Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Morning Wire
Episode: Evening Wire: ABC Mutes Kimmel & Kirk’s Widow Helms TPUSA
Date: September 18, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe

Overview

This episode addresses rising distrust in mainstream media and spotlights the major shakeup within ABC's late-night schedule. It covers a wide spectrum of current events: the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks, leadership changes at Turning Point USA following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, governmental reactions both in the U.S. and abroad, and the latest in vaccine policy, immigration enforcement, tech, and legal developments for SpaceX. Across politics, culture, and science, the episode emphasizes the cultural divide over media responsibility, political ideology, and institutional credibility.

Key Discussion Points

1. Sinclair and Nexstar Cancel "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in Wake of Kirk Controversy

[00:03 – 01:40]

• Sinclair, ABC’s largest affiliate group, canceled their airing of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and is instead broadcasting a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA.
• Sinclair demands an apology from Kimmel to Kirk’s family and asks for a donation to Turning Point USA.
• Nexstar joins by also replacing Kimmel’s slot with a Kirk memorial, following backlash over Kimmel's allegedly false statements regarding Kirk's assassination.
  • Kimmel reportedly suggested Kirk’s killer was a Trump supporter, a claim denied by investigators.
• FCC Chair Brendan Carr defends Sinclair’s decision as aligning with “community standards,” rejecting accusations of censorship.
  • Memorable Quote:
    “It was appearing to directly mislead the American public about a significant fact that probably one of the most significant political events we've had in a long time.” — Brendan Carr ([01:19])

2. Erica Kirk Appointed CEO of Turning Point USA

[01:40 – 02:19]

• TPUSA’s board announces unanimously electing Erica Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, as CEO and chair.
• The decision aligns with Charlie Kirk’s previously stated wishes.
• Statement from TPUSA Board:
  • “The attempt to destroy Charlie’s work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before.”

3. President Trump’s Major Announcements

[02:19 – 03:29]

• Trump designates Antifa as an official U.S. terror group, promising a probe into its funding.
• Context: heightened crackdown on radical left groups following Kirk’s assassination.
• At a joint press conference with UK PM Keir Starmer, Trump offers advice on illegal immigration measures.
  • Memorable Quote:
    “It doesn't matter if you call out the military, it doesn't matter what means you use, but it's going to destroy. It destroys countries from within.” — Donald Trump ([03:09])

4. Kamala Harris Reveals Running Mate Preference

[03:29 – 04:29]

• Kamala Harris discloses in her memoir that she wanted to pick Pete Buttigieg as her 2024 VP running mate, but decided against it because “he was not, quote, a straight white man."
• Harris considered that the ticket’s diversity might be “too much to ask” of the American electorate at the time.
  • Memorable Quote:
    “Part of me wanted to say, screw it, let’s just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk.” — Kamala Harris (as cited by Zach Jewell, [03:39])

5. Immigration: Portland and ICE, Violent Incident in Chicago

• Portland threatens to penalize an ICE detention facility for violating local rules on holding detainees overnight. ([04:29])
• In Chicago, an ICE agent fatally shot an illegal immigrant who had previously received a deportation waiver but attacked the agent during an enforcement operation. ([06:29])
  • Report: The suspect, Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, had a criminal history but was allowed to remain in the U.S. during the Biden administration.

6. CDC’s New Vaccination Panel and Policy

[04:50 – 05:53]

• The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel (ACIP) is reassessing childhood vaccine schedules, including COVID, Hepatitis B, and MMRV.
• Potential policy shift: recommend Hepatitis B vaccine later for children if the mother is Hep B negative.
• All ACIP members were removed and replaced amid controversy surrounding conflict of interest.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics is boycotting the meeting, citing a lack of panel credibility under Kennedy’s tenure.

7. International: Brigitte Macron Lawsuit

• Brigitte Macron, France’s first lady, will present photos as evidence of her biological sex in a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens. ([05:53])
  • Context: Owens alleged Macron was born male, claims Brigitte denies.

8. Democratic Attitudes on Socialism

• Gallup poll: 2/3 of Democrats prefer socialism to capitalism. Democrat favorability toward socialism has risen 16 points since 2010. ([07:27])

9. Threats Against NY Mayoral Candidate

• A Texas man faces charges after allegedly threatening New York mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, making anti-socialist statements and implying possible violence. ([07:46])

10. Tech/Biz: Nvidia and Intel Deal, SpaceX Legal Victory

• Nvidia will invest $5B in Intel to support U.S. semiconductor supply chain collaboration; Intel’s stock jumps 25%. ([08:22])
• SpaceX wins a court case that will allow expanded launches from its Starbase in Texas—despite environmental group challenges.
  • Federal judge rules against stalling rocket launches due to environmental concerns.
  • President Trump’s recent executive order streamlines space industry regulations. ([08:42])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Brendan Carr (FCC Chair):
  “It was appearing to directly mislead the American public about a significant fact that probably one of the most significant political events we've had in a long time.” ([01:19])

• TPUSA Board Statement:
  “The attempt to destroy Charlie's work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before.” ([01:40])

• Donald Trump:
  “It doesn't matter if you call out the military, it doesn't matter what means you use, but it's going to destroy. It destroys countries from within.” ([03:09])

• Kamala Harris (memoir excerpt):
  “Part of me wanted to say, screw it, let’s just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk.” ([03:39])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:03—ABC affiliates pull Jimmy Kimmel for Charlie Kirk tribute
• 01:19—Brendan Carr discusses media responsibility
• 01:40—Erica Kirk named TPUSA CEO
• 02:19—Trump designates Antifa a terror group
• 03:09—Trump on illegal immigration at UK presser
• 03:39—Kamala Harris on running mate decision
• 04:50—CDC vaccine panel policy changes and controversy
• 05:53—Brigitte Macron lawsuit details
• 06:29—ICE agent-involved shooting in Chicago
• 07:27—Democratic support for socialism
• 07:46—Texas man charged with threats against NY mayoral candidate
• 08:22—Nvidia/Intel investment news
• 08:42—SpaceX legal victory in Texas

This episode delivers a brisk, loaded recap of headline developments, with a focus on the intersection of media, politics, and institutional accountability. It features sharp exchanges and insider information, and gives a clear sense of the deepening divides—and the shifting players—across America’s political, cultural, and technological landscape.