absolutely better prepared for what's coming."
• LA County Sheriff Robert Luna (16:38): "When I was out there in Malibu, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter and I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn't realize we had him in handcuffs."

Insights: The combination of extreme weather conditions and widespread wildfires presents a formidable challenge for emergency responders. The influx of resources from multiple regions underscores the severity of the situation. Meanwhile, the rise in opportunistic crimes highlights the societal strains during natural disasters, necessitating robust law enforcement and community support to maintain order and ensure public safety.

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Concluding Remarks

Mike Slater, filling in for Mike Baker, provided a comprehensive overview of pressing global and domestic issues, ranging from international alliances and military developments to humanitarian crises and natural disasters. The intricate interplay of these factors underscores the complexity of today's geopolitical landscape and the imperative for informed, strategic responses to safeguard national and global security.

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For more detailed analysis and updates, listeners are encouraged to stay tuned to future episodes of The President's Daily Brief.

Transcript

[Mike Baker]

This episode is brought to you by Lifelock. The New Year brings new health goals and wealth goals. Protecting your identity is an important step. Lifelock monitors millions of data points per second. If your identity is stolen, Lifelock's restoration specialists will fix it, guaranteed, or your money back. Resolve to make identity, health and wealth part of your New year's goals. With LifeLock, save up to 40% your first year. Visit LifeLock.com podcast terms apply. Hey, Mike Baker here. I'm currently on an epic camel trek through the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. 700 miles in about four weeks, all to raise awareness for the UK Special Forces Benevolent Fund. And if you're wondering, well, there are very few comfortable ways to sit on a camel. Now, while I'm away, my good friend Mike Slater is stepping in to keep you informed here on the PDB.

[Mike Slater]

Thanks, Mike, and safe travels, brother. It is Tuesday, the 14th of January, 2025. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Slater filling in for Mike Baker.

[Unknown Co-Host]

It's an honor to be filling in.

[Mike Slater]

When Baker's off doing what all of us do on our vacation time. You know, ride camels through the Saudi Arabian desert. But Baker, of course, doing it for a good cause.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund.

[Mike Slater]

It's called their Tribute Trek, and you can follow them on Instagram, sfcb, F Trek, T R E K on Instagram.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Five riders, 10 camels, 700 miles.

[Mike Slater]

They'll update us if you ever can have a moment and get some reception.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Look forward to hearing from him soon. I look forward to Mike getting back.

[Mike Slater]

Until then, my honor to be here. My name is Mike Slater. I host the morning show called Breitbart News Daily on SiriusXM Patriot. Also host a podcast called Politics by.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Faith and a TV show on the first tv.

[Mike Slater]

Baker has been on that show many times, and if you've ever wondered, yes.

[Unknown Co-Host]

He is a genuinely good man.

[Mike Slater]

Now, without further ado, let's get briefed. Today we kick off with the growing.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Partnership between Russia and Iran as news emerges of the Islamic Republic's engaging in secret talks with Moscow to bolster its nuclear ambitions.

[Mike Slater]

Later in the show, China is building at least five specialized barges for amphibious assaults. Analysts suggest these vessels could be designed to transport tanks and heavy equipment into Taiwanese shores. Plus, with optimism building for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, Israeli officials have revealed the key details of the deal that both sides are currently considering. And in today's Back of the Brief.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The latest from Los Angeles, where the.

[Mike Slater]

Death toll rises and authorities face growing.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Challenges with looters, some of them dressing up as firefighters.

[Mike Slater]

But first, today's PDB spotlight will begin in Russia, where Vladimir Putin is preparing.

[Unknown Co-Host]

To host the president of Iran this.

[Mike Slater]

Week for the signing of a long.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Awaited comprehensive strategic partnership pact that could have nuclear implications.

[Mike Slater]

The Iranian president is set to arrive in Moscow for the diplomatic talks on January 17, which will officially focus on plans for expanding bilateral trade, investment and.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Cooperation and transport, logistics and humanitarian spheres.

[Mike Slater]

The Kremlin said Monday that the pair will also discuss regional and international issues, though they did not elaborate on specifics. If you listen to Baker, then you know that Russia has been cultivating closer ties with Iran ever since their February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with a focus.

[Unknown Co-Host]

On strategic defense cooperation. Iran has supplied Russia with hundreds of kamikaze drones, helping facilitate long range strikes on Ukraine's vital infrastructure.

[Mike Slater]

The mullahs have gone so far as.

[Unknown Co-Host]

To help Moscow build their own production bases for these drones inside Russia, while also supplying the Putin regime with close range ballistic missiles to resupply their dwindling stockpiles.

[Mike Slater]

In return, the Iranians have pursued sophisticated.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Russian weapons like long range air defense systems and fighter jets. But recent rumblings say Iran's leaders are after something far more explosive than that.

[Mike Slater]

One item not explicitly on the agenda in Moscow this week is Iran's nuclear program, but an exclusive report from Britain's.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The Times reveals that the Islamic Republic has also been engaging in secret talks with Moscow to advance its atomic ambitions.

[Mike Slater]

According to the report, a senior advisor to the Iranian supreme leader has been.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Conducting covert diplomatic missions to Russia in recent months ahead of the signing of the new treaty, seeking the Kremlin's assistance in improving Tehran's nuclear and air defense capabilities.

[Mike Slater]

The aid has met with high ranking.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Russian officials during these secret excursions, though what kind of assistance Russia may be providing the Iranians at this time remains.

[Mike Slater]

Unclear, an unnamed Western intelligence source told the Times.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Since they are deepening their strategic relationship and Russia is dependent on Iran for.

[Mike Slater]

Missiles and drones, there is concern that.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Moscow is ready to cross previously drawn red lines on the Iranian nuclear program.

[Mike Slater]

According to the sources who spoke with the Times. While the Iranians are fully capable of.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Developing the enriched uranium needed to build a bomb, they lack expertise on the finer points of how to effectively deploy such a device.

[Mike Slater]

NATO's former director of nuclear non proliferation.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Said the Russians could help teach Iranian.

[Mike Slater]

Scientists, quote, how to build a smaller.

[Unknown Co-Host]

More complex bomb or a nuclear device.

[Mike Slater]

That can fit inside an artillery shell. The official added that Iranian scientists could also learn a tremendous amount about how.

[Unknown Co-Host]

To refine their nuclear program by visiting.

[Mike Slater]

Russian nuclear facilities, saying they could learn.

[Unknown Co-Host]

A lot in 24 hours. A long working weekend would give the Iranians a lot of ideas.

[Mike Slater]

In addition to Putin's summit with the Iranian president on Friday, the revelation comes.

[Unknown Co-Host]

As Tehran holds talks with the uk, Germany, France and Geneva this week regarding their nuclear program.

[Mike Slater]

Iran reportedly initiated the latest round of.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Talks seeking to lift sanctions and resolve the long standing nuclear impasse before Donald Trump is inaugurated this coming Monday.

[Mike Slater]

As part of their renewed push for diplomacy ahead of Trump's return, the Iranians have reportedly offered to cap their nuclear enrichment program at 60% and allow inspectors.

[Unknown Co-Host]

With the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency back into the country.

[Mike Slater]

But given recent activity inside Iran and the new reports about their back channeling efforts with Russia, many remain skeptical that.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Iran's commitment to resolving the issue is genuine.

[Mike Slater]

As Baker has discussed here before, Iran.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Has increased their stores of uranium enriched to 60% purity tenfold since August and.

[Mike Slater]

Are now in possession of enough nuclear material to produce roughly 12 nuclear weapons. For context, uranium is considered weapons grade.

[Unknown Co-Host]

At 90% purity, and the leap from 60% to 90% can be done in a matter of days or at most weeks by using advanced centrifuges.

[Mike Slater]

Just last week, the French president Macron.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Warned that Iran's renewed pursuit of a bomb was nearing the point of no return. The stakes couldn't be higher, and due to rising international concern, Trump is reportedly considering preemptive strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities as he returns to office on Monday.

[Mike Slater]

Coming next, China's new amphibious assault barges spark concerns over Taiwan.

[Unknown Co-Host]

And Israeli officials reveal the latest ceasefire deal with Hamas as optimism builds for peace.

[Mike Slater]

Do you remember what Trump said a couple times? That that if Hamas you don't return all the hostages before I take office, all hell will break loose. That seems to have gotten their attention. We'll have those stories when we get back.

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[Mike Slater]

Welcome back to the PDB. Mike Slater filling in for Mike Baker. Shifting now to The Far east, where China is reportedly constructing a fleet of specialized amphibious assault barges, sparking fresh concerns that its military is preparing for a potential invasion of Taiwan.

[Unknown Co-Host]

According to Naval News, at least five of these vessels are being built at.

[Mike Slater]

A shipyard in southern China, and they.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Have unique features that analysts say are tailored for amphibious landings. Why would they need that?

[Mike Slater]

Check this out.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Each barge is equipped with an extended.

[Mike Slater]

Road bridge that's 400ft long.

[Unknown Co-Host]

It's about the length of a football field and capable of reaching coastal roads or firm ground beyond a beach.

[Mike Slater]

The design allows tanks, trucks and other.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Heavy equipment to be offloaded directly onto shorelines. These barges also feature stabilizing jackup pillars for operation in poor weather conditions, effectively.

[Mike Slater]

Functioning as mobile piers for military logistics. Defense analysts have drawn parallels between these.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Vessels and the Mulberry Harbors used by.

[Mike Slater]

Allied forces during the D Day invasion.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Of World War II.

[Mike Slater]

Like those, these barges are being constructed.

[Unknown Co-Host]

At remarkable speed, with innovative design suggesting their intended uses. More than just civilian.

[Mike Slater]

Experts agree that their size and configuration.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Make them unsuitable for commercial purposes.

[Mike Slater]

Dr. Emma Salisbury, a Sea Power Research fellow at the Council on Geostrategy, highlights the significance of these developments. Said quote, any invasion of Taiwan would.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Require a large number of ships to.

[Mike Slater]

Transport personnel and equipment across the strait.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Particularly land assets like armored vehicles.

[Mike Slater]

These barges, along with China's growing fleet.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Of roll on, roll off ferries designed for dual civilian and military use, indicate a deliberate effort to enhance China's amphibious assault capabilities.

[Mike Slater]

Traditionally, Taiwan has relied on its natural.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Geography and limited beach landing sites for defense. But the reach of these new barges.

[Mike Slater]

Could change that equation.

[Unknown Co-Host]

With their ability to operate on rocky or soft beaches and deliver equipment to.

[Mike Slater]

Previously inaccessible areas, they offer the Chinese.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Military new landing options.

[Mike Slater]

This complicates Taiwan's defense strategies and allows.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Beijing to bypass heavily defended ports.

[Mike Slater]

Now, these developments don't confirm an imminent invasion.

[Unknown Co-Host]

They do underline Beijing's effort to keep the option on the table. Whether it's a leverage tool or a.

[Mike Slater]

Real possibility for Taiwan and its allies, the message is clear. The threat is evolving and so must the defenses. Shifting now to our continuing coverage of the Israel Hamas ceasefire negotiations. Top level talks are reportedly being held.

[Unknown Co-Host]

In Doha this morning.

[Mike Slater]

Iron out the final details of the deal.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Last night, we began learning the contours of this potential deal.

[Mike Slater]

Among the most pivotal elements, Hamas is poised to release 33 humanitarian hostages. High profile Palestinian prisoners remain off the table.

[Unknown Co-Host]

And Israel plans to establish a new buffer zone inside Gaza. Israel is reportedly in the advanced stages of negotiations with Hamas, with mediation from Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. and while.

[Mike Slater]

The deal is not finalized, Israeli officials credit President Elect Donald Trump's hardline rhetoric.

[Unknown Co-Host]

And threats for pushing Hamas towards negotiations.

[Mike Slater]

The threat was something like if you don't release all the hostages by January 20th, all hell will break loose.

[Unknown Co-Host]

We'll see.

[Mike Slater]

But that seems to have been an effective approach. The proposed ceasefire's first phase hinges on.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Hamas releasing 33 humanitarian hostages, so that means children, women, elderly and the sick.

[Mike Slater]

It's important to note that if this.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Phase succeeds over a 16 day period, negotiations for the second stage will shift towards the release of male soldiers, men of military age and the remains of deceased captives.

[Mike Slater]

On the other side of the equation.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Israel will release a number of Palestinians.

[Mike Slater]

Being held by Israel.

[Unknown Co-Host]

However, high profile Palestinians remain excluded from the release, as do individuals linked to.

[Mike Slater]

The 7 October 23 terror attacks. A Saudi news outlet on Monday reported.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Israel floated a list of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners who are eligible for exchange.

[Mike Slater]

The potential agreement also outlines broader territorial adjustments.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Israel will withdraw from most areas of.

[Mike Slater]

Gaza while fortifying its border security with.

[Unknown Co-Host]

New buffer zones and strategic points. Along the Gaza Egypt border will remain.

[Mike Slater]

Under Israeli control, enabling security oversight while.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Allowing civilian movement within Gaza.

[Mike Slater]

The officials confirm Israel will not completely.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Withdraw from Gaza until the war's goals are achieved, which is the return of all hostages.

[Mike Slater]

While there's hope in Gaza for a.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Ceasefire to the north, the truce between.

[Mike Slater]

Israel and Hezbollah continued to show signs of fraying as the IDF Israeli Defense Forces carried out airstrikes targeting the Iran.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Backed terror group in Lebanon.

[Mike Slater]

The strikes from Israel targeted rocket launchers.

[Unknown Co-Host]

A terrorist military site and weapon smuggling routes along the Syria Lebanon border.

[Mike Slater]

Lebanon state run national news agency confirmed.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The strikes but did not provide casualty details. The IDF defended its actions, stating that prior warnings of Hezbollah violations have gone unaddressed by the international mechanism overseeing the ceasefire.

[Mike Slater]

The truce, in effect since late November.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Now teeters on the brink of collapse.

[Mike Slater]

Lebanon's prime minister pledged to disarm Hezbollah in the south, while the country's newly.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Elected president vowed to establish state authority over the region. Despite these commitments, reports from the Khan public broadcaster reveal Hezbollah continues to conceal weapons including mortars and anti tank missiles in areas under IDF control.

[Mike Slater]

I Under the terms of this ceasefire from late November, Hezbollah is expected to.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Withdraw north to the latani river by.

[Mike Slater]

26 January while Israeli forces must vacate southern Lebanon. This withdrawal would leave the area under.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The control of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

[Mike Slater]

However, Israeli officials warn its exit may.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Be delayed if these conditions are not met.

[Mike Slater]

Coming up in the Back OF THE brief, Los Angeles officials crack down on.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Looters amid wildfires, including suspects caught impersonating firefighters.

[Mike Slater]

More on that when we come back.

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[Mike Slater]

I'm Mike Slater filling in for Mike Baker. And today's BACK of the brief.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The latest from Los Angeles. A growing force of firefighters and equipment.

[Mike Slater]

Deployed across the county came as high.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Winds threatened to further fuel wildfires that.

[Mike Slater]

Have devastated thousands of homes and claimed dozens of lives.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The region braces for its most dangerous day today with winds expected to peak at 65 miles per hour. Complicating the limited containment efforts from over.

[Mike Slater]

The weekend, the National Weather Service has.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Issued severe fire warnings through Wednesday.

[Mike Slater]

The county is now a flashpoint in a coordinated emergency response, drawing resources from across California, nine other states, even Canada and Mexico.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft and over 14,000 firefighters battled the infernos.

[Mike Slater]

The Los Angeles county fire chief emphasized the improved readiness, including pre positioned firefighting.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Aircraft and dozens of water trucks stationed along parched brush covered hillsides to replenish supplies after the hydrants ran dry last.

[Mike Slater]

Week, the chief said, quote, we're absolutely better prepared for what's coming.

[Unknown Co-Host]

However, he warned that the powerful Santa Ana winds could ground planes and disrupt operations as they did last week. In just seven days, four major fires engulfed over 62 square miles of Los Angeles County. That's triple the size of Manhattan.

[Mike Slater]

Capturing the headlines of the Eaton fire.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Near Pasadena, which is one third contained, and the Palisades fire in the affluent Pacific Palisades area, where containment lags at.

[Mike Slater]

Just 14% on this Palisades fire.

[Unknown Co-Host]

If you're familiar with the area, it just has to go over a few more ravines and then could jump the 405. If it jumps the 405 highway, the next neighborhood to catch on fire is.

[Mike Slater]

Bel Air, UCLA and then Beverly Hills.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Firefighters, of course, doing everything they can to prevent it from jumping over the highway.

[Mike Slater]

The LA County Sheriff, Robert Luna confirmed.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The death toll rose to 24 as of Sunday, with dozens still missing.

[Mike Slater]

Evacuation orders remain in effect for nearly 100,000 residents, including on the other side of the 405. The crisis has also seen a troubling.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Surge of opportunistic crime.

[Mike Slater]

The sheriff reported 29 arrests for looting and fire affected zones, including 25 near.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The Eaton Fire and four in Pacific Palisades.

[Mike Slater]

One suspect disguised himself as a firefighter. The sheriff told reporters, quote, when I was out there in Malibu, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter and I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn't realize we had him in handcuffs. While firefighting crews have made modest gains.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The scale of destruction and the ferocity of the winds threatened to undo that progress, setting the stage for an ongoing battle to safeguard lives and property.

[Mike Slater]

And that is the President's Daily brief for Tuesday, the 14th of January. I'm no Mike Baker, but I hope you still feel informed and caught up. If you have any questions that you'd like to send to me, same address, pdbhefirsttv.com Baker's people will get that to me.

[Unknown Co-Host]

If you'd like to listen to the.

[Mike Slater]

Show ad free, you become a premium member of the President's Daily brief.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Going to PDB premium.com youm can also reach me directly on Slater Radio, on Twitter and Instagram.

[Mike Slater]

I'm Mike Slater.

[Unknown Co-Host]

I'll be back later today with the PDB Afternoon Bulletin.

[Mike Slater]

Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.