Morning Wire: Biden Shifts Ukraine Policy & Texas Buoy Barrier Plans | Afternoon Update | 11.20.24

Released on November 20, 2024 by The Daily Wire

1. Biden Shifts Ukraine Policy Amid Rising Tensions

John Bickley opens the discussion on the Biden administration's recent policy shift regarding Ukraine amidst escalating military tensions with Russia. Just days after authorizing the deployment of American-made long-range missiles in Russia, President Biden reversed his stance and approved the use of anti-personnel mines.

Bickley explains, “Officials say the mines are equipped with electric fuses that deactivate after a short time, but a number of anti-mine advocates say the risk they pose to civilians is unacceptably high” (00:37). This move has drawn criticism from Trump allies, who argue that it could further inflame tensions ahead of Biden’s upcoming inauguration.

In response to these developments, Russia has updated its nuclear doctrine, although Ukrainian officials now perceive the nuclear threat as a bluff. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has closed its doors, issuing a warning of a significant Russian air attack (00:37).

2. Trump Announces Key Appointments in Education and Healthcare

Georgia Howe transitions to Donald Trump's recent appointments, starting with the selection of Linda McMahon to lead the Education Department. Joel Kneedler, Daily Wire senior editor, provides insights into McMahon's background and the reactions to her appointment.

Kneedler notes, “McMahon is a former wrestling executive and was head of the Small Business Administration during Trump's first term. The president-elect praised McMahon as a leader in promoting school choice and pledged that she will spearhead efforts to return education control to the states” (01:24). However, critics point out her limited experience in education policy and her involvement with the America First Policy Institute, which advocates for significant changes to public education systems.

In the healthcare sector, Trump has appointed Dr. Mehmet Oz as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Tim Pierce reports that Trump lauded Oz’s qualifications, stating, “He is a physician, heart surgeon, and health advocate” (01:24). Oz, a former talk show host, is expected to collaborate with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services. Trump's vision for Oz includes focusing on disease prevention, reducing waste, and improving healthcare outcomes in what he describes as a system in crisis (01:24).

3. Texas Expands Buoy Border Barrier in Operation Lone Star

Georgia Howe highlights Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s latest initiative to bolster border security by expanding the state's floating buoy barrier under Operation Lone Star. These additional buoys are set to be deployed imminently as authorities anticipate a surge in illegal crossings, particularly in light of Donald Trump's anticipated return to the White House.

Governor Abbott emphasizes the proactive nature of this move, stating, “We don't want to be reactive. We want to be ready for anything, for any possible surge. And by having the show of force, it sends a clear message to Mexico” (02:45). Despite facing several legal challenges, the floating barrier remains operational following a federal court ruling in July (02:53).

4. Alarming Human Trafficking Insights from House Homeland Security Hearing

In a sobering segment, Tim Pierce covers a House Homeland Security Committee hearing where human trafficking expert Allie Hopper presented disturbing findings. Hopper detailed the existence of "rape trees" along migrant paths, where children are coerced into sexual activities to fund their journeys.

During her testimony, Hopper shared her firsthand observations: “In one interview I conducted, a local resident whose property straddles the border told me about the screams of women and children he hears, including just two days before my visit, I walked these very paths and I found discarded clothing, personal belongings and chilling evidence of brutal assaults, all under the control of ruthless cartels like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel” (03:34). She further revealed that these cartels do not allow anyone to pass without their approval, with many discarded items belonging to children (03:34).

Representative Clay Higgins criticized the Biden administration for its failure to protect these vulnerable children, while Trump has pledged to make the rescue and protection of missing minors a top priority (04:14).

5. Sunny Hostin Expresses Frustration Over Matt Gaetz Allegations

The episode also touches on media reactions to legal disputes involving Matt Gaetz. Georgia Howe reports on co-host Sunny Hostin's visible frustration after reading a legal disclaimer about the allegations against Gaetz.

Hostin expressed her discontent, stating, “Matt Gaetz has long denied all allegations, calling the claims, quote, invented and saying in a statement to ABC News that this false smear following a three year criminal investigation should be viewed with great skepticism” (04:43). She highlighted that the Department of Justice concluded the investigation without bringing charges, adding, “That DOJ investigation was closed with no charges being brought” (04:43). Hostin had previously criticized the attorney general nominee concerning accusations of sex trafficking and alleged relations with a minor, showcasing the ongoing political tensions surrounding the case (05:06).

For more detailed coverage on these stories and other major developments, visit dailywire.com and tune into the full episodes of Morning Wire every morning.