The Wright Report

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, for The Wright Report: Friday Headline Brief—heavy on news, light on analysis—to kick off your weekend with the stories shaping America and the world. Trump's Middle East Tour Draws Unlikely Praise – Top Obama and Biden officials, including Ben Rhodes and Rob Malley, applaud Trump's bold diplomacy in Syria, Gaza, and with Arab partners. Even Democratic Rep. Jim Himes admits Trump "played the Middle East pretty darn well." Gaza "Freedom Zone" and a Rift with Apple – Trump floats the idea of the U.S. taking over Gaza. He also blasts Apple CEO Tim Cook for moving production to India, accusing the company of betraying American workers. China Floods U.S. with Goods While Hoarding Minerals – Despite the tariff truce, China withholds critical rare earth exports while ramping up production of consumer goods—especially for Halloween and Christmas. Xi Jinping mocks America's dependency on cheap imports and takes shots at Trump in front of Latin diplomats. Germany Bows to Trump's NATO Demands – In a surprise move, Germany pledges to meet Trump's 5% defense spending target, shocking European allies and boosting defense stocks. GOP Pushes Remittance Tax, Mexico Furious – A new Republican proposal would tax wire transfers to fund a $5T tax package. Mexico's president and senate condemn the idea as discriminatory and fear it will push money transfers underground. Supreme Court Grills Trump Admin on Citizenship Case – Justices express skepticism over Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship and the broader issue of universal injunctions. Medical Breakthroughs: Fentanyl Deaths Decline, GLP-1 Drugs Help Alcoholics and Liver Disease – CDC data shows overdose deaths are down. Semaglutide shows promise in treating alcoholism, liver disease, and may reduce Alzheimer's risk. Prostate Cancer Treatments Improve, Exercise Lowers Risk and Aids Recovery – New research supports shorter, safer radiation schedules, while exercise helps reduce complications, dementia risk, and cognitive decline. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." – John 8:32

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he breaks down today's biggest stories shaping America and the world. Supreme Court Takes Up Trump's Citizenship and Injunction Fight – The justices hear arguments in Trump v. CASA, Inc., tackling whether birthright citizenship can be ended via executive order and whether lower-court judges can issue sweeping "universal injunctions." The outcome could reshape immigration law and presidential authority. California's Budget Busted by Illegal Immigration – Governor Newsom proposes rolling back healthcare for illegal aliens after costs skyrocket beyond $9.5B. Democrats revolt, accusing him of betraying progressive values, even as the state faces a $12B budget hole. Trump Scores Win on Alien Enemies Act as Deportation System Exposed – A federal judge allows the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan gang members, though with more due process than Trump sought. Bryan walks through the current deportation process and why it could take 60+ years to remove Biden-era migrants. China's Inverters Could Cripple the U.S. Grid – Reuters uncovers hidden sabotage tools inside Chinese-made solar and EV inverters. These embedded devices could allow Beijing to shut down U.S. power infrastructure at will. Bryan explains why this, along with China's defiance on fentanyl, proves "strategic decoupling" isn't enough. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." – John 8:32

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In today's episode, we cover: Trump Reshapes the Middle East – The president lifts U.S. sanctions on Syria, engages in secret negotiations with Hamas leading to a hostage release, and pressures Iran with a mix of diplomacy and subtle military signals. Major weapons and AI chip deals unfold with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. China Caught Evading Oil Sanctions – Beijing secretly buys Venezuelan oil using transponder tricks and false documentation. The move could trigger a 25% tariff hike under Trump's secondary sanctions policy. FBI Prioritizes Immigration After UK Bomb Plot – The FBI redirects resources to immigration enforcement, sparking Democratic backlash, just as Iranian saboteurs posing as asylum seekers are caught attempting to bomb the Israeli embassy in London. Listener Mailbag: The China Pivot and Trump Loyalty Debate – Bryan responds to listener feedback over his criticism of Trump's China tariff reversal and Qatar jet acceptance, offering candid insight into the national security stakes behind U.S.-China policy. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

Trump's rollback of China tariffs raises eyebrows, boosting markets but hurting certain industries. He defends accepting a luxury jet from Qatar despite criticism over potential security risks. The pharma industry celebrates a new drug pricing order, but many see it as lacking real impact. Global concerns emerge with reports of genetic surveillance in China and backlash over refugee acceptance in the U.S. Meanwhile, peace talks between India and Pakistan signal a fragile hope amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he breaks down today's biggest stories shaping America and the world. Trump Heads to the Middle East: Trillions in Deals, Controversy in the Skies – President Trump begins his foreign trip with stops in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Topics range from $1T in U.S. investments and Saudi nuclear energy to advanced AI chips and Middle East peace talks. Controversy erupts over Qatar's offer to gift Trump a $400M Boeing 747, possibly violating the Constitution's Emoluments Clause. Gaza Governance and a Possible Hostage Release – Rumors swirl that Trump may announce a U.S.-led interim government for Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas is expected to release the last American hostage in Gaza this week, with unknown concessions. Prescription Drug Reform Is the Big Announcement – Trump officially unveils a plan to slash U.S. drug prices by tying Medicare reimbursements to international price levels, potentially cutting costs by 80%. But lawsuits and bipartisan resistance could derail the move unless legislation passes. U.S. and China Reach Tentative Trade Reset – Talks in Switzerland yield "substantial progress," according to Treasury Secretary Bessent. Trump proposes a new 10% baseline tariff but demands strict enforcement to curb Chinese cheating, fentanyl trafficking, and cyber intrusions. Universities Under Scrutiny for Foreign Cash – Trump's DOE launches a probe into the University of Pennsylvania for failing to disclose foreign donations. Over $30B in foreign funds poured into U.S. universities during the Biden years, with China, Saudi Arabia, and Germany topping the list. ICE Facility Brawl Leads to Possible Arrests of House Democrats – Two congresswomen could face charges after physically assaulting officers at a Newark ICE detention center. The incident, caught on video, also boosts the political profile of Newark's mayor, who was arrested during the scuffle. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, for Friday's Headline Brief on The Wright Report—heavy on news, light on analysis—delivering the stories shaping America and the world. History in Rome and Chicago: America's Pope – Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost is elected Pope Leo XIV. A naturalized Peruvian citizen and former leader of the Order of St. Augustine, the new pope signals a focus on labor rights, climate change, and migration, while opposing "gender ideology" and same-sex adoption. India and Pakistan Edge Closer to War – After a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, drone swarms and dogfights erupt between nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan flies Chinese-made jets, prompting Pentagon analysis. Trump expected to intervene diplomatically before his Middle East trip. Trump Deploys Bombers as Iran's Nuclear Threat Grows – A hidden Iranian facility is revealed to be extracting tritium for nuclear weapons. Trump sends more bombers to Diego Garcia and signals mixed messages on whether any nuclear enrichment will be allowed under a future deal. U.S.-Backed Ceasefire with Houthis Fizzles – Global shipping firms reject Red Sea route despite Trump's truce. Strike costs top $1 billion. Yemen's main airport is heavily damaged, but major carriers are still rerouting around Africa. U.S.-UK Strike Tariff Deal, While China Feels the Squeeze – Trump cuts a deal with the UK: more beef exports, fewer car tariffs, and British films spared. China may get a 50% tariff next, though small U.S. importers are reeling under current 145% rates. China's Economy Wobbles Under Tariff Pressure – Beijing injects emergency stimulus while stopping public economic reporting. Trump says "empty ports" mean America is winning. Illegal Immigration Crackdown Shakes U.S. Labor Market – 70% of business leaders say Trump's enforcement actions will hit their operations, especially in retail and hospitality. Biden Blames Sexism for Harris' Loss – In new interviews, Biden appears frail and accuses Americans of sexism for rejecting Kamala Harris. FBI Probes NY AG Letitia James for Mortgage Fraud – The prosecutor who once went after Trump now faces her own legal firestorm over allegedly lying to banks about her residency and finances. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he breaks down today's biggest stories shaping America and the world. Trump's Mystery Announcement: Gaza Takeover or Drug Price War? – Trump hints at an "earth-shattering" reveal, with two possible bombshells emerging: a U.S.-led interim government in Gaza after Israel's offensive, or a sweeping executive order to slash prescription drug prices by tying them to international rates. Biden's Gaza Pier Scandal Much Worse Than Reported – A Pentagon IG report reveals 62 U.S. troops were injured and one killed in Biden's failed Gaza pier mission, far more than the three injuries publicly disclosed. The $230M humanitarian project was poorly planned and politically motivated, according to insiders. U.S. Spies Ordered to Target Greenland – Trump instructs the CIA and NSA to gather intel on Greenland's leadership and sway local officials to favor a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. The effort, driven by Arctic security concerns, aims to counter rising Chinese and Russian military activity in the region. DARPA Deploys AI to Defend U.S. Infrastructure – In a response to Chinese cyber threats like Volt Typhoon, the Pentagon launches a high-stakes AI competition this summer to secure American utilities and critical infrastructure. U.S. Hypersonic Weapons Testing Breakthrough – A successful test of the reusable Talon-A2 hypersonic aircraft marks a major step forward for U.S. missile defense and offense. The vehicle hit Mach 5 speeds, helping the U.S. catch up to China and Russia in this vital arms race. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

Tensions are escalating as India and Pakistan clash over military strikes, raising nuclear stakes. In Yemen, a precarious truce surfaces, yet uncertainty looms with ongoing threats against Israel. Meanwhile, Sudan's civil war disrupts global gum arabic supply, crucial for food and medicine. OPEC's surprising oil output increase pressures Russia, hinting at potential diplomatic shifts in the Middle East. Add to this the ongoing U.S.-China trade talks and cultural conflicts in America fueled by recent judicial decisions.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he breaks down today's biggest stories shaping America and the world. Chinese Mobsters Running Illegal Pot Grows Tied to Communist Party – A new investigation reveals deep links between Chinese nationals running illegal marijuana operations in Maine and the Chinese Communist Party. The operations, near U.S. military sites, raise fears of espionage, sabotage, and covert influence campaigns. Trump Admin Expands "Cash for Departure" Program – Migrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. could receive $1,000 under a new DHS policy aimed at reducing deportation costs. Inspired by Sweden's $34,000 offer to migrants, the move tests whether financial incentives can reverse illegal immigration trends. Sweden's Migration Crisis Turns Violent – Three killed in a gang shootout in a Swedish barbershop, highlighting escalating violence linked to foreign gangs like Foxtrot and Rumba. Sweden's PM blames failed integration and vows mass removals. Middle East on Edge: Israel Readies for Full Gaza Occupation – Netanyahu signals a ten-day deadline for Hamas to make peace, or face total military takeover of Gaza. Israeli forces also escalate strikes on Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and regime targets in Syria. Ukraine Drone Boats Shoot Down Russian Jets – In a historic first, Ukrainian sea drones fire U.S.-supplied missiles to down two Russian fighter jets. The Pentagon responds by fast-tracking a $36B drone overhaul for the U.S. Army. AI Calls for Grandma: New App Replaces Family Phone Time – A $25/month AI service now phones the elderly daily, checks on their mood, and reports back to families. Bryan explores the ethics, surveillance risks, and sad realities of replacing human connection with artificial friends. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he breaks down today's biggest stories shaping America and the world. Trump Sparks Media Outrage with "I Don't Know" Constitution Comment – When asked if all migrants are guaranteed due process, Trump responded, "I don't know, I'm not a lawyer," prompting a media firestorm. But as legal experts and NPR report, due process rights exist on a spectrum—meaning Trump's answer may have been more accurate than the headlines suggest. Border Wars Escalate: Military Arrests Begin, Trump Sues Colorado and Denver – The U.S. military now patrols a 53-mile zone near El Paso where illegal immigrants can be arrested for trespassing on military land. Meanwhile, the DOJ sues Colorado and Denver for sanctuary laws that obstruct ICE operations, sending a warning with $8M in fines against local businesses. Mexico Says "No" to U.S. Troops, But Cooperates Privately – President Trump offered to send U.S. troops into Mexico to combat cartels, but President Sheinbaum publicly rejected it. Privately, however, she's cooperating—delivering border control and water rights while protecting her nationalist image. Japan Threatens to Weaponize U.S. Debt – Japan's finance minister says its $1T in U.S. debt holdings could be used in trade talks—an unprecedented move that could rattle global markets and U.S. interest rates if acted upon. China Offers Fentanyl Crackdown in Exchange for Tariff Relief – Xi Jinping proposes to curb fentanyl production in return for U.S. tariff reductions, but Bryan warns the offer is hollow given Xi's deep ties to the Chinese mafia behind the trafficking. Europe Tilts Toward Extremes: UK Labour Party Loses Ground, Germany Labels AfD "Extremist" – In Britain, pro-Palestinian and anti-immigration candidates make gains. In Germany, the AfD is now officially under surveillance, sparking U.S. backlash over civil liberties and democracy. China Quietly Supports Venezuela Despite U.S. Sanctions – Chinese "zombie" ships are still hauling Venezuelan oil in defiance of Trump's secondary sanctions, raising questions about whether Beijing will face new tariffs. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32