Evening Wire: John Brennan Referred & Colombian President Threatens Trump

Podcast: Morning Wire
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe (Daily Wire)
Episode Date: October 21, 2025

Overview

This episode delves into mounting political tensions on both domestic and international fronts. Highlights include the DOJ referral of former CIA Director John Brennan, escalating rhetoric between U.S. President Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, developments in the ongoing crackdowns on crime and immigration, averted tragedy at Atlanta’s airport, updates in the James Comey legal saga, and notable moments in the runup to the New York City mayoral election. The episode also covers media shakeups, the latest from the Ukraine war, memorable White House press moments, and a viral AI prank causing concern for law enforcement nationwide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DOJ Referral of Former CIA Director John Brennan

(00:03–00:55)

• Main Point: John Brennan has been referred to the DOJ for possible prosecution after allegedly lying to Congress regarding use of the Steele dossier in the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment on Russian interference.

• Background: Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan claims Brennan knowingly made false statements while under oath. This follows the recent indictment of James Comey for similar offenses.

  “Brennan lied when he denied using the discredited Steele dossier in drafting the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment on Russian interference.”
  —John Bickley (00:18)

2. US-Colombia Tensions Rise Amid Threatening Remarks

(00:55–01:44)

• Summary: Colombian President Gustavo Petro, in a Univision interview, appeared to threaten President Trump, sparking increased tensions between the countries.

• Details:

  • Petro stated, “humanity has a first off ramp. It is to choose to change Trump, if not get rid of Trump,” punctuating the threat with a snapped finger (01:15).
  • Trump’s administration has slashed U.S. subsidies to Colombia, raising tariffs and accusing Petro of facilitating drug production.
  • Petro responded: “Colombia doesn’t accept kings,” and accused the U.S. of murder after a strike on a fishing vessel.

• Reactions: U.S. lawmakers demand the Trump administration treat Petro’s comments as a potential security threat.

  “Colombia, quote, doesn’t accept kings... accusing the U.S. of, quote, murder following a strike...”
  —Georgia Howe, summarizing Petro (01:33)

3. Mass Shooting Averted at Atlanta Airport

(01:45–02:42)

• Incident: A 49-year-old man, previously convicted and described as “mentally challenged,” threatened mass violence at Atlanta’s busy airport.

• Response: The suspect was quickly arrested after family alerted authorities. Atlanta police acted within 14 minutes of receiving the tip.

  “Just 14 minutes after Atlanta police were notified of the threat, the suspect was arrested in the airport.”
  —Zach Jewell (02:38)

4. Student Loan Forgiveness Reinstated for Qualifying Borrowers

(02:42–03:17)

• Update: President Trump, after meetings with teachers unions, reinstated income-based student loan forgiveness for borrowers making continuous payments, following Biden-era blocked plans.

• Key Point: Forgiveness possible after 20–25 years of qualifying payments.

  “Borrowers must be making continual payments...may earn forgiveness after making continual payments for 20 to 25 years contingent on income.”
  —Breca Stoll (02:59)

5. Crime Crackdowns in Memphis and Oregon

(03:17–04:04)

• Memphis: ICE agents deployed by Trump administration have arrested gang members, violent offenders, and traffickers.

  • “Memphis has suffered from historic levels of violent crime, including a murder rate that is four times higher than Mexico City.”
    —Tricia McLaughlin (03:43)

• Oregon: Court grants authority to deploy National Guard to protect ICE facilities during protests.

  “The president lawfully exercised his statutory authority in federalizing the National Guard.”
  —Cameron Arcand (04:10)

6. Prosecution Developments: Comey and D.C. Crime

(04:31–05:39)

• D.C. Teen Crime: Two teens charged for a violent assault and carjacking against a Doge staffer. Officials highlight need for harsher penalties.

  • “Two young men were brutally assaulted and stomped, highlighting the need for accountability among young offenders...”
    —Jeanine Pirro (05:05)

• Comey Trial: Prosecution seeks removal of Comey’s lead attorney due to an alleged conflict of interest regarding classified information leaks.

  “The defense continues to seek dismissal of the case, calling it vindictive prosecution.”
  —John Bickley (05:56)

7. NYC Mayoral Election: Sliwa’s Reluctance to Drop Out

(06:00–07:00)

• Context: Curtis Sliwa refuses to step aside despite low polling, hindering consolidation behind Andrew Cuomo, seen as the only challenge to Democratic Socialist frontrunner Zoran Mamdani.
  • “Now in this last minute there's this push to get me to drop out... I trust the people.”
    —Curtis Sliwa (06:36)

8. Democratic Party Tensions Over Mayoral Endorsement

(07:00–07:30)

• Summary: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has not endorsed Mamdani, expressing concern over his rhetoric and positions on Israel.
  • “On Israel, globalizing the intifada... is not an acceptable phrase.”
    —Hakeem Jeffries (07:31)

9. Ukraine War: Russian Soldiers Surrender to Ukrainian Robot

(07:30–08:37)

• Development: Russian troops reportedly surrendered to an unmanned, remotely-controlled Ukrainian vehicle laden with explosives—a first in military history.

• Insight: Drones and low-cost robotics are reshaping frontline combat.

  “This latest incident marks the first tactical surrender to a land based unmanned vehicle.”
  —Joel Niedler (07:51)

10. Warner Bros. Discovery Considers Sale or Merger

(08:37–09:03)

• Business News: The conglomerate is exploring “purchase or merger” options, with shares up 10% on the announcement.

  “CEO David Zaslav has said that the company is open to a variety of either purchase or merger options.”
  —John Bickley (08:53)

11. Karine Jean Pierre Defends Biden’s Fitness on Late Night TV

(09:03–09:36)

• Context: On Colbert, the former press secretary described Biden as capable and committed, even as the host pressed on Biden’s lackluster recent performance.
  • “The man that I saw nearly every day was someone who was engaging, understood policy and was always putting the American people first.”
    —Karine Jean Pierre (09:22)

12. Viral “AI Homeless Man Prank” Causes Police Headaches

(10:56–11:25)

• News: A trend involving AI-inserted images of strangers in people’s homes has led to false police reports, emergency calls, and charges against juveniles.

  “While often intended as a joke, the prank has triggered numerous false police reports and emergency calls...”
  —John Bickley (11:09)

13. Notable White House Press Interaction

(10:09–10:56)

• Press Secretary’s Viral Response: When asked by HuffPost who picked Budapest for an upcoming Trump-Putin summit, press secretary Caroline Levitt replied, “your mom did.”
  • “Congratulations to HuffPost for eliciting the most legendary response from the White House.”
    —Steve Guest, referencing Levitt’s reply (10:50)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Gustavo Petro’s Threatening Remark (01:16):

  “Humanity has a first off ramp. It is to choose to change Trump, if not get rid of Trump.”
  —Colombian President Gustavo Petro

• Curtis Sliwa’s Stand (06:36):

  “I trust the people.”

• Karine Jean Pierre on Biden’s Capability (09:22):

  “The man that I saw nearly every day was someone who was engaging, understood policy and was always putting the American people first.”

• Caroline Levitt’s Viral Response (10:39):

  “Your mom did.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03 – Brennan referred to DOJ for perjury
• 00:55 – US-Colombia diplomatic standoff
• 01:45 – Mass shooting averted in Atlanta
• 02:42 – Student loan forgiveness update
• 03:17 – Memphis crime crackdown
• 04:04 – Oregon: National Guard to ICE protests
• 05:26 – Comey’s legal team controversy
• 06:00 – NYC mayoral race: Sliwa refuses to drop out
• 07:00 – Dems divided over Mamdani; Israel rhetoric
• 07:30 – Ukraine war: tactical surrender to robot
• 08:37 – Warner Bros. Discovery sale rumors
• 09:03 – Karine Jean Pierre defends Biden on Colbert
• 10:09 – Press secretary’s viral “your mom” response
• 10:56 – AI “Homeless Man” prank

Conclusion & Tone

This episode is fast-paced, unsparing in its assessment of political and cultural developments, and punctuated by both serious analysis and viral soundbites. The hosts blend direct reporting with pointed commentary, keeping listeners informed on a wide breadth of current events.