Evening Wire: Russia-Ukraine Talks Stall & France Recognizes Palestinian State | 7.25.25

Summary

Evening Wire: Russia-Ukraine Talks Stall & France Recognizes Palestinian State | 07.25.25

Release Date: July 25, 2025

Hosts: John Bickley and Georgia Howe
Presented by: The Daily Wire

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1. President Trump Accuses President Clinton Over Epstein Ties

Timestamp: [00:25] – [00:46]

President Donald Trump made dramatic allegations against former President Bill Clinton regarding ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Addressing reporters, Trump directed attention toward multiple high-profile individuals connected to Epstein.

Donald Trump [00:31]: "You should focus on Clinton. You should focus on the president of Harvard, the former president of Harvard. You should focus on some of the hedge fund guys. I'll give you a list. These guys lived with Jeffrey Epstein. I sure as hell didn't."

Trump's statements followed actions by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who met with Epstein's convicted accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, raising questions about the Department of Justice's handling of the case.

2. Trump’s Round of Accusations and DOJ's Stance

Timestamp: [00:46] – [01:04]

In response to Trump's allegations, former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain addressed the situation:

Ron Klain [00:53]: "Trump said he hasn't considered pardoning her."

Klain emphasized the professionalism within the DOJ:

Ron Klain [00:56]: "Called Blanche a professional who won't be misled."

Amid growing public interest and conflicting statements about the existence of a client list, the DOJ faces increasing pressure.

3. President Trump’s Trade Visit to Scotland

Timestamp: [01:08] – [01:42]

Georgia Howe reported on President Trump's imminent visit to Scotland aimed at bolstering US-UK trade relations following the recent tariff reductions on cars and aircraft parts.

Georgia Howe [00:59]: "President Donald Trump is heading to Scotland today to talk trade with UK officials following the US UK Deal last month to slash tariffs on cars and aircraft parts."

Key aspects of the trip include meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney, alongside personal visits to Trump's golf resorts and his mother's memorial garden. Plans are also in place for a subsequent state visit in September to meet King Charles III.

4. Ron Klain Discusses President Biden’s Mental Health

Timestamp: [01:42] – [02:24]

Former Biden White House Chief of Staff, Ron Klain, testified before the House Oversight Committee, providing insight into President Joe Biden's cognitive state during his tenure.

Ron Klain [01:42]: "He described the president as, quote, less energetic and, quote, more forgetful, but said he believed he was still fit to serve."

Klain also mentioned concerns raised by Jake Sullivan and Hillary Clinton regarding Biden's presidential campaign, though these claims were later denied by Sullivan's representatives and clarified by Clinton's camp as pertaining to campaign age issues.

5. Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Stalled

Timestamp: [02:24] – [03:08]

Russia and Ukraine engaged in brief peace talks in Istanbul with minimal progress.

Tim Rice [02:34]: "On Thursday, the two countries agreed to more prisoner swaps but made no progress toward a ceasefire. Talks lasted just 40 minutes the shortest yet."

Shortly after the discussions, renewed hostilities erupted with Ukrainian drones striking Sochi and Russian missiles targeting Odessa, resulting in casualties and infrastructural damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks and reiterated his demand for enhanced air defense support. The looming 50-day ceasefire deadline set by Trump remains unmet, with Moscow showing no willingness to concede.

6. Russian Passenger Plane Crash

Timestamp: [03:08] – [03:42]

A tragic aviation disaster occurred as a Soviet-era turboprop passenger plane crashed near the Chinese border at Tinder Airport, Eastern Russia, resulting in the loss of all 48 passengers and crew.

John Bickley [03:08]: "The crash is under investigation, though adverse weather conditions were reportedly present."

The incident highlights ongoing aviation safety concerns in Russia, exacerbated by international sanctions limiting access to aircraft. Regional Governor Vasily Orlov declared three days of mourning for the victims.

7. France’s Move to Recognize a Palestinian State

Timestamp: [03:42] – [04:26]

French President Emmanuel Macron announced France's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state, a decision slated for confirmation at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Emmanuel Macron [03:50]: "While framing the move as part of a broader push for a, quote, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, Macron outlined five priorities ending the war in Gaza, freeing hostages, delivering humanitarian aid and demilitarizing Hamas and rebuilding Gaza."

The announcement has been met with strong opposition from Israeli officials and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

Mike Huckabee [04:26]: "If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I've got a suggestion for them. Carve out a piece of the French Riviera and create a Palestinian state. They're welcome to do that, but they're not welcome to impose that kind of pressure on a sovereign nation."

Huckabee criticized France's approach as inappropriate amid ongoing conflict.

8. Louisville Ends Sanctuary City Policy

Timestamp: [04:56] – [05:31]

Under pressure from the Trump administration, Louisville has rescinded its sanctuary city status, agreeing to honor immigration detainers filed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

John Bickley [04:56]: "The Justice Department warned Louisville that it was violating federal law."

Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed Louisville’s reversal as a significant victory.

Attorney General Pam Bondi: "A major victory."

However, Louisville’s mayor stated that this decision was made to prevent the deployment of the National Guard.

9. Arrest Made for Attacks on Federal Vehicles

Timestamp: [05:31] – [06:06]

Authorities successfully apprehended El PDO Reyna, a man previously placed on the FBI's most wanted list, for assaulting federal vehicles and officers.

Georgia Howe [05:31]: "Reyna is charged with assault on a federal officer. U.S. attorney Bill Asali said the arrest proves the United States can find and charge anyone who violates federal law."

In response, Mike Huckabee asserted:

Mike Huckabee [05:59]: "Anyone thinks that this guy or any... [06:04] 'Stop us from doing our job,' ... 'Got to think again.'"

Huckabee emphasized that such actions will not deter federal authorities.

10. Connecticut Hospitals Cease Transgender Medical Procedures for Minors

Timestamp: [06:06] – [06:40]

Connecticut Children's Medical Center and Yale New Haven Health have begun winding down transgender medical procedures for minors, citing legal uncertainties and federal executive orders.

Mireta Lordy [06:14]: "Connecticut Children's CEO called the decision difficult but necessary, adding care will continue on a case by case basis."

Yale announced that while they are discontinuing gender-related surgeries, they remain committed to providing mental health support during the transition process.

11. USA Volleyball Aligns with Trump’s Gender Policy Executive Order

Timestamp: [06:40] – [07:48]

USA Volleyball (USAV) announced a policy change banning transgender athletes from competing outside their birth-assigned gender, aligning with the Trump administration's executive order aimed at ensuring fairness in female sports.

Georgia Howe [06:40]: "Effective immediately, USAV says all athletes must compete according to the gender listed on their birth certificate."

Critics label the policy as discriminatory, while the White House defends it as necessary for maintaining competitive integrity.

In related news, G.L. Black, Dean of Students at Vanderbilt University, commented on ongoing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives despite the new policies.

G.L. Black [07:20]: "I think it's, I would say, thoughtful around DEI work... focusing on belonging and building sustaining communities and access and resources."

The university is investigating claims that this stance violates the Trump administration's crackdown on DEI policies.

12. New York Mayoral Candidate’s Rent Freeze Plan Criticized

Timestamp: [07:56] – [08:34]

Zoran Mandani, a Democratic mayoral candidate in New York, has proposed an immediate rent freeze for all stabilized tenants upon election, a move met with strong opposition from housing experts.

Kenny Burgos [07:56]: "That proposal would bankrupt some 40% of the housing stock in the city, 200,000 of the units have already been deemed functionally bankrupt."

Burgos contends that Mandani's plan would exacerbate the city's housing crisis rather than alleviate it, leading to increased insolvency rather than affordability.

13. Potential Merger Between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern

Timestamp: [08:34] – [09:11]

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are reportedly in talks over a potential merger that could result in the largest rail operator in the United States. The merger, however, remains uncertain with no guarantees of completion.

Georgia Howe [08:34]: "If the deal does go through, they would create a massive rail network that spans from coast to coast, which no single railroad operators network currently does."

The merger would face intense scrutiny from the Department of Justice, investors, Amtrak, and labor unions. The Surface Transportation Board has yet to receive any formal application for the merger.

14. Joy Behar's Hiatus from "The View"

Timestamp: [09:11] – [09:45]

Joy Behar, co-host of "The View," inadvertently revealed that the show would be taking a hiatus, following immediate calls from the Trump administration to cancel the program.

John Bickley [09:11]: "The White House had issued a statement calling Behar an irrelevant loser after she suggested that President Trump is jealous of Barack Obama, which many people speculated is the reason the show is taking a break."

Despite initial remarks hinting at the show's end, co-host Whoopi Goldberg confirmed that "The View" would return in September.

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Conclusion

This episode of Evening Wire covered a broad spectrum of pressing issues, from high-stakes political accusations and international conflicts to significant policy changes affecting various sectors. Notable discussions included President Trump's controversial allegations against President Clinton, the stalled Russia-Ukraine peace talks with renewed hostilities, significant policy shifts in sports and healthcare regarding transgender individuals, and major developments in housing policies and transportation industry mergers. Additionally, the abrupt announcement of Joy Behar's hiatus from "The View" highlighted ongoing tensions between the media and the Trump administration.

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

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

President Trump calls out President Clinton over his alleged ties to Epstein, Russia and Ukraine make little to no progress toward a ceasefire, and US Volleyball changes its gender policy to align with the president's executive order. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley. It's Friday, July 25th, and this is Evening Wire.

[John Bickley]

President Trump appeared to stun reporters today by telling them who they should be focusing on when it comes to Epstein.

[Donald Trump]

You should focus on Clinton. You should focus on the president of Harvard, the former president of Harvard. You should focus on some of the hedge fund guys. I'll give you a list. These guys lived with Jeffrey Epstein. I sure as hell didn't.

[John Bickley]

This comes after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met for a second day with convicted Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell in Florida.

[Ron Klain]

Trump said he hasn't considered pardoning her.

[John Bickley]

And called Blanche a professional who won't be misled.

[Ron Klain]

Public interest in the case has surged.

[John Bickley]

Again amid pressure on Trump's DOJ and.

[Ron Klain]

Conflicting statements about the existence of a client list.

[Georgia Howe]

President Donald Trump is heading to Scotland today to talk trade with UK officials following the US UK Deal last month to slash tariffs on cars and aircraft parts. Trump will meet with the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. While trade is said to be a top agenda item, the trip will also include some golf as well. The president is scheduled to stop at his golf resorts in Turnberry and Aberdeen. Trump will also pay tribute to his Scottish roots with a visit to his mother's memorial garden. Trump is set to visit the UK In September for a rare second state visit to meet King Charles iii.

[Ron Klain]

Former Biden White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain spoke to House Oversight Committee staff on Wednesday as part of the investigation into the former president's mental health during his time in office. In the closed door interview, Klain reportedly described the president as, quote, less energetic and, quote, more forgetful, but said he believed he was still fit to serve. Klain also apparently shared that former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had raised concerns about Biden's presidential campaign.

[John Bickley]

A representative of Sullivan denied that such a conversation took place before the debate, and a spokesman for the Clinton camp stated that the concern was about the campaign's handling of the age issue.

[Georgia Howe]

Russia and Ukraine continue to trade blows after very brief peace talks in Istanbul. Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice has the latest.

[Tim Rice]

On Thursday, the two countries agreed to more prisoner swaps but made no progress toward a ceasefire. Talks lasted just 40 minutes the shortest yet. Just hours after the talks, the two countries exchanged fire on Black Sea resort cities. A Ukrainian drone hit Sochi, killing one and damaging an oil depot, while Russian missiles pummeled Odessa, injuring civilians and destroying a historic market. Ukrainian President Zelensky slammed the senseless strikes and repeated calls for air defense aid. Meanwhile, Trump's 50 day ceasefire deadline looms, but Moscow shows no sign of backing down.

[John Bickley]

A passenger plane crashed in eastern Russia on Thursday, killing all 48 people aboard. The Soviet Era turboprop disappeared from air traffic control radar during a second landing attempt at Tinder Airport near the Chinese border. The crash is under investigation, though adverse weather conditions were reportedly present. Aviation incidents have been frequent in Russia. The Wall Street Journal notes that international sanctions have restricted access to aircraft. Related import Regional governor Vasily Orlov has declared three days of mourning for the victims of the crash.

[Georgia Howe]

France says it will formally recognize a Palestinian state in the coming months. Daily Wire reporter Cassie Akiva has the details.

[Emmanuel Macron]

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that he would make the announcement during the United Nations General assembly in September. While framing the move as part of a broader push for a, quote, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, Macron outlined five priorities ending the war in Gaza, freeing hostages, delivering humanitarian aid and demilitarizing Hamas and rebuilding Gaza. The announcement drew swift condemnation from Israeli officials who argue that recognition rewards hamas after the October 7 attacks. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee slammed the move, calling it inappropriate in the midst of this war.

[Mike Huckabee]

October 7th changed a lot of things. If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I've got a suggestion for them. Carve out a piece of the French Riviera and create a Palestinian state. They're welcome to do that, but they're not welcome to impose that kind of pressure on a sovereign nation. And I find it revolting that they think that they have the right to do such a thing.

[John Bickley]

Louisville has abandoned its sanctuary city policy after warnings from the Trump administration, the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections will now honor immigration detainers filed by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. These detainers will allow ICE to take custody of illegal immigrants. The Justice Department warned Louisville that it was violating federal law. Other sanctuary cities have been hit with legal action and freezes on federal funding. Attorney General Pam Bondi called Louisville's decision a, quote, major victory. While the city's mayor said they caved to avoid the deployment of the National Guard.

[Georgia Howe]

Authorities have arrested a man accused of throwing rocks at Federal Vehicles. El PDO Reyna had been placed on the FBI FBI's most wanted list. After throwing rocks and glass bottles at federal vehicles, he even injured one officer. Reyna fled to Mexico, where he was later located by Mexican police. The police turned him over to Border Patrol. Reyna is charged with assault on a federal officer. U.S. attorney Bill Asali said the arrest proves the United States can find and charge anyone who violates federal law.

[Mike Huckabee]

Anyone thinks that this guy or any.

[John Bickley]

Other thug out there is going to.

[Ron Klain]

Stop us from doing our job, they.

[Mike Huckabee]

Got to think again.

[John Bickley]

Major hospitals in Connecticut say they're winding down transgender medical procedures for minors. Daily Wire reporter Mireta Lordy has more.

[Mireta Lordy]

Connecticut Children's Medical center and Yale New Haven Health both put out statements this week citing legal uncertainty and recent federal actions, including President Trump's January executive order banning funding over these types of procedures. Connecticut Children's CEO called the decision difficult but necessary, adding care will continue on a case by case basis. Yale's statement said its program did not include surgeries and pledged mental health support during the transition.

[Georgia Howe]

USA Volleyball is putting an end to men competing against women the policy change bans transgender athletes from competing outside their birth assigned gender in an effort to align with the new Trump administration order. The policy shift comes on the heels of the US Olympic and Para Olympic Committees making similar changes. Effective immediately, USAV says all athletes must compete according to the gender listed on their birth certificate. While critics call it discriminatory, the White House says the new policy ensures fairness for female athletes. In a video obtained exclusively by The Daily Wire, G.L. black, the Dean of students at Vanderbilt University, says the school is still pursuing DEI policies.

[G.L. Black]

I mean, I think it's, I would say, thoughtful around DEI work and like how to focus on we are by the name of our areas and things you can see like focusing on belonging and building sustaining communities and access and resources and all the things that are sort of, I would say, like components of DEI work are part of, like what we do, even if we don't always label everything as DEI work.

[Georgia Howe]

This is in direct violation of the Trump administration's executive crackdown, and the university said they're looking into claims made by Black.

[John Bickley]

A New York Democrat and housing expert is sounding the alarm over Zoran Mandani's plan to freeze rent, saying it will be the nail in the coffin in the city's housing stock. Mandani has promised to immediately freeze the rent for all stabilized tenants should he become mayor. But former Democratic assembly member Kenny Burgos, now the CEO of the New York Apartment association, says that proposal would bankrupt some 40% of the housing stock in the city, 200,000 of the units have already been deemed functionally bankrupt. Rather than achieving affordability, he said, the Democrat mayoral candidate's plan would only achieve insolvency.

[Georgia Howe]

Both Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have said they're in talks over a merger that could very well create the largest rail operator in the U.S. meanwhile, the companies have also said there weren't any guarantees that the discussions would result in a deal. If the deal does go through, they would create a massive rail network that spans from coast to coast, which no single railroad operators network currently does. A deal would also face scrutiny from the doj, investors, Amtrak and labor unions, as the last railroad merge took nearly two years to secure approval. The Surface Transportation Board says it hasn't received any application yet for a new railway operator merger.

[John Bickley]

And Joy Behar, co host of the View, accidentally let slip that the show will be taking a hiatus, just one day after the Trump administration called for the show's cancellation.

[Mike Huckabee]

And before we go on hiatus, we.

[Donald Trump]

Only have one more show after this.

[Mike Huckabee]

I'm allowed to say that, right?

[Georgia Howe]

Too late now.

[John Bickley]

The White House had issued a statement calling Behar an irrelevant loser after she suggested that President Trump is jealous of Barack Obama, which many people speculated is the reason the show is taking a break. But at the end of Thursday's episode, Whoopi Goldberg said the show would return in September.

[Georgia Howe]

Those are your Drive Home updates this evening. 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's visit to the Federal Reserve, the continued fallout from the Russiagate revelations, and Columbia's settlement with the Trump administration. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.