DOGE Authority Suit & Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions | Afternoon Update | 2.17.25

Summary

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

A liberal judge appears to side with Doge. U.S. and Russia officials plan a meeting in Saudi Arabia and big banks backpedal on dei. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire editor in Chief John Bickley. It's Monday, February 17th, and this is your MORNING Wire afternoon update.

[Tim Pierce]

A federal judge appeared skeptical today of an effort to block the Department of Government Efficiency. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the latest.

[Judge Tanya Chutkan]

Attorneys general from 14 states claim that Doge is overstepping its authority by accessing federal data and firing government employees. But Judge Tanya Chutkan isn't convinced the states have the evidence to block it. For now, the case focuses on actions within seven agencies, including the Department of Education and Health and Human Services. While Chutkin questioned the urgency of the state's arguments, she also pushed back against claims that Musk has no direct influence over government decisions. A ruling is expected within 24 hours as the Trump administration pushes forward with its cost cutting agenda.

[Georgia Howe]

Several top Trump administration officials will meet face to face with their Russian counterparts tomorrow in Saudi Arabia. Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips has more.

[Marco Rubio]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will lead the US Delegation for what will be the first direct talks between the countries about ending the nearly three year war. Notably absent is Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has insisted no peace deal should be made without Kyiv at the table. For their part, the White House says Ukraine will be included at formal negotiations. Russia, meanwhile, is expected to demand security guarantees. Trump has signaled skepticism over Ukraine's NATO ambitions, raising questions about what concessions he will seek from Russia. Rubio said yesterday on Face the Nation that negotiations are still in the early stages.

[Trump Administration Official]

I want to go back to the point I made President Trump ran. He was very clear he thinks this war needs to end and if he sees an opportunity to end it, which is what he's looking for, whether there is an opportunity or not, we're going to pursue it. Ultimately, it will reach a point when you are if it's real negotiations and we're not there. Yep.

[Tim Pierce]

Iran is taunting the US And Israel, saying they can in no way prevent Tehran's nuclear ambitions. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson declared, quote, they cannot do a damn thing about it. This comes after a meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israel's prime minister in which Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to weaken Iran's influence.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

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. Over the last 16 months, Israel has dealt a mighty blow to Iran's terror axis under the strong leadership of President Trump. And with your unflinching support, I have no doubt that we can and will finish the job.

[Tim Pierce]

The meeting coincides with a shipment of bombs from the US to the Jewish state following Trump's decision to lift the Biden era hold on heavy munitions.

[Georgia Howe]

Four of New York Mayor Eric Adams deputy mayors, all core members of his administration, resigned today in response to the mayor's handling of immigration. The deputy mayors say Adams is too closely aligned with Trump when it comes to his approach to deportations. 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. Adams is up for reelection in June but is facing major headwinds in the polls.

[Tim Pierce]

Jack Smith, the former special counsel who brought two federal cases against Trump, is back in the headlines, this time over a $140,000 gift. Daily Wire reporter Amand and the Presta Giacomo has the details.

[Jack Smith]

The prosecutor disclosed last month that he received $140,000 in pro bono legal services from a powerful Washington law firm as he prepared to leave office. That's according to a disclosure Smith filed last month as he prepared to leave the doj, as first reported by Politico. What exactly he sought outside counsel for is not clear, but Trump repeatedly railed against Smith about his attempts to take him down while he was a presidential candidate. Trump's AG Pam Bondi has announced a probe into potential weaponization of the government, including the role Smith possibly played.

[Georgia Howe]

Canadian traffickers are allegedly using social media to advertise illegal crossings into the US through the northern border. The ads, which promise safe same day crossings for a hefty fee, have been removed by TikTok for violating community standards. Lawmakers are now calling on the Justice Department to investigate. While illegal crossings at the southern border have dropped under President Trump's crackdown, officials warn that human smuggling networks are shifting focus to the north, and big banks are quietly scaling back public mentions of their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that major firms like Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan and Citigroup are revising DEI language on their websites, annual reports and scholarship programs to avoid legal scrutiny. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in college admissions. It's not clear yet whether these are just messaging shifts or if significant changes are really in the works behind the scenes.

[Tim Pierce]

All right, those are your drive home updates this afternoon to learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, this morning we covered some major stories, including the fallout from Vance's big speech in Germany, colleges responding to the dismantling of dei, and Doge's progress report. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of MORNING Wire.