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

Summary

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

Released on November 20, 2024 by The Daily Wire

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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).

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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.

Transcript

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[Georgia Howe]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley. It's Wednesday, November 20th, and this is your Morningwire afternoon update.

[Tim Pierce]

The Biden administration is again shifting its policy on Ukraine amid military escalation with Russia. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has more.

[John Bickley]

Just days after authorizing the use of American made long range missiles in Russia, Biden reversed course and approved the use of anti personnel mines. 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. Allies of Trump criticized the move, arguing that it risks further escalation ahead of his inaugural. Meanwhile, Russia has updated its nuclear doctrine in response to these developments. Ukrainian officials, however, seem to think the nuclear threat is a bluff now. Biden's shift in policy also comes as the US Embassy in Kyiv closed its doors this morning, warning of a significant Russian air attack.

[Georgia Howe]

Donald Trump has selected Linda McMahon to lead the Education Department. Daily Wire senior editor Joel Kneedler has the latest.

[Joel Kneedler]

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. Critics highlight her lack of education policy experience and her role at America First Policy Institute, which has pushed for sweeping changes to public education. McMahon has been a longtime Trump ally, supporting his campaigns and serving on his transition team.

[Tim Pierce]

Trump also announced his pick for administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz. TRUMP praised his qualifications as a physician, heart surgeon and health advocate. The former talk show host will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. At the Department of Health and Human Services. Trump says Oz will focus on preventing diseases, cutting waste and improving outcomes within the US Healthcare system, which he says is in crisis.

[Georgia Howe]

Texas has floated plans to expand its buoy border barrier in anticipation of a surge of illegal crossings. State officials say the additional buoys could be deployed as early as today. The floating border barrier is part of governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star, and the new additions come as state officials expect a rise in crossings ahead of Trump's return to the White House. The Texas Department of Public Safety says they want to stay proactive.

[Greg Abbott]

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.

[Georgia Howe]

The floating barrier has faced several legal challenges, but remains in place after a federal court ruling in July.

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[Tim Pierce]

In a House Homeland Security Committee hearing yesterday, human trafficking expert Allie Hopper shared alarming details, including the discovery of rape trees along migrant paths where children are coerced into sexual act to fund their journey. Here's Hopper.

[Allie Hopper]

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. No one passes through without their approval. Among the discarded Items, I found IDs, many belonging to children.

[Tim Pierce]

Witnesses also described fraudulent sponsors who exploit the US System with hundreds of thousands of children going missing after being placed with these so called sponsors. Representative Clay Higgins blamed the Biden administration for failing to protect these children, while Trump has vowed to prioritize locating and rescuing missing minors.

[Georgia Howe]

And the VUE co host Sunny Hostin appeared frustrated after reading a legal disclaimer regarding allegations against Matt Gaetz. Here's what she said.

[Sunny Hostin]

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. That DOJ investigation was closed with no charges being brought.

[Unknown Host]

We'll be right back.

[Georgia Howe]

Hostin had previously criticized the attorney general nominee over accusations of sex trafficking and alleged relations with a minor.

[Tim Pierce]

All right, those are your Drive Home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and for more in depth reporting on the biggest stories of the day, tune in to our full episode of Morning Wire. Every morning.