Morning Wire Summary: "Evening Wire: Another Biden Aide Stonewalls & CBS Cancels Colbert | 7.18.25"

Release Date: July 18, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe

1. Another Biden Aide Pleads the Fifth

The episode opens with a significant development in the ongoing investigation into President Biden's administration. John Bickley reports that Annie Tomasini, Biden's Deputy Chief of Staff, has once again invoked her Fifth Amendment rights during a closed-door deposition. This marks the third former White House official to refuse to testify, raising concerns about transparency within the administration.

John Bickley (00:56): "Thomasini is the third ex White House official to plead the fifth. She initially agreed to testify voluntarily, but later reversed course and asked to be subpoenaed."

House Oversight Chair James Comer criticizes Tomasini's refusal, suggesting a consistent pattern of Biden aides shielding themselves from potential criminal liabilities.

John Bickley (00:23): "House Oversight Chair James Comer said her silence fits a pattern of Biden confidants shielding themselves from criminal liability."

This revelation intensifies the scrutiny on Biden's team, particularly concerning doubts about the president's mental fitness, the handling of classified documents, and the administration's family business dealings.

2. Tragic Explosion Kills Three LA Deputies

In a somber turn, Georgia Howe details a tragic incident in East Los Angeles where an explosion at a sheriff's training center resulted in the death of three deputies and injured a fourth.

Georgia Howe (00:56): "Three deputies were killed in the blast and a fourth was wounded and transported to a hospital."

Aerial footage reveals extensive damage to a bomb squad truck, but authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion, leaving the community in shock and prompting an ongoing investigation.

3. House Passes $9 Billion Rescission Bill

John Bickley updates listeners on the House's passage of a substantial $9 billion rescission package, now awaiting President Trump's signature.

Mike Johnson (01:29): "The measure passed in a close 216 to 213 vote. Two Republicans joined Democrats in opposition."

The bill aims to retract funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Critics from the Democratic side accuse Republicans of undermining foreign aid and politicizing public media.

Mike Johnson (01:53): "House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a symbolic but important step toward controlling government."

Donald Trump expressed enthusiasm over the bill's passage, viewing it as a victory for America.

Donald Trump (01:53): "We're just winning. We're going to continue to win. This is a great moment for America."

Trump is anticipated to sign the bill into law imminently.

4. Trump's Push for Epstein Grand Jury Testimony Release

The conversation shifts to President Trump's recent call for transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Georgia Howe introduces Tim Pierce, who elaborates on the president's demand to unseal grand jury testimony, contingent on court approval.

Pam Bondi (02:21): "The Justice Department will petition the court on Friday."

Despite Epstein's death in 2019 while awaiting trial, and a DOJ memo indicating no evidence of blackmail, Trump remains steadfast in his belief that the case was a political scam orchestrated by Democrats.

5. Allegations and Denials Over Trump’s Ties to Epstein

A controversial report by the Wall Street Journal alleges that Trump penned a birthday letter to Epstein, purportedly containing a sketch of a naked woman. John Bickley conveys Trump's vehement denial of these claims, labeling the report as fake and threatening legal action against the publication.

John Bickley (02:51): "President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law today."

The Wall Street Journal asserts the existence of the letter within the "Epstein files," though no photo of the document has been released. Both the DOJ and FBI have refrained from commenting on the matter.

6. President Trump's Health Update

Addressing concerns over his health, Georgia Howe provides an update stating that despite a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, President Trump remains in excellent health. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt confirms that all test results, including heart and blood tests, are within normal limits.

Dr. Mark Glickman (04:04): "The standard of care for these patients is a compression stocking below the knee elevation and exercise if the swelling does not get in control."

Specialist Dr. Mark Glickman emphasizes the treatable nature of the condition, assuring listeners that the president is fully fit for duty.

7. DOJ Investigation into George Mason University

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into George Mason University regarding alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which pertains to employee discrimination based on race.

Harmeet Dhillon (05:11): "Public institutions are not above the Constitution. We are also fighting discrimination wherever it exists and we will enforce the law without fear or favor."

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon asserts that this probe aims to rectify past administration oversights, with the university currently denying any wrongdoing.

8. Puerto Rico Enacts Transgender Medical Procedures Ban

A significant legal development in Puerto Rico involves the enactment of a law banning transgender medical procedures for minors under 21. The stringent penalties include up to 15 years in prison and substantial fines for medical personnel.

Georgia Howe (05:24): "The law says it's important to protect minors who have not yet reached full maturity and should not make decisions with irreversible consequences."

The LGBTQ+ federation of Puerto Rico has condemned the law and announced intentions to sue, aligning with approximately two dozen U.S. states, including Tennessee, that have implemented similar legislation.

9. California Sues Over High-Speed Rail Funding Cuts

John Bickley reports on California's legal action against the federal government following the Trump administration's decision to cut funds allocated for a high-speed rail project. Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledges the project's budget overrun but maintains confidence in its progress.

Sean Duffy (06:18): "It's now projected to cost $135 billion. This is the definition of government incompetence and possibly corruption."

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticizes the project as a "boondoggle," highlighting the financial mismanagement as a primary reason for the funding withdrawal.

10. Illegal Immigrant Charged with Faking ICE Kidnapping

An unusual case involves an illegal immigrant charged with orchestrating a fake kidnapping by ICE officers to garner sympathy and donations. Georgia Howe outlines the incident, where the woman falsely claimed abduction by unidentified men, only for security footage to reveal her calm demeanor and voluntary entry into an unmarked vehicle.

Sean Duffy (07:03): "We found out the whole thing was a hoax. She wasn't anywhere near the border. She was up in Bakersfield and the whole thing was an elaborate conspiracy."

The U.S. Attorney for the District of California asserts that the deceitful act was entirely fabricated, leading to charges of conspiracy and making false statements to federal officers.

11. Murder Charges in American Idol Executive Case

In a high-profile criminal case, Raymond Budarian faces charges for the murder of an American Idol executive and her husband. John Bickley shares insights from investigative reporter Mirada Lordy, who details the incident.

Harmeet Dhillon (07:34): "He's being charged with two counts of murder and one count of residential burglary."

Authorities discovered a firearm at Budarian's residence and believe the murders were premeditated, although the motive remains unclear. The couple's home showed no signs of forced entry, suggesting Budarian may not have known the victims personally.

12. CBS Cancels Stephen Colbert’s Late Night Show

A significant shift in late-night television was announced as CBS plans to discontinue Stephen Colbert's show by next year. While CBS attributes the cancellation to financial reasons, political undertones are suggested by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, who posits the decision was politically motivated.

John Bickley (07:34): "CBS says it's a purely financial decision with no plans to replace Colbert with another host."

Colbert's history of interviewing liberal politicians and promoting progressive narratives, such as encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations through musical performances, may have influenced viewership decline and the network's decision.

13. Piers Morgan Accuses Joy Reid of Playing Race Card

In a heated segment, Piers Morgan confronts former MSNBC host Joy Reid, accusing her of leveraging racial issues to gain sympathy and manipulate conversations.

Piers Morgan (08:45): "You literally are so fixated on trying to racialize conversations with me."

Mike Johnson interjects, questioning Reid's approach to discussions on race.

Mike Johnson (09:06): "Why play the race card?"

Reid counters by expressing confusion over the cancellation reasons, maintaining that she isn't aware her skin color played a role.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in media regarding race discourse, with both parties defending their perspectives amidst declining viewership and shifting audience expectations.

Conclusion

This episode of "Morning Wire" delved into a spectrum of pressing issues, from political investigations and legislative actions to significant legal cases and media controversies. Hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe provided comprehensive coverage, enriched with direct quotes and expert insights, ensuring listeners remain informed on critical national developments.

For more detailed coverage of these stories and additional updates, visit dailywire.com.