Podcast Summary: Evening Wire – CDC’s Vaccine Shift & Trade Deficit Plummets (11.20.25)

Podcast: Morning Wire
Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief), Georgia Howe
Date: November 20, 2025
Theme: Breaking developments in public health policy, political investigations, economic news, and notable national events.

Episode Overview

This episode provides an incisive update on several major news events, including the CDC’s dramatic shift on vaccine-autism claims, new investigations tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case, significant movements in the U.S. trade deficit and jobs numbers, major fraud allegations involving a congresswoman, and touching on the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney. The hosts blend analysis, notable quotes, and on-the-ground reporting from Daily Wire correspondents, making for a densely packed episode that tackles politics, health, economics, science, and more.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

CDC Changes Stance on Vaccines and Autism

[00:50] – [01:32]

• The CDC has revised its website to state that the claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not evidence-based, citing that studies have not ruled out the possibility.
• CDC now says studies supporting a potential link between infant vaccinations and autism have been ignored by health authorities, marking a major shift from its previous unequivocal stance.
• Quote: “The claim vaccines do not cause autism is not an evidence based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.” — CDC Website, read by Amanda Prestigiacomo [00:59]
• Ongoing HHS investigations are highlighted, as is new research connecting Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism.

HHS Report on "Sex-Rejecting" Treatments for Minors

[01:35] – [02:41]

• HHS releases a peer-reviewed study documenting significant, long-term harms of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for minors.
• The study is critical of the AMA and American Academy of Pediatrics for promoting these procedures.
• AMA and ACP were invited to contribute data but declined.
• Quote: “Harms from sex rejecting procedures... are significant, long term and too often ignored or inadequately tracked.” — Megan Basham [01:50]
• Assistant Secretary for Health, Brian Christine, urges physicians and parents to read and heed the report.
• Quote: “Protecting our children's health and their future is good medicine.” — Brian Christine as quoted by Georgia Howe [02:41]

Epstein Bill & Investigations Expand

[03:11] – [05:11]

• President Trump signs the “Epstein bill,” opening the door for more transparency.
• U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirms forthcoming release of additional Epstein-related files, with potential to withhold ongoing investigation material.
• Quote: "We will continue to follow the law to investigate any leads. If there are any victims, we encourage all victims to come forward... maximum transparency under the law." — Pam Bondi (via John Bickley) [03:50]
• Trump directs the DOJ to probe Epstein’s ties to high-profile Democrats.
• Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is criticized for mistakenly implicating Republicans with donations from “Jeffrey Epstein”—which turned out to be a different person.
• Memorable Moment: Crockett’s defense that she’d never specified “which” Epstein and her attempt to shift blame to Republicans. [05:11]

Economic Updates: Trade Deficit & Job Growth

[06:09] – [07:24]

• The U.S. trade deficit fell by 24% in August, attributed by the administration to recent tariffs and trade policies.
• Quote: “Americans can rest assured that the best is yet to come.” — White House Spokesman (read by Georgia Howe) [06:09]
• Nvidia outperforms Wall Street expectations, calming market concerns about an AI bubble.
• Job growth soars in September with 119,000 new jobs, beating projections but with previous months revised downward. Unemployment ticks slightly higher to 4.4%.

Veterans Affairs Redirects Green Funding

[07:24] – [08:17]

• Plans for $77 million in electric vehicle charging stations are redirected to veteran care (physical therapy and cancer projects).
• This move is portrayed as a win for veterans’ well-being over "green" initiatives.

Major Political Corruption Case

[08:17] – [09:14]

• Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) indicted for stealing over $5 million in FEMA COVID funds for her 2021 congressional race.
• Charges include conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering.
• Quote: “No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain.” — Pam Bondi (read by Georgia Howe) [08:50]
• She steps down from committee leadership.

Passing of Former Vice President Dick Cheney

[09:14] – [09:38]

• Leaders across the political spectrum attend Cheney’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral; Trump and VP J.D. Vance were notably not invited.
• Cheney is recognized as a unifying figure late in life for his critiques of Trump.

Interstellar Comet Discovery

[09:38] – [10:08]

• NASA releases images of comet 3I/Atlas, only the third known interstellar object.
• Quote: "A new window into makeups and histories of other solar systems." — Tom Statler (NASA) as quoted by Georgia Howe [09:50]

First Crime Allegation from Space Unraveled

[10:08] – [11:00]

• Summer Worden, ex-wife of astronaut Anne McClain, pleads guilty to lying about McClain committing crimes from the International Space Station.
• Faces up to 5 years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• CDC Shift: "The claim vaccines do not cause autism is not an evidence based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism." — CDC statement [00:59]
• HHS Report: "Harms from sex rejecting procedures... are significant, long term and too often ignored or inadequately tracked." — [01:50]
• Pam Bondi on Epstein Files: “We will continue to provide maximum transparency under the law.” — [03:50]
• White House: “Americans can rest assured that the best is yet to come.” — [06:09]
• Pam Bondi on Fraud: “No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain.” — [08:50]
• NASA Comet Discovery: "A new window into the makeups and histories of other solar systems." — Tom Statler [09:50]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• CDC Vaccine Policy Shift: [00:50–01:32]
• HHS Report on Gender Treatments: [01:40–02:41]
• Epstein Investigations and Fallout: [03:11–05:11]
• Trade Deficit and Economic News: [06:09–07:24]
• VA Redirects Green Funds: [07:24–08:17]
• Congresswoman indicted for FEMA fraud: [08:17–09:14]
• Dick Cheney Memorial: [09:14–09:38]
• NASA Interstellar Comet: [09:38–10:08]
• Space Crime Hoax: [10:08–11:00]

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a brisk, fact-driven tone balanced by moments of pointed commentary, mirroring the Daily Wire's brand of assertive, skeptical journalism. Hosts and reporters use strong language when conveying criticism, particularly toward political opponents, echoing the conservative slant of the show.

This episode is an essential listen for anyone tracking U.S. policy shifts, high-profile investigations, and the splashiest developments at the intersection of science, society, and politics.