Evening Wire: Russia Pummels Ukraine & Brown-Trump Reach Settlement | 7.31.25

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe

1. Russiagate Evidence Unveiled [00:51]

Georgia Howe kicks off the episode by discussing newly declassified files that allege former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton authorized the Russiagate smear campaign against Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. She states, “According to memos obtained by US Intelligence, false Russian collusion claims also involved Democratic operatives and groups tied to George Soros’ Open Society Foundations and included disseminating information through the media and FBI-linked firms” [00:51]. These revelations come from Special Counsel John Durham's probe, which deemed the intelligence likely authentic, raising alarms about the political weaponization of federal agencies.

2. US-Mexico Trade Agreement Extension and New Tariffs [01:26]

John Bickley reports on the agreement between Mexico and the US to extend their current trade arrangement. President Trump has granted Mexico an additional 90 days before implementing new tariffs, providing a temporary reprieve while negotiations continue. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump declared, “Mexico will continue to pay a 25% fentanyl tariff, a blanket tariff on all goods including 25% on cars and 50% on steel, aluminum, and copper” [01:26]. Additionally, Mexico has consented to immediately terminate its non-tariff trade barriers, aiming to foster smoother trade relations.

3. Canada Faces Trade Threat Over Palestine Recognition [01:55]

Georgia Howe addresses President Trump’s recent warning to Canada regarding its decision to recognize Palestine as a state. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada would join France and the United Kingdom in affirming Palestine as a state. Trump responded on Truth Social, stating, “That will make it very hard for us to make a trade deal” [01:55]. As a consequence, new tariffs on Canadian goods are scheduled to take effect on August 1st, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.

4. US Diplomatic Efforts in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis [02:19]

John Bickley highlights the deployment of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee to Gaza in response to escalating humanitarian concerns. “The two men will inspect aid efforts tomorrow amid conflicting claims about distribution being held up,” Bickley reports [02:19]. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt adds, “The special envoy and the ambassador will brief the President immediately after their visit to approve a final plan for food and aid distribution into the region” [02:36], promising further details post-approval.

5. Israel-Gaza Conflict: International Criticism and Trump’s Stance [03:11-03:56]

John Bickley discusses the international backlash against Israel amidst fears of famine in Gaza, even from traditional allies like Germany. He notes, “President Trump repeated his calls for Hamas to surrender and release hostages, saying it’s the fastest way to end the suffering in Gaza” [03:56]. Despite evidence of undistributed aid and videos showing Hamas fortifications, Israel faces mounting criticism for its handling of the humanitarian situation.

6. NYT Vandalism Targets New York Times Over Gaza Report [03:11]

Georgia Howe reports on the recent vandalism at the New York Times headquarters, where vandals spray-painted “New York Times lies Gaza Dies” on the windows and covered parts of the lower exterior with red paint [03:11]. This act follows the publication of a major correction clarifying that a viral report incorrectly attributed a child's emaciation to Israeli actions, whereas the child suffered from pre-existing conditions.

7. Russia’s Deadly Attack on Kyiv and Trump’s Response [03:56]

John Bickley details Russia's latest offensive against Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, which resulted in at least nine deaths, including a six-year-old boy, and injuries to over 100 individuals [03:56]. Ukrainian officials reported that over 300 drones and missiles targeted 27 sites across the city, leading to the collapse of a nine-story apartment building. President Zelensky condemned the assault as “a brutal answer to peace efforts,” while President Trump has issued a deadline of August 8th for Russia to show progress or face new sanctions.

8. Trump’s Efforts to Revive North Korea Diplomacy [04:31]

Georgia Howe discusses President Trump’s open stance towards meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un despite North Korea’s resistance to denuclearization efforts. Trump expressed aspirations to “revive dialogue and achieve a fully denuclearized North Korea” [04:31]. Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, criticized the disarmament demands, calling them “a mockery,” and Kim himself insisted that the US must recognize North Korea as a nuclear power. Despite North Korea's claims of an expanded arsenal since their last summit, Trump remains committed to his goal of peace on the Korean peninsula.

9. Trump Secures Preliminary Trade Deal with South Korea [05:09]

John Bickley reports on President Trump’s announcement of a preliminary trade deal with South Korea, strategically timed ahead of the August 1st tariff deadline. Under this agreement, South Korea will invest $350 billion in US-controlled assets and purchase $100 billion in American energy [05:09]. In return, tariffs on South Korean goods will be reduced from 25% to 15%, and the deal will open South Korea to increased US exports, including automobiles and agricultural products.

10. Trump Slams Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell [05:36]

Georgia Howe introduces the segment where John Bickley covers President Trump’s harsh criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. In a “fiery social post,” Trump described Powell as “too angry, too stupid and too political to lead the central bank” and blamed him for costing the country “trillions of dollars” [05:47]. Powell had recently maintained the federal funds rate between 4.25% and 4.5% amidst concerns over inflation and impending tariffs [05:47]. Additionally, two Fed governors have publicly called for rate cuts, leading to speculation about potential replacements for Powell when his term ends in 2026.

11. Cincinnati Violence and Political Responses [05:36-07:41]

John Bickley transitions to domestic issues, highlighting US Senator Bernie Moreno’s response to a viral video showing violence in Cincinnati. Moreno posted alarming photos of the injured woman, stating, “She wanted to have a nice evening out with friends. Instead, she got this” [05:47]. He condemned the inadequate response from local officials and criticized Democratic City Council President Victoria Parks for her insensitive comment, “they begged for that beatdown” [05:47]. Parks, who is not seeking reelection, faced backlash for her remarks, further intensifying the political divide over responses to mob violence.

12. Honoring Fallen NYPD Officer Diderol Islam [07:41]

Georgia Howe reports on the funeral of NYPD Officer Diderol Islam, who was killed in the mass shooting at a midtown Manhattan skyscraper on Monday. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch honored Islam’s dedication, stating, “No matter what this job threw at him, you could count on Dar to get it done and to get it done right” [07:41]. The ceremony, held at a Bronx mosque, saw New York City Mayor Eric Adams and mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani in attendance. Islam is survived by his wife and two young children.

13. NYC Mayoral Candidate Zoran Mamdani Addresses Defunding Police Comments [08:43-09:34]

John Bickley covers a press conference by New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, who addressed his previous calls to defund the police. Mamdani clarified, “My statements in 2020 were ones made amidst a frustration that many New Yorkers felt at the murder of George Floyd” [08:43]. He also referenced the recent mass shooting, emphasizing the ongoing need for comprehensive solutions. Mamdani signaled support for increased nationwide gun control while acknowledging the necessity for substantial work both locally and nationally to prevent such tragedies [09:34].

14. Brown University Reaches Settlement with Trump Administration [09:34]

Georgia Howe discusses a significant settlement between Brown University and the Trump administration. The Ivy League institution has agreed to a $50 million settlement to fund workforce development initiatives in exchange for restored federal grants and the closure of multiple investigations [09:34]. Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised the deal, highlighting that it will “restore merit-based admissions and enforce protections against anti-Semitism and discrimination” [09:59]. President Trump celebrated the agreement on Truth Social, declaring, “woke is officially dead at Brown” [10:15]. The settlement also involves the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in hiring, promotions, and admissions, prioritizing merit over ideology.

15. Delta Flight Turbulence Incident [10:40]

John Bickley reports on a harrowing incident involving a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam that experienced severe turbulence before nosediving for nearly 90 seconds. The plane made an emergency landing in Minneapolis, resulting in at least 25 passengers being hospitalized [10:40]. Passengers described the chaos onboard, with beverage carts flying through the air and individuals being violently thrown against cabin ceilings. Passenger Leanne Clement Nash recounted, “There’s a moment where we thought we were going down, so I'm still shaking about it” [10:40]. One passenger suffered fractured ribs after being hurled multiple times, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Conclusion

In this episode of Evening Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe delve into a range of pressing issues, from international conflicts and trade negotiations to domestic political controversies and personal tragedies. Notable discussions include the resurgence of Russiagate evidence, escalating trade tensions with Mexico and Canada, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The hosts also address significant domestic events such as political responses to violence in Cincinnati, the honoring of a fallen NYPD officer, and the controversial settlement between Brown University and the Trump administration. Additionally, the episode covers a terrifying turbulence incident on a Delta flight, highlighting the unpredictable nature of air travel safety.

For more detailed coverage on these stories, visit dailywire.com.