June 16th, 2025: Why Israel Chose This Moment To Strike Iran & Political Violence In Minnesota

Summary

Podcast Summary: The President's Daily Brief
Episode: June 16th, 2025
Host: Mike Baker
Release Date: June 16, 2025

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1. Escalation of the Israel-Iran Conflict

Overview: The episode opens with a deep dive into the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. Over the past four days, both nations have engaged in heavy strikes, significantly escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel has initiated a robust campaign against Iran, signaling that the conflict could extend for weeks.

Key Points:

• Military Actions: Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones into central Israel, resulting in at least 13 confirmed deaths. Israeli cities like Tel Aviv have been directly targeted, forcing millions to seek refuge in bomb shelters.
• Israeli Response: Israel has retaliated with airstrikes targeting Iranian facilities, including those in Tehran. The nation’s superior air capabilities have left Iran struggling to mount a significant defense.
• Casualties and Impact: While Iran has not released an official death toll, human rights groups estimate over 400 casualties. Israel has declared that its military campaign will persist, emphasizing the duration could span weeks rather than days.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Baker ([01:10]): "A key question that many are asking is why did Israel decide to launch their attack now?"
• News Anchor ([02:05]): "Israel appears to be operating with near total impunity thanks to its overwhelming air superiority."

Analysis: Mike Baker and the News Anchor explore the potential reasons behind Israel's timing, pointing to Iran's nuclear program as a significant factor. Recent announcements by Tehran about new enrichment sites may have pushed Israel to act preemptively to prevent a possible nuclear breakout.

Strategic Overview: Iran's traditional strategy against Israel has relied on two main pillars:

1. Axis of Resistance: A network of proxy groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and various Shiite militias.
2. Conventional Missile and Drone Arsenal: Capable of launching mass barrages from mobile platforms within Iran’s borders.

Impact of Recent Events: The events of October 7th, where Hamas conducted a brutal attack, likely with some level of Iranian involvement, provided Israel with the impetus to dismantle Iran's regional threat. Israel's systematic neutralization of Iran’s proxy networks has significantly weakened the Axis of Resistance, forcing Iran to rely solely on its missile and drone capabilities, which are more easily countered by Israeli intelligence and military operations.

Future Projections: As the conflict continues, Iran's ability to sustain large-scale missile and drone attacks is expected to decline due to the loss of mobile launchers and increased vulnerability to Israeli counterattacks. Simultaneously, Israeli jets remain a dominant force, continuously targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and nuclear facilities.

Closing Insight: The podcast emphasizes that while the immediate threat from Iran is diminishing, the specter of a nuclear confrontation remains a critical concern for Israel, underscoring the strategic significance of the ongoing military campaign.

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2. Political Assassination in Minnesota

Incident Overview: A shocking political assassination rocked Minnesota, sparking a massive manhunt for the perpetrator. A masked gunman, posing as a police officer, fatally shot Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, while critically wounding another Democratic lawmaker and their spouse.

Key Points:

• Suspect Identification: The suspect, Vance Bolter, a 57-year-old former private security firm owner, is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Bolter is believed to have used his background in warfare zones and access to police-type vehicles to execute the attack convincingly.
• Manifesto and Motives: Authorities found a handwritten manifesto and a target list naming over 70 individuals, including state lawmakers and abortion providers. The manifesto suggests a broader strain of anti-government extremism rather than a direct link to recent anti-Trump protests.
• Law Enforcement Response: The FBI leads the search, offering a $50,000 reward. Surveillance images show Bolter in tactical gear with a rubber mask. There are reports of potential Mossad or Israeli operatives involved in operations within Tehran, hinting at possible international dimensions to the violence.

Notable Quotes:

• Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz ([12:10]): "Underwent surgery and are expected to survive, calling the attack a quote, assassination attempt."
• Representative Paul Murphy ([17:41]): "We are refusing to board the deportation bus."

Suspect’s Background: Bolter’s history includes running a private security firm with experience in conflict zones like Gaza and parts of Africa. He was also linked to evangelical ministries and held positions on the state's Workforce Development Board, appointed by both Democratic and Republican governors.

Witness Accounts: An individual close to Bolter reported receiving a ominous text message indicating potential danger shortly before the shootings. Social media reactions are rife with partisan speculations, but the podcast urges listeners to rely on factual evidence as the investigation unfolds.

Current Status: Bolter remains at large, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate him. The community is on high alert, and there are ongoing concerns about potential further violence.

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3. Egypt's Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Activists

Incident Overview: Egyptian authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown on pro-Palestinian Western activists attempting to march to the Gaza border. The "resistance convoy," intended as a multinational solidarity march, was thwarted by Egyptian security forces, leading to mass detentions and confiscations.

Key Points:

• Scale of the Crackdown: Security forces intercepted dozens of buses from over 80 countries, detaining participants and seizing passports. High-profile detainees include Irish MP Paul Murphy, Turkish MP Hala Rarit, and the grandson of Nelson Mandela.
• Violent Confrontations: Footage reveals clashes between protesters and unidentified men in plain clothes, with instances of physical assault and propelling water bottles as resistance.
• Government Rationale: Egypt cited security concerns, emphasizing that the large-scale protests could destabilize the sensitive Sinai Peninsula and endanger IDF soldiers stationed near the border.
• International Response: While organizers appealed to foreign embassies for intervention, Egypt maintained its stance, prioritizing national sovereignty and security over international solidarity movements.

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump ([13:42]): "Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the USA. God bless the great people of Minnesota. A truly great place."
• Irish MP Paul Murphy ([17:41]): "We are refusing to board the deportation bus."

Impact on Activism: The crackdown has significantly hindered the organizers' efforts to mobilize a mass movement towards Gaza. A separate convoy from Libya was also stopped before reaching Egyptian soil, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the Egyptian response.

Government Stance: Egypt's zero-tolerance policy towards unsanctioned demonstrations, especially those involving foreign nationals, demonstrates a firm approach to maintaining internal stability. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Egypt’s actions, reinforcing the notion that such measures are necessary to prevent further provocations.

Conclusion: The Egyptian government's decisive actions underscore the complexities of international activism within sovereign nations. The intersection of security, foreign policy, and human rights remains a contentious battleground, as illustrated by the thwarted pro-Palestinian convoy.

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4. Potential Expansion of Trump's Travel Ban

Overview: In the latter part of the episode, attention shifts to domestic policy, specifically the Trump administration's consideration to expand its travel ban to include 36 additional countries. This move builds upon the existing ban from 12 countries issued in June.

Key Points:

• Targeted Nations: The proposed expansion predominantly includes African nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside Caribbean countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda. Additionally, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, and Djibouti from Asia and Oceania are on the radar.
• Rationale for Expansion: The administration argues that the expansion is necessary to close loopholes exploited by foreign nationals, reinforcing the integrity of the President’s immigration and security framework.
• Concerns Addressed: Issues cited include unreliable identity documentation, government fraud, high visa overstay rates, and the proliferation of citizenship-for-investment programs, which could allow bad actors to enter the U.S. under false pretenses.
• Procedural Steps: A classified State Department memo reveals that the targeted countries must submit preliminary plans to address these vulnerabilities by a specified deadline. Failure to demonstrate sufficient progress within 60 days could result in these nations being added to the list with full or partial bans.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Baker ([22:01]): "The new proposal targets citizens from 36 additional nations, building on President Trump's June proclamation that barred entry from 12 countries."
• News Anchor ([23:32]): "US Officials warn that these schemes pose serious risks to the vetting process, potentially allowing bad actors to enter the country under false pretenses."

Implications: If implemented, the expanded travel ban would affect millions of travelers, students, and workers from the targeted nations. The policy aims to enhance national security but faces criticism for its potential impact on international relations and individual freedoms.

Conclusion: The potential expansion of the travel ban represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, reflecting broader concerns about national security and the integrity of the visa issuance process. As the situation develops, stakeholders watch closely to gauge the policy’s impact on international mobility and diplomatic relations.

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Closing Remarks

Mike Baker concludes the episode by reminding listeners to stay informed and engaged with ongoing global and domestic issues. The comprehensive analysis provided aims to equip listeners with the necessary insights to understand and navigate the complexities of current events affecting America and the world.

Contact Information: Listeners are encouraged to reach out via email at [e-mail] for questions or comments and to subscribe to the upcoming premium content for an ad-free experience.

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End of Summary

Transcript

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[Mike Baker]

It's Monday, the 16th of June. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief.

[News Anchor]

I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears.

[Mike Baker]

On the world stage. And yes, still on the road. Let's get briefed.

[News Anchor]

First up, of course, we'll start things.

[Mike Baker]

Off with the escalating war between Israel and Iran. Now, after a weekend of heavy strikes, Israel says the campaign could last for weeks. A key question that many are asking is why did Israel decide to launch their attack now?

[News Anchor]

Well, the PDB is here to try and answer your key questions, so we'll break that down later in the show. A manhunt is underway in Minnesota after a deadly politically motivated shooting left one Democrat lawmaker and their spouse dead and another Democrat lawmaker critically wounded.

[Mike Baker]

Plus, Egyptian authorities cracked down on pro Palestinian Western activists attempting to cross the Gaza border. Some were beaten, others deported. All were taught a lesson about the real world.

[News Anchor]

And in today's Back of the brief.

[Mike Baker]

Trump's travel ban may grow in the coming weeks.

[News Anchor]

A leaked Memo suggested the US could.

[Mike Baker]

Expand restrictions to 36 more countries.

[News Anchor]

But first, today's PDB. It was a growing conflagration over the.

[Mike Baker]

Weekend in the Middle East.

[News Anchor]

For four days now, Israel and Iran.

[Mike Baker]

Have been trading blows. Iran has now launched hundreds of missiles.

[News Anchor]

And drones into central Israel, with at.

[Mike Baker]

Least 13 confirmed dead.

[News Anchor]

On the Israeli side, buildings in Tel.

[Mike Baker]

Aviv and other urban centers have taken direct hits.

[News Anchor]

And millions of Israelis have spent the.

[Mike Baker]

Last several days in and out of bomb shelters.

[News Anchor]

Israel is continuing its own wave of airstrikes targeting facilities across Iran, including within the capital Tehran. Israel appears to be operating with near.

[Mike Baker]

Total impunity thanks to its overwhelming air superiority.

[News Anchor]

So so far, Iran has struggled to.

[Mike Baker]

Mount any meaningful air defense, which frankly, isn't much of a sales pitch for Russian defense systems. While Iran has yet to release an official death toll, one human rights group puts the number at a little over 400. Israel says its campaign won't end anytime soon.

[News Anchor]

Officials are warning that this operation will.

[Mike Baker]

Take weeks, not days. So today.

[News Anchor]

Well, I wanted to look at a question that a lot of people have found themselves.

[Mike Baker]

Why now? Why did Israel choose this moment to launch its most significant military operation against Iran to date? Now the most obvious answer would be Iran's nuclear program.

[News Anchor]

Just last week, Tehran announced that it was firing up new enrichment sites. And some Israeli officials feared the country.

[Mike Baker]

Was on the cusp of a nuclear breakout. That could have been the final straw.

[News Anchor]

But you could argue that that's only.

[Mike Baker]

Part of the story. To understand the timing, you have to.

[News Anchor]

Look at what's happened over the past.

[Mike Baker]

Year and a half and how Israel has strategically dismantled the regional threat network built by Iran over decades.

[News Anchor]

Iran's strategy against Israel has traditionally relied on two pillars. First, the so called axis of resistance.

[Mike Baker]

It's a constellation of proxy groups nurtured and funded and trained and resourced by Tehran.

[News Anchor]

This includes of course, Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen.

[Mike Baker]

And various Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. Second, Iran's own conventional missile and drone.

[News Anchor]

Arsenal, capable of launching mass barrages from.

[Mike Baker]

Mobile platforms deep inside its own borders.

[News Anchor]

If timed properly, this two pillar strategy could overwhelm Israel's defenses. You'd have Hamas launching short range rockets from the south, Hezbollah firing precision missiles from the north, the Houthis lobbing drones.

[Mike Baker]

And cruise missiles from the southwest, and Iranian backed militias joining in from the east. That forefront threat, frankly, could easily saturate.

[News Anchor]

Israel's multi layered air defenses, the Iron.

[Mike Baker]

Dome, David's sling and the arrow system, and leave Israeli cities exposed. But that scenario never came to pass.

[News Anchor]

And that was because the 7th of October changed everything.

[Mike Baker]

To what degree Iran had a direct hand in orchestrating Hamas brutal massacre that day remains unclear. It is clear though that fighters from Hamas were being trained inside Iran prior to the attack. And it is clear that that, given how beholden Hamas has been over the.

[News Anchor]

Years to the Iranian regime and the irgc.

[Mike Baker]

Of course, for everything from training to.

[News Anchor]

Money to weapons, you'd be hard pressed or simply naive to think that the October 7th attacks weren't coordinated or reviewed.

[Mike Baker]

With the IRGC leadership ahead of time. But what isn't in dispute is that the attack gave Israel the justification and the urgency to start systematically neutralizing every arm of Iran's regional strategy.

[News Anchor]

Step one, of course, was Gaza. Hamas was the first target. For obvious reasons, Israel responded with a full scale invasion, targeting rocket factories, tunnel networks and command posts. While Hamas remains active, its ability to.

[Mike Baker]

Launch sustained rocket barrages has been significantly degraded, as has its leadership.

[News Anchor]

Step two, Lebanon. Hezbollah, often described as Iran's crown jewel.

[Mike Baker]

Joined the war hours after 7 October, firing missiles in solidarity with Hamas. But it didn't take long for Israel to retaliate.

[News Anchor]

In the months that followed, of course, Israel launched limited operations into southern Lebanon.

[Mike Baker]

And killed dozens of Hezbollah commanders, including.

[News Anchor]

Its supreme leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Then came the pager bombs and covert operation that targeted Hezbollah operatives using their encrypted communication devices.

[Mike Baker]

The result? Well, overall, Hezbollah is now all but silent. Step three, the Houthis.

[News Anchor]

By attacking Red Sea shipping lanes, the.

[Mike Baker]

Houthis inserted themselves into the broader conflict that gave Israel and a US led.

[News Anchor]

Coalition the green light to strike Houthi.

[Mike Baker]

Missile stockpiles and launchers in Yemen, degrading their long range capabilities.

[News Anchor]

And step four, the Iraqi militias. These Iranian backed groups have remained surprisingly quiet during the recent escalation, likely deterred.

[Mike Baker]

By Israel's ongoing intelligence operations in Syria.

[News Anchor]

And Iraq, and of course, the collapse.

[Mike Baker]

Of the Iranian supported Assad regime in Syria.

[News Anchor]

So by early June, one entire pillar of Iran's strategy, the axis of resistance, was badly fractured. And that created an opening.

[Mike Baker]

With its proxies weakened or neutralized, Iran would have to go it alone. And that's exactly what Israel was hoping for.

[News Anchor]

Because Iran's own capabilities, while dangerous, are much easier to track and counter than.

[Mike Baker]

A forefront proxy assault. Iran's main weapon now is its missile and drone arsenal.

[News Anchor]

But these strikes depend on mobile launchers that they have to move constantly in order to avoid Israeli counterattacks. Each launch reveals electronic signatures, giving Israeli.

[Mike Baker]

Warplanes and intelligence assets a window to locate and destroy the platforms. And Iran can't just fire one or two missiles and call it a day.

[News Anchor]

To break through Israeli defenses, they have.

[Mike Baker]

To launch large scale barrages all at once. Dozens, sometimes hundreds of drones and missiles.

[News Anchor]

That requires time, planning and coordination.

[Mike Baker]

And each barrage comes at a cost.

[News Anchor]

More launchers lost, more exposure to Israeli air power. So as this war drags on, Iran's.

[Mike Baker]

Arsenal will inevitably shrink.

[News Anchor]

Its ability to sustain these attacks over the coming weeks will likely decline.

[Mike Baker]

Meanwhile, Israeli jets continue to fly uncontested.

[News Anchor]

Over Iran's skies, striking military infrastructure, airfields.

[Mike Baker]

Nuclear facilities and command centers.

[News Anchor]

Now, to bring this full circle. Remember those two pillars we mentioned, the proxies and the missiles?

[Mike Baker]

Imagine a third pillar.

[News Anchor]

That would be, of course, a nuclear one.

[Mike Baker]

And that was the nightmare scenario that Israel has always feared.

[News Anchor]

And while Iran is not there yet.

[Mike Baker]

Israeli officials have long warned that they are getting close.

[News Anchor]

So the 7th of October didn't just give Israel a reason to respond to, it gave them, well, an historical opportunity.

[Mike Baker]

An opportunity to dismantle Iran's conventional threat.

[News Anchor]

Structure and prevent the rise of an.

[Mike Baker]

Even more dangerous nuclear one. Despite the fact that the PDB team brings you updates twice a day, the.

[News Anchor]

Nature of news and conflicts is that, well, frankly, shit happens outside the reporting cycle and sometimes the coverage gets overtaken.

[Mike Baker]

By new and fast breaking developments.

[News Anchor]

As an example, right now we're starting.

[Mike Baker]

To get reports that there are operations on the ground in Tehran, possibly involving.

[News Anchor]

Mossad or Israeli operatives. Some early reports indicate that high value targets in Tehran are being eliminated by.

[Mike Baker]

Gunfire at close range.

[News Anchor]

Now we'll be working to get you.

[Mike Baker]

The latest by our afternoon bulletin. All right.

[News Anchor]

Coming up next, a deadly political shooting.

[Mike Baker]

In Minnesota sparks a manhunt and Egypt cracks down on pro Palestinian activists trying to storm the Gaza border.

[News Anchor]

I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here.

[Mike Baker]

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[News Anchor]

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[Mike Baker]

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[News Anchor]

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[Mike Baker]

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[News Anchor]

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[News Anchor]

Welcome back to the pdb. In what's being described as a targeted.

[Mike Baker]

Political assassination, a masked gunman posing as a police officer fatally shot Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband before fleeing the scene triggering a multi agency manhunt.

[News Anchor]

Authorities have identified the suspect as 57 year old Vance Bolter, who remains at.

[Mike Baker]

Large and is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

[News Anchor]

According to law enforcement officials.

[Mike Baker]

The deadly rampage began in the pre.

[News Anchor]

Dawn hours of Saturday when Bolter broke.

[Mike Baker]

Into the home of Democrat state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, shooting both multiple times.

[News Anchor]

Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz confirmed the Hoffmans.

[Mike Baker]

Underwent surgery and are expected to survive, calling the attack a quote, assassination attempt. But Bolter wasn't finished. Shortly afterward he drove several miles to.

[News Anchor]

The Hortman's residence where he shot and killed the Democrat state representative and former Minnesota House Speaker. Her husband Mark was also gunned down in the home.

[Mike Baker]

Police responding to the scene encountered Bolter dressed in tactical gear impersonating a law enforcement officer. They say he fired on them before disappearing into a nearby wooded area on foot.

[News Anchor]

Inside the suspect's abandoned vehicle, investigators uncovered a disturbing cache of evidence. A handwritten manifesto, details of which have.

[Mike Baker]

Not yet been released. A so called target list naming more than 70 individuals including state lawmakers, abortion providers and out of state officials. And flyers bearing the phrase no Kings.

[News Anchor]

Now that's a slogan associated with the.

[Mike Baker]

Anti Trump protests held over the weekend. While no direct link has been established.

[News Anchor]

Between Bolter and those protests, officials say.

[Mike Baker]

The material points to a broader strain of his anti government extremism.

[News Anchor]

Naturally, in what has been a highly partisan political environment in the U.S. both Democrats and Republicans have rushed to social media with their theories and speculation and.

[Mike Baker]

Of course to lay blame on the other side. The search is now being led by the FBI.

[News Anchor]

The Bureau announced a $50,000 reward and released surveillance images showing Bolter outfitted in a full rubber mask, warning that he.

[Mike Baker]

May still be in the Minneapolis St. Paul area. Border Patrol has been placed on alert in case he attempts to cross into Canada. President Trump condemned the killings, declaring, quote, such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the usa. God bless the great people of Minnesota. A truly great place, end quote. But Bolter's background is raising eyebrows and questions. According to public records and reporting from Reuters, Bolter ran a private security firm.

[News Anchor]

That sold, quote, police type vehicles and boasted about experience in war zones like.

[Mike Baker]

Gaza and parts of Africa.

[News Anchor]

Investigators believe his access to such vehicles.

[Mike Baker]

May have helped him convincingly mimic law enforcement. He was also linked to evangelical ministries.

[News Anchor]

And was twice appointed to the state's Work Workforce Development Board, first by former.

[Mike Baker]

Democrat Governor Mark Dayton and then again by Governor Waltz.

[News Anchor]

Now whether he had direct interaction with either of his victims during that time remains unclear.

[Mike Baker]

An individual, David Carlson, identified as Bolter's roommate, told Reuters he received a disturbing text early Saturday morning. Carlson told reporters, quote, he said that he might be dead soon. That message arrived shortly before the shootings began. As with any fast breaking emotive event, it's important for the investigation to take.

[News Anchor]

Place and for actual facts and evidence.

[Mike Baker]

To guide the discourse.

[News Anchor]

I'd caution against getting your news from social media without fact checking or corroboration or any effort to determine what is correct and credible and what is simply.

[Mike Baker]

Partisan being tossed out by either side.

[News Anchor]

For now, the investigation remains fluid. Okay, Shifting to Egypt authorities launched a.

[Mike Baker]

Sweeping crackdown on thousands of pro Palestinian protesters attempting to reach the Gaza border, detaining participants, seizing passports and dispersing crowds in what Egyptian officials say was a potentially destabilizing act. The so called resistance convoy, billed by.

[News Anchor]

Organizers as a multinational march to Rafah in solidarity with Gaza, unraveled into chaos.

[Mike Baker]

Friday and Saturday as waves of protesters.

[News Anchor]

Poured into Cairo and surrounding areas seeking to prevent unrest in the sensitive Sinai Peninsula. Egyptian security forces moved preemptively, Dozens of buses were intercepted at checkpoints and participants.

[Mike Baker]

Were warned to return to their hotels or face immediate deportation.

[News Anchor]

Officials cited security concerns over allowing more.

[Mike Baker]

Than 4,000 foreign nationals from 80 countries.

[News Anchor]

To advance toward the Gaza border, saying.

[Mike Baker]

The sheer scale of the protests risked turning the area into a foreign fueled flashpoint. Organizers claim some participants were left stranded while others were forcibly detained.

[News Anchor]

They allege that authorities have targeted demonstrators.

[Mike Baker]

Despite their stated compliance with Egyptian law.

[News Anchor]

Footage circulating online shows Kefya clad protesters oh that's cute.

[Mike Baker]

Clashing with unidentified men in plain clothes, some wielding clubs. In one video, demonstrators shout, quote, free.

[News Anchor]

Palestine beneath Algerian and Swiss flags before being dragged away.

[Mike Baker]

At least one clip shows protesters throwing water bottles in response.

[News Anchor]

Now here's a pro tip.

[Mike Baker]

When in Egypt or really any foreign.

[News Anchor]

Country, don't assume that your self righteousness.

[Mike Baker]

And your unwarranted confidence about being right will protect you from local justice or authorities. Whether the plainclothes men were officers or angry locals remains unclear, but the message sent by Egyptian authorities was unmistakable.

[News Anchor]

There will be no march to Rafah.

[Mike Baker]

The crackdown intensified near Cairo's main checkpoints, where riot police and armored vehicles reportedly seized at least 40 passports. Dozens of others were interrogated upon arrival.

[News Anchor]

Among those detained was Irish Member of.

[Mike Baker]

Parliament Paul Murphy, also a Turkish MP.

[News Anchor]

And a former US diplomat, Hala Rarit.

[Mike Baker]

Who resigned from her post over a year ago in protest of the war in Gaza.

[News Anchor]

That's a super brave move, right? Murphy posted on X. Quote, we've had.

[Mike Baker]

Our passports confiscated and are being detained.

[News Anchor]

It seems Egyptian authorities have decided to.

[Mike Baker]

Crack down on the great march to Gaza. We are refusing to board the deportation bus, end quote.

[News Anchor]

Okay, Paul, good luck with that.

[Mike Baker]

Turkish officials later confirmed that their MP had been injured during the confrontation. Meanwhile, the grandson of Nelson Mandela said.

[News Anchor]

On social media that he too was briefly detained near Cairo and had his passport taken.

[Mike Baker]

Some activists catching wind of the intensifying dragnet and apparently slightly smarter than the.

[News Anchor]

Average activist, chose to remain in Cairo.

[Mike Baker]

A separate convoy of roughly 2,000 activists.

[News Anchor]

Attempting to cross from eastern Libya was.

[Mike Baker]

Stopped by security forces before ever reaching Egyptian soil.

[News Anchor]

Another blow, of course, to organizers hopes.

[Mike Baker]

Of a mass movement converging at the Gaza border. Though Egyptian officials have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, analysts note that Cairo has long adopted a zero tolerance policy toward unsanctioned demonstrations, particularly ones driven by foreign nationals that risk inflaming domestic sentiment or near security flashpoints. That position drew praise from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, saying he expected Gairo to prevent provocations near the border and warning that the convoy's arrival could, quote, endanger the security of IDF soldiers. Despite pleads from organizers urging foreign embassies to intervene on behalf of detained citizens.

[News Anchor]

Including nationals from Canada and Turkey and the UK, Egypt has shown no signs.

[Mike Baker]

Of backing down, making clear that its.

[News Anchor]

Sovereignty and security take precedence over performative.

[Mike Baker]

Art and angst ridden Westerners.

[News Anchor]

Okay, coming up next in the back of the brief, a new report says.

[Mike Baker]

Trump's travel ban could soon hit 36 more countries. We'll have those details next.

[News Anchor]

Hey, Mike Baker here. Now, most people know me as a.

[Mike Baker]

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[News Anchor]

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[Mike Baker]

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[News Anchor]

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[News Anchor]

Experience it while it lasts. In today's Back of the Brief, the Trump administration is eyeing an expansion of its travel ban policy, one that could more than double the number of countries already facing entry restrictions, according to a.

[Mike Baker]

Classified State Department cable obtained by the Washington Post.

[News Anchor]

The new proposal targets citizens from 36 additional nations, building on President Trump's Fourth.

[Mike Baker]

Of June proclamation that barred entry from 12 countries.

[News Anchor]

The administration argues that the expanded list.

[Mike Baker]

Is necessary to plug the long standing.

[News Anchor]

Loopholes exploited by foreign nationals and to.

[Mike Baker]

Reinforce what it sees as a keystone.

[News Anchor]

In the President's immigration and security framework.

[Mike Baker]

Africa dominates the list with 25 of.

[News Anchor]

The targeted nations, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

[Mike Baker]

Several Caribbean nations also make the cut, such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica.

[News Anchor]

And Antigua and Barbuda, alongside four Asian countries, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan and Syria. Three more come from Oceania. Among the more striking inclusions are Egypt and Djibouti.

[Mike Baker]

Those are nations that maintain long standing.

[News Anchor]

Ties with the US but according to the memo, even these partners have come under scrutiny for failing to meet what.

[Mike Baker]

Officials call essential standards like issuing reliable identity documents, maintaining a functioning central government.

[News Anchor]

Or cooperating on deportations. Several countries, the cable notes, are plagued.

[Mike Baker]

By what it describes as, quote, widespread.

[News Anchor]

Government fraud or have allowed high rates of visa overstays.

[Mike Baker]

Another area of concern is a proliferation.

[News Anchor]

Of so called citizenship for investment programs, which offer foreign nationals second passports in exchange for capital.

[Mike Baker]

Now, US Officials warn that these schemes pose serious risks to the vetting process.

[News Anchor]

Potentially allowing bad actors to enter the.

[Mike Baker]

Country under false pretenses.

[News Anchor]

The memo goes further, suggesting that several.

[Mike Baker]

Of the countries are on the radar.

[News Anchor]

Not just for administrative lapses, but for.

[Mike Baker]

Their citizens alleged involvement in antisemitic or anti American activity on U.S. soil.

[News Anchor]

Each of the targeted governments has until.

[Mike Baker]

Wednesday morning to submit a preliminary plan for addressing the identified vulnerabilities. If they fail to demonstrate sufficient progress.

[News Anchor]

Within 60 days, they risk being added.

[Mike Baker]

To the list of countries subject to full or partial bans. Now, no final decisions have been made.

[News Anchor]

But the stakes are high.

[Mike Baker]

If implemented, the policy could impact millions.

[News Anchor]

Of travelers, students and workers. And that, my friends, is the President's.

[Mike Baker]

Daily brief for Monday 16 June.

[News Anchor]

If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at pdb@the first tv.com and of course to listen to the show ad free. Well, it's simple.

[Mike Baker]

Just become a premium member of the.

[News Anchor]

PDB by visiting PDB premium.com and by now I hope that you've had a chance to check out and subscribe to our soon to be critically acclaimed YouTube channel.

[Mike Baker]

You can find that at President's Daily Brief.

[News Anchor]

I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back later today with the PDB Afternoon Bulletin.

[Mike Baker]

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