Evening Wire: New Russiagate Evidence & Illegal Vape Crackdown | 7.23.25

Summary

Evening Wire: New Russiagate Evidence & Illegal Vape Crackdown | July 23, 2025

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, Evening Wire delves into the latest developments in politics, crime, health, and more. In this episode released on July 23, 2025, the hosts unpack significant revelations about Russiagate, the sentencing of Brian Kohberger, a crackdown on illegal vaping products, and other pressing issues.

---

1. Declassified Russiagate Evidence Sparks Controversy

John Bickley opens the episode by discussing the groundbreaking release of new evidence by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. This evidence pertains to the ongoing Russiagate investigation, which has long been a contentious topic in U.S. politics.

"Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has declassified the findings of a never before seen 2020 congressional investigation on Russiag. The investigation found that the Obama era intelligence report claiming that Vladimir Putin wanted to help Donald Trump win the 2016 election was based on questionable information and violated intelligence gathering standards." (00:24)

Georgia Howe further elaborates on the implications of this declassification, highlighting that Putin's primary goal was to undermine the U.S. democratic process rather than support a specific candidate.

"Putin's principal interests relating to the 2016 election were to undermine faith in the US democratic process, not show any preference of a certain candidate... This report shows Putin held back from leaking compromising material on Hillary Clinton prior to the election, instead planning to release it after the election to weaken what Moscow viewed as an inevitable Clinton Presidency." (00:48)

Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee adds her perspective, emphasizing accountability for those involved in the misinformation campaign.

"She wants anyone found guilty to face the full consequences." (01:28)

The hosts discuss the broader implications of the declassified documents, suggesting a coordinated effort by the Obama administration to undermine Donald Trump’s presidency.

2. Sentencing of Brian Kohberger: A Moment of Justice

Georgia Howe shifts focus to the criminal justice system's handling of Brian Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to the murder of four University of Idaho students.

"Brian Koberger, who admitted to killing four University of Idaho students, faced the families of his victims before being sentenced today... Kohberger pleaded guilty earlier this month, avoiding the death penalty in exchange for four consecutive life terms plus 10 additional years." (02:30)

The emotional impact statements from the victims' families are highlighted, with Dylan Mortensen, Kohberger's surviving roommate, delivering a poignant message.

"He chose destruction. He chose evil. He feels nothing. He tried to take everything from me. My friends, my safety, my identity, my future. He took their lives. But I will continue trying to be like them, to make them proud." (02:30)

Kohberger's stoic demeanor and the finality of his plea deal, which waives his right to appeal, are also discussed.

3. Crackdown on Illegal Vaping Products Intensifies

John Bickley reports on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) renewed efforts to eliminate illegal vaping products from the U.S. market.

"Commissioner Marty Makary said cracking down on illegal vapes is a top priority for the agency... '85% of the vapes sold in stores are illegal,' he stated." (07:46)

These illegal products often masquerade as everyday items like smartphone cases or highlighters, making them particularly appealing and accessible to children and teens.

"There is no approved vaping product in the United States that has one of these cutesy, fruity flavors. 85% of the vaping products sold in the vape stores are illegal." (08:24)

The hosts express concern over the public health implications and the deceptive marketing tactics used to attract younger demographics.

4. U.S. Olympic Committee Bans Men from Competing in Women's Sports

Georgia Howe covers a significant decision by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to prohibit men from participating in women's sports categories.

"The Olympic Committee says it held a series of respectful and constructive conversations with federal officials after Trump signed the Keeping Men out of Women's Sports order back in February." (08:36)

This move is part of a broader initiative to ensure fair and safe competition environments for female athletes. The decision remains specific to the U.S., with implications for international participation.

5. Harvard Under Federal Visa Compliance Investigation

John Bickley discusses the Trump administration's latest probe into Harvard University's adherence to federal visa regulations, particularly concerning the exchange visitor program.

"Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a letter to the university's president demanding records tied to the exchange visitor program... Rubio says the probe is needed to protect national security." (04:29)

This investigation follows ongoing tensions between Harvard and federal authorities over international student enrollment and federal funding, despite previous legal protections granted by a federal judge.

6. Mahmoud Khalil's Controversial Interview and Legal Battles

Georgia Howe delves into the contentious case of Mahmoud Khalil, an anti-Israel activist who has become a polarizing figure.

"In an interview with CNN this week, anti Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil repeatedly refused to condemn Hamas and the Trump administration says it's yet more proof that he's a terrorist sympathizer." (05:09)

Khalil, once supported by left-wing Democrats, now faces legal challenges and has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging wrongful imprisonment and defamation.

"Khalil filed a $20 million claim against the Trump administration this month, claiming he had been falsely imprisoned, maliciously prosecuted and smeared as an anti Semite." (06:01)

7. Health and Human Services Faces Scrutiny Over Organ Transplants

Georgia Howe reports on alarming findings by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the integrity of the organ transplant system.

"The Department of Health and Human Services has found systemic disregard for sanctity of life in the organ transplant system... More than 100 cases showed patients with neurological signs incompatible with organ donation." (06:22)

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. condemns these practices, labeling the findings as horrifying and promising accountability for implicated organizations.

"HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Called the findings horrifying, and he said organ transplant organizations will be held accountable." (06:22)

8. Trump Secures Landmark $550 Billion Trade Deal with Japan

John Bickley highlights President Trump's significant achievement in negotiating a monumental trade agreement with Japan.

"President Trump has just secured a massive $550 billion trade deal with Japan, saying it will create hundreds of thousands of jobs on Truth Social... 'There has never been anything like it.'" (09:12)

This deal opens Japanese markets to U.S. goods, including cars, trucks, rice, and agricultural products, while imposing reciprocal tariffs on Japanese exports to the U.S.

"Japan will now open their country to trade and things such as cars, trucks, rice and agricultural products. They will also pay 15% reciprocal tariffs to the U.S." (09:12)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant commends the negotiation prowess behind securing this agreement.

"As only President Trump could do, he brought the Japanese trade delegation into the Oval and had a very fulsome negotiation with them. And I tell you, they're tough negotiators." (09:46)

9. Netflix Ends $100 Million Deal with Harry and Meghan

Georgia Howe reports on Netflix's decision not to renew the lucrative contract with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

"Netflix has decided not to renew Harry and Meghan's $100 million deal... their show 'With Love, Meghan' failed to rank among the platform's top 300 most watch titles between January and June of 2025." (10:02)

Despite plans to release a second season, the poor performance metrics, including a low IMDb score of 3.2 out of 10, have led Netflix to conclude their partnership after the upcoming season.

"The series earned even lower views than the couple's 2022 docu-series 'Harry and Meghan,' and IMDb gave the series an embarrassing score of 3.2 out of 10." (10:02)

---

Conclusion

In this episode of Evening Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe navigated a spectrum of critical issues, from political scandals and criminal justice to public health crises and international trade agreements. The hosts provided in-depth analysis and highlighted the profound impacts of these developments on national and global scales. For more detailed coverage on these stories, visit DailyWire.com.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

Tulsi Gabber declassifies new evidence in the Russiagate hoax. Brian Kohberger is sentenced after coming face to face with victims families. And the Olympics Committee bans men from competing in women's sports. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley. It's Wednesday, July 23rd, and this is Evening Wire.

[John Bickley]

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has declassified the findings of a never before seen 2020 congressional investigation on Russiag. The investigation found that the Obama era intelligence report claiming that Vladimir Putin wanted to help Donald Trump win the 2016 election was based on questionable information and violated intelligence gathering standards. Gabbard addressed the new evidence at the White House press briefing today.

[Georgia Howe]

First, Putin's principal interests relating to the 2016 election were to undermine faith in the US democratic process, not show any preference of a certain candidate. In fact, this report shows Putin held back from leaking compromising material on Hillary Clinton prior to the election, instead planning to release it after the election to weaken what Moscow viewed as an inevitable Clinton Presidency. In the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment that President Obama ordered John Brennan, who was CIA director at the time, and the intelligence community intentionally suppressed intelligence.

[John Bickley]

Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee also weighed in on the new evidence against Obama, telling Morningwire that she wants anyone found guilty to face the full consequences.

[Georgia Howe]

The fact that DNI Gabbard released 100 documents that shows that the Obama administration was involved in this, that there was this plan that they all moved forward with. Everyone knew Hillary Clinton. It appears that Hillary Clinton was having this dossier prepared. And, you know, it just shows you their hatred for President Donald Trump. And they were going to do whatever they felt was necessary to block him. And so they moved forward with this plan, I guess, thinking no one would ever find out. And of course, now everyone is found out. Those that are guilty should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Brian Koberger, who admitted to killing four University of Idaho students, faced the families of his victims before being sentenced today. Families of the victims delivered emotional impact statements describing the devastating aftermath of the November 22 stabbings. Surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen called Kohberger a hollow vessel. He chose destruction. He chose evil. He feels nothing. He tried to take everything from me. My friends, my safety, my identity, my future. He took their lives. But I will continue trying to be like them, to make them proud. Kohberger pleaded guilty earlier this month, avoiding the death penalty in exchange for four consecutive life terms plus 10 additional years. Kohberger remained stone faced throughout the hearing. His plea deal waives any right to appeal.

[John Bickley]

A New York man has been indicted for building and planting explosive devices across Manhattan. 55 year old Michael Gann allegedly crafted at least five IEDs and stashed them on Soho rooftops. He also threw one on a subway track. One of the devices held 600 times the legal explosive limit. The feds say Gann searched chlorine bombs and dynamite online and even posted cryptic threats on social media. Thanks to quick work by the FBI and nypd, no one was hurt, but Gann now faces up to 40 years in prison.

[Georgia Howe]

The illegal immigrant charged with the shooting of a border patrol officer earlier this week was in fact vetted under the Biden administration, but only via zoom. He was then released under Biden's border policy. In 2023, 21 year old Miguel Mora Nunez never showed up for court, was ordered deported, but stayed and racked up numerous arrests. Now he's accused of opening fire in Fort Washington park, only to be shot and caught later at a Bronx hospital. The officer is recovering.

[John Bickley]

The Trump administration is launching a new investigation into Harvard University's compliance with federal visa rules. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the latest. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a letter to the university's president demanding records tied to the exchange visitor program. The program issues visas for international students, professors and researchers. Rubio says the probe is needed to protect national security. The move follows a series of legal clashes between Harvard and the administration over the university's international enrollment and federal funding. A federal judge has blocked past attempts to bar Harvard from the visa program, but affirm the government's right to investigate.

[Georgia Howe]

In an interview with CNN this week, anti Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil repeatedly refused to condemn Hamas and the Trump administration says it's yet more proof that he's a terrorist sympathizer. Here's Khalil, who had been championed by left wing Democrats, being questioned by Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown. Do you specifically condemn Hamas, a designated terrorist organization in the United States, not just for their actions on October 7th? I condemn the killing of all of.

[John Bickley]

Old civilians full stop. And, but what I don't want to get into is, is no, I am very clear with, with condemning all civilians. I'm very, I'm very straight in my position and that, and that.

[Georgia Howe]

Part.

[John Bickley]

But it's disingenuous to ask about condemning Hamas while Palestinians are the ones being starved now by Israel.

[Georgia Howe]

Khalil became a cause celeb among the left when the Trump administration moved to deport him after he helped lead disruptive anti Israel protests at Columbia University. Khalil filed a $20 million claim against the Trump administration this month, claiming he had been falsely imprisoned, maliciously prosecuted and smeared as an anti Semite.

[John Bickley]

As Khalil and some humanitarian groups claim Israel is to blame for mass starvation in Gaza, a new video suggests otherwise. Daily Wire reporter Cassia Akiva explains.

[Georgia Howe]

In the footage, Hamas terrorists are seen feasting underground while Gazans go hungry. The Israeli Foreign Ministry says that the footage shows Hamas terrorists are, quote, boasting about full meals in their tunnels far from the suffering above. The U S backed Gaza Humanitarian foundation says Hamas is blocking food aid in a power struggle with the UN Demanding control over distribution. They say Hamas is stealing and reselling supplies and even killing 12 of its aid workers to intimidate locals. The Department of Health and Human Services has found systemic disregard for sanctity of life in the organ transplant system. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo has the details. HHS announced an initiative to reform the organ transplant system following an investigation that revealed organ procurement that began even when patients showed signs of life. The investigation examined cases where organ procurement was authorized but not completed. More than 100 cases showed patients with neurological signs incompatible with organ donation. Almost 30 patients may not have been deceased when organ procurement began. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Called the findings horrifying, and he said organ transplant organizations will be held accountable.

[John Bickley]

The head of the Food and Drug Administration is warning about illegal Chinese vaping products entering the US Commissioner Marty Makary said cracking down on illegal vapes is a top priority for the agency. The agency plans to confiscate and seize more illegal vape products. Many of these products appeal to children and teens through bright colors and fruit and candy based flavors. Some are disguised as smartphone cases, highlighters or handheld video games to hide the vapes from parents. Makary told ABC News that 85% of vapes sold in stores are illegal. There is no approved vaping product in.

[Georgia Howe]

The United States that has a video game.

[John Bickley]

There is no approved vaping product in the United States that has one of these cutesy, fruity flavors. 85% of the vaping products sold in the vape stores are illegal, according to the FDA's list.

[Georgia Howe]

The U.S. olympic Committee has banned men from competing in women's sports. Daily Wire reporter Mireta Lordy has more. The Olympic Committee says it held a series of respectful and constructive conversations with federal officials after Trump signed the Keeping Men out of Women's Sports order back in February. While the decision doesn't necessarily keep men from other countries out of women's sports. The committee says it would work with international groups to provide safe and fair environments for women. The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles under Trump's watch, while the 2026 Winter Games will be hosted by Italy.

[John Bickley]

President Trump has just secured a massive $550 billion trade deal with Japan, saying it will create hundreds of thousands of jobs on Truth Social. The president called it the largest deal ever made and said there has never been anything like it. Japan will now open their country to trade and things such as cars, trucks, rice and agricultural products. They will also pay 15% reciprocal tariffs to the U.S. the deal marks the first time that Japan has opened its market to the US and comes just two weeks after Trump announced 25% tariffs on the country. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant had this to.

[Georgia Howe]

Say Japanese government was ready to deal and as only President Trump could do, he brought the Japanese trade delegation into the Oval and had a very fulsome negotiation with them.

[John Bickley]

And I tell you, they're tough negotiators.

[Georgia Howe]

For President Trump's tougher and Netflix has decided not to renew Harry and Meghan's $100 million deal the news comes after official figures showed that Meghan Markle's show With Love, Meghan failed to rank among the platform's top 300 most watch titles between January and June of 2025. It earned even lower views than the couple's 2022 docu series Harry and Meghan, and IMDb gave the series an embarrassing score of 3.2 out of 10. Netflix still plans to release the second season of the show, but that will be the last.

[John Bickley]

All right, those are your drive home updates. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, this morning we covered some major stories including Trump going scorched earth on Obama, Congress moving to question Ghislaine Maxwell, and the fallout from Hunter Biden's F1 bomb filled interviews. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.