Evening Wire: The Epstein MAGA Mutiny & Senate Clawback Nears Passage | 7.16.25

Summary

Evening Wire: The Epstein MAGA Mutiny & Senate Clawback Nears Passage | July 16, 2025

Released on July 16, 2025

In this episode of Evening Wire, hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe of The Daily Wire, listeners are provided with an in-depth analysis of the latest political, economic, and social developments shaping the nation and the world. The episode covers a broad spectrum of topics, from presidential decisions and legislative battles to international conflicts and domestic policy challenges. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented.

---

1. Jerome Powell’s Future Under President Trump

Georgia Howe opens the episode by addressing the uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's tenure:

“President Trump says Fed Chair Jerome Powell will likely keep his job. Despite reports to the contrary. Backlash continues on both sides of the Epstein files debate.”
[00:03]

Cabot Phillips, Daily Wire's Senior Editor, delves deeper into this issue:

“Speaking from the White House, President Trump says it's, quote, highly unlikely that he'll fire Jerome Powell, but he did not completely rule out the idea unless he has to leave.”
[00:33]

John Bickley adds his perspective on Powell's performance:

“Fraud. I mean, it's possible there's fraud involved with the 2.5, $2.7 billion renovation. So, you know that's going on. So, you know, there could be something to that. But I think he's not doing a good job. He's got a very easy job to do. You know what he has to do? Lower interest rates.”
[00:42]

President Trump has hinted at possible changes before Powell’s term ends in eight months, despite current indications that Powell will remain in his position.

---

2. Fallout from Epstein Files and MAGA Backlash

The controversy surrounding the Epstein files continues to create ripples within political circles. Georgia Howe introduces the segment:

“The Epstein file's fallout continues as President Trump lashed out at critics on the right today over what he calls the Jeffrey Epstein hoax.”
[01:22]

Tim Rice, Deputy Managing Editor, elaborates on Trump's response:

“In a fiery truth social post this morning, Trump called some of those in his base weaklings for buying into what he called Democrat driven BS and added that he doesn't want their support anymore.”
[01:34]

This backlash from MAGA figures reflects frustration with the administration's handling of the Epstein files. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoes the call for transparency:

“Look, Reagan used to tell us we should trust the American people. I believe in that principle. I know President Trump does as well. I mean, this isn't my lane. I haven't been involved in that. But. But I agree with the sentiment that we need to. We need to put it out there.”
[01:59]

Despite Trump's criticisms, he urges Gina Haspel to release any evidence she considers credible:

“Whatever she thinks is credible she should release.”
[02:17]

John Bickley supports this notion:

“Whatever she thinks is credible she should release.”
[02:20]

Meanwhile, Congressman Thomas Massie is pushing for a House vote to release the Epstein files, with the DOJ maintaining that no comprehensive client list exists. The family of Ghislaine Maxwell asserts that critical evidence is still being withheld.

---

3. Senate Passes Trump’s $9 Billion Clawback Bill

Cabot Phillips reports a significant legislative development:

“The Senate cleared the final hurdle for President Trump's $9 billion spending clawback bill last night, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking the tie on this vote.”
[02:35]

John Bickley and Georgia Howe provide further details on the close vote:

“The A's are 50 and the nays. The Senate being equally divided.”
[02:45]

Cabot Phillips explains how the bill passed:

“The vice president votes in the affirmative.”
[02:49]

“The package passed with near unanimous GOP support, except for Senators Murkowski, Collins, and McConnell. Democrats are preparing a ditch fight during today's 10 hours of debate, blasting cuts for foreign aid and public broadcasting. A GOP Amendment will preserve $400 million for HIV/AIDS relief. After pushback, though, House Speaker Mike Johnson warned the Senate not to alter the bill.”
[02:53]

The bill faces opposition from Democrats, who intend to challenge cuts to essential services, while GOP members seek to maintain key funding areas.

---

4. Investigation into President Biden’s Mental Fitness

A significant political development involves Anthony Bernal, a former White House aide and chief of staff to Jill Biden, who pled the Fifth Amendment:

“Anthony Bernal, a former White House aide and chief of staff to Jill Biden, pled the fifth today in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee.”
[03:18]

Bernal is the fourth Biden aide to be questioned in the ongoing investigation into President Biden's cognitive abilities and the use of the president's auto pen by other White House staffers.

---

5. Syria Ceasefire and Druze Minority Conflict

Cabot Phillips shifts focus to international affairs, reporting on a ceasefire in Syria:

“Syria's government and leaders of the Druze religious minority have announced a ceasefire deal. This comes after Syrian Muslim militants reportedly launched brutal attacks on the Druze minority community in Sueda. Over 300 people were killed, with reports of executions, looting, and civilians being trapped in basements.”
[03:46]

The violence prompted Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, as Israel seeks to defend the Druze community, which has deep ties to the Jewish state, including military service. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high with ongoing threats from Syrian HTS forces.

---

6. Sanctuary Policies and National Guard Funding

Georgia Howe discusses potential changes to sanctuary policies:

“So called sanctuary policies may soon leave states on the hook for covering the cost of National Guard deployments to enforce immigration law.”
[04:28]

Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced a bill requiring states to reimburse the federal government if the National Guard is deployed to handle civil disturbances caused by states' refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. This follows the costly deployment of the National Guard to California to quell anti-ICE riots, which amounted to over $130 million. A companion bill has been introduced in the House by Representative Jody Arrington of Texas.

---

7. Portland City Council’s Response to ICE Detention Center Violence

Cabot Phillips reports on local legislative actions in Portland:

“The Portland City Council is looking into ways to remove ICE from its detention center in the south waterfront neighborhood. Local lawmakers raised concerns about detainee hold time, which is a condition of ICE's permit to operate in the city.”
[05:04]

Georgia Howe details recent violence:

“The center has seen a major increase in violence against officers, according to DHS. Rioters on July 4 attacked law enforcement with rocks and fireworks and burned an American flag. They also cut Internet cables and damaged the facility's sprinkler system. Border czar Tom Homan promised last week to visit the city personally.”
[05:38]

---

8. Surge in Assaults on ICE Agents

Assaults on ICE agents have skyrocketed by 830% over the past year. Georgia Howe introduces this alarming trend:

“Assaults on ICE agents are up 830% over last year, according to a report released this week.”
[05:48]

Trisha McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary, attributes this surge to Democratic rhetoric:

“ICE law enforcement are succeeding to remove terrorists, murderers, pedophiles and the most depraved among us from America's communities. And even as crazed rhetoric from gutter politicians are inspiring a massive increase in assaults against them.”
[05:48]

The increase is linked to inflammatory comments from Democratic leaders, as highlighted by President Trump's Rapid Response Team, which shared remarks believed to have emboldened attacks on federal agents.

---

9. Deportation of Migrants to Eswatini

The Trump administration has deported five illegal migrants to Eswatini, a tiny nation in southern Africa:

“The Trump administration has deported five illegal migrants to a new third country, the tiny nation of Eswatini in southern Africa. The migrants reportedly carry serious criminal convictions, including child rape and murder, and their home countries of Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen would not take them back.”
[06:20]

This move follows a Supreme Court ruling that permits the Department of Homeland Security to resume third-country deportations of migrants.

---

10. Alleged Minnesota Assassin’s Claims

Georgia Howe reports a disturbing allegation by an alleged assassin in Minnesota:

“The alleged Minnesota assassin claims governor Tim Walls told him to murder two Democratic lawmakers.”
[06:49]

Mairead Elordi provides further insights:

“Vance Bolter allegedly sent a confession to the FBI director. In the letter, Bolter said he had worked for the US Military off the books on missions around the world. He said Walls contacted him to kill Minnesota's two US Senators, but Bolter declined and threatened to go public with Walls's request. Bolter was recently indicted for the murder of a state representative and her husband. He also allegedly shot a state senator and his wife, but both survived. His letter did not say why he targeted the two couples.”
[06:59]

The motivations behind these violent actions remain unclear, prompting further investigation.

---

11. American Idol Executive and Husband Murdered

A tragic incident involving an American Idol executive and her husband was reported:

“An American Idol executive and her husband were found shot dead in their home after an apparent break-in. Police discovered their bodies during a welfare check and they were found in separate rooms with gunshot wounds. The weeks before the murders, the executive reached out to a private security firm after feeling threatened by somebody, though she did not end up hiring the firm. A suspect was arrested yesterday, but officials say the motive is not yet known. Right now, it is an apparent random attack; the house did not appear to be ransacked.”
[07:29]

Investigators are exploring multiple motives, as the attack does not fit a typical burglary pattern.

---

12. Economic Update: Inflation and Tariffs

Georgia Howe provides an update on economic indicators:

“Wholesale inflation remained unchanged in June. The measure defied economists who expected an increase of at least 0.2% month over month. The core producer price index, which does not include food and energy, also remained unchanged.”
[08:06]

Vice President Vance praised the steady inflation figures on social media, attributing the success to effective tariff policies:

“It's almost like the economic profession doesn't fully understand tariffs.”
[08:06]

These figures are particularly significant as tariffs against various countries are set to take effect on August 1st, potentially impacting global trade dynamics.

---

13. Weather Advisories and Tropical Threat

The episode also covers significant weather updates:

Heat Advisory Across the Northeast and West Coast:

“A heat advisory is now in place across the Northeast, from Maryland all the way to Maine. Residents are preparing for temperatures that may rise as much as 15 degrees above average. The humidity may make temperatures in both New York City and Boston feel much worse than they really are. Further up north, the heat could swing into the upper 90s in areas like Syracuse and Burlington. Down south, temperatures might hit a searing 105 to 109 degrees in areas like New Orleans, Memphis, and Little Rock. A heat advisory is also in place for various places along the West Coast.”
[08:06]

Tropical Threat:

“Meanwhile, a tropical threat on the Gulf coast has a 40% chance of turning into a tropical depression over the next 48 hours. The storm is likely to bring heavy rain, especially in Louisiana, to the central Gulf coast over multiple days. The closer the storm stays to the shore, the less chance it has to grow into a tropical depression. A flood watch will still take effect today for parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. In total, rainfall is expected to be between 2 to 6 inches. If it does develop into a depression, it will be named Dexter.”
[09:08]

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed and prepare for potential severe weather conditions.

---

14. Drive Home Updates and Additional Stories

In the closing segment, Georgia Howe recaps additional major stories from the morning:

“In case you missed it, this morning, we covered some major stories, including Gavin Newsom hitting the campaign trail while downplaying his radical record, Trump's touting of economic strength amid new inflation numbers, and the latest step in the shutdown of the Department of Education.”
[09:39]

Listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com for more comprehensive coverage and updates on these and other significant issues.

---

Conclusion

The Evening Wire episode provides a thorough exploration of critical issues affecting both national and international landscapes. From high-stakes political maneuvers and legislative battles to unsettling criminal cases and significant economic updates, the hosts deliver a nuanced and engaging analysis. Notable quotes with precise timestamps enhance the narrative, offering listeners clear insights into the discussions. This comprehensive summary serves as a valuable resource for those who seek to stay informed about the latest developments without tuning into the full podcast episode.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

President Trump says Fed Chair Jerome Powell will likely keep his job. Despite reports to the contrary. Backlash continues on both sides of the Epstein files debate. And assaults on ICE agents hit unbelievable highs. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley. It's Wednesday, July 16th, and this is Evening Wire.

[Cabot Phillips]

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's future is on the mind of President Trump. Daily Wire's senior editor Cabot Phillips has more.

[Donald Trump]

Speaking from the White House, President Trump says it's, quote, highly unlikely that he'll fire Jerome Powell, but he did not completely rule out the idea unless he has to leave.

[John Bickley]

Fraud. I mean, it's possible there's fraud involved with the 2.5, $2.7 billion renovation. So, you know that's going on. So, you know, there could be something to that. But I think he's not doing a good job. He's got a very easy job to do. You know what he has to do? Lower interest rates.

[Donald Trump]

This comes after reports that President Trump had drafted a termination letter which he showed Republican lawmakers at an Oval Office meeting yesterday. Many of them were reportedly on board. While some advisers had warned the move could backfire, others say Trump may just be testing the waters to pressure Powell. The White House has not confirmed any action. Powell's term as chair ends in eight months, and Trump hinted that he'll make a change then.

[Georgia Howe]

The Epstein file's fallout continues as President Trump lashed out at critics on the right today over what he calls the Jeffrey Epstein hoax. Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice has the latest.

[Tim Rice]

In a fiery truth social post this morning, Trump called some of those in his base weaklings for buying into what he called Democrat driven BS and added that he doesn't want their support anymore. This follows backlash from MAGA figures upset over the administration's handling of the Epstein files. It also comes amid similar criticism from close allies of the president, like House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson told Benny Johnson he's all for transparency.

[Mike Johnson]

Look, Reagan used to tell us we should trust the American people. I believe in that principle. I know President Trump does as well. I mean, this isn't my lane. I haven't been involved in that. But. But I agree with the sentiment that we need to. We need to put it out there.

[Tim Rice]

While Trump has swiped at his critics, he's also calling on Bondi to release whatever evidence she deems credible.

[John Bickley]

Whatever she thinks is credible she should release.

[Tim Rice]

Congressman Thomas Massie plans a procedural push to force a vote in the House to release the Epstein files, while the DOJ continues to insist no client list exists. The family of Ghislaine Maxwell and her legal team say critical evidence is still being withheld.

[Cabot Phillips]

The Senate cleared the final hurdle for President Trump's $9 billion spending clawback bill last night, with Vice President J.D. vance breaking the tie on this vote.

[John Bickley]

The A's are 50 and the nays.

[Georgia Howe]

Are 50, the Senate being equally divided.

[Cabot Phillips]

The vice president votes in the affirmative.

[Georgia Howe]

And the motion is agreed to.

[Cabot Phillips]

The package passed with near unanimous GOP support. Except for Senators Murkowski, Collins and McConnell. Democrats are preparing a ditch fight during today's 10 hours of debate, blasting cuts for foreign aid and public broadcasting. A GOP Amendment will preserve $400 million for HIV AIDS relief. After pushback, though, House Speaker Mike Johnson warned the Senate not to alter the bill.

[Georgia Howe]

Anthony Bernal, a former White House aide and chief of staff to Jill Biden, pled the fifth today in a closed door deposition before the House Oversight Committee. Bernal, a close ally of the Bidens who is dubbed the leader of the Loyalty Police by other Biden staffers, was questioned about President Biden's mental fitness and the use of the president's auto pen by other White House staffers. Bernal is the fourth Biden aide to be questioned by the House in the ongoing investigation of the former president's cognitive decline.

[Cabot Phillips]

Syria's government and leaders of the Druze religious minority have announced a ceasefire deal. This comes after Syrian Muslim militants reportedly launched brutal attacks on the Druze minority community in sueda. Over 300 people were killed, with reports of executions, looting and civilians being trapped in basements. The attack on the minority group prompted Israeli airstrikes on Damascus. Israel's military says it's defending the Druze minority who have deep ties to the Jewish state, including military service. Amid the bloodshed, Druze and Sweda flew Israeli flags in gratitude. A fragile ceasefire has been announced, but fears remain high as Syrian HTS forces continue to threaten the region.

[Georgia Howe]

So called sanctuary policies may soon leave states on the hook for covering the cost of National Guard deployments to enforce immigration law. Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced a bill today that would require states to pay back the federal government if US Military resources were used in response to civil disturbances triggered by a state's refusal to cooperate with lawful federal immigration enforcement. The recent deployment of the National Guard to California to quell anti ice riots cost more than $130 million. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representative Jody Arrington of Texas.

[Cabot Phillips]

The Portland City Council is looking into ways to remove ICE from its detention center in the south waterfront neighborhood. Local lawmakers raised concerns about detainee hold time, which is a condition of ICE's permit to operate in the city. The center has seen a major increase in violence against officers, according to DHS. Rioters on July 4 attacked law enforcement with rocks and fireworks and burned an American flag. They also cut Internet cables and damaged the facility's sprinkler system. Border czar Tom Homan promised last week to visit the city personally.

[Georgia Howe]

Assaults on ICE agents are up 830% over last year, according to a report released this week. Daily Wire reporter Virginia Kruta has more on the story.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

DHS assistant secretary Trisha McLaughlin laid the blame at the feet of Democrats in a statement that she made yesterday. ICE law enforcement are succeeding to remove terrorists, murderers, pedophiles and the most depraved among us from America's communities. And even as crazed rhetoric from gutter politicians are inspiring a massive increase in assaults against them. Just one day earlier, President Donald Trump's Rapid Response Team had shared a series of comments made by elected Democrats that the administration believes have put a target on the backs of federal agents.

[Cabot Phillips]

The Trump administration has deported five illegal migrants to a new third country, the tiny nation of Eswatini in southern Africa. The migrants reportedly carry serious criminal convictions, including child rape and murder, and their home countries of Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen would not take them back. This comes after the Supreme Court ruled last month to enable DHS to resume third country deportations of migrants.

[Georgia Howe]

The alleged Minnesota assassin claims governor Tim Walls told him to murder two Democratic lawmakers. Daily Wire reporter Mairead Elordi has more.

[Mairead Elordi]

Vance Bolter allegedly sent a confession to the FBI director. In the letter, Bolter said he had worked for the US Milit off the books on missions around the world. He said Waltz contacted him to kill Minnesota's two US Senators, but Bolter declined and threatened to go public with Waltz's request. Bolter was recently indicted for the murder of a state representative and her husband. He also allegedly shot a state senator and his wife, but both survived. His letter did not say why he targeted the two couples.

[Cabot Phillips]

An American Idol executive and her husband were found shot dead in their home after an apparent break in. Police discovered their bodies during a welfare check and they were found in separate rooms with gunshot wounds. The weeks before the murders, the executive reached out to a private security firm after feeling threatened by somebody, though she did not end up hiring the firm. A suspect was arrested yesterday, but officials say the motive is not yet known. Right now, it is an apparent random attack the house did not appear to be ransacked. So we're, we're looking into multiple avenues on what the motive is may be there.

[Georgia Howe]

Wholesale inflation remained unchanged in June. The measure defied economists who expected an increase of at least 0.2% month over month. The core producer price index, which does not include food and energy, also remained unchanged. Vice President Vance celebrated the news on social media, saying it's almost like the economic profession doesn't fully understand tariffs. The news comes before tariffs against countries around the world are set to take effect August 1st. A heat advisory is now in place across the Northeast, from Maryland all the way to Maine. Residents are preparing for temperatures that may rise as much as 15 degrees above average. The humidity may make temperatures in both New York City and Boston feel much worse than they really are. Further up north, the heat could swing into the upper 90s in areas like Syracuse and Burlington. Down south, temperatures might hit a searing 105 to 109 degrees in areas like New Orleans, Memphis and Little Rock. A heat advisory is also in place for various places along the West Coast.

[Cabot Phillips]

Meanwhile, a tropical threat on the Gulf coast has a 40% chance of turning into a tropical depression over the next 48 hours. The storm is likely to bring heavy rain, especially in Louisiana, to the central Gulf coast over multiple days. The closer the storm stays to the shore, the less chance it has to grow into a tropical depression. A flood watch will still take effect today for parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. In total, rainfall is expected to be between 2 to 6 inches. If it does develop into a depression, it will be named Dexter.

[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 Gavin Newsom hitting the campaign trail while downplaying his radical record, Trump's touting of economic strength amid new inflation numbers and the latest step in the shutdown of the Department of Education. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of MORNING Wire.