Evening Wire: Russiagate Referral & Federal Reserve Review | 7.21.25

Summary

Evening Wire: Comprehensive Summary | July 21, 2025

Presented by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, The Daily Wire's Evening Wire delivers an in-depth analysis of today's most pressing issues, ranging from political upheavals to international conflicts and economic policies.

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1. Russiagate Criminal Referral by DNI Tulsi Gabbard

[00:03 - 01:04]

Georgia Howe opens the episode by highlighting a major development in the ongoing Russiagate saga. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has submitted a criminal referral to the Department of Justice (DOJ), accusing Obama-era officials of orchestrating the Trump-Russia narrative.

John Bickley elaborates, stating, “Gabbard released documents she says show, quote, overwhelming evidence of a conspiracy within the Obama administration to undermine President Trump” [00:22]. The DOJ has confirmed receipt of the referral but has yet to comment further. In parallel, Senator Chuck Grassley is moving to declassify portions of a 2018 DOJ report related to Hillary Clinton's email investigation, adding another layer to the intricate web of political investigations.

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2. Russia’s Continued Assault on Ukraine

[00:55 - 02:10]

Georgia transitions to the escalating conflict in Ukraine, with Russia intensifying its military assault. John Bickley reports, “Kyiv and Kharkiv were among the cities hit in a large scale attack” [01:04], resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals, including a 12-year-old girl, and injuring at least 15 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, calling them “an attack on humanity” and urging global leaders to intensify pressure on Moscow.

Analysts indicate that Russia is increasingly relying on troops from economically struggling regions and allies like North Korea, while protecting its elite populations from frontline duties. In response, Western nations are ramping up their support for Ukraine. John Bickley notes, “After Trump gave Russia 50 days to make peace, the UK launched its own 50 day drive to make certain Ukraine is armed to the teeth” [01:04]. The UK is committing an additional $54 million to the conflict, with Germany set to deliver five Patriot missile batteries within the week. US and UK Defense Secretary John Healy emphasized unity and strength, stating, “now's the time to crush Putin's will with steel missiles and unity” [02:10].

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3. Hilmar Abrego Garcia’s Deportation Saga

[02:10 - 03:05]

The episode shifts focus to immigration issues as Hilmar Abrego Garcia remains in U.S. custody. Georgia Howe explains that Garcia, a Maryland father, has been granted a 30-day reprieve from deportation under a rare agreement with the Trump Justice Department. This follows a tumultuous legal battle, including his deportation to El Salvador in March and subsequent return in June.

Tom Papert, a reporter from Tennessee Star, provides insight: “If U.S. District Court Judge Zinnis issues an order restricting ICE from detaining Abrego Garcia anywhere but Maryland, then you will likely see a very rapid court appeal from the Trump administration to reverse this, which could give them the right to deport him once he is in ICE custody” [02:42 - 02:52]. The case is expected to reach a critical juncture in January.

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4. Attack on Customs and Border Patrol Officer in New York City

[03:05 - 03:56]

John Bickley reports a violent incident where an off-duty Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer was shot in the face during an attempted robbery in New York City. The officer retaliated, injuring one of the suspects in the leg. Both attackers, illegal Dominican migrants with prior legal issues, were apprehended. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the incident, condemning it as a direct consequence of sanctuary city policies and the Biden administration's immigration stance.

Tom Papert reinforces this viewpoint: “There's absolutely zero reason that someone who is scum of the earth like this should be running loose on the streets of New York City” [03:31].

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5. Customs and Border Patrol Raids in Sacramento

[03:58 - 04:39]

Georgia Howe covers recent CBP actions in Sacramento, where multiple suspected illegal immigrants were arrested outside a Home Depot. Among those detained are three convicted felons. Tom Papert highlights the severity of the arrests: “We've already arrested at least eight individuals for being in this country illegally, one of whom is an aggravated felon” [04:15]. The crackdown aims to dismantle sanctuary city policies, asserting that no such policies should allow dangerous criminals to remain free.

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6. Car-Ramming Incident in Los Angeles

[04:39 - 05:09]

In another violent act, John Bickley reports that Fernando Ramirez, a convicted felon released on parole in 2020, rammed his car into a crowd in Los Angeles. The incident resulted in 36 injuries. Ramirez, previously convicted of felony and domestic battery in 2022, faces an outstanding 11 criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. The LA Fire Department noted that the situation could have been far worse, underscoring the threat posed by such individuals.

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7. Harvard University’s Legal Battle with the Trump Administration

[05:09 - 06:20]

Georgia Howe transitions to educational policy, focusing on Harvard University’s current legal struggle against the Trump administration. Tom Papert explains, “The university argues the administration illegally cut $2.6 billion in federal funding” [05:17]. The potential outcome of the case could see the reversal of funding cuts imposed due to Harvard’s refusal to comply with federal mandates on anti-Semitism policies and diversity programs. The Trump administration maintains that it has broad authority to terminate contracts and grants for policy-driven reasons.

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8. Pope’s Condemnation of Israel’s Strike on Gaza’s Catholic Church

[05:54 - 07:07]

John Bickley reports a poignant moment as Pope Leo XIV mourns the loss of lives following Israel’s accidental strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church. The Pope expressed deep sorrow, reading the names of those killed, including three individuals and injuring ten others, among whom was the parish priest.

Tom Papert shared the Pope’s heartfelt plea: “We pray for these victims... We need to stop immediately these barbaric acts of war” [06:10 - 06:47]. The Pope called for adherence to humanitarian law, emphasizing the protection of civilians and the prohibition of collective punishment and indiscriminate use of force.

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9. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant Calls for Federal Reserve Review

[07:07 - 08:08]

In economic news, Georgia Howe discusses Treasury Secretary Scott Besant’s call for a comprehensive review of the Federal Reserve. John Bickley states, “President Trump has criticized the Fed for not lowering interest rates and renovation plans costing billions of dollars” [07:07]. Besant suggests that the Fed’s economists are entrenched in a restrictive mindset, particularly regarding tariffs.

Tom Papert echoes the sentiment, questioning the efficacy of the Federal Reserve: “I think that what we need to do is examine the entire Federal Reserve institution and whether they have been successful” [07:34]. He criticizes the organization’s decision-making processes and implies that the Federal Reserve is out of touch with practical economic needs.

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10. Imposition of 30% Tariffs on the European Union

[08:08 - 08:35]

John Bickley reports that the US is steadfast in enforcing the August 1 deadline for implementing a 30% tariff on goods from the European Union. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick remains optimistic about reaching a trade agreement, stating, “I am confident we'll get a deal done” [08:23 - 08:29]. Despite the high stakes, Lutnick assures that both the US and EU are committed to negotiating a mutually beneficial deal, though the tariffs will be imposed if negotiations fail.

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11. Cleveland Guardians Respond to President Trump’s Name Change Suggestion

[08:35 - 09:09]

In sports, Georgia Howe addresses President Trump’s recent suggestion for the Cleveland Guardians to revert to their former name, the Cleveland Indians. John Bickley reports, “The baseball team's president, Chris Antonetti, says he understands the decision to change the name was controversial, but he maintains the team has had the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians” [08:35]. The Guardians’ management emphasizes their commitment to the team’s current identity, despite Trump’s remarks aimed at honoring historical roots. The name change in 2020 was initially driven by efforts to eliminate racial stereotypes.

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12. WNBA Players’ Equal Pay Protest

[09:09 - 09:48]

John Bickley covers the WNBA’s push for equal pay following George Floyd’s death. During the All-Star Game, players donned T-shirts reading, “pay us what you owe us,” signaling dissatisfaction with current compensation structures. While some social media users criticized the shirts as ill-timed given the league's financial sustainability issues, WNBA Player Kelsey Plumb defended the protest, stating, “the moment was powerful” [09:35 - 09:44]. Tom Papert noted the genuine surprise among players, indicating a unified stand for fair wages despite logistical challenges [09:48].

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13. Coldplay’s Controversial Concert Incident

[09:54 - 10:40]

In a lighter segment, Georgia Howe recounts Coldplay’s first show since a viral Kiss Cam incident that exposed an affair involving astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the Head of HR. Frontman Chris Martin attempted to engage the audience with a camera segment but failed to address the scandal directly. John Bickley remarked, “Kind of a missed moment there” [10:40], highlighting the band’s oversight in handling the sensitive topic during their performance.

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14. Drive Home Updates and Closing Remarks

[10:40 - 11:00]

John Bickley wraps up the episode with Drive Home updates, urging listeners to visit dailywire.com for more detailed coverage. He recaps significant morning stories, including revelations about the 2016 Trump-Russia probe, Trump’s legal actions against the Wall Street Journal, and the amnesty bill under Congressional consideration. Bickley promises listeners a full edition of Morning Wire the following day.

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Conclusion

The Evening Wire episode from July 21, 2025, offers a thorough exploration of critical national and international issues. From political conspiracies and ongoing conflicts to economic policies and social justice movements, John Bickley and Georgia Howe provide listeners with a detailed and engaging analysis, enriched with firsthand reports and authoritative quotes. This comprehensive summary serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to stay informed on the latest developments without missing the nuanced discussions presented in the podcast.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

The DOJ receives DNI Gabbard's Russiagate criminal referral. The Kilmar Abrego Garcia saga continues and the treasury secretary calls for a review of the entire Fed. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley. It's Monday, July 21st, and this is Evening Wire.

[John Bickley]

The DOJ has confirmed it's received a criminal referral from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, which accuses Obama era officials of manufacturing the Trump Russia narrative over the weekend. Gabbard released documents she says show, quote, overwhelming evidence of a conspiracy within the Obama administration to undermine President Trump. The DOJ offered no comment beyond confirming receipt of that referral. Meanwhile, Senator Chuck Grassley plans to declassify parts of a 2018 DOJ report tied to Hillary Clinton's email investigation.

[Georgia Howe]

Overnight, Russia continued its deadly assault on Ukraine, launching hundreds of missiles and drones at major cities. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has more.

[John Bickley]

Kyiv and Kharkiv were among the cities hit in a large scale attack. Two people were killed, one of which was a 12 year old girl. At least 15 others were injured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attacks struck residential buildings, the entrance to a subway station and even a kindergarten. Zelensky is urging world leaders to increase pressure on Moscow, calling the assault an attack on humanity. Meanwhile, analysts say Russia continues to draw on troops from impoverished regions and allies like North Korea while sparing its elite populations from frontline duty. Meanwhile, more countries are joining Trump's pressure campaign on Russia. After Trump gave Russia 50 days to make peace, the UK launched its own 50 day drive to make certain Ukraine is armed to the teeth. The UK is dropping another 54 million into the fight and over 6 billion just this year. Germany is also set to deliver five Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine this week. US UK Defense Secretary John Healy didn't mince words saying, quote, now's the time to crush Putin's will with steel missiles and unity. Trump set the deadline. Now the west is delivering the pressure.

[Georgia Howe]

Hilmar Abrego Garcia will remain in U.S. custody for now. The so called Maryland father has been granted a 30 day reprieve from deportation under a rare agreement with the Trump Justice Department. It follows months of legal back and forth, including his deportation to El Salvador in March and return in June. A federal judge is still weighing whether to block ICE from removing him again. Morning Wire spoke to Tennessee Star reporter Tom Papert, who's been following the saga. He says to expect some legal see sawing before the trial likely set for.

[Tom Papert]

January this week will likely tell the tale of what will happen to abrego Garcia. If U.S. district Court Judge Zinnis issues.

[John Bickley]

An order restricting ICE from detaining Abrego.

[Tom Papert]

Garcia anywhere but Maryland, then you will likely see a very rapid cut appeal from the Trump administration to reverse this, which could give them the right to deport him once he is in ICE custody.

[John Bickley]

An off duty Customs and Border Patrol officer was shot in the face during an attempted robbery in New York City over the weekend. The officer returned fire, striking one of the alleged attackers in the leg. The two suspects are both illegal Dominican migrants who had several previous run ins with the law. One of them has even been deported. Previously. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the officer who's now in stable condition at the hospital and had this to say.

[Tom Papert]

On the attack One of our own that has been attacked and has been harmed dangerously by violent criminals that have been run loose here in New York City but also in this country as a result of sanctuary city policies and the policies of the Biden administration. There's absolutely zero reason that someone who is scum of the earth like this should be running loose on the streets of New York City.

[John Bickley]

Both alleged attackers are in custody.

[Georgia Howe]

Customs and Border Patrol arrested several suspected illegal immigrants outside of a Sacramento Home Depot on Thursday, three of whom are convicted felons. Border Patrol El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino referenced the raid in a pro ICE video posted to Instagram on Thursday.

[Tom Papert]

There's no such thing as a sanctuary state. We are here conducting this Title 8 mission. We've already arrested at least eight individuals for being in this country illegally, one of whom is an aggravated felon. That aggravated felon appears to have charges related to fentanyl trafficking and one individual arrested for impeding and or assaulting a US Federal officer.

[John Bickley]

Police say the man who allegedly rammed his car into a crowd of people in Los Angeles over the weekend is a convicted felon out on parole in 2020. Fernando Ramirez was convicted of felony battery and felony domestic battery in 2022. Addition to those charges, he has 11 more criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. While 36 people were injured in the early Saturday morning incident, the LA Fire Department said the situation could have been much worse.

[Georgia Howe]

Harvard University is back in court today fighting the Trump administration. Daily Wire investigative reporter Mairead Elordi has the details.

[Tom Papert]

The university argues the administration illegally cut $2.6 billion in federal funding. If Harvard wins, the ruling would reverse funding cuts freezes imposed by the administration. A federal antisemitism Task force said Harvard tolerated anti Jewish harassment. The task force requested that the university make changes tied to academics, admissions and campus protests, as well as end certain diversity and gender programs. The federal government cut the school's funding after Harvard refused to make changes to its policies. The administration argues the government has wide discretion to end contracts and grants for policy reasons.

[John Bickley]

The pope is calling for the end of what he called barbarity after Israel struck Gaza's only Catholic church. Israel has apologized for the strike and said it was a tragic accident. Yesterday, Pope Leo XIV read the names of those killed in the strike and expressed his deep sorrow.

[Tom Papert]

We pray for these victims.

[John Bickley]

And I'm.

[Tom Papert]

Particularly close to their families and all of the parishioners, and I'm also close to all those who continue to be affected by the attacks on civilians in Gaza. We need to stop immediately these barbaric acts of war.

[John Bickley]

The pope asked countries to observe humanitarian law and to protect civilians. He also asked for prohibition of collective punishment, of indiscriminate use of force, and forced displacement of the population. An Israeli missile hit the Catholic Church and killed three people Thursday morning. Ten others were injured, including the parish priest.

[Georgia Howe]

In economic news, the treasury secretary is calling for a review of the entire Federal Reserve. Secretary Scott Besant said the review needs to examine the success of the Fed. President Trump has criticized the Fed for not lowering interest rates and renovation plans costing billions of dollars. Besant did not say if he thought the Federal Reserve chairman, Jero Powell, should be fired. He said he thinks the Fed's economists are stuck in a certain mindset, especially when it comes to tariffs.

[Tom Papert]

I think that what we need to do is examine the entire Federal Reserve institution and whether they have been successful. Has the organization succeeded in its mission? You know, if this were the FAA and we were having this many mistakes, we would go back and look at why. Why has this happened. All these PhDs over there, I don't know what they do. I don't know what they do. This is like universal basic income for academic economists.

[John Bickley]

The US has decided that it's not letting up on the August 1 deadline for 30% tariffs on the European Union. Howard Lutnick, the US commerce secretary, said he's confident that a trade deal can be struck with the eu, but stood firm on the deadline.

[Georgia Howe]

That's a hard deadline.

[John Bickley]

So on August 1, the new tariff rates will come in.

[Georgia Howe]

These are the two biggest trading partners.

[John Bickley]

In the world talking to each other. We'll get a deal done. I am confident we'll get a deal done.

[Georgia Howe]

In Sports Related News the Cleveland Guardians have responded to President Trump's suggestion that they readopt their prior name, the Cleveland Indians. The baseball team's president, Chris Antonetti, says he understands the decision to change the name was controversial, but he maintains the team has had the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the past four and that the future of the team excites him. Trump said in a Truth Social Post Sunday that the Guardians should change their name back to the Indians in order to honor the team's historic past. The team changed their name to the guardians in 2020 in an effort to minimize racial stereotypes.

[John Bickley]

After George Floyd's death, WNBA players are going on an equal pay crusade. At the All Star Game on Saturday, players wore matching T shirts that said, quote, pay us what you owe us. According to them, the shirts were inspired by recent collective bargaining negotiations. But social media users pointed out that the shirts didn't make sense as the WNBA is not able to sustain operations from its own profits. The Daily Wire's own Jake Crane called wearing these shirts when you have to be subsidized wild. Despite this, WNBA player Kelsey Plumb said in a post game interview that the moment was powerful.

[Tom Papert]

As players, we didn't know that that.

[Georgia Howe]

Was going to happen.

[Tom Papert]

So I think it was kind of like a genuine surprise. But the T shirt Just United Front.

[Georgia Howe]

Was determined this morning, and in Coldplay's first show since the viral Kiss Cam moment, frontman Chris Martin gave a warning before beginning the use of their cameras. We'd like to say hello to some of you in the crowd.

[Tom Papert]

How we're going to do that is.

[Georgia Howe]

We'Re going to use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen screen.

[John Bickley]

So please, if you haven't done your makeup, do your makeup now.

[Georgia Howe]

The band did not address the viral clip that exposed an affair between astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his Head of hr.

[John Bickley]

Kind of a missed moment there. All right, those are your Drive Home updates today. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, this morning we covered some major stories, including new revelations about the 2016 Trump Russia probe, President Trump's legal action against the Wall Street Journal, and the amnesty bill being pushed in Congress. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.