Morning Wire Podcast Summary
Episode: Education Department Dismantled & Tesla Terrorism Continues | 03.21.25
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Host: John Bickley
Co-Host: Georgia Howe
Presented by: The Daily Wire

1. Dismantling the Department of Education

Historic Move by the Trump Administration

In a landmark decision, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, fulfilling a long-standing campaign promise. This action marks a significant shift in federal education policy after 45 years of its existence.

• John Bickley opens the discussion:
  "[00:03] After decades of failing grades, the Department of Education is being dismantled by the Trump administration."

Rationale Behind the Dismantling

Republicans argue that the Department of Education has been ineffective, citing soaring education spending without corresponding improvements in student outcomes. They advocate for returning control of education to the states, believing that local governments, teachers, and parents are better suited to address educational needs.

• Georgia Howe highlights the historical significance:
  "[00:08] Today we take a very historic action that was 45 years in the making."

• Caroline Levitt from the White House emphasizes financial inefficiency:
  "[03:24] The Department of Education was founded in the 1970s, and since then, we have spent more than $3 trillion at this federal bureaucracy. What has been the return on that investment for the American taxpayer? Levels that are less than ideal."

Impact on Education Policy and Funding

The White House points out that despite a 245% increase in per-pupil spending since 1979, student achievement has stagnated. Test scores for 8th graders are reportedly at their lowest in decades, with 70% of fourth graders not meeting reading proficiency standards.

• John Bickley queries the future implications:
  "[04:01] All right, so again, this promise kept from the president, but the big question now, what comes next? What do we expect?"

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s Role

Linda McMahon, newly appointed Secretary of Education, is tasked with overseeing the dismantling process. She emphasizes a shift towards local control and accountability, ensuring that educational reforms are tailored to individual communities.

• Linda McMahon remarks on restructuring:
  "[04:39] We restructured the department and removed some departments. We did it, I think, very thoughtfully... The best education, the president certainly believes, and I share that belief, is that that is close to the child."

Future of Department Responsibilities

While the Department of Education is being dismantled, key functions like student loan programs and civil rights enforcement will be transferred to other federal departments, such as the Treasury and Justice Departments.

• Georgia Howe outlines the preservation of critical funds:
  "[05:52] Pell grants Title 1 funding resources for children with disabilities and special needs will be preserved, fully preserved, and redistribute to various other agencies and departments that will take very good care of them."

Conclusion of the Education Segment

This move represents a major overhaul in federal education policy, potentially reshaping the educational landscape for generations to come.

2. Tesla Under Siege: Domestic Terrorism Charges and Political Ramifications

Attorney General Charges Suspects with Domestic Terrorism

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the charging of three individuals with domestic terrorism charges related to violent attacks on Tesla properties. These attacks include arson, firebombing, and vandalism targeting Tesla dealerships and charging stations.

• John Bickley introduces the segment:
  "[00:14] Attorney General Pam Bondi charges several suspects with domestic terrorism after targeting Tesla."

Details of the Attacks

The suspects are accused of lobbing Molotov cocktails at Tesla retailers in Oregon and Colorado, as well as vandalizing Tesla properties with obscene graffiti supportive of President Trump.

• Pam Bondi provides specifics:
  "[07:01] One suspect allegedly lobbed eight Molotov cocktails at a retailer in Oregon, and then another in Colorado is charged with attempting to light Teslas on fire..."

Organized Nature of the Protests

Investigations reveal that these attacks are part of an organized effort, with a dedicated hashtag and an undisclosed website encouraging vandalism against Tesla vehicles.

• Cabot Phillips comments on the organization:
  "[00:30] But it's becoming clear that this is organized. They have a hashtag for it. There's actually a website which I won't name because I don't want people to go to it."

Political Influences and Funding

Pam Bondi accuses groups like the Indivisible Project, funded by the George Soros Foundation, and the Action Network of orchestrating these protests. She alleges significant financial backing aimed at undermining Elon Musk and Tesla.

• Pam Bondi details the funding sources:
  "[08:58] ...there is plenty of evidence that these protests are being well funded by outside political groups... Indivisible Project... Open Society, to the tune of some $8 million."

Public and Bipartisan Response

Despite the severity of the attacks, bipartisan condemnation is lacking. Some public figures, including talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, have made statements that appear to downplay the violence or endorse the protests against Tesla.

• Megan Basham reports on public reactions:
  "[08:18] ...some Democrats and public figures have even seemed to make light of the violence."

Impact on Tesla and Elon Musk

The ongoing attacks have significantly impacted Tesla’s stock, which has seen a 50% decline since December. However, Elon Musk remains the richest person globally, and his other ventures like X have rebounded in valuation.

• Pam Bondi assesses the financial damage:
  "[10:22] ...the bulk of Musk's wealth is tied up in Tesla stock... but he's still the richest person in the world."

Analysis and Future Implications

Senior editor Cabot Phillips suggests that this orchestrated attack is part of a larger effort to disrupt federal initiatives and perceptions around Musk’s leadership.

• Cabot Phillips on strategic implications:
  "[09:35] ...the biggest thing, I think, is just getting people into the mindset of, this is a crisis... a cabal of neo reaction billionaires."

Conclusion of the Tesla Segment

The targeting of Tesla underscores heightened political tensions and the volatile intersection of technology, politics, and activism, signaling a tumultuous period ahead for the company.

3. IRS Overhaul: Audit Halts and Whistleblower Promotions

IRS Halts Major Audits Amid Agency Overhaul

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is pausing major audits and anticipating a reduction in future audits. This move aligns with the Trump administration’s strategy to reform the agency following significant budget cuts.

• Tim Rice explains the situation:
  "[11:22] ...the agency is reportedly halting a number of major audits and seems likely to pursue fewer audits down the line."

Political Context and Previous Expansions

The Biden administration had previously expanded the IRS’s auditing capabilities, increasing concerns about potential overreach. Plans to hire over 80,000 new agents focused on auditing lower-income earners were a point of contention, as highlighted by a Syracuse University report.

• Tim Rice contextualizes the audit pause:
  "[11:22] ...the Biden administration had really expanded the IRS's auditing power... lowest income wage earners were 5.5 times more likely to be audited than anyone else."

Treasury Secretary Scott Besant’s Vision

Treasury Secretary Scott Besant outlined a new focus for the IRS, emphasizing collections, privacy, and customer service. He downplays any political agenda, framing the changes as necessary for the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness.

• Scott Besant on IRS priorities:
  "[12:21] ...three priorities for the IRS collections, privacy and customer service. And we'll see what level is needed to prioritize all those."

Promotion of Whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler

In a surprising turn, the IRS promoted Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler—whistleblowers who previously alleged that the Biden administration interfered with investigations into Hunter Biden’s taxes. Their promotions to senior advisors signify a potential shift towards supporting transparency and reform within the agency.

• Tim Rice details the promotions:
  "[13:02] ...they will serve as senior advisors to Besant and then transition back into senior positions at the IRS."

• Background on Whistleblowers:
  Shapley and Ziegler testified in 2022 about obstructed investigations into Hunter Biden, facing legal challenges alleging they revealed confidential tax information. Their promotions are seen as a vindication and a signal of internal agency reform.

Implications of IRS Changes

These developments indicate a significant transformation within the IRS, moving away from previous administration policies towards a model that prioritizes taxpayer service and efficiency over aggressive auditing strategies.

• John Bickley reflects on the irony of whistleblowers being promoted:
  "[14:35] But now we see that if you do blow the whistle on something shady, you might actually get a promotion."

Conclusion of the IRS Segment

The IRS overhaul represents a pivotal moment in federal tax administration, potentially enhancing the agency’s credibility and operational effectiveness while addressing past criticisms of bias and inefficiency.

Final Thoughts

The March 21, 2025, episode of Morning Wire delivers comprehensive coverage of pivotal issues shaping American politics and society. From the transformative dismantling of the Department of Education to the targeted attacks against Tesla and significant reforms within the IRS, the podcast provides insightful analysis and in-depth reporting. Notable quotes and expert opinions ensure listeners are well-informed on these critical developments.

For more detailed insights and daily updates on politics, culture, education, sports, and more, tune into Morning Wire by The Daily Wire.