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Mike Baker
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Caitlin Becker
Foreign.
Mike Baker
It's Friday the 1st of August. Welcome to the PDB Afternoon Bulletin. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage. All right, let's get briefed. First up, President Trump repositions two American nuclear submarines following threats from Kremlin pit bull and chief nuclear saber rattler Dmitry Medvedev. Meanwhile, Germany fast tracks the delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine as Russia intensifies their airstrikes on the war torn nation. Later in the show, the US and more than a dozen allies are sounding the alarm on the Iranian regime's campaign to kidnap and kill people in Western countries, including dissidents, journalists and political figures. We'll have the details. But first, today's afternoon spotlight. We'll begin with some breaking news out of the White House. President Trump revealed Friday afternoon that he's ordered two nuclear submarines to be repositioned following, quote, highly provocative nuclear threats made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Now, as we discussed on yesterday's show, Medvedev and Trump engaged in a war of words over social media earlier this week that culminated with a nuclear taunt. Specifically, Medvedev threatened Trump with a Cold War era doomsday weapon known as the dead hand. It refers to a secretive automated Russian nuclear system that was designed to launch Moscow's nuclear missiles if its leadership was taken out. Basically, it took the human out of the decision making process to launch nukes. Yeah, that doesn't sound worrisome. Medvedev, a close confidant of Vladimir Putin who currently serves as deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, made the comment while criticizing President Trump's sharply reduced deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Now, taking the truth social on Friday, I mean, since any, any announcement about moving nukes or nuclear submarines should be made via social media, Trump said, quote, I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances, end quote. Now, the move also follows reports that the US recently redeployed nuclear weapons to the United Kingdom, and that's for the first time in 17 years. The transfer appears to have occurred on 16 July, when a US Air Force C17 transport aircraft flew from a US nuclear weapons depot in New Mexico to the UK's Royal Air Force base at Lakenheath. For obvious reasons, US and British officials have not officially commented on that situation, but the flight appeared to be a deliberate message to the Kremlin that the US will not abandon our NATO allies in the face of continued Russian aggression. Now, in related news, it looks like Ukraine will finally receive some much needed military relief from Western allies as Russia's intensifying aerial attacks threaten to overwhelm the country's remaining air defenses. Germany announced on Friday that they will fast track the delivery of two Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, quote, in the coming days as part of a deal struck between President Trump and NATO leaders in July. As a reminder, under the new arms arrangement, European allies will send both defensive and offensive American weapons to Ukraine from their own stocks, while purchasing replacements from America's military industry. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Friday that thanks to the US commitment, Germany can immediately send the two Patriot launchers and will send additional Patriot system components over the next two to three months. In exchange, Germany will be first in line to receive the latest generation Patriot system at an accelerated pace from the us. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the development, saying Friday, quote, this is great news and I welcome Germany's leadership. This will ensure Ukraine is able to defend its skies, protect its people and deter Russian aggression. End quote. While Germany is the first to get the coveted Patriot batteries to Ukraine, Norway has also committed to sending some from their own supplies to Kyiv. Additionally, President Trump is actively looking outside of the NATO alliance to source the relatively scarce patriot systems. The US recently notified Switzerland that five Patriot batteries purchased from the US back in 2022 with a pledged delivery date of 2026 will now be diverted to Ukraine. Leaders in Kyiv have stressed the need for more Patriot missile systems, as they're the only batteries capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Ukraine has eight Patriot systems, though two are currently being refurbished, and nearly all are deployed around the capital of Kyiv, of course leaving other Ukrainian cities vulnerable. Kyiv's air force noted on Friday that in July alone, Ukrainian air defenses had destroyed more than 6,000 drones and missiles launched by the Kremlin. And as we discussed earlier on the pdb, Russia unleashed a massive aerial bombardment of missiles and drones on Kyiv early Thursday morning that left a trail of dead and wounded in its wake. Rescue efforts were still underway as of Friday morning and officials updated the civilian death toll from the attack to 31. Five children were among the dead, including a two year old and a six year old. The multi wave strikes also wounded nearly 160 others and left entire apartment blocks in ruining Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the insidious bombardment had been calculated to overload the air defense systems, underscoring the urgent need for more Patriot batteries in the wake of the attack. President Trump condemned what he called the disgusting behavior of the Putin regime and reiterated his threat of sanctions if Russia doesn't agree to a ceasefire to end the war by the 8th of August. That deadline now, of course, is less than a week away and frankly, the possibility of Vladimir Putin and sitting down at the negotiating table in any sort of meaningful way, well, that seems very unlikely. Up next, the US and more than a dozen allies condemned the Iranian regime's campaign to kidnap and kill people in Western countries. Ah, you would, you'd think you could get more than a dozen countries to condemn that sort of activity. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here. Now, in case you haven't noticed, we are deep into the dog days of summer, right? Yeah, it's almost too hot to think it's, it's almost too hot to hang outside. But you know what it's not too hot to do. It's never too hot to grill. Oh, you see what I did there? A smooth segue into talking about Tritails beef by visiting tribe.com PDB Tritails Beef is helping you push through that summer heat with a freezer full of pasture raised grain, finished Black Angus beef. Check them out. Tritails beef produces some of the finest beef that you'll ever throw on your grill. It's a great fifth generation family run Texas ranch. And, and they're all about delivering great taste straight from their ranch to your doorstep. Order now and you get two free flatiron steaks. Real beef, real ranchers, no middlemen. That's tribe.compdb Mike Baker here. Let's take just a brief moment to talk about how to protect your hard earned savings. Now, one of the smartest ways to protect those savings is through diversification. And one way to diversify is with gold from the Birch Gold group. Look, gold is up some 40% just this past year alone. And central banks, well, they're buying up record amounts of gold in part due to global instability. Perchgold makes it easy to own physical gold whether in your IRA or like a lot of folks, just stored safely at home. Text PDB to the number 989898 and Perchgold will send you a free information kit on Gold. There's no obligation. It's just useful information with an A rating. With a Better Business Bureau and tens of thousands of happy customers, take control of your Savings today. Text PDB to 989-898 hey, I'm Caitlin.
Piers Morgan
Becker, the host of the New York Post Cast, and I've got exactly what you need to start your weekdays. Every morning I'll bring you the stories that matter, plus the news. People actually talk about the juicy details in the worlds of politics, business, pop culture and everything in between. It's what you want from the New York Post wrapped up in one snappy show. Ask your smart speaker to play the NYPostcast podcast, listen and subscribe on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Raymond Ibrahim
I'm Piers Morgan, the host of the Piers Morgan Uncensored podcast. We do big interviews and we do big debates about whatever's getting people talking. We make news, we make noise, and we make a little bit of trouble, too. Come and see what all the fuss is about. You can listen to Piers Morgan Uncensored on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Mike Baker
Welcome back to the afternoon bulletin. The US May have defanged Iran's nuclear program for the time being anyway, but officials are warning that the malign international threat posed by the mullahs and its Revolutionary Guard Corps is far from contained. On Thursday, the U.S. the UK and 12 other countries united to condemn the Iranian regime for engaging in an ongoing campaign to kill and kidnap people in Western countries, including dissidents and journalists and senior political figures, according to a report from the UK Telegraph. These efforts are part of Iran's strategy to target all their perceived enemies far beyond their own borders while maintaining an air of plausible deniability. A joint statement released by the coalition through the US State Department said, quote, we are united in our opposition to the attempts of Iranian intelligence services to kill, kidnap and harass people in Europe and North America. Yeah, that's something to get United behind these services are increasingly collaborating with international criminal organizations to target journalists, dissidents, Jewish citizens, and current and former officials in Europe and North America. And this, the declaration said, is unacceptable, end quote. The coalition, which includes Canada, France and Germany, called on leaders in Tehran to immediately put an end to these covert schemes. Well, that that should do it. What they're Asking us to put an end to our schemes. All right, they win. The Iranian regime regularly makes a mockery of the international rules based order. Whether it's through their nuclear enrichment program or funding of terrorist proxies throughout the Middle East, Iran already has a long history of operating on US and European soil to carry out assassinations and kidnappings against dissidents and other critics of the mullahs. Britain has become a target of particular focus. Earlier this month, a UK Parliamentary committee found that Iran has targeted, quote, prominent Jewish individuals in Britain for murder or abduction on at least 15 occasions since 2022. MI5 director Ken McCallum previously disclosed that British agencies had actively thwarted more than 20 Iran linked plots in 2024 alone. Back in May, British authorities foiled a suspected Iranian terror attack in Birmingham in arresting seven Iranian nationals engaged in the plot just hours before they executed their plans. And just this past Saturday, British police apprehended four Iranian nationals at locations across England in what the Home Secretary described as the largest counter terror operation in recent years. Turning to the U.S. we know of multiple regime backed plots on U.S. soil that have been disrupted since 2020, including thwarted assassination attempts in New York and Maryland against Iranian defectors. In a Maryland case, an Iranian drug trafficker turned crime boss offered $370,000 for a hit through a Canadian member of the Hells Angels biker gang. The FBI intercepted those communications and arrested two suspects of the gang before the killings could be carried out. But it was an illustration of how the Iranian regime is using global crime syndicates to carry out lethal missions on foreign soil. The same Iranian drug kingpin is also linked to assassination and kidnapping plots in Western Europe and Turkey involving elements of the criminal underworld, leveraging their anonymity, their mobility and reach to pursue enemies of the state far from Tehran. Then, of course, there are the assassination operations that have previously targeted President Trump and members of his first administration, including former National Security Advisor John bolton and former U.S. secretary of State Mike Pompeo. We recently learned that Iran nearly succeeded in assassinating Pompeo while he was staying at a hotel in Paris roughly three years ago. Since the US Strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in late June, top Iranian religious leaders and former senior officials of the regime have only intensified their public calls for the assassination of Western officials. Those calls have largely focused on President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who they've branded as enemies of God. Additionally, groups linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the irgc, have been raising assassination bounties for President Trump, reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars. But Iranian officials, well, they're feigning ignorance. They have no idea this was happening in the wake of Thursday's joint statement of condemnation. Again, that joint statement of condemnation is sure to change their behavior. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Iranian officials called the accusations, quote, baseless and ridiculous. A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said it was a brazen attempt by Western nations to deflect blame and shift public attention away from what they called, quote, israeli genocidal crimes in Palestine, end quote. And that, my friends, is the PDB Afternoon bulletin for Friday the 1st of August. Now, if you have any comments or questions, and I hope you do, reach out to me at pdb@the first tv.com Finally, a quick reminder. Every Friday and of course, today is, yes, it is Friday. Today is Friday we launch a new episode of our extended weekend show, the PDB Situation Report. Our guests include this week author, Islamic scholar and historian Raymond Ibrahim will be talking about Islamic doctrine, ideology and violence. Very interesting conversation. It's very sad. It, it creates all sorts of questions. So I would highly recommend listening to that one, as well as to Jonathan Schanzer from the foundation for the Defense of Democracies with a look at the current situation in Gaza, the potential for a two state solution, and the likelihood that Hamas can be removed as the governing party in Gaza. Catch the new episode at 10pm this evening on the First TV or of course on our YouTube channel. You can find that at presidents daily Brief and podcast platforms everywhere. I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back over the weekend with the PDB Situation Report. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.
Host: Mike Baker
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Duration: 20 minutes
In today’s edition of The President's Daily Brief (PDB) Afternoon Bulletin, hosted by former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker, several critical international developments are addressed. The briefing covers President Trump's strategic military maneuvers in response to Russian threats, Germany's expedited support to Ukraine amidst intensified Russian airstrikes, and a unified condemnation by the U.S. and its allies of Iran's campaign to target Western citizens.
At [00:36], Mike Baker reports a significant military move by President Trump. In response to alarming nuclear threats from Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Trump has ordered the repositioning of two American nuclear submarines.
Key Points:
Medvedev's Threat: Medvedev issued a nuclear ultimatum referencing the "dead hand," a Cold War-era automated Russian nuclear system designed to launch missiles without human intervention. This raised concerns about the potential for unintended nuclear escalation.
“I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
— President Trump [02:45]
Strategic Implications: The repositioning aligns with the recent redeployment of US nuclear weapons to the United Kingdom, marking the first such transfer in 17 years. A US Air Force C17 transport aircraft moved nuclear armaments from New Mexico to the RAF base at Lakenheath on July 16th, signaling unwavering support for NATO allies.
“This move is a deliberate message to the Kremlin that the US will not abandon our NATO allies in the face of continued Russian aggression.”
— Mike Baker [04:10]
NATO Solidarity: US and British officials have refrained from official comments, but the gesture underscores a strong deterrent stance against further Russian military actions.
As Russia intensifies its aerial assaults on Ukraine, Germany has announced the expedited delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Kyiv, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
Key Points:
Patriot Systems Deployment: Germany will deliver two Patriot launchers within days, with additional components expected over the next two to three months. This is part of an agreement reached in July between President Trump and NATO leaders.
“Thanks to the US commitment, Germany can immediately send the two Patriot launchers and will send additional Patriot system components over the next two to three months.”
— German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius [05:30]
NATO Support: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Germany's leadership, emphasizing that these systems will help Ukraine defend its skies and deter Russian aggression.
“This is great news and I welcome Germany's leadership. This will ensure Ukraine is able to defend its skies, protect its people and deter Russian aggression.”
— NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte [06:15]
Additional Contributions: Norway has also pledged to send Patriot systems from its reserves, and the US is seeking additional units outside the NATO framework. Notably, five Patriot batteries initially designated for Switzerland are being redirected to Ukraine.
Ukraine's Defense Status: Currently, Ukraine operates eight Patriot systems, with two under refurbishment. Recent attacks have overwhelmed air defenses, exemplified by the destruction of over 6,000 drones and missiles launched by Russia in July.
The briefing highlights a recent significant airstrike by Russia on Kyiv, resulting in casualties and substantial infrastructure damage.
Key Points:
Recent Attack: On Thursday, Russia launched a massive aerial bombardment on Kyiv, resulting in 31 civilian deaths, including five children, and wounding nearly 160 individuals. Rescue operations were ongoing as of Friday morning.
“The insidious bombardment had been calculated to overload the air defense systems, underscoring the urgent need for more Patriot batteries in the wake of the attack.”
— Ukrainian President Zelenskyy [07:50]
Impact on Air Defenses: This assault highlighted the limitations of Ukraine's current air defense infrastructure, particularly the concentration of Patriot systems around the capital, leaving other regions vulnerable.
US Response: President Trump condemned the attack, labeling the actions of the Putin regime as "disgusting" and reiterated threats of sanctions if a ceasefire is not achieved by August 8th.
“Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
— President Trump [03:10]
In a unified stance, the United States, the United Kingdom, and over a dozen other nations have condemned Iran's ongoing efforts to kidnap and assassinate individuals in Western countries, targeting dissidents, journalists, and political figures.
Key Points:
Joint Statement: The coalition declared, “We are united in our opposition to the attempts of Iranian intelligence services to kill, kidnap and harass people in Europe and North America.” This condemnation underscores Iran's persistent strategy to eliminate perceived enemies globally.
“This is unacceptable.”
— Joint Statement via US State Department [08:00]
Operational Tactics: Iran collaborates with international criminal organizations to execute lethal missions, leveraging anonymity and global reach. Notable incidents include thwarted assassination plots in the UK and the US, involving drug traffickers and biker gangs.
“The Iranian regime is using global crime syndicates to carry out lethal missions on foreign soil.”
— Mike Baker [07:20]
Specific Cases:
United Kingdom: A UK Parliamentary committee revealed at least 15 incidents since 2022 targeting prominent Jewish individuals. High-profile disruptions include the arrest of seven Iranian nationals in Birmingham and four more in a large-scale counter-terror operation.
United States: Multiple plots have been intercepted, including a Maryland case where an Iranian crime boss attempted to hire the Hells Angels to assassinate defectors. Additionally, near-successful attempts on figures like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have been reported.
Iran's Rebuttal: Iranian officials have dismissed the accusations as "baseless and ridiculous," deflecting blame onto what they term "Israeli genocidal crimes in Palestine."
“It is a brazen attempt by Western nations to deflect blame and shift public attention away from what they called, 'Israeli genocidal crimes in Palestine.'"
— Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson [07:55]
Today's PDB Afternoon Bulletin underscores escalating tensions between major global powers. President Trump's strategic military repositioning in response to Russian nuclear threats exemplifies the delicate balance of power. Concurrently, Germany's expedited support to Ukraine and the unified condemnation of Iran's malign activities reflect a robust international coalition aimed at countering aggression and ensuring stability. As these dynamics unfold, the importance of informed decision-making and strategic alliances becomes ever more critical in addressing the complex challenges facing the United States and its allies.
Stay Informed: For further insights and upcoming analyses, tune in to the next episode of the PDB Situation Report, featuring discussions with Islamic scholar Raymond Ibrahim and Jonathan Schanzer from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.