Defense Summit Drama & Trump’s Steel Revival | 6.2.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary
Episode: Defense Summit Drama & Trump’s Steel Revival | 06.02.25
Release Date: June 2, 2025

Presented by Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe

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1. US-China Tensions at the Shangri La Defense Summit

Overview:
The episode opens with rising tensions between the United States and China amidst the Shangri La Dialogue, a major defense summit held in Singapore. The summit has become a focal point for discussions on geopolitical threats, particularly concerning China's military ambitions.

Key Discussions:

• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's Insights [00:08]:
  Tulsi Gabbard, who is helping lead the US delegation, emphasizes the complexity of the issues at hand.

  "These are complicated problems and not ones that are easily solved." [00:14]

• Pete Hegseth’s Stern Warning [02:47]:
  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a forceful message regarding China’s potential military actions.

  "Any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world. There's no reason to sugarcoat it." [02:47]

• Gabbard on President Trump's Stance [03:01]:
  Gabbard counters Hegseth's warnings by aligning with President Trump's vision of peace, suggesting that military action by China is unlikely.

  "The overwhelming message that Pete delivered is the message that we hear from President Trump, which is that he is the president of peace." [03:01]

• Focus Beyond China [04:04]:
  While China remains a significant topic, other critical issues such as counterterrorism, transnational criminal organizations, and drug trafficking are also prominently addressed. Gabbard highlights the multifaceted nature of the summit's agenda.

  "Counterterrorism has been a really common topic... dealing with fentanyl and other narcotics, human trafficking and sex trafficking." [05:01]

Insights:
Gabbard stresses the importance of diplomatic dialogue over confrontation, advocating for comprehensive strategies to address both international threats and domestic issues like drug trafficking and border security. The summit showcases a balanced approach, addressing immediate security concerns while seeking long-term peace and stability.

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2. The Heated Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports

Overview:
A significant controversy erupted in California when a 16-year-old male athlete, AB Hernandez, won two women's state track and field titles, sparking a nationwide debate on the participation of transgender athletes in female sports.

Key Discussions:

• Incident Details by Megan Basham [07:55]:
  Basham reports on the charged atmosphere during the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track and Field Championships, where protests and support for Hernández clashed. Notably, a banner reading "no boys in Girls sports" was flown by an airplane.

  "Protesters gathered outside the stadium... an airplane even flew overhead with a banner reading, no boys in Girls sports." [07:55]

• Federal Intervention [09:45]:
  President Trump issued an executive order on February 5th, barring transgender boys from competing in girls' sports to ensure fairness, specifically citing Hernandez's case.

  "The US Department of Justice has now launched a Title 9 investigation into whether these California policies violate girls' rights." [07:47]

• California's Response [10:29]:
  The CIF implemented last-minute policy changes to balance inclusion and fairness, allowing additional girls to compete and medal. However, critics argue this undermines the integrity of female competitions.

  "The CIF called this a way to balance inclusion and fairness." [10:29]

• Governor Gavin Newsom's Stance [10:37]:
  Although initially supportive of transgender inclusion, Governor Newsom has refrained from commenting, indicating a possible shift in his position.

  "He has started to back away from his prior position, telling conservative commentators... he no longer sees this issue the same way." [10:37]

• Public Opinion and Political Ramifications [10:52]:
  A January 2025 poll revealed that 79% of Americans oppose transgender female athletes in women's sports, including 67% of Democrats, highlighting the issue's growing political significance.

  "79% of Americans, including 67% of Democrats, oppose transgender female athletes in women's sports." [10:52]

Insights:
The debate underscores a clash between evolving social policies and traditional views on gender and fairness in sports. With significant public opposition and internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, the issue poses a challenging political and cultural battleground.

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3. President Trump's Blockbuster Steel Deal and Rising Approval Ratings

Overview:
A major highlight of the episode is President Trump's successful negotiation of a substantial steel deal, which promises to revitalize the US steel industry and boost his approval ratings amidst positive public sentiment.

Key Discussions:

• Details of the Steel Deal [11:48]:
  After initial setbacks, Trump secured a merger with Japan's Nippon Steel, ensuring American ownership and substantial investments in new facilities across the United States.

  "The majority of the company's board must be American citizens, while C-suite employees... must be American as well." [12:40]

• Economic Impact [12:40]:
  The deal includes over $14 billion in investments and is projected to create approximately 150,000 new jobs. Additionally, every U.S. steel worker will receive a $5,000 bonus.

  "Every U.S. steel employee will also receive a $5,000 bonus." [13:10]

• Tariff Increases [13:11]:
  To protect the domestic steel industry, Trump announced a doubling of steel import tariffs from 25% to 50%, a move that garnered strong support from steelworkers.

  "We're going to bring it from 25% to 50% the tariffs on steel into the United States of America." [13:30]

• Approval Ratings Surge [13:54]:
  Following these economic advances, Trump's approval ratings have seen a significant uptick, with 48% approving compared to 45% disapproving, marking the highest approval since his first term. Additionally, 44% of Americans now believe the country is on the right track, a record high since 2009.

  "He is now less than 2 points underwater with a 48% average approval rating that's higher than at any point in his entire first term." [13:54]

Insights:
Trump's strategic economic policies, particularly in bolstering the steel industry and protecting American jobs, have resonated positively with the public. These moves not only strengthen key industries but also enhance his political standing, reflecting a favorable shift in national sentiment.

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4. Firebombing Attack at a Pro-Israel Event in Boulder, Colorado

Overview:
In a concerning development, the podcast reports on a violent attack at a pro-Israel event in Boulder, Colorado, resulting in multiple injuries and raising alarms about domestic terrorism.

Key Details:

• Incident Report [15:03]:
  A firebombing attack injured at least six individuals at a pro-Israel event. The suspect, Mohamed Sabri Salman, an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa, has been detained.

  "At least six people were injured Sunday afternoon in a firebombing attack at a pro Israel event in Boulder, Colorado." [15:03]

• Government Response [15:15]:
  FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau is treating the incident as a targeted terror attack, with ongoing investigations to determine further motives and security implications.

  "The bureau is fully investigating what they believe to be a targeted terror attack." [15:03]

Insights:
The attack underscores the persistent threats of domestic terrorism and highlights ongoing challenges in securing public events. The identification and detainment of the suspect reflect proactive measures by law enforcement to address and mitigate such threats.

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Conclusion:
This episode of Morning Wire provides a comprehensive overview of critical national and international issues, from geopolitical tensions and domestic policy debates to significant economic developments and security concerns. Hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe, along with expert guests, deliver in-depth analysis and firsthand accounts, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the complex landscape shaping today's world.

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For more detailed discussions and updates, tune in to the Morning Wire podcast daily.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

Tensions flare between the US And China amid a major defense summit in Asia.

[Georgia Howe]

We talked to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who's helping lead the US Delegation.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

These are complicated problems and not ones that are easily solved.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Monday, June 2nd, and this is Morning Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

The battle over males competing in female sports explodes in California after the state certified a trans athlete as the winner of two women's state track and field titles.

[Megan Basham]

We are not transphobic.

[Cabot Phillips]

We are not bigoted.

[Megan Basham]

It is kindness to speak the truth.

[John Bickley]

And President Trump hammers out a massive steel deal that Pennsylvania officials say could transform the industry.

[Donald Trump]

There will be no layoffs and no outsourcing whatsoever. And every U.S. steel worker will receive a well deserved $5,000 bonus.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

[Cabot Phillips]

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[Georgia Howe]

A major defense summit in Asia called the Shangri La Dialogue that began Saturday has already led to some positive partnerships as well as the US And China trading barbs.

[John Bickley]

Joining us from Singapore where she's helping lead the US Delegation at the defense summit. There is Tulsi Gabbard, director of National Intelligence. Director Gabbard, thank you so much for talking with us.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

Thank you. Great to join you here today from the other side of the planet.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, literally the other side of the world. So first there were immediately some major headlines coming out of the Shangri La dialogue, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a speech Saturday, delivered some rather ominous warnings about the threat of China.

[Pete Hegseth]

Any attempt by Communist China to conquer.

[Cabot Phillips]

Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo Pacific and the world. There's no reason to sugarcoat it.

[John Bickley]

So is China about to take military action?

[Tulsi Gabbard]

I think it's important to take a step back and look at the full context of Pete Hegseth comments there. You know, the indications show us that the answer to your question is no. And really, the overwhelming message that Pete delivered is the message that we hear from President Trump, which is that he is the president of peace. And the goal here within this region, as well as in others around the world, is to be able to achieve that. And that's really why these kinds of conferences, this one in particular is so important, because it provides the opportunity for leaders to come together and engage in dialogue, engage in diplomacy once again with that goal of how do we find areas where we can best pursue our goal of peace and stability that best serve our respective peoples in our countries and around the world?

[John Bickley]

Now, this is a significant summit. Hundreds of delegates representing dozens of nations, as you've said. How much has China been the focus of this summit so far?

[Tulsi Gabbard]

Obviously, it's a topic of conversation, but I won't say it has not been the sole focus. Counterterrorism has been a really common topic that has come up from countries from across the region. The issue of transnational criminal organizations has been a predominant concern as well as. And there's been a lot of questions coming from other countries about some of the actions that we are taking under President Trump's leadership, not only to secure our own borders, but to deal with the cartels who are trafficking in fentanyl and other narcotics that are dealing in human trafficking and sex trafficking. These are very common issues that we're seeing both across this region, but as well as from some of the other countries who are here, from part of the Middle east and in Europe as well.

[John Bickley]

Now, you mentioned fentanyl trafficking there. It's a massive focus here in the US of course. How much of a focus has there been on fentanyl in the summit?

[Tulsi Gabbard]

Fentanyl has been a topic, but it's not just fentanyl. We've heard from some other countries that the drug of choice that's being trafficked is meth, for example. So it's interesting again, and a great opportunity for us to understand how these different drugs or these different, you know, illegal trafficking of weapons, of course, Sex trafficking and human trafficking. How, how ultimately the, the driver of these illegal activities that are harming the American people in our country and the people in these other countries. And especially when we look at the Biden administration's last four years of, of essentially open borders, how that really rolled out the red carpet for these cartels to be able to not only come in and out and conduct their illegal activities, but unfortunately, what we are seeing more and more is how deeply entrenched they already are in our communities and not just those that sit along our southern border, but throughout states across our country. So this is obviously an area where in my organization as the Director of National Intelligence, we're working closely with the Attorney General, with the FBI, with the Department of Homeland Security across the board towards getting after these threats that already exist within our country and of course, making sure that we are securing our border and which it is more secure now than it has been in a very, very long time.

[John Bickley]

Yeah. Indeed. Record lows for crossings on the border now. Well, I know you're a very busy woman. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

Thank you. Great to talk to you.

[Cabot Phillips]

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[John Bickley]

Wire the debate over transgender athletes in women's sports is flaring up again, this time in California where in defiance of Federal Policy, a 16 year old male won two state track and field titles.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire Culture reporter Megan Basham joins us now with the details. So, Megan, what happened in Clovis, California, this weekend where this championship took place?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah, Georgia. So what happened is it was certainly a very charged atmosphere on Friday. You had protesters gathering outside the stadium. Some of them were holding Save Girls Sports signs, while others supported Hernandez with pro LGBTQ messages. An airplane even flew overhead with a banner reading, no boys in Girls sports. And that was funded by groups like the Independent Council on Women's Sports. Meanwhile, a pro trans protester was arrested for assaulting a Save Our Girls Sports protester. And this was all because at the California Interscholastic Federation State Track and Field Championships, AB Hernandez, a junior male athlete, took first place in girls high jump and. And triple jump and second in the long jump. Now, this flies directly in the face of President Trump's February 5th executive order. Now, that order bars boys who believe they're girls from competing in women's and girls sports, and it cites fairness for female athletes. Trump specifically called out this Hernandez situation on social media, claiming that the young male athlete is practically unbeatable. And Trump also threatened to cut federal funding to California if Hernandez competed. So the US Department of Justice has now launched a Title 9 investigation into whether these California policies violate girls rights. And Julie Hamill, president of the California justice center, told CNN that California deserves to lose federal funding over its defiance of Title 9 law. And she also believes that Hernandez is actually a victim here. I view A.B. hernandez as the victim in this situation. I feel. I feel for him, and I feel that he been lied to for his entire life. He cannot become a girl. What he can do is compete in the male category.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, how is the state athletic organization responding to that pressure from the Trump administration?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah, Georgia. So the cif, it admitted some last minute policy changes. One of them was a pilot entry process for this weekend's championships that allows additional girls who would have qualified for the finals had male athletes not been involved to compete and medal. The CIF called this a way to balance inclusion and fairness. But critics like Sophia Laurie of the California Family Council are arguing that it's basically a tacit admission that transgender participation creates an uneven playing field for girls. And Lori was escorted out of the stadium for distributing Save Girls Sports wristbands. And that really, I think, highlights the tension going on here.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, what about the governor? Gavin Newsom seemed to disapprove of men and women's sports just recently on a podcast. Has he commented on this?

[Megan Basham]

You know, no, he has not commented And I think that's particularly telling to a lot of people, given that he has started to back away from his prior position, telling conservative commentators like Charlie Kirk that based on the experiences of his own daughters, he no longer sees this issue the same way.

[Pete Hegseth]

I think it's an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that.

[Megan Basham]

Now, I'd say that these comments break pretty profoundly from the past Democratic Party line on these issues. And it shows a growing concern within the party that after polls like a January 2025 New York Times Ipsos poll showed that 79% of Americans, including 67% of Democrats, oppose transgender female athletes in women's sports. So that's really causing a problem for them.

[Georgia Howe]

Right? It's definitely an albatross issue for Democrats. Meghan, thanks for reporting.

[Megan Basham]

Of course. My pleasure.

[Georgia Howe]

President Trump announced a blockbuster deal that will bring billions of dollars in new investments for the US Steel industry. The news comes as a near record number of Americans say the country is heading in the right direction.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips is here to break it all down for us. So, Cabot, let's start with this big steel deal. A lot of people in Pennsylvania very excited about this. What exactly was hammered out here?

[Pete Hegseth]

So, for Context, back in 2023, Japan's Nippon Steel offered 15 billion DOL to acquire US Steel that's the second largest steel producer here in America. The company's board and shareholders approved the deal, but President Biden in January blocked the acquisition, saying it was critical to national security to ensure that America maintains ownership of U.S. steel. So the deal seemed dead in the water. But over the weekend, President Trump announced that after long negotiations, Nippon had agreed to a merger that would preserve American ownership of U.S. steel. Specifically, moving forward, the majority of the company's board must be American citizens, while C suite employees, including the CEO, must be American as well. And the US Government itself will still hold a golden share, as they're calling it, giving them veto power over key decisions for U.S. steel. Here's President Trump making that announcement in Pennsylvania this weekend.

[Donald Trump]

We're going to produce our own metal, unleash our own energy, secure our own future, build our country, control our destiny. And we are once again going to put Pennsylvania Steel into the backbone of America like never before.

[Pete Hegseth]

As part of the agreement, Nippon will now invest 14 plus billion dollars into new steel facilities in Indiana, Arkansas, Minnesota and Alabama. Some estimates say the deal could result in 150,000 new jobs for Americans.

[John Bickley]

Wow.

[Pete Hegseth]

And according to Trump, every U.S. steel employee will also receive a $5,000 bonus. As part of his effort to protect American steel manufacturing, Trump also announced that he would be doubling the tariff on foreign steel imports from 25 to 50%, a move that was, as you can imagine, very popular with the steelworkers he spoke to in Pennsylvania.

[Donald Trump]

We're going to bring it from 25% to 50% the tariffs on steel into the United States of America, which will even further secure the steel industry in the United States stage.

[John Bickley]

So a major deal for the steel industry. This all comes as President Trump is seeing some positive numbers in terms of approval and direction of the country as well. Tell us about that.

[Megan Basham]

Yeah.

[Pete Hegseth]

This time last month, amid tariff uncertainty and fears of a recession, President Trump's numbers were on the decline, falling on average to 45% approval and 52% disapproval. So he was seven points underwater. But following this flurry of trade deals we've seen and encouraging jobs and inflation reports, he is gaining ground fast. He's now less than 2 points underwater with a 48% average approval rating that's higher than at any point in his entire first term. Remember when Trump left office last term, he was more than 20 points underwater. So a remarkable turnaround. Perhaps more importantly, nearly 44% of Americans now say the country is on the right track. For context, over the last three years, the percentage of people saying we were going in the right direction never climbed out of the 20s. That current number of 44% actually marks the highest number we've seen since President Obama's inauguration back in 2009. Elsewhere, we also saw signs that Americans are more optimistic about the economy following these trade deals. To that point, consumer confidence rose 12 points in May. That's the largest one month increase in four years.

[John Bickley]

All right, so very positive news for Trump there. Kevin, thanks so much for reporting.

[Pete Hegseth]

Absolutely.

[John Bickley]

Another story we're tracking this week. At least six people were injured Sunday afternoon in a firebombing attack at a pro Israel event in in Boulder, Colorado. Police say victims suffered injuries consistent with burns. Officials detained the suspect and have since identified him as Mohamed Sabri Salman. Three DHS senior officials told Fox that the suspect is an Egyptian national who illegally overstayed his visa after entering the US during the Biden administration. FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau is fully investigating what they believe to be a targeted terror attack.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back tomorrow with the news. You need to know.