Morning Wire: DOGE Authority Suit & Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions | Afternoon Update | February 17, 2025

Presented by The Daily Wire's Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe, the Morning Wire afternoon update for February 17, 2025, delves into significant developments in government accountability, international diplomacy, and domestic politics. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Judicial Skepticism in DOGE Authority Suit

Reporter: Tim Pierce
Timestamp: [00:21]

The episode opens with a focus on a federal lawsuit challenging the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE). Attorneys general from 14 states allege that DOGE, presumably a governmental entity, is overreaching by accessing federal data and terminating government employees without proper authority.

Key Details:

• Judge Tanya Chutkan's Stance:
  "Judge Tanya Chutkan isn't convinced the states have the evidence to block it." [00:29]

  Judge Chutkan expressed skepticism regarding the urgency and validity of the states' arguments, particularly questioning claims about Elon Musk's (assuming "Musk" refers to a figure associated with DOGE) influence over government decisions. The case currently scrutinizes actions within seven agencies, including the Department of Education and Health and Human Services. A ruling on this matter is anticipated within 24 hours, as the Trump administration continues its cost-cutting measures.

Implications: This legal battle highlights tensions between state authorities and federal departments, raising concerns about governmental overreach and the balance of power within federal operations.

2. U.S.-Russia Diplomatic Meeting in Saudi Arabia

Reporter: Cabot Phillips
Timestamp: [01:00]

The update transitions to international relations, specifically an upcoming high-stakes meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia aimed at addressing the protracted conflict that has lasted nearly three years.

Key Participants:

• U.S. Delegation Leads:
  Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, and Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser [01:09]

• Notable Absences:

  • Keith Kellogg, Trump's Ukraine envoy
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Discussion Points:

• Peace Negotiations:
  "We agree that the ayatollahs must not have nuclear weapons, and we also agree that Iran's aggression in the region has to be rolled back." – Benjamin Netanyahu [02:26]

  Turkish Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of preventing Iran's nuclear capabilities and reducing its regional aggression. The U.S. administration asserts that Ukraine will be included in formal negotiations, despite Zelensky's insistence on Kyiv's involvement.

• Trump's Position:
  A White House official highlighted President Trump's determination to end the war if an opportunity arises, regardless of Ukraine's current stance. "I want to go back to the point I made President Trump ran. He was very clear he thinks this war needs to end..." [01:48]

Analysis: The meeting underscores a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations, with potential implications for regional stability and international security. Trump's skepticism regarding Ukraine's NATO aspirations introduces uncertainty regarding the concessions Russia may seek.

3. Iran’s Defiance Over Nuclear Ambitions

Reporter: Tim Pierce
Timestamp: [02:05]

Addressing escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran has openly declared its determination to pursue nuclear capabilities, challenging both the U.S. and Israel.

Key Statements:

• Iranian Foreign Ministry:
  "They cannot do a damn thing about it." [02:05]

• Benjamin Netanyahu's Assurance:
  "With your unflinching support, I have no doubt that we can and will finish the job." [02:26]

Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to diminishing Iran's influence and supporting measures to thwart its nuclear and aggressive endeavors. This declaration coincides with the U.S. decision to supply heavy munitions to Israel, reversing Biden-era restrictions.

Implications: Iran's defiance signals a potential escalation in nuclear arms development, while U.S. support for Israel reflects ongoing regional alliances and the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

4. Political Turmoil in New York City Administration

Reporter: Georgia Howe
Timestamp: [02:58]

Domestically, New York City's political landscape faces upheaval as four deputy mayors have resigned, citing Mayor Eric Adams' immigration policies as the primary cause.

Key Points:

• Reason for Resignation:
  The deputy mayors allege that Adams is excessively aligned with President Trump’s stringent deportation strategies, compromising the city's approach to immigration.

• Legal Developments:
  "Just last week, Trump's DOJ ordered that corruption charges against Adams be dropped, signaling an alliance forming between the two on the immigration front." [02:58]

• Political Repercussions:
  Mayor Adams, up for reelection in June, is encountering significant challenges in voter support, partly due to these administrative resignations.

Analysis: The resignations reflect internal conflicts within the city administration over immigration policies, highlighting the broader national debate on immigration enforcement and political affiliations influencing local governance.

5. Controversy Surrounding Former Special Counsel Jack Smith

Reporter: Amand Presta Giacomo
Timestamp: [03:27]

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith, known for prosecuting high-profile cases against Donald Trump, has come under scrutiny for receiving $140,000 in pro bono legal services from a prominent Washington law firm as he prepared to exit his position.

Key Points:

• Transparency Issues:
  "What exactly he sought outside counsel for is not clear..." [03:40]

• Political Backlash:
  Trump's Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has initiated an investigation into the potential misuse of government resources, including Smith's actions.

Implications: This development raises questions about ethical boundaries and the potential for governmental resource exploitation, especially in politically charged investigations involving former presidents.

6. Rise in Illegal Northern Border Crossings and DEI Backpedaling by Big Banks

Reporter: Georgia Howe
Timestamp: [04:14]

The update shifts to domestic issues, highlighting two significant trends:

A. Illegal Northern Border Crossings:

• Modus Operandi:
  Canadian traffickers are leveraging social media platforms like TikTok to advertise illegal crossings into the U.S. through the northern border, promising swift and safe entry for substantial fees.

• Government Response:
  TikTok has removed these advertisements for violating community standards. Legislators are urging the Justice Department to investigate these emerging human smuggling operations.

• Context:
  The southern border has seen reduced illegal crossings due to President Trump’s enforcement policies, prompting smugglers to redirect their efforts northward.

B. Big Banks Scaling Back DEI Initiatives:

• Affected Institutions:
  Major financial firms, including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and Citigroup, are revising their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language across various platforms to mitigate legal risks.

• Trigger:
  This strategic shift follows a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated affirmative action in college admissions.

• Uncertainty:
  It remains unclear whether these changes are merely superficial or indicative of deeper operational transformations within these institutions.

Analysis: These developments reflect a broader societal shift towards reevaluating immigration enforcement and corporate diversity policies, influenced by recent legal and legislative changes.

7. Recap and Closing Remarks

Host: Georgia Howe
Timestamp: [05:11]

In conclusion, the episode recaps the day's major stories, including the repercussions of Attorney General Vance's speech in Germany, the response of educational institutions to the dismantling of DEI initiatives, and the ongoing developments in the DOGE authority case.

Final Thoughts: The Morning Wire afternoon update encapsulates a dynamic array of topics, from high-stakes international negotiations and domestic political shifts to corporate policy changes and legal controversies. Listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com for more in-depth coverage and to stay informed on these evolving stories.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the February 17, 2025, episode of Morning Wire, capturing the essence of each discussion segment with attributed quotes and timestamps for clarity and reference.