Morning Wire: EU, Canada Impose Tariffs & Russia Strikes Ukraine | Afternoon Update | 3.12.25

Release Date: March 12, 2025

In this episode of Morning Wire, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe delve into significant global and domestic developments impacting politics, economy, and international relations. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and insightful analysis.

1. EU and Canada Respond to U.S. Tariffs

Tim Rice initiated the discussion by addressing the European Union (EU) and Canada’s retaliatory measures against recent U.S. tariffs.

• Canadian Countertariffs:

  • Dominic LeBlanc, Canadian Finance Minister, announced a 25% countertariff on U.S. goods, effective April 1. This move targets nearly $30 billion in American exports, including computers, sports equipment, and cast iron products. (00:55)

• EU’s Response:

  • The EU followed suit, imposing tariffs on U.S. products such as textiles, home appliances, agricultural goods, and iconic American items like bourbon, peanut butter, and jeans.
  • Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, criticized the tariffs, stating, “We firmly believe that in a world fraught with geo-economic and political uncertainties, it is not in our common interest to burden our economies with such tariffs. We are ready to engage in a meaningful dialogue.” (01:28)
  • Additional EU duties will commence on April 13, while Britain is holding off but remains open to negotiations. (01:56)

Analysis: The imposition of countertariffs by both Canada and the EU signifies escalating economic tensions between these regions and the United States. The targeting of diverse product categories reflects a strategic attempt to pressure U.S. industries while signaling a commitment to protecting their own markets.

2. Senate Funding Bill Passes the House Amidst Controversy

Georgia Howe transitioned to the contentious issue of the government funding bill.

• House Passage:

  • The House of Representatives narrowly passed the stopgap funding bill with a vote of 217 to 213, largely supported by Republicans. (02:09)

• Key Figures:

  • Congressman Jared Golden of Maine joined in support against his party's stance.
  • Republican Congressman Thomas Massie opposed the bill, igniting a feud with President Trump, who announced a potential primary challenge. Massie remains defiant, stating that threats won’t alter his position. (02:17)

• Democratic Opposition:

  • Democrats argue the bill endangers health care and veterans’ benefits. Speaker Mike Johnson countered, asserting, “It contains no cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security.” (02:17)

• Potential Shutdown:

  • With Democrats likely to filibuster, the nation faces a possible government shutdown this weekend. (02:17)

Analysis: The funding bill’s passage highlights deep partisan divisions, particularly on issues affecting key social programs. The friction between Trump and Massie underscores internal Republican tensions, which could have broader implications for the party's cohesion and legislative agenda.

3. Legislation to Ban Federal Funding for Gender Transition Procedures

Tim Rice reported on Senator Roger Marshall’s efforts to introduce the End Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act.

• Senator Marshall’s Statement:

  • “Stopping taxpayer funding of gender experimentation puts into law what President Trump has done in an executive order. So we stop all federal funding of transition surgeries as well as transitional hormones, stopping the VA from doing it, stopping the armed forces from doing as well the Department of Defense, let alone the Medicaid folks as well.” (03:30)

• Bill Details:

  • The legislation prohibits federal health care providers from offering gender transition treatments, aligning with Trump’s executive order.

• Support and Opposition:

  • The bill boasts several Republican co-sponsors and backing from conservative groups like the Family Research Council and Alliance Defending Freedom.
  • Critics argue the bill discriminates against transgender individuals, while supporters claim it safeguards children from irreversible medical procedures. (03:03)

Analysis: This legislative move reflects the ongoing cultural and political debates surrounding transgender rights and healthcare funding. The bill’s alignment with Trump’s policies indicates a concerted effort within the GOP to address and shape the discourse on gender identity issues.

4. Russia Launches Missile Strike on Ukraine Amid Ceasefire Talks

Georgia Howe reported a significant escalation in the Ukraine conflict.

• Missile Attack Details:

  • Russia conducted a deadly missile strike targeting President Zelensky’s hometown, resulting in the death of a 47-year-old woman and injuring at least nine others. The attack also caused extensive damage to apartment buildings, infrastructure, and businesses. (04:06)

• Ceasefire Context:

  • The strike occurred hours after Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, which includes a 30-day halt in fighting. Despite this, Moscow has yet to respond to the proposal.

• U.S. Response:

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized, “The President's objective here is number one above everything else. He wants the war to end. And I think today Ukraine has taken a concrete step in that regard. We hope the Russians will reciprocate.” (04:38)

Analysis: The missile strike undermines recent ceasefire efforts and highlights the fragility of peace negotiations. Russia's aggressive actions suggest skepticism towards diplomatic resolutions, complicating the path to sustained peace in the region.

5. State Farm Executive Fired Over Rate Hike Discussions

Tim Rice covered the fallout from a leaked recording involving a State Farm executive.

• Leaked Recording:

  • The video, released by James O'Keefe Media Group, featured a State Farm employee discussing a rate hike for California homeowners recovering from wildfires. Transcripts include statements like, “We've got like maybe $5 billion that were short... we are going to cancel these policies.” (04:58)

• Company Response:

  • State Farm promptly terminated the employee, labeling the remarks as “inaccurate and not reflective of company policy.” (05:27)

• Regulatory Response:

  • California's Insurance Commissioner is seeking explanations regarding the proposed rate hikes, signaling potential regulatory scrutiny. (05:27)

Analysis: The incident underscores the tensions within insurance companies balancing profitability with customer relations, especially in disaster-prone areas. The swift termination reflects the company's attempt to manage its public image amidst growing consumer and regulatory concerns.

6. Greenland’s Political Shift and U.S. Interest

Georgia Howe explored the unexpected political change in Greenland and its implications.

• Election Outcome:

  • The center-right Democratic Party won Greenland’s parliamentary elections, displacing the pro-Independence party led by Jens Frederick Friedrich Nielsen. The new leadership emphasizes economic growth over immediate independence from Denmark. (05:49)

• U.S. Involvement:

  • President Trump has renewed interest in Greenland, asserting, “We're going to get it. One way or the other, we're going to get it. We will keep you safe, we will make you rich, and together we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.” (06:23)

• Greenland’s Stance:

  • New Greenlandic leaders have resisted Trump’s overtures, stating the election results indicate Greenland is “not for sale.” (05:49)

Analysis: Greenland’s political realignment presents both opportunities and challenges for U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s assertive stance contrasts with Greenland’s desire for autonomous economic development, potentially straining relations and impacting strategic interests in the Arctic region.

7. Border Czar Confronts New York Democrats on Immigration Policies

Tim Rice reported on Tom Homan’s confrontation with New York Democrats over immigration.

• Confrontation Details:

  • Border Czar Tom Homan joined Republican lawmakers at the Capitol to challenge New York’s green light law and sanctuary city policies. He criticized the state’s approach to illegal immigration, advocating for stricter enforcement. (06:38)

• Homan’s Remarks:

  • "Someone in the Country League has committed a crime against US Citizens sent into jail. Why not give access to ICE to that person so when you're done with them we can have them and do our job? Because releasing a public safety threat back in the public is just stupid victims and witnesses of crime don't want the bad guy out back out there either." (06:54)

Analysis: Homan’s stance reflects the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and state versus federal jurisdiction. His alignment with Republicans against New York’s policies highlights the partisan divide on how to manage and secure borders effectively.

Conclusion

This episode of Morning Wire provided a thorough overview of pivotal events shaping the global and domestic landscape. From economic tensions with the EU and Canada, legislative battles in the Senate, and geopolitical conflicts involving Ukraine and Greenland, to internal corporate issues and immigration debates, the episode offered listeners a detailed analysis of current affairs influencing political and economic dynamics.

For more in-depth coverage of these stories and other updates, visit dailywire.com.