Morning Wire – Episode Summary
Podcast: Morning Wire
Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief), Georgia Howe
Episode Date: September 18, 2025
Episode Title: Biden FBI’s Secret Dragnet & Fed Cuts Rates
Episode Overview
This episode dives into three major breaking news stories:
- Revelation of a Secret FBI Investigation—Whistleblower documents allege that the Biden-era FBI significantly broadened its probe into conservative political groups tied to the 2020 election, including Turning Point USA and nearly 100 Republican organizations.
- Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates—For the first time since December, the Fed, under Chairman Jerome Powell, lowers benchmark interest rates, sparking a jump in the stock market and ongoing controversy about independence and governance at the Fed.
- U.S. Diplomacy Amid Final Israeli Gaza Offensive—Secretary of State Marco Rubio concludes high-stakes meetings in the Middle East as Israel launches what it claims is its definitive operation against Hamas in Gaza, with U.S. diplomatic efforts at a critical juncture.
Additional coverage includes fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the media and legal response.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. FBI Dragnet on GOP Groups
[02:55 – 07:48]
- Whistleblower Documents Reveal Mass Investigation:
The Biden DOJ and FBI allegedly expanded a 2022 investigation, codenamed "Arctic Frost", far beyond claims of Trump’s election interference to include 92 Republican-associated groups and individuals, notably Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA). - Details of Investigation:
- Initially focused on claims Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election.
- Expanded to lawsuits challenging election results, January 6th matters, and related fundraising.
- Scope: Over 150 interviews, 400+ subpoenas, 20 financial probes, warrants on devices, even Trump’s Twitter accounts.
Notable Quote:
“Some examples of the group that [the] FBI sought to place under political investigation included the Republican National Committee, Republican Attorney General's association, and various Trump political groups ... It was the vehicle by which partisan FBI agents and Department of Justice prosecutors could achieve their partisan ends and improperly investigate the entire Republican political apparatus.”
— Sen. Chuck Grassley, reading from declassified documents [04:19]
Reaction:
- Sen. Josh Hawley said Charlie Kirk had confided fears of being targeted:
“He’d taken me aside at one point and said, ‘I think that we are being targeted, that TPUSA is being targeted.’ ... Now we know that Joe Biden once again weaponized the FBI to go after his political opponents. It’s nothing but terrorism.” [06:23]
- Unclear what direct evidence, if any, justified including groups like TPUSA.
- Sens. Grassley and Johnson plan further document releases.
2. Fed Rate Cut & Trump’s Influence over Central Bank
[08:55 – 12:40]
- Fed Cuts Rates by 0.25%:
- First rate cut since December, aimed at modestly easing borrowing on homes, cars, credit cards, and student loans.
- Market positive: Dow and S&P 500 both hit new all-time highs.
- Background on Decision:
- Unemployment has edged up, job gains slowing, inflation still elevated.
“While the unemployment rate remains low, it has edged up, job gains have slowed and downside risks to employment have risen ... In support of our goals and in light of the shift in the balance of risks, today the [FOMC] decided to lower our policy interest rate by a quarter percentage point.”
— Fed Chair Jerome Powell [09:16]
- Unemployment has edged up, job gains slowing, inflation still elevated.
- Political Drama:
- Trump has pressured the Fed for faster cuts, often calling Powell “Jerome too Late Powell.”
- Steven Myron, Trump adviser, now on Fed board (first ever to hold concurrent White House economic role, though taking leave). He alone pushed for a half-point cut.
- Senate Democrats introduce a bill to prevent such “dual appointments,” but likely faces defeat.
- Court Battle:
- Trump’s firing of Biden appointee Lisa Cook (alleged fraud) blocked for now by DC Appeals Court; White House will appeal to the Supreme Court.
3. Middle East Diplomacy: Gaza Crisis
[12:49 – 17:18]
- Secretary Rubio in the Middle East:
- Israel launches final offensive on Hamas’ last Gaza stronghold.
- U.S. focus: Hostage release, Hamas disarmament, humanitarian solutions.
- Marco Rubio:
“We would all prefer to see a negotiated end that leads to all the hostages being released ... and Hamas being disarmed.” [12:51]
- Expert Insight (Victoria Coats, Heritage Foundation):
- Region "understands this has to happen,” as Hamas impedes civilian evacuation.
- Egypt, Jordan refuse to accept Gaza refugees.
- Qatar remains a key mediator despite Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Doha.
“This was a big step on the part of Israel to strike Hamas in Doha ... But the good news is that [Secretary Rubio] flew directly from Tel Aviv to Doha ... So that to me is the most powerful symbol that, that the [Abraham] accords will endure.” [14:29]
- Suggested future for Gaza: Surge support via new humanitarian mechanisms, allow temporary relocation of Gazans, and eventual rebuilding.
“We need to give the people of Gaza a choice. Would they like to be relocated for a period of time to allow the rebuilding to be done as quickly as possible? ... The President seems very committed to that.” [16:15]
4. Media Fallout: Jimmy Kimmel Suspended
[17:24 – 18:52]
- Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show paused after comments implying Kirk’s assassin was linked to MAGA.
- Clip:
“We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them ...” [17:35]
- Clip:
- Facts dispute Kimmel’s claim (Governor Cox: shooter was indoctrinated with leftist ideology).
- Network president calls comments “offensive and insensitive,” suggests possible FCC legal action forthcoming.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On FBI Probe’s Scope:
“Nearly 100 targets, really staggering number.”
— Georgia Howe [05:13] -
On Fed Drama:
"Trump has coined this nickname Jerome too Late Powell ... but maybe now it'll be Jerome better late than never Powell."
— Cabot Phillips, [09:17] -
On Middle East Diplomacy:
“If, you know, a cruise ship pulled up to the Gaza pier tomorrow, I wonder how many would choose to go.”
— Victoria Coats, [13:02] -
On Humanitarian Aid in Gaza:
"The Gazans have been telling the Humanitarian foundation, this is the first free meal I've ever gotten.”
— Victoria Coats, [16:15]
Key Timestamps
- 00:47 – Introduction to FBI dragnet story.
- 02:55 – Details on whistleblower revelations.
- 04:19 – Grassley reads from declassified documents.
- 06:23 – Sen. Josh Hawley on Kirk’s fears.
- 08:55 – Introduction to Federal Reserve segment.
- 09:16 – Jerome Powell explains the rate cut.
- 10:37 – Background on Fed staffing and political tension.
- 12:49 – Introduction to Middle East/Gaza operation.
- 14:29 – Qatar’s role and Abraham Accords endurance.
- 16:15 – Future of Gaza post-Hamas.
- 17:24 – Jimmy Kimmel controversy and network/legal response.
Tone & Style
- Direct, urgent, and focused on breaking news.
- Substantive, with policy, political, and legal analysis.
- Candid speaker quotes capture the intensity of ongoing political and international developments.
This summary provides a comprehensive breakdown of the episode’s primary news, major arguments, and most notable exchanges, offering a complete briefing for those who haven’t listened.