Amanda Prestigiacomo
Appearances
Morning Wire
LA Fire Forecast & Israel Recovers Hostage Bodies | Afternoon Update | 1.8.25
President-elect Trump is calling on the Supreme Court to block his Friday sentencing proceedings. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pearce has more.
Morning Wire
LA Fire Forecast & Israel Recovers Hostage Bodies | Afternoon Update | 1.8.25
Mexico is reportedly cracking down on illegal immigrant caravans as Donald Trump's inauguration approaches. Authorities are using a dispersion and exhaustion strategy, busing migrants to cities like Acapulco. Once a thriving tourist destination, the city now faces crime and instability.
Morning Wire
LA Fire Forecast & Israel Recovers Hostage Bodies | Afternoon Update | 1.8.25
Trump has vowed strict border policies and heavy tariffs on Mexico, aiming to curb illegal crossings and deport millions once in office.
Morning Wire
LA Fire Forecast & Israel Recovers Hostage Bodies | Afternoon Update | 1.8.25
Several wildfires are raging in Los Angeles County with two people dead and thousands of structures burned. Three separate fires are ravaging areas including Pacific Palisades, Sylmar, and Altadena near Pasadena. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo breaks down what we know so far.
Morning Wire
LA Fire Forecast & Israel Recovers Hostage Bodies | Afternoon Update | 1.8.25
And President Biden says he's still considering preemptive pardons for political figures he believes could face retaliation under President Trump. During an interview with USA Today, Biden mentioned potential pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Representative Liz Cheney, and Senator Adam Schiff.
Morning Wire
LA Fire Forecast & Israel Recovers Hostage Bodies | Afternoon Update | 1.8.25
Some Democrats fear such a move could set a dangerous precedent, while others see it as a safeguard against Trump. Biden has already issued a record number of clemencies, including a pardon for his son Hunter, despite insisting that no one is above the law.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
So McDonald's said they're going to change three things. First, they're no longer going to participate in third-party surveys focused on DEI. Previously, McDonald's submitted data to the far-left activist group Human Rights Campaign. That group rates companies on their LGBTQ plus policies. And what you were generally seeing was companies adding DEI-type policies to get a perfect score from HRC.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
The alternative to that was negative attention and often targeted boycotts. McDonald's will also axe its supply chain DEI pledge. That means all of McDonald's suppliers, all those businesses, they no longer have to sign on to DEI practices. Instead, McDonald's says they'll integrate discussions about inclusion with their suppliers as it relates to business performance.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
So a pretty big downstream effect just right there. And lastly, McDonald's will eliminate what they called aspirational representation goals, which suggests that there'll be a shift in hiring practices with a focus on performance instead of filling what are effectively quotas.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
McDonald's said they made these changes in light of the shifting legal landscape, and they specifically cited the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that found the consideration of race in college admissions at Harvard is in violation of the 14th Amendment. Basically, McDonald's doesn't want legal trouble for racial or sex discrimination.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
And there's also the specter of potential lawsuits from the incoming Trump administration, which strongly opposes DEI initiatives. But there's another reason for the timing of this change, and that leads us to conservative activist Robbie Starbuck. He's been credited with triggering DEI reversals from more than a dozen corporations.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
Starbuck says he reached out to McDonald's about their woke DEI policies just three days before they came out with their DEI changes.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
Through investigative work, Starbuck and his team have exposed DEI practices from corporations like Toyota, Nissan, Lowe's, Tractor Supply, Walmart, and John Deere, just to name a few. And all of those companies have quickly and publicly backed away from those policies.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
According to Starbuck, the success of this anti-woke movement relies on harnessing the will of the so-called silent majority and making them silent no more.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
Yeah, there are a few. For example, Costco put out a statement last week about their commitment to DEI. Some important context, though, that statement was made in response to a proposal to evaluate the risk of Costco having DEI initiatives. Shareholders will vote on that next month, so we'll have to see how that vote goes and how Costco proceeds from there.
Morning Wire
Meta Curbs Censorship & Trump's Second Term Plans | 1.8.25
And as for Starbuck, he says he's not stopping until DEI is gone.
Morning Wire
Trump Executive Order Blocked & DeepSeek’s Back Door | Afternoon Update | 2.5.25
According to the Wall Street Journal, the government is providing about eight months of pay and benefits to those who resign as a part of an effort to better align the agency with Trump's agenda. The move follows a similar offer extended to millions of federal workers last month, which around 20,000 or so have accepted.
Morning Wire
Trump Executive Order Blocked & DeepSeek’s Back Door | Afternoon Update | 2.5.25
Federal employee unions are suing the Trump administration over the buyout offer that requires workers to resign or return to the office. The unions argue that the plan is arbitrary and capricious and may violate federal law. The administration says that the buyouts align with Trump's push to end remote work.
Morning Wire
Trump Executive Order Blocked & DeepSeek’s Back Door | Afternoon Update | 2.5.25
The White House is also placing nearly all USAID employees on administrative leave as it reassesses the agency's role.
Morning Wire
RFK Jr & Gabbard Advance & Netanyahu Visit | 2.5.25
Yeah, it was. The order will reportedly ban males who identify as transgender from participating in girls' and women's sports at schools and colleges. Sources believe that Trump could direct his education department to enforce those standards based on Title IX rules, and if schools don't comply, they could be investigated. Trump is expected to sign the order at 3 p.m.
Morning Wire
RFK Jr & Gabbard Advance & Netanyahu Visit | 2.5.25
Eastern time today, which happens to be the 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. He'll be surrounded by advocates who've been fighting for female sports and female spaces. Riley Gaines has confirmed to us that she'll be in attendance as well.
Morning Wire
RFK Jr & Gabbard Advance & Netanyahu Visit | 2.5.25
The Daily Wire reported this week that Gaines is slated to speak at a members' lunch for the Republican Study Committee on Wednesday, just hours before Trump is scheduled to sign that order on women's sports.
Morning Wire
RFK Jr & Gabbard Advance & Netanyahu Visit | 2.5.25
For those who aren't aware, Gaines swam for the University of Kentucky, and during the 2022 NCAA Women's Championships, she and other girls were forced to compete against a male swimmer named Leah Thomas. Thomas previously competed as a D1 male swimmer before requesting to switch to the female league.
Morning Wire
RFK Jr & Gabbard Advance & Netanyahu Visit | 2.5.25
Gaines and Thomas tied for fifth place, but the trophy was given only to Thomas at the award ceremony. Gaines has since dedicated herself to advocating for female sports and athletes, and she even testified before Congress. Here's some audio of that.
Morning Wire
RFK Jr & Gabbard Advance & Netanyahu Visit | 2.5.25
Yeah, Trump really hit the ground running here. On day one, he signed an executive order stipulating that it's the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders. Additionally, Trump signed an order banning taxpayer-funded gender transitions for minors, which has already stopped some hospitals from performing those often irreversible procedures.
Morning Wire
RFK Jr & Gabbard Advance & Netanyahu Visit | 2.5.25
And just last week, he signed an executive order which seeks to stop federal funding for K-12 schools that teach radical ideologies, including gender ideology.
Morning Wire
RFK Jr & Gabbard Advance & Netanyahu Visit | 2.5.25
Yeah, that appears to be the plan. The House passed the Protection of Women and Girls Act last month, but the Senate, which is also narrowly controlled by the GOP, has yet to vote on the bill. Here's Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville on The Megyn Kelly Show urging Republicans to get that bill passed or at least get lawmakers on the record.
Morning Wire
NPR, PBS Heads Testify & Trump’s Voter ID EO | Afternoon Update | 3.26.25
The president's picks for both the FDA and NIH have been confirmed by the Senate. Dr. Marty McCary, a Johns Hopkins professor and former Fox News medical contributor, was confirmed last night in a 56 to 54 vote. Stanford professor Dr. Jay Bhattacharya was also confirmed last night. That was through a party line vote.
Morning Wire
NPR, PBS Heads Testify & Trump’s Voter ID EO | Afternoon Update | 3.26.25
During the confirmation hearings, McCary faced questions on vaccine oversight and food safety. He criticized past decisions by the Biden administration and pledged to focus on food-related health issues like childhood obesity.
Morning Wire
NPR, PBS Heads Testify & Trump’s Voter ID EO | Afternoon Update | 3.26.25
Bhattacharya told senators that he plans to promote transparency, support dissenting research, and prioritize projects that directly improve public health.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Hey, Georgia. Yeah, so there's a strong push to restrict soda, candy, and other unhealthy options from purchases being made with SNAP, which are commonly known as food stamps. Now, federally, these changes have been discussed openly by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. She'll play a key role in administering those benefits.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
There are also a number of bills in the House looking to federally restrict junk food and soda from SNAP. Movement has also picked up steam on the state level. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has asked the feds to allow her state to restrict SNAP, and lawmakers have made similar moves in Idaho, Kansas, Arizona, Indiana, Texas, Wyoming, and other states.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Also something to watch for, West Virginia has just passed a bill that bans a number of food dyes often found in junk food and sugary drinks. That will affect the soda industry too, and they ran a very strong opposition campaign to that bill. Republican Governor Patrick Morrissey signed that bill on Monday. It will go into effect in 2028, though it will affect school food programs this summer.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Well, the food industry is working across numerous fronts to try to protect these profits. About one in eight Americans receive SNAP benefits currently with soda as the most frequently purchased item. About 10% of all SNAP spending goes towards soda and sugary drinks and another 10% toward junk food. American taxpayers reportedly subsidized roughly $4 billion worth of soda products through SNAP.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Now, losing that subsidy would be a big blow to these companies. So unsurprisingly, there's been a full court press to try to keep them in SNAP, including from even influencers.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Well, we're seeing influencers online who mainly lean right-wing posting very similar messages on X about how restricting soda from Snap is government overreach, a violation of personal choice, and politically unpopular. And almost all of them mentioned Trump's love for Diet Coke. There are unconfirmed reports that these influencers were paid to post those messages by groups tied to Big Soda.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
And women's rights advocate Riley Gaines said that she was approached to do the same, but she turned them down. RFK actually publicly thanked Gaines for her integrity. And he added, quote, it's troubling that some companies now think they have a right to demand taxpayer money to poison our children. Now, there's also been a campaign to cozy up to Trump.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Keurig Dr. Pepper have all directly engaged with Trump administration officials. They're talking up their commitment to zero sugar options and clear product labeling. Coca-Cola also met with Trump in January and they gifted him that personalized bottle of Diet Coke.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
The American Beverage Association, or the ABA, which reps all of these big soda companies, they gave money to Trump's inauguration, as they have with past presidents. They also made a public political pitch. They said working families voted for Trump to lift them up and not leave them behind, but snap restrictions would, quote, "...betray those voters and that promise."
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
In a press conference on Tuesday, ABA Vice President of Public Affairs Meredith Potter argued that that West Virginia law that bans numerous food dyes would hurt West Virginia consumers and the economy in the state over ingredients that she said have been proven safe.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
She said that the ban was rushed and that beverage companies would need at least five years to phase out some of these dyes or update their recipes. I was also able to ask her if the ABA paid influencers to create those posts against SNAP restrictions on soda. And she clearly and emphatically told me, no, the ABA was not behind that campaign and is unaware of who is.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Now, we also have Walmart, one of the largest retailers where SNAP benefits are spent. They've engaged in lobbying efforts to stop these restrictions. And believe it or not, there was a lobbyist from the American Heart Association who advocated against these types of restrictions.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
That was first reported by The Daily Wire's Luke Rosiak, and the AHA has since claimed that the lobbyists who traveled to Washington miscommunicated.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
So the strike started on the 17th with officers from two New York prisons striking over unsafe conditions. The movement quickly swelled in support and now nine out of 10 officers, about 15,000 total, from 38 of the state's 42 prisons are now participating in the strike.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
Notably, the strike has not been sanctioned by the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, which is the government-affiliated union for corrections officers. That makes this a so-called wildcat strike. Governor Hochul has repeatedly called the strike illegal, citing violation of the Taylor Law.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
Now, as for the timing of all of this, officers say it's a long overdue response to Hochul and her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, ignoring their complaints about safety and mandated work shifts that, according to officers, can exceed 72 hours at times. Additionally, just days before the strike, officials locked down the Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County due to an inmate uprising.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
There was also a memo circulated by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the DOCCS, advising prison superintendents to effectively cut 30 percent of staff by the end of the month, though the DOCCS has since said that that would mostly apply to vacant positions.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
Well, first and foremost, they want prison reform legislation called the HALT Act to be repealed. That went into effect in 2022, and it mandates what proponents say are more humane alternatives to solitary confinement, while also limiting which inmates can be placed in solitary at all. Officers and their supporters say the legislation has not worked and it's made prisons less safe for everyone.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
They've cited DOCCS stats saying that since the HALT Act was implemented, there's been a 169% increase in inmate-on-inmate assaults, a 76% rise in inmate-on-staff assaults, and a 32% bump in contraband cases. Officers have made it very clear that they want changes to be made to guarantee their safety.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
Those on strike have generally refrained from speaking to the media out of fear of retribution, but some have taken to message boards to voice their concerns. For example, a woman named Sarah Tompkins said that while she was working at Green Haven Correctional Facility last year, an inmate tackled her to the floor and ripped out her hair. She provided photos of her injuries.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
A male officer also shared photos of on-the-job injuries, writing, quote, I got punched in the face three times in a 30-day span. Republican State Senator Pamela Helming said that earlier this month, a female officer at Groveland Correctional Facility was sitting at her desk when an inmate attacked her. She was choked, punched and kicked in the face.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
And a retired female officer said that she was sexually assaulted by an inmate in 2022 and never returned to work.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
So Hochul sued officers for the strike and over the weekend she directed state troopers to serve papers to hundreds of officers so far, threatening them with arrest. Here's Hochul at a press conference on Tuesday.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
The deputy secretary of public safety added, quote, we will go and catch every single one of them until they return to work. Now, the governor has deployed 6500 National Guard members to run the prisons during the strike. She's also working to consolidate inmates, putting more inmates inside each prison due to the lack of coverage.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
She's also taken away striking officers health insurance and the DOCCS is docking two days of pay for every day an officer remains on strike.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
Well, mediation between the two sides began on Monday with a reported offer from the state for two times the hourly rate for overtime, the nixing of that controversial staff reduction memo, and suspension to certain provisions in the HALT Act. Officers, though, are reportedly skeptical of promised concessions due to Hochul's comments and actions. And so far, no deal has been reached.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
Right, so the order grants full pardons for every person convicted in relation to Jay Sixth, with the exception of just 14 commutations. Those individuals had their sentences commuted, but their convictions still stand as of right now. Trump said he would look further into those cases and said potential pardons could be forthcoming.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
Additionally, the hundreds of cases still pending indictments, those will be dismissed with prejudice. That means they can never be tried again for those charges. Trump was questioned about the order in the Oval Office on Monday. Here's what he said about the protesters that were actually violent being pardoned.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
Everyone who was given a full pardon was supposed to be released right away. However, there were reports of delays at a D.C. jail. Utah Senator Mike Lee expressed outrage over those delays, and he said he was working to verify what was going on.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
Morning Wire reached out to William Shipley, an attorney representing dozens of J6 defendants, including the so-called QAnon shaman, and he said that all the prisoners should now have been released. We also asked Shipley about the complaint that Trump has pardoned some defendants who were engaged in some violence.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
He defended Trump's decision, and he said that the blame for the demise of these cases falls on the Biden Justice Department.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
For those who were released, we're starting to get footage of those initial moments of freedom. Here's some audio of what appears to be eight J6 defendants leaving prison.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
Well, the executive order did name the 14 individuals who were given commutations, and that includes three Proud Boys who were controversially convicted of the very rare and very serious charge of seditious conspiracy, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Zachary Rell. Those three who were not charged with any violence were handed down sentences of at least 15 years, all now commuted.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
Proud Boy member Dominic Pozzola was also on that list. He was convicted of stealing a police officer's riot shield and breaking a window. His sentence was initially 10 years, but again, that's now commuted. And probably the most politicized case in all of this is that of Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the Proud Boys. Tarrio was notably not in D.C.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
on January 6th, but he was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 22 years behind bars. During his prosecution, the government relied heavily on mostly private messages. For example, Tarrio was tied to a document outlining a Capitol takeover that was sent to him on Telegram called 1776 Returns.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
Tarrio did not directly respond to that sent document, and he claims he never saw it, let alone even opened it. Tarrio was granted a full pardon and has been released from prison.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Sweeping Pardons & ICE Teams Deployed | 1.22.25
Well, on Tuesday night, Trump pardoned Ross Albrecht, the creator of dark website The Silk Road. Trump promised that pardon to libertarians and delivered. Additionally, pro-life activists are hoping Trump will pardon the nearly two dozen people convicted of controversial Face Act violations. We've covered a lot of those cases here. No pardons yet, but activists are expecting those very soon.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
Right, liberal judge Susan Crawford bested her conservative opponent Brad Schimel for a seat on the high court. Crawford took an early lead on Tuesday night, and she coasted to victory. Conservatives knew that the odds were against them late in the election, but they really threw everything they had at it, including a lot of money, but still took a loss.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
Now, there was also a measure on the ballot to enshrine a voter identification requirement into the state's constitution, and conservatives were pleased that that passed very easily.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
Well, it means that the court has remained in liberal control. The court leaned conservative for years, but a 2023 election flipped it to a 4-3 liberal majority. That election was largely impacted by the left's push to make abortion the central issue there right after Roe v. Wade was overturned. With Crawford's win, the court sustains its four liberal justices and three conservative justices.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
So the main issue was definitely congressional redistricting, and to a lesser extent, abortion came into play. On redistricting, the liberal-leaning court tossed GOP-drawn maps and adopted new ones drawn by Democrat Governor Tony Evers. That helped Democrats flip a congressional seat in 2024.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
Conservatives were hoping to get back control of those maps with a shimmel in, but now that Crawford has won the seat, the court will likely strike down the Republican maps again, giving Democrats a greater likelihood of winning more seats in the state.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
Elon Musk, who poured $20 million into this race backing the conservative, he discussed the national implications of this race yesterday on Fox News.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
Regarding abortion, Wisconsin had a trigger law on the books after Roe v. Wade was overturned that outlawed most abortions. That's been a legal battle in this state, and its Supreme Court will likely weigh in on that issue. So Democrats leaned in hard on that abortion messaging.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
So early estimates say that more than $100 million was poured into this election, making it the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. Billionaires George Soros for Crawford and Musk for Schimel were key contributors.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
Right, Republican Randy Fine won a seat in Florida's 6th District. That spot was vacated by Mike Waltz after he was tapped by Trump for National Security Advisor. And Republican Jimmy Petronas won Matt Gaetz's old seat in the 1st District. Gaetz was briefly nominated by Trump for Attorney General before he resigned from Congress.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
Those wins were scored in red districts, but this is still really good news for the GOP, who have a slim majority in the House. Democrats significantly outspent Republicans in both races, and both Republicans still won by double digits. Still, legacy media tried to paint these GOP victories as wins for Democrats. Here's CNN's Jake Tapper.
Morning Wire
Wisconsin’s Judicial Election Decided & HHS Layoffs Begin | 4.2.25
Now, Trump nominated a number of congressional Republicans to his cabinet, which was kind of a risky move with such a narrow majority in the House. In fact, Trump just recently withdrew New York Representative Elise Stefanik as a nominee for ambassador to the United Nations because of that tight majority. Just wasn't worth the risk for Trump.
Morning Wire
Fed Cuts Rates & China’s Nuclear Arsenal | Afternoon Update | 12.18.24
Academy documentary branch members controversially left off Am I Racist from the Oscar shortlist, even though the film brought in more money than any other documentary this year by far. Am I Racist, which exposes the lucrative DEI industry, earned the third highest opening date gross from a documentary in the last decade and was one of the most talked about films of the year.
Morning Wire
Fed Cuts Rates & China’s Nuclear Arsenal | Afternoon Update | 12.18.24
The star of Am I Racist, Matt Walsh, called the snub a farce and criticized Hollywood for gatekeeping and resenting conservatives' success.
Morning Wire
Inflation Rises & Red Dye No. 3 Banned | Afternoon Update | 1.15.25
The law, which is being challenged by adult content creators, imposes steep penalties for noncompliance, but critics say it violates free speech and endangers user privacy. Opponents, including the ACLU, warn of risks to privacy and broader impacts on free expression.
Morning Wire
Inflation Rises & Red Dye No. 3 Banned | Afternoon Update | 1.15.25
Meanwhile, supporters like the Age Verification Providers Association argue that the law protects children from harmful content and uses secure technology for age verification. A ruling in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton is expected by June, with implications for online content nationwide.
Morning Wire
EU, Canada Impose Tariffs & Russia Strikes Ukraine | Afternoon Update | 3.12.25
The vote landed at 217 to 213 with nearly all Republicans backing the measure. The bill extends government funding through September 30th. And while most Democrats opposed it, Congressman Jared Golden of Maine voted in the affirmation. Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Thomas Massey voted against the measure, setting off a heated feud with President Trump.
Morning Wire
EU, Canada Impose Tariffs & Russia Strikes Ukraine | Afternoon Update | 3.12.25
Trump criticized Massey and vowed to lead a primary challenge against him. Massey, who has survived Trump-backed challenges before, said that the threats wouldn't change his vote. Democrats claim the bill threatens health care and veterans' benefits, but Speaker Mike Johnson says it contains no cuts to Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security.
Morning Wire
EU, Canada Impose Tariffs & Russia Strikes Ukraine | Afternoon Update | 3.12.25
Democrats could still filibuster the bill, potentially triggering a shutdown this weekend.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
Yeah, so about 15,000 officers and sergeants from nearly every single prison in New York went on strike last month. We've previously covered this here, but basically officers said that prisons had become totally unsafe for everyone following the implementation of the Democrat-backed HALT Act. In fact, just last year, more than 2,000 officers and almost 3,000 inmates were assaulted.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
This is all tied into low recruitment and massive understaffing. Before the strike even started, there were 2,000 vacant positions inside the prison system. Now, despite a lot of pressure from Hochul and some pretty questionable tactics, thousands of officers remained on strike up until Monday, about 22 days since the first day of the strike.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
In turn, Hochul fired all of those still on strike, about 2,000 officers and sergeants. And in a widely criticized move, she signed an executive order banning those employees from ever working for New York State again, including even for county governments.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
Hochul has now declared the strike over and she says she'll abide by a strike resolution deal that she offered back on March 6th, though that deal was roundly rejected by the rank and file.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
Right. And that doesn't even include these resignations that we haven't quantified yet. So what are the terms of the deal and does it address what the officers were concerned about? I mean, I would say generally no, and that's because the deal was rejected by most officers. In fact, after Hochul struck this deal, initially 8,000 officers remained on strike.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
Now, as for what Hochul is offering, there will be a 90-day suspension to some provisions in the HALT Act, a commitment toward ending these sometimes days-long work shifts for officers, and bumped up overtime pay. Hochul also said that she'll stop her lawsuit against officers who've returned to work.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
She said she was in the process of having hundreds of officers arrested for striking, saying that they were in violation of the Taylor Act.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
Have we heard from officers or public officials about it? Yeah, we have. I'll start with the officers. The Daily Wire has spoken to numerous sources and officers from inside the New York prison system, and they've told us that they do not like this deal and that a lot more people would be continuing this strike if Hochul had not gone after their health insurance coverage.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
As we reported last week, Hochul canceled insurance for about 5,300 officers and their dependents. That sparked a lot of reports of children, pregnant wives, and other dependents battling cancer and other diseases being left without coverage. In one case, the wife of an officer who was out on approved time off, not part of this strike, was unable to get her chemo treatment.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
Other officers who were out on approved time off also say they had their insurance pulled. Now, it was that move specifically from Hochul that garnered the attention of Republican Representative Nick Langworthy. Last week, he called for a federal investigation by the U.S.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
Department of Labor into Hochul's harmful labor practices against these CEOs, and he cited the termination of health care and excessive mandatory overtime shifts. Additionally, New York rep Mike Lawler criticized Hochul for these mass firings. He called it a total failure of leadership.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
He noted that New York is simultaneously using taxpayer money to, quote, provide free housing, clothing, food, education and health care to illegal immigrants. Now, how are they manning the prisons? Are they still bringing in the National Guard? Yeah, so National Guard members are still in prisons today, and there's no end date on that.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
Hochul activated thousands of guardsmen on day two of the strike, and their inclusion on this has been controversial from the start. In some cases, they've been sleeping in gyms, and members have leaked photos of really rough conditions.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
New York State Senator Rob Ortt has expressed concern about their safety, specifically saying that these guardsmen are walking among criminals without any proper training. Other Republican lawmakers have expressed similar concerns, and there have been questions about the guardsman's compensation.
Morning Wire
Wall Street Turmoil & Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement | 3.12.25
State Senator Daniel Stack has said that these members were activated on state orders by Hochul, so they're also ineligible for care from the VA if they were to get injured. So all around, not a great situation. Right, and no easy resolution.
Morning Wire
Jack Smith Report Blocked & Congestion Toll Avoidance | Afternoon Update | 1.7.25
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act would define gender under Title IX as based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth. It aims to block federal funding for athletic programs that allow biological males to compete in female sports categories.
Morning Wire
Jack Smith Report Blocked & Congestion Toll Avoidance | Afternoon Update | 1.7.25
The bill was pushed forward by Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, along with 23 Republican co-sponsors, including Senators Ted Budd, Marsha Blackburn, and John Kennedy. Critics argue the measure discriminates against transgender athletes, while supporters like Tuberville say it protects opportunities and safety for women and girls in sports. The vote could come as early as this week.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
Hey, Georgia. So this toll imposes a $9 charge on vehicles entering Midtown Manhattan and below that's south of 60th Street during peak hours, which are pretty much all day long. On weekdays, peak hours are considered 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on weekends, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and there's still a toll on off hours, though it is reduced. It's also worth highlighting that $9 is just the starting point.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
By 2028, the toll jumps to $12, and by 2031, you're looking at a $15 charge. For those who regularly drive into this area, the toll will be costing them thousands of dollars a year. Now, Hochul argues that this is needed to bring down carbon emissions and to reduce traffic and fund New York's troubled public transportation, specifically the Metropolitan Transportation Authority or the MTA.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
The state wants to bring in $500 million per year during the first three years and eventually $1 billion when the toll hits $15.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
Well, initially, she argued publicly that it was too burdensome for New Yorkers, especially at a time when we're dealing with inflation. Behind the scenes, though, Hochul was responding to vulnerable Democrats in her state that were worried about their upcoming elections. They thought the toll would be used against them and hurt Democrats' election prospects.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
So it follows that after the election, Hochul changed her mind on the tax. This time, though, she landed at that $9 starting point. When she announced the toll, she actually gave some interesting spin, and she told New Yorkers that she was actually saving them money.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
So some politician Matthew right there, commuters were not paying this toll at all, and now they're paying that $9 toll, and that somehow saves them 40%.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
Yeah, it's basically some climate activists, the MTA and Hochul, versus everybody else. New Jersey's Democrat Governor Phil Murphy, for example, he has sued to try to stop the toll program. Tolls could end up costing some Jersey residents who commute to New York City an estimated $5,700 per year.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
Separately, the United Federation of Teachers, which is typically a Democrat ally, has also filed suit. The New York Farmers Bureau has spoken out against the toll, and Manhattan residents have filed a class action lawsuit. Additionally, congressional Republicans have found some support from Democrats in an effort to try to stop the toll program.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
And President-elect Donald Trump, who will likely have some big-name Democrat supporters, he vowed this past summer to rescind the federal approval for the program. Firefighters are against the toll, too. This comes despite Hochul and the MTA specifically arguing that it will cut down traffic and therefore cut down emergency response times.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
Firefighter unions say that the tax will unfairly cost firefighters personally, as well as all other residents, and actually slow response times. Here's the president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
Union leaders also say that firefighters frequently use their personal vehicles for transporting their heavy equipment. They say that if they're forced to buy additional fire trucks to avoid that, it'll cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Despite all of this, Hochul has not budged on the issue, and Mayor Eric Adams likewise has not offered firefighters support.
Morning Wire
Trudeau Calls It Quits & Biden’s Drilling Ban | 1.7.25
His office said in a statement that they don't expect the tax to impact emergency responses.
Morning Wire
9-11 Terrorist Plea Deal & Puerto Rico’s Power Grid | Afternoon Update | 12.31.24
The original case stemmed from Carol's claim that Trump assaulted her in a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s, an accusation that Trump has repeatedly denied. The jury did not find Trump liable for rape, but concluded that he was responsible for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding damages for Carol's emotional distress and reputational harm.
Morning Wire
9-11 Terrorist Plea Deal & Puerto Rico’s Power Grid | Afternoon Update | 12.31.24
A separate jury awarded Carol more than $83 million in damages for defamation. Trump has indicated that he has plans to appeal both verdicts.
Morning Wire
9-11 Terrorist Plea Deal & Puerto Rico’s Power Grid | Afternoon Update | 12.31.24
Mozzie Clark, who was recently released, says prison officials shrugged off her complaints about harassment and only took action to remove her cellmate after he had sexually assaulted her. Her lawsuit accuses the facility of failing to protect her despite her repeated pleas for help and warnings of increased risks posed by housing men in women's prison.
Morning Wire
9-11 Terrorist Plea Deal & Puerto Rico’s Power Grid | Afternoon Update | 12.31.24
Clark says the trauma has left lasting emotional scars, while her lawyer calls the case a failure to uphold incarcerated women's basic rights to safety and dignity. The Washington Department of Corrections told The Daily Wire that they cannot comment on the pending litigation.
Morning Wire
9-11 Terrorist Plea Deal & Puerto Rico’s Power Grid | Afternoon Update | 12.31.24
Yesterday, the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a jury's decision from May of 2023 that Trump defamed Carroll by calling her allegations of sexual abuse a hoax, statements the court found false and damaging to her reputation.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Right. So building off of past declarations on gender, Trump signed an EO that directs the DOD to ban men from using or sharing sleeping, changing, and bathing facilities that are designated for females. And it also rescinds a Biden order that allowed other gender identity related accommodations, arguing that it hinders military readiness and other standards.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Now, additionally, this EO stops taxpayer dollars from funding gender transitions, including surgeries for military members. This was actually happening under President Biden to the tune of millions of dollars. The Trump administration said that this applies to trans-identifying children of service members as well.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Trump's order, on the whole, intends to emphasize that the military will have high fitness, health, and readiness standards that will ensure military members are able to deploy, fight, and win.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
So under Biden, about 8,400 active and reserve service members were forced out of the military between 2021 and 2023 because they refused the COVID vax. Trump's executive order restores those troops' previous rank, and it gives them full back pay and benefits. This is a fulfillment of a Trump campaign promise, and it targets the last administration's recruitment crisis—
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
After the vax mandate was rescinded by Biden, those who were forced out were allowed to reapply, but only 43 service members chose to do so.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Yeah, that order eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from the DOD. The order ends race and sex-based preferences by any branch of the military, the DOD, or DHS. It will also eliminate remaining DEI-related bureaucracy from those departments and order a review of the curricula from military service academies.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Military recruitment goals were repeatedly missed during Biden's tenure, and many critics tied that to these DEI initiatives. Here's newly confirmed DOD Secretary Pete Hegseth addressing these issues during his confirmation hearing.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Hegseth himself is actually a big change on what we can expect from the military. Before he was tapped for Secretary of Defense, he wrote a book on the woke policies and initiatives at the Pentagon, and he categorized them as a betrayal to warfighters. Here's Vice President J.D. Vance discussing Hegseth during an interview on CBS.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Hegseth said on Monday that he's working to implement Trump's orders as quickly as possible.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
Oath Keepers leader Stuart Rhodes and ex-Proud Boys chief Enrique Tarrio are free from prison after Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people connected to J6. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo reports.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
For the first time ever, parts of the Gulf Coast, including Louisiana, are under a blizzard warning as a powerful winter storm sweeps through the south. Heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures are expected to cripple travel across multiple states, with officials urging residents to stay home. Louisiana officials warn they're unprepared for the snow.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
Here's Governor Jeff Landry warning residents about the conditions.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
Thousands of flights have already been canceled as the storm is expected to persist through Thursday.
Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Golden Age of America’ Begins | 1.21.25
Yeah, where to begin? Trump has signed executive orders, memos, and proclamations right away, and those targeted the gender issue, free speech, energy, TikTok, government weaponization, and he even renamed the Gulf of Mexico. Trump is no longer a Washington, D.C. rookie. He's had four years to identify high-impact changes, and that's what he's trying to do with these orders.
Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Golden Age of America’ Begins | 1.21.25
Now, on gender, Trump officially defined sex as male and female. The order requires federal agencies to reflect biological sex, and it bans gender marker changes on passports and IDs. It also aims to block taxpayer-funded gender transition treatments for federal prisoners while increasing privacy protections in women's spaces.
Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Golden Age of America’ Begins | 1.21.25
And the order bans compelled speech in the form of preferred pronouns in government facilities, workplaces, and schools. Morning Warrior spoke to Alliance Defending Freedom President and CEO Kristen Wagner about just how significant this order is in terms of putting the weight of the federal government against these progressive policies.
Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Golden Age of America’ Begins | 1.21.25
Trump also signed an EO to quote, immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America. The Daily Wire has been particularly interested in this topic as we found ourselves specifically targeted by government entities for censorship. Also on the chopping block were federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and initiatives within the federal government.
Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Golden Age of America’ Begins | 1.21.25
The order will ax any equity initiatives that have been pushed under former President Biden, and it slashes so-called environmental justice programs. Here's Trump discussing that.
Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Golden Age of America’ Begins | 1.21.25
Additionally, Trump declared a national energy emergency. Those orders will allow more drilling in Alaska, end the electric vehicle mandate and leasing to wind farms, and it withdraws us from the Paris Climate Accords. It will also stop federal efforts to limit gas stoves and certain showerheads and dishwashers.
Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Golden Age of America’ Begins | 1.21.25
Trump also took on the weaponization of the federal government, which was a major theme of his campaign for obvious reasons. This order directs Trump's AG to dig into government records to uncover any action that was taken to punish perceived political opponents.
Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Golden Age of America’ Begins | 1.21.25
While obviously looking into numerous prosecutions of Trump himself, the order will zero in on the Biden administration's apparent targeting of parents speaking out at school board meetings, the prosecution of more than 1,500 people associated with January 6th, and other Americans seemingly targeted over politics.
Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Golden Age of America’ Begins | 1.21.25
And finally, Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. And he renamed Mount Denali, a mountain in Alaska, back to Mount McKinley. In 2015, President Obama had changed the name to Denali to reflect the Alaskan native name, but Trump maintains that America should proudly embrace its own history.
Morning Wire
Russia-US Talk Peace & Border Apprehensions Plummet | Afternoon Update | 2.18.25
Adams, who denies the corruption charges, could see his case dismissed by the Justice Department, though calls for his resignation are growing. City Council Speaker Adrian Adams says he has lost the confidence of New Yorkers. Hochul has the power to remove Adams and says she is monitoring the situation closely.
Morning Wire
Russia-US Talk Peace & Border Apprehensions Plummet | Afternoon Update | 2.18.25
If Adams is ousted, public advocate Jumaane Williams would serve as acting mayor until the next election.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
Hey, Georgia. Yeah, it's been confirmed that at least two dozen people have died from these fires, but unfortunately, dozens more are missing, so that number is expected to rise. The fires have been raging for a week now, starting last Tuesday, and forecasts show a return to extreme winds, so there will likely be more devastation and increasing challenges for firefighters.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
In LA County alone, tens of thousands of people are under evacuation orders.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
The New York Times reports that authorities on the ground do believe that the Palisades fire could have been caused by human origins, but not necessarily arson. There are several popular hiking trails in the area where teens sometimes have fires.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
so that's being investigated as a possible cause as for the arrests related to arson there have been three so far but none have been linked to any of the large devastating fires the kenneth fire is still being investigated as a possible cause of arson there have also been a variety of unconfirmed videos circulating online of individuals setting fires in and around la so that has caused a lot of anger and worry
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
LA Times has also reported that an electrical tower is being investigated in association with the Eaton Fire in Pasadena, though the company is denying that.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
Yeah, this is a huge issue. Thousands of Los Angeles homeowners were dropped by their insurers this past year or so, many in just the past three months. As we highlighted last week, there's a massive insurance crisis in California. A recent Wall Street Journal editorial pinned that crisis on the state's politicians.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
For example, in California, companies are barred from raising premiums to reflect the increasing fire risks. As a result, insurers have limited their coverage or just stopped doing business altogether in California.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
And the state's supposed safety net for those left without private insurance, which is called FAIR, that has a $458 billion exposure, while it only has around $700 million in cash on hand to pay out claims. President Joe Biden has already promised federal funding for those affected by the fires, including low-cost loans for those with uninsured properties.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
And House Speaker Mike Johnson was asked on Monday about sending financial assistance to California, and he said that should come with conditions.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
Yeah, things are not looking good for Bass. First, she was on a different continent when these fires started, and her more than 24-hour absence is only compounding what many view as her leadership failures. There's an online petition signed by more than 30,000 people demanding the mayor's resignation, and even legacy media is turning on the mayor. L.A.
Morning Wire
SoCal Fire Risk Rises & Confirmations Hearings Begin | 1.14.25
Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong called his paper's endorsement of Bass a mistake.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Canadian Tariff Win & NIH Vaccine Hesitancy Research | Afternoon Update | 3.11.25
The NIH is terminating or scaling back more than 40 grants aimed at understanding vaccine hesitancy and boosting acceptance. The Washington Post reports that the decision follows a directive that such research no longer aligns with NIH funding priorities. The Health and Human Services Agency is now run by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., though it's not clear if he issued the order.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Canadian Tariff Win & NIH Vaccine Hesitancy Research | Afternoon Update | 3.11.25
NIH and HHS have yet to comment on the funding cut. The news follows Kennedy directing the CDC to study any possible link between vaccines and autism.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
This is the latest in a series of moves from the Trump administration to shut down the agency. Enforcement Director Eric Halperin and Supervision Director Lorelei Salas were placed on administrative leave yesterday. Both reportedly resigned shortly after.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
Acting Director Russell Vogt has ordered all 1,700 CFPB employees to stay home and halt work, warning that violations could lead to further dismissals. The CFPB, created under President Obama, has long been criticized by Republicans who argue that it overreaches in financial regulation.
Morning Wire
Mangione May Face Death Penalty & Russia-Ukraine Negotiations | Afternoon Update | 4.1.25
Mangione is accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside of a Manhattan hotel back in December. The 26-year-old faces both federal and state murder charges. Prosecutors say that Mangione kept a notebook filled with anti-insurance industry writings, and he had been planning the killing for months.
Morning Wire
Mangione May Face Death Penalty & Russia-Ukraine Negotiations | Afternoon Update | 4.1.25
Bondi called the murder a cold-blooded assassination and said that pursuing the death penalty aligns with President Trump's push to crack down on violent crime. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state charges and has yet to enter a federal plea. The AG's announcement comes as a proposed California ballot initiative named after Mangione makes its way through the state assembly.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Right. As neighborhoods were burning down in Los Angeles, Mayor Bass was on a taxpayer-funded trip to the African nation of Ghana. Bass was there for the inauguration of Ghana's new president, and she didn't make it back to L.A. until Wednesday. In the airport, she was peppered with questions to which she did not respond.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Residents have said that they had very little notice, if any at all, and they're upset that Bass was MIA for so long. Here's one Pacific Palisades resident, Rachel Darvish, expressing some of that frustration on Fox News.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Bass is also taking flak for cutting the fire department's budget by more than $17 million, which is actually a more modest cut than the $23 million the Democrat initially wanted to ax. Bass signed off on that budget just months ago, so the timing is particularly bad. Hmm.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Businessman Rick Caruso, a Democrat who narrowly lost the 2022 mayoral race, said that firefighters' hands are tied by leadership. And he specifically noted that fire hydrants in the area are bone dry. Caruso was one of those criticizing Bass for being out of the country while this devastation raged on.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Governor Newsom is also taking criticism specifically for the lack of water to fight these fires. One of California's top water supply systems has been heavily regulated to appease environmentalists who are worried about two specific fish populations. Now, Donald Trump, when he was president back in 2019, he tried to pump more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, but was stonewalled.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Here's the president-elect on the popular Joe Rogan podcast just three months ago.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Trump battled Newsom during his first term over these constant fires in California. In 2018, Trump threatened to withhold federal funds if Newsom didn't amp up forest management. He said at the time that billions of dollars were being given each year, yet lives were still being lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Trump also said in a post on Wednesday that Newsom is to blame for this most recent devastation, calling it a true disaster.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Right, there's a major homeowners insurance crisis in California. Over the last three years, seven of the state's 12 biggest homeowner insurance companies have paused or limited their business in California due in part to state regulations. Companies, for example, have been blocked from raising their rates due to the increasing risks of wildfires, so instead they've chosen to leave the state.
Morning Wire
Palisades Fire Rages & Wildfire Fallout | 1.9.25
Here's one woman in Pasadena speaking to an ABC News affiliate about her 90-year-old parents losing their coverage just before these fires.
Morning Wire
Trump Backs Off Tariffs & Al Green Censured | Afternoon Update | 3.6.25
Trump's pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration faced his first test before the Senate committee today. Johns Hopkins surgeon Dr. Marty Makary testified before the Senate Health Committee as he seeks to lead the agency that he's openly criticized. Here's a bit from his opening statement.
Morning Wire
Trump Backs Off Tariffs & Al Green Censured | Afternoon Update | 3.6.25
McCary has pledged to improve transparency and focus on food's impact on public health. His confirmation comes amid deep FDA budget cuts and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 's push to reevaluate vaccine policies.
Morning Wire
Trump Backs Off Tariffs & Al Green Censured | Afternoon Update | 3.6.25
ABC News has sent nearly 200 employees packing. That includes much of the staff on Good Morning America's third hour. The layoffs come as part of the cuts ordered by parent company Walt Disney Co. Staffers described a grim mood with one calling the cuts a massacre.
Morning Wire
Trump Backs Off Tariffs & Al Green Censured | Afternoon Update | 3.6.25
And the 13-year-old brain cancer survivor honored during President Trump's address has some strong words for the president's critics. In an interview on War Room, DJ Daniel warned Democrats, if I see you being mean to him, I'm coming after you.
Morning Wire
Trump Backs Off Tariffs & Al Green Censured | Afternoon Update | 3.6.25
Daniel, who's been battling cancer since 2018, received a standing ovation as Trump named him an honorary Secret Service agent. Notably, many Democrats did not stand for that moment. DJ's father also fired back at MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, who criticized Trump's tribute, telling her to shut her mouth if she has nothing nice to say.
Morning Wire
Trump Backs Off Tariffs & Al Green Censured | Afternoon Update | 3.6.25
President Trump announced he's loosening tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo has the details.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
Yeah, well, first it's important to note that the union representing these striking officers and sergeants has not sanctioned the strike, even though they're the ones negotiating. Officers feel like union bosses are on the side of the governor and at odds with their rank and file.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
The disconnect between the leadership and the workers was on full display this weekend when Hochul brokered a deal with the union. She offered a bump in overtime pay and issued a 90-day suspension to certain provisions in the HALT Act that relates to solitary confinement or special housing units.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
The governor's offer was largely rejected, and across more than 30 prisons in New York, the strike continues for about 8,000 officers. On Tuesday, more than 1,000 officers and their supporters took to Albany to protest the governor.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
Officers said at the outset of this that they want the full repeal of the HALT Act and they don't want to work mandated 24-hour or sometimes up to 72-hour shifts anymore. I spoke to a source who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution, and they stressed that the strike is not about the money, but about how the, quote, liberal agenda has destroyed our justice system.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
They said the HALT Act has made it basically impossible for officers to discipline routine problems inside the prisons, and it's putting safety at risk for everyone, including inmates. A source sent the Daily Wire exclusive footage from inside Greenhaven Correctional Facility in New York to show the public the type of violence that's been taking place since the HALT Act was passed.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
The three minutes of graphic footage, which can be viewed on dailywire.com, includes an inmate slicing the face of a female visitor, the fatal stabbing of a 30-year-old inmate, another inmate seizing on the ground with brain trauma after an attack, and numerous attacks on staff members. The source said the footage is just the tip of the iceberg. Right.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
Well, Hochul is not making any concessions and she's taken to firing officers who are continuing to strike, which is notable since a lot of these safety concerns stem from chronic understaffing and low recruitment. Termination started on Sunday and it's been reported that about 10 officers have been fired so far, though that number is expected to rise.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
The governor has also moved to terminate the health insurance for up to 8,000 officers. Hochul has also threatened to arrest officers, and she started proceedings to do just that for hundreds already. Here's the governor on Tuesday.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
Hochul has also mobilized 7,000 National Guard members and thousands are working in the prisons right now. Numerous of those National Guard members have leaked photos to the press of the cramped and squalid conditions they've been subjected to. And last note on that, a lot of controversy is starting to brew as the number of deaths inside these prisons start to rack up.
Morning Wire
Trump Speech Fallout & Sanctuary Mayors Testify | 3.6.25
Since the strike started, at least seven people have died. One has been deemed a suicide and at least one death is under investigation. Well, it's a very precarious situation.
Morning Wire
Federal Buyout Paused & 60 Minutes Transcript Released | Afternoon Update | 2.6.25
Republicans reject that sentiment from Democrats, saying that USAID was filled to the brim with wasteful spending.
Morning Wire
Federal Buyout Paused & 60 Minutes Transcript Released | Afternoon Update | 2.6.25
The order, which was issued on Thursday, prevents Treasury officials from providing access to the Bureau of Fiscal Service, which is responsible for handling 90% of federal payments. The ruling follows a Justice Department motion limiting access to just two Doge employees with read-only permissions. Those individuals remain under scrutiny for their ties to Doge Chair Elon Musk.
Morning Wire
Federal Buyout Paused & 60 Minutes Transcript Released | Afternoon Update | 2.6.25
The controversy stems from an investigation led by Musk into USAID spending, sparking backlash from government unions and lawmakers.
Morning Wire
Plane Collision Revelations & Hamas Hostage Handoff | Afternoon Update | 1.30.25
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, and Kash Patel to run the FBI were all grilled by lawmakers today. Much of RFK's hearing today and yesterday focused on his view of vaccines, though New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan asked him about Medicare.
Morning Wire
Plane Collision Revelations & Hamas Hostage Handoff | Afternoon Update | 1.30.25
At the same time, in a different room, Kash Patel sat down for his hearing to lead the FBI. In one particularly tense exchange, Senator Amy Klobuchar implied that he previously claimed police lied about aspects of the January 6, 2021 riot. Here's that.
Morning Wire
Plane Collision Revelations & Hamas Hostage Handoff | Afternoon Update | 1.30.25
Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard was pushed on several topics, including her previous statements on Edward Snowden and a previous visit she took to Syria where she met with Bashar al-Assad. Here she is answering a question from Arizona Senator Mark Kelly about her meeting with the Syrian leader. I shed no tears for the fall of the Assad regime.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
Yeah, so the commission has 180 days from the day the order was signed to submit a strategy to make our children healthy again. But changes from the private sector already seem to be in motion.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
According to Robert Mosko, who's a food industry analyst for investment bank TD Cowen, food and beverage brands will proactively start to remove artificial flavors and preservatives that they believe won't pass new standards. Some big-name restaurants have already publicized their health swaps.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
Fast food chain Steak and Shake famously announced last month that they'll start cooking their fries in beef tallow. RFK has promoted beef tallow over vegetable and seed oils. Sweetgreen and Blue Collar Restaurant Group have also replaced seed oils.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
We'll also see changes at Mondelez International, which is one of the largest companies in the world and owns brands like Oreo, Ritz, Chips Ahoy, Clif Bar, Cadbury, and others. Mondelez CEO Dirk van der Putt said on Tuesday that the company will swap out ingredients and food dyes it currently uses by basically switching over to its European recipes. Europe has stricter standards for their food.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
Van der Putt did say, though, that consumers will see price hikes. On that note, it is generally expected that we will see a strong push from the food industry to keep seed oils in foods since they are so inexpensive. Moscow said constituents of the agribusiness industry will likely present studies at upcoming hearings to make that case.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
Yeah, so with SNAP, government-funded food benefits, Trump's agriculture secretary, Brooke Rawlings, said last week that she will work with RFK to reform those benefits. Here she is talking to the press on Friday.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
RFK has also signaled that SNAP will be reformed, as well as federally subsidized school lunches.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
In fiscal year 2023, the government spent more than $112 billion on SNAP and about $17 billion on the National School Lunch Program. Also relating to school policy, HHS now officially recognizes only two genders, which is in line with previous executive orders regulating female sports and medical policy.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
Yeah, Kennedy really stressed that his goal is to earn back the public's trust and accomplish that through transparency. Trust in institutions and even scientists have significantly dropped since COVID. And again, Kennedy says HHS will focus on root causes of chronic illnesses instead of only focusing on treating symptoms with drugs.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
He cited some shocking statistics to give a general look at what we're up against.
Morning Wire
Trudeau’s Resignation & New Orleans Lawsuit | Afternoon Update | 1.6.25
Trump's legal team filed a motion today arguing that the sentencing violates the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity and other legal precedents. Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan previously ruled that Trump will face an unconditional discharge, meaning no punishment will be imposed.
Morning Wire
Trudeau’s Resignation & New Orleans Lawsuit | Afternoon Update | 1.6.25
The case stems from Trump's conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to so-called hush money payments made before the 2016 election. Trump has called the case a political witch hunt and maintains his innocence. His sentencing is set just 10 days before his inauguration on January 20th.
Morning Wire
Le Pen Barred from Election & Wyoming’s Strict Voter ID Law | Afternoon Update | 3.31.25
Musk handed out $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters on Sunday night in Green Bay. The tech billionaire said that Tuesday's pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court election could impact the future of civilization. He's poured over $20 million to back the conservative candidate, Brad Schimel, who's running against liberal Susan Crawford.
Morning Wire
Le Pen Barred from Election & Wyoming’s Strict Voter ID Law | Afternoon Update | 3.31.25
The election could shift the court's ideological balance and influence key issues in the battleground state, most notably redistricting. That could have a Democrat Attorney General Josh Kahl argued that Musk's payments violate state law, but the court declined to intervene. Here's Musk at the rally.
Morning Wire
Colony Ridge Footage & German Crash Kills Two | Afternoon Update | 3.3.25
This past weekend, 21-year-old Sadie Schreiner won the women's 400 and 200-meter dashes after several teenage female athletes withdrew in apparent protest. Schreiner, who previously competed in men's track, also set records while racing for the women's team at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Morning Wire
Colony Ridge Footage & German Crash Kills Two | Afternoon Update | 3.3.25
USA Track and Field has not commented on the withdrawals, but follows International Olympic Committee rules allowing male athletes in women's events. The controversy has reignited debate over fairness in women's sports.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
Right. So Libby was censured last week for a Facebook post calling attention to the state policies that allow males to participate in girls' sports. Her post included images of a transgender-identifying high school boy celebrating a first-place win in girls' pole vaulting at Maine's Class B state championship, a win that helped the high school take first place overall.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
It was Libby's post that sparked this whole debate about Maine reaching all the way to the White House. On Tuesday, Democrats demanded Libby remove the post and apologize, arguing that it was inappropriate for her to include images of a minor.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
Libby tried to argue on the House floor that it's unfair and unsafe to permit males and girls sports, and she also said that she was merely reposting public images that were already shared online. However, Libby was repeatedly interrupted and ultimately censured.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
After her censure, Libby used social media to give the speech that she wasn't allowed to give on the floor. Here's some audio of that.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
Libby received a lot of support online. She's outpaced the governor in social media followers. And Maine's House Speaker, who led the censure effort, he's since completely deleted his ex-account, presumably due to backlash.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
Yes, it's estimated that about 500 people showed up to that rally, which was dubbed the March Against Mills. Residents expressed a lot of support for Libby. They held up signs about protecting female sports, and they listened to speeches from numerous female athletes, Republican state lawmaker Katrina Smith, and others. One of those speakers was high school student Julia Dietrich.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
She made headlines last week when she spoke out at a school board meeting about this issue.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
What's particularly notable about the rally was how organically it happened. It appears the rally popped up after three residents who were angry with Mills' refusal to back down on these transgender policies, they created a Facebook event for a protest. That gained traction with thousands, and then those residents harnessed a Change.org petition initiating a recall of Governor Mills.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
That petition has garnered more than 24,000 signatures, and they included a link to the March Against Mills event. By contrast, reports say only dozens showed up at a protest in support for Mills following her spat with Trump. Now, nationally, polling clearly shows that Americans are on Trump's side and very strongly opposed to Mills and Maine Democrats' position here.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
A New York Times poll from January found that only 18% of Americans believe that trans-identifying male athletes should be allowed in female sports.
Morning Wire
Unvaccinated Troops Reinstated & Super Bowl LIX Matchup | Afternoon Update | 1.27.25
Days after withdrawing from the World Health Organization, President Trump says he's open to rejoining it, but there would need to be some significant reform. Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice reports.
Morning Wire
Unvaccinated Troops Reinstated & Super Bowl LIX Matchup | Afternoon Update | 1.27.25
Military service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine may soon join the ranks again. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo has the latest.
Morning Wire
Unvaccinated Troops Reinstated & Super Bowl LIX Matchup | Afternoon Update | 1.27.25
Stocks took a dive today as a new Chinese AI product rattled investors. The Nasdaq plunged 3.5% with the S&P 500 down nearly 2% as Chinese AI startup DeepSeek gained traction globally. Shares of Nvidia fell more than 15%, leading declines in tech. Part of DeepSeek's rapid rise is fueled by its open-source model and lower development costs. Its success has cast doubt on U.S.
Morning Wire
Unvaccinated Troops Reinstated & Super Bowl LIX Matchup | Afternoon Update | 1.27.25
dominance in artificial intelligence. Experts say the Chinese firm still lags behind OpenAI and Google, but it's gaining ground fast.
Morning Wire
Unvaccinated Troops Reinstated & Super Bowl LIX Matchup | Afternoon Update | 1.27.25
Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.
Morning Wire
Venezuelan Oil Tariffs & Yemen Airstrike Signal Chat | Afternoon Update | 3.24.25
Greenland Prime Minister Mutipi Agde slammed the visit as highly aggressive. Second Lady Usha Vance and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz are among those who plan to visit this coming Thursday, part of what the Trump administration has called a friendly outreach effort. But Greenlandic leaders say the uninvited trip disrespects their sovereignty, especially amid post-election negotiations.
Morning Wire
Venezuelan Oil Tariffs & Yemen Airstrike Signal Chat | Afternoon Update | 3.24.25
Danish leaders echoed the concern, warning that the visits can't be separated from Trump's past statements. President Trump has repeatedly said that he wants to bring Greenland under U.S. control one way or the other.
Morning Wire
Migrant Hotel Money & Philly’s Chaotic Celebrations | Afternoon Update | 2.10.25
The Guantanamo Bay transfer of three Venezuelan migrants has been blocked. Lawyers say the detainees were falsely accused of ties to the gang Tren de Aragua and argue the move violates their rights. A New Mexico judge granted a restraining order pausing the transfer. Meanwhile, the administration has already sent flights of detained migrants to Guantanamo, with Trump vowing to expand the facility.
Morning Wire
Migrant Hotel Money & Philly’s Chaotic Celebrations | Afternoon Update | 2.10.25
Immigration groups are now demanding legal access to detainees.
Morning Wire
Migrant Hotel Money & Philly’s Chaotic Celebrations | Afternoon Update | 2.10.25
Eagles' victory celebrations in Philly turned chaotic despite city officials' warning against reckless behavior. Fireworks lit up the sky, champagne popped, and videos on social media even show crazed fans toppling over traffic lights and utility poles. In other instances, people jumped onto a police van and danced on an ambulance.
Morning Wire
Migrant Hotel Money & Philly’s Chaotic Celebrations | Afternoon Update | 2.10.25
Elon Musk says FEMA spent millions of taxpayer dollars on luxury hotels for migrants in New York City. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo has more.
Morning Wire
Migrant Hotel Money & Philly’s Chaotic Celebrations | Afternoon Update | 2.10.25
After past tragic incidents, Mayor Sherelle Parker urged fans to stay safe. Police had all hands on deck, but the celebrations still went a little crazy. That said, no major injuries have been reported so far, but officials are still reviewing last night's events.
Morning Wire
Migrant Hotel Money & Philly’s Chaotic Celebrations | Afternoon Update | 2.10.25
A Canadian women's college basketball team faces a league suspension after disputes regarding a trans-identifying male player. Daily Wire senior editor Ash Short has more.
Morning Wire
Migrant Hotel Money & Philly’s Chaotic Celebrations | Afternoon Update | 2.10.25
All right, those are your drive home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com. And in case you missed it this morning, we covered some major stories, including Trump's big game interview, the rise of new media in his administration, and the origins of Doge. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Hey, John. Yeah, so Kennedy said that this outbreak in Texas must elicit a call to action for all of us to affirm our commitment to public health. Now, there have been a total of 159 confirmed cases of measles in the state since late January, 22 people have been hospitalized, and there's been one death of a school-aged child.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Most of these infections have impacted children in the Mennonite population. Now, specifically, Kennedy said in the op-ed that he's harnessing HHS to support Texas communities and the state health department by making the measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR vaccine readily available. HHS has sent 2,000 doses of the vaccine to West Texas.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Kennedy also said that he's focused on educating parents on treatments post-infection and nutrition. Here's the secretary on Fox News.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Now, as you noted, Kennedy's op-ed caused a bit of a firestorm online and reactions were all over the place. Some folks on the left said RFK wasn't pushing the MMR vaccine enough, while others on the right said that Kennedy's push for the vaccine felt like a betrayal. But taking the temperature of the Maha movement leaders, they seem to think that RFK's op-ed was actually in line with their cause.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
allowing parents the accessibility and option for vaccination, while also expanding guidance on treatment and emphasizing the need for a healthy diet to protect against most chronic and infectious illnesses.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Yes, a lot going on here. So Kennedy has indicated that he'll effectively be reviewing the childhood vaccination schedule. As the head of the Maha Commission, Kennedy said he'll investigate vaccines as well as pesticides, food additives, microplastics, and antidepressants to see if they contribute to the rise of chronic illness.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
RFK has also halted the CDC's wild-to-mild campaign promoting the flu vaccination. Kennedy said he wants advertisements going forward to promote the idea of informed consent in vaccine decision-making. That would include giving people more information about the adverse effects associated with vaccines.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Also, citing conflicts of interest, Kennedy is preparing to remove several members of the external committee that advises the FDA and CDC on vaccine approvals and other key public health decisions. Recommendations from that committee, known as the ACIP, they're almost always followed by HHS, so that could impact the childhood vaccination schedule as well.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
RFK has postponed the ACIP's first panel to, quote, accommodate public comment in advance of that meeting.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Yeah, we're seeing a stronger push to limit sugary and highly processed food and drink options for government food benefits called SNAP or food stamps. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, for example, she's looking to restrict some of these less healthy options, including a favorite of President Donald Trump's, Coca-Cola.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Lawmakers in Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Texas, and Wyoming are also looking to make similar pushes. RFK himself has called sugary drinks like Coca-Cola poison. However, Trump might be a harder sell on this. He's a populist to his core, and he knows how unpopular restrictions or bans can be.
Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Not to mention, the president loves Diet Coke so much, he had a button installed on his desk in the Oval Office to summon a can multiple times a day.
Morning Wire
Aides Admit Biden’s Decline & Auburn Basketball Coach | Afternoon Update | 4.4.25
The books describe the former president as increasingly confused and fatigued during his final year in office as White House staffers continue to conceal that decline. One of the more startling claims says that Biden thought of himself more as the president of NATO than the United States.
Morning Wire
Aides Admit Biden’s Decline & Auburn Basketball Coach | Afternoon Update | 4.4.25
Staffers also used fluorescent tape on the carpet to try to guide Biden at events, and they struggled to keep him focused ahead of that fateful debate with Donald Trump last summer. Former Chief of Staff Ron Klain said that Biden appeared out of touch and exhausted, raising private concerns among top Democrats.
Morning Wire
Aides Admit Biden’s Decline & Auburn Basketball Coach | Afternoon Update | 4.4.25
The debate performance set off alarm bells within the party and eventually led to Biden's withdrawal from the race in July.
Morning Wire
Collision Investigation & TN Passes School Choice | Afternoon Update | 1.31.25
Meta Platforms has agreed to pay Trump $25 million for suspending his Facebook account following the January 6th riot back in 2021. Most of the settlement, $22 million worth, will go toward Trump's presidential library, while the rest of the money will cover legal fees and other plaintiffs.
Morning Wire
Collision Investigation & TN Passes School Choice | Afternoon Update | 1.31.25
The deal comes after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November, seeking to repair ties with the incoming president. The lawsuit was one of several Trump filed against social media companies with mixed success. Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the settlement, calling it a bribe.
Morning Wire
Vance Visits Greenland & Tesla Vandal Arrested | Afternoon Update | 3.28.25
Vance will touch down at a U.S. military installation in the northwest of Greenland. The delegation includes Vance's wife Usha, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Senator Mike Lee of Utah. They'll meet with U.S. troops stationed at the base, which operates under an agreement with Denmark.
Morning Wire
Vance Visits Greenland & Tesla Vandal Arrested | Afternoon Update | 3.28.25
The trip's plans shifted after Greenland officials and residents expressed reluctance to host the American visitors. Originally, Usha Vance was scheduled to attend a dog sled race and visit a travel agency in the capital, but those plans were canceled following local objections. President Trump has emphasized Greenland's strategic importance to U.S.
Morning Wire
Vance Visits Greenland & Tesla Vandal Arrested | Afternoon Update | 3.28.25
security, citing its vast size and resources, though a recent poll shows that most of the island's 56,000 residents oppose joining the United States. The visit comes amid heightened U.S. interest in the Arctic region, with Vance's office stressing the need for improved security infrastructure in Greenland. Here's J.D. Vance speaking about the trip on Tuesday.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Hey, Georgia. Yeah, she said that order has no power and it's not law, and she also said that she just won't comply. Here she is speaking to reporters on Monday.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Now, it is true that congressional Republicans have been slow to codify Trump's order on girls' sports. However, Title IX separates sports based on sex to ensure equal opportunity. And it was only during the Biden administration that the federal government decided to interpret Title IX through the lens of so-called gender identity. And Trump, of course, is very much not on board with that.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Additionally, a total of eight public universities in Maine have said that they will comply with Trump's order. That change was made in response to the Department of Agriculture threatening to withhold federal funding over this issue. Now, other investigations have been opened by different departments into these transgender policies in Maine.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
And Health and Human Services said that they actually did find Title IX violations and they gave the state 10 days to comply with Trump's order. That letter was sent on March 19th. I spoke to MaineWire's editor-in-chief, Steve Robinson, about potential consequences over all of this noncompliance. And here's what he told me.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Yeah, we do. New polling from the American Parents Coalition, which was exclusively shared with The Daily Wire, shows that Maine residents side with Trump on this issue. 63% said that school sports participation should be based on biological sex, and 60% said that they would support a ballot measure to protect girls' sports, including 64% of independents.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Here's what Robinson told me about what he's personally seeing in Maine.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Robinson mentioned state representative Laurel Libby there. She was actually censured by state Democrats for her Facebook post that drew attention to this issue. She posted public images of a male taking first place in girls' pole vaulting at states after he formerly competed with boys.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Now, despite Maine residents being clearly opposed to allowing males in girls' sports, Maine Democrats just voted on Tuesday to continue Libby's censure. That means she's still barred from speaking on the House floor. And just last week, Maine Democrats pushed a bill that would effectively install tampons in middle and high school boys' bathrooms.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
So as of now, Democrats in Maine are digging in on this issue despite its unpopularity. Well, a risky move for them. Amanda, thanks for reporting. You're welcome.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
What do you say to critics who say that your actions towards law firms are amount to coercion?
Morning Wire
RFK Restructures HHS & Tourist Submarine Sinks | Afternoon Update | 3.27.25
We're here today at the special agent graduating ceremony, the class of 445, with DJ, who is a Secret Service agent, and also Director Curry. Right, and our news station. Yes, we're looking for the best and the brightest.
Morning Wire
RFK Restructures HHS & Tourist Submarine Sinks | Afternoon Update | 3.27.25
Kennedy announced today that his department will cut around 10,000 jobs in a sweeping plan aimed at cutting government costs. The move is part of a Trump administration executive order focused on improving efficiency across federal agencies. HHS says the initial cuts will save taxpayers $1.8 billion each year. But Kennedy says that this is just round one.
Morning Wire
RFK Restructures HHS & Tourist Submarine Sinks | Afternoon Update | 3.27.25
Through early retirement programs and the Fork in the Road initiative, the department aims to eventually reduce its workforce of 82,000 down to 62,000. Kennedy says that the goal is not just about downsizing, but realigning HHS with its mission of tackling chronic disease. Here's Kennedy making that announcement.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Meeting Explodes, Pope Suffers Setback | Afternoon Update | 2.28.25
The bill defines sex based on anatomy at birth. If Kim Reynolds signs the measure, Iowa would become the first state to remove what activists deem necessary protections from people who believe they are transgender. Opponents of the bill warn of discrimination, while supporters argue that it upholds traditional gender norms.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Meeting Explodes, Pope Suffers Setback | Afternoon Update | 2.28.25
Federally, the Trump administration has vowed to cut funding for hospitals offering gender transition treatments to minors, keep men out of female sports, bar men from women's prisons, and remove gender identity from passports.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
Hey, John. Well, there's faith-based content climbing the charts when it comes to total downloads and online engagement, and that's really prevalent in the podcast and app space where there are no gatekeepers. A breakout hit from a few years ago was Ascension's Bible in a Year podcast, which is actually hosted by a priest, Father Mike Schmitz.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
That held a spot at number one for a total of 24 days. This year, Ascension released Rosary in a Year. That debuted at number one on Apple podcast charts, topping even Joe Rogan. The listenership for Bible in a Year is huge, garnering well over 700 million downloads. And Rosary in a Year could be on track for similar numbers.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
It debuted at number one in all categories back in December, and it still remains in the top 10 on the Apple charts. And there are many other Christian shows gaining steam in the podcast space. Catholic Discussion Podcast, Pints with Aquinas, and Bishop Robert Barron's The Word on Fire each get millions of views just on YouTube.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
And Allie Beth Stuckey's Protestant Christian Perspective Podcast Relatable gets comparable numbers. There's also the Catholic prayer and meditation app called Halo, which has been endorsed by stars like Mark Wahlberg and Gwen Stefani. The numbers there are also staggering.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
That app has over 22 million installs, and around Easter time last year, Halo landed at number one on the Apple App Store, marking the first time a health, wellness, meditation, or religious app ever accomplished such a feat.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
Well, alternative media in general is booming, but it's definitely new for faith-based content to hold the number one ranking on the charts. And I should also note, the reigning podcast king Joe Rogan has increasingly been bringing on Christian perspective guests.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
The same week Rosary in a Year was climbing the Apple charts, Rogan dropped a highly anticipated episode with biblical scholar Wesley Huff. Just a week later, he brought an outspoken Catholic actor, Mel Gibson, who right now is working on the sequel to the massively successful Passion of the Christ. Here's a taste of Gibson and Rogan discussing the martyrdom of 11 of the 12 apostles.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
The discussion of faith on Rogan's podcast is probably the biggest example of faith breaking through the mainstream. The Joe Rogan Experience audience is mostly male and not particularly religious, and the reach is massive. It's the most popular podcast on Spotify with 14.5 million followers, and episodes average around 11 million views each.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
Yeah, so an average of all 2023 Gallup polling found that about 22% of Americans are not affiliated with religion, which is the highest it's ever been. And nearly half of all Zoomers, those born between 1997 and 2012, they're not religiously affiliated according to a 2022 YouGov survey. But there is also data showing a shift toward religion.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
A Springtide Research Institute survey from 2023, for example, found that a third of people aged 18 to 25 believe more than doubt in the existence of a higher power. That's an increase from only about a quarter in 2021. There are also other signs, like the significant spike in Bible sales, or things more anecdotal, like the trend online noticing more athletes talking about their faith.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
At the same time, though, it is undeniable that there is a more extreme push away from God in the mainstream. The explosion of OnlyFans, which is basically a subscription pornography site, is a prime example of this. I spoke to Father Mark Mary of Rosary in a Year about that polarity in culture, and here's what he told me.
Morning Wire
The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25
Right, and a positive trend.
Morning Wire
Schumer Supports GOP Budget & California Needs Money | Afternoon Update | 3.14.25
Meteorologists are warning of tornadoes, flash floods, blizzards and wildfires for today through Sunday. Several states will be affected from Texas and Alabama up to Minnesota and Wisconsin. The central states, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee will face the worst of the storms. Meteorologists are predicting over two dozen tornadoes, golf ball-sized hail, and 80 mph winds.
Morning Wire
Schumer Supports GOP Budget & California Needs Money | Afternoon Update | 3.14.25
As the storm rolls east Saturday into Sunday, severe thunderstorms and tornado risks will hit Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, while blizzards dump up to a foot of snow in the Dakotas and Minnesota. By Sunday, the entire eastern seaboard from Florida to Massachusetts will likely experience high winds and flash floods.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
Hey, John. Yeah, this bill would ban the fluoridation of public water statewide. Now, currently, two counties in the state add fluoride to its water supply, but nearly half of all state residents live in those counties.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
The legislation is sponsored by Republican Representative Stephanie Grecius, who argues that it's expensive to add fluoride, and nixing this addition is about promoting individual choice. The bill actually moves to allow pharmacists to prescribe fluoride tablets to those who need it.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
Republican Governor Spencer Cox has said that he will sign the bill into law, and that would take effect on May 7th. And also, I'll note that while Utah is poised to be the first state to implement this ban, Hawaii does not fluoridate its water, though there is no ban in place there.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
Right. So, of course, this has definitely gained a lot of traction following Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 's endorsement of Trump in this last election. RFK, who's now the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the figurehead of the Make America Healthy Again movement, he said just before the election that on day one, he would advise that all U.S. water systems remove fluoride from public water.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
He's called fluoride an industrial waste, and he says that it's associated with numerous negative effects like arthritis, IQ loss, and thyroid disease. Also, back in October, an Obama-appointed federal judge ruled that fluoride in drinking water presents an unreasonable risk and ordered the EPA to respond. RFK has highlighted that ruling as well as other recent studies.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
But it's not just Kennedy and Maha figures debating this. Dr. Lena Nguyen, for example, has said that this policy of adding fluoride to our drinking water must be reevaluated. Nguyen is the former president of Planned Parenthood, and she strongly opposed Kennedy as HHS secretary. She called him a conspiracy theorist. But on this issue, she agrees. Here she is on ABC.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
Proponents of water fluoridation argue that it's safe in drinking water at low levels, and it's important for oral health, which can also impact your overall health.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
Well, there are major updates related to both vaccines and food. On vaccines, the National Institutes of Health will stop spending money to find out why Americans are hesitant to take vaccines. The NIH, which is part of HHS, is terminating or scaling back more than 40 related grants, and they say that this spending no longer aligns with NIH priorities.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
The CDC is also reportedly studying if there's any link between vaccinations and the rise in autism. A CDC study from 2020 found that one in 36 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism. Now on food, RFK has directed the FDA to revise a rule that allows companies to self-affirm the safety of food ingredients.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
Under the revision, manufacturers will have to publicly submit safety data for new ingredients. HHS says that such enhanced oversight will bring transparency to American consumers. Also on Monday, Kennedy met with executives from major food companies, including Pepsi, General Mills, and Kellogg's, and he urged them to eliminate certain dyes from their recipes.
Morning Wire
Government Shutdown Countdown & EPA Makes Historic Cuts | 3.14.25
And final note here, I have to add that the Maha movement has tremendous support from the American public. Morning Wire spoke to Kansas Senator Roger Marshall about that.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs & RFK Sworn In | 2.14.25
On Thursday, President Trump laid out his plans for new reciprocal tariffs that will match rates other countries currently charge the U.S.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs & RFK Sworn In | 2.14.25
Here with the details is Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo. So Amanda, things are moving along very smoothly for Trump. Even some of his long shot picks are moving through. So let's start with RFK. He was confirmed yesterday.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs & RFK Sworn In | 2.14.25
Right. Well, RFK brought over a lot of disaffected Democrats as well. Now, another notable confirmation pickup this week was Tulsi Gabbard. A lot of people thought she was a real long shot. How did she manage to get through?
Morning Wire
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs & RFK Sworn In | 2.14.25
And the Trump DOJ files charges against the state of New York and its governor for sabotaging ICE efforts to deport illegal immigrants.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs & RFK Sworn In | 2.14.25
Well, overall, a very anti-establishment cabinet. It's going to be interesting to see how this term goes. Amanda, thanks for reporting. You're welcome. The Department of Justice has filed charges against the state of New York and several top officials over its effort to protect illegal aliens from deportation.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs & RFK Sworn In | 2.14.25
Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back later this afternoon with more news you need to know.
Morning Wire
Duke Lacrosse Accuser Retracts & Daniel Penny Army Navy Game | Afternoon Update | 12.13.24
Just this past week, the first ever Christmas carols and nativity display was held on the southeastern steps of the U.S. Capitol, marking a major victory for religious freedom. The event, which included religious prayer, was made possible after a landmark federal court ruling was issued this past May.
Morning Wire
Duke Lacrosse Accuser Retracts & Daniel Penny Army Navy Game | Afternoon Update | 12.13.24
Reverend Patrick Mahoney, who led the legal fight, successfully argued that the Capitol steps are a public forum, ensuring peaceful demonstrations can no longer be prohibited. Organizers hailed the gathering as a celebration of faith and freedom and an end to the war on Christmas in the public square.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
Recovery efforts continue at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic. A roof collapse during a concert has killed at least 221 people, with more than 150 others injured. The incident occurred early Tuesday during a performance by merengue singer Ruby Perez, who was among the dead. At least two former Major League Baseball players were also killed, Octavio Dottel and Tony Blanco.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
Rescue teams continued search efforts as officials confirmed several prominent victims, including a provincial governor and a U.S. citizen. Authorities are investigating the cause, noting the club had substantial fire damage back in 2023.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
Yeah, there are a couple different types of online sexual exploitation that the feds are warning about. It's called sextortion or sexual extortion when a predator, usually an adult, either coerces or coaxes a minor into sending sexually explicit images or video footage and then extorts them over it.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
Predators will threaten to release that material unless the minor either produces additional explicit content or gives them cash. In some cases, the offenders are motivated by sexual gratification, but other times they're primarily after money. The FBI posted a video just last week about the sharp rise in sextortion, specifically citing a violent online network known as 764.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
Members in the US and abroad are coercing minors and other vulnerable people to commit disturbing sex-related crimes or self-harm. The special agent in charge of the FBI St. Louis field office, Ashley Johnson, discussed 764 on Fox 2 earlier this month.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
There's another subtype of sexual exploitation that primarily targets teen boys. Offenders will pose as attractive women online and they'll trick the minors into sending them explicit content. Then they'll threaten victims, tell them that they'll post the material publicly and send it to their friends and family if they don't send payment.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
One report found that 90% of all financially motivated sexual extortion victims were males between the ages of 14 and 17. These schemes have been linked to a string of suicides by young boys.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
A memo from the FBI's Sacramento field office said these extortion offenders are often foreigners and they primarily hail from West African countries like Nigeria and Ivory Coast or Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines. I spoke to Tammy Lee, the CEO of nonprofit Our Rescue, and she told me that they're seeing a similar pattern.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
How common is this? Well, from October of 2021 to March of 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security investigations received more than 13,000 reports of this activity. There were about 12,600 victims who were mostly boys, and tragically, at least 20 suicides have been connected to this. But those numbers are likely even higher.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
A more recent report from USA Today found that sextortion cases have been tied to at least 30 suicides of teen boys since 2021. And this trend is growing. In just a six-month period in 2023, for example, the FBI saw a 20% increase in reports of financially motivated sextortion.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
Cyber Tipline, which is an organization run by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, they received nearly 190,000 reports of online enticement of children for sexual acts. That number has quadrupled since 2021, when the Tipline received about 44,000 reports. Now, which social media platforms should parents be most concerned about?
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
Yeah, Instagram and Snapchat are the two most used apps for these types of crimes. Messages on both of these apps can have messages that disappear. That might lead victims to put their guard down before they send over these explicit images that are later used against them.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
We spoke to South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, whose family, unfortunately, has firsthand experience with such crimes. Guffey's 17-year-old son, Gavin, took his own life after a Nigerian scammer threatened him on Instagram. Guffey has since become a fierce advocate in this space.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
I asked Guffey if he had any advice for teens who might find themselves caught up in such a scheme.
Morning Wire
Budget Bill Passes House & Rise of Teen “Sextortion” | 4.11.25
One final note here to listeners, if you or someone you know thinks they're a victim of sextortion, please call law enforcement. You can report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov. Amanda, thanks for reporting.
Morning Wire
Trump Sentenced & Wildfire Suspect | Afternoon Update | 1.10.25
The Florida DMV has canceled the license after the man, who goes by the name JamesIsSmiling on TikTok, shared a video explaining how he changed his sex marker on the ID from male to female using a loophole. The now-deleted video, which gained attention in conservative circles, included a taunting, vulgar message to DeSantis.
Morning Wire
Trump Sentenced & Wildfire Suspect | Afternoon Update | 1.10.25
But now, James is Smiling has a new license with his correct male sex marker on it. DeSantis' press secretary commended the DMV's action, emphasizing that Florida operates on truth and will only provide an individual's true sex.