Podcast Summary

Podcast: Morning Wire (Evening Wire Edition)
Episode: Trump Imposes Global Tariff & USA Hockey Scores Big
Date: February 20, 2026
Hosts: Georgia Howe & John Bickley, with reporting by Cabot Phillips and team

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire breakdown of major national and international news: the Supreme Court’s ruling against most of President Trump’s tariffs and his dramatic response; an unprecedented government release of files on aliens and UFOs; headlines on U.S.-Iran tensions, immigration controversies, and a stunning Team USA win in women's hockey. It’s all presented in The Daily Wire’s brisk, direct style, with quotes and explanations from key figures and expert correspondents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Most of Trump's Tariffs

[00:50 - 03:05]

• Summary of Ruling:
  • The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump’s tariffs, imposed under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), exceeded presidential authority.
  • Chief Justice Roberts authored the majority opinion, joined by three liberal and three Trump-appointed justices.
  • Not all tariffs were struck down; those on aluminum and steel (not under the IEEPA) remain, but major reciprocal tariffs—including 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico—are affected.
  • The court noted the Act "makes no mention of tariffs or duties," implying the omission was deliberate.
• Trump's Response:
  • Trump expressed anger at the ruling and some justices, yet emphasized he retains other tools:

    "I'm ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what's right for our country..."
    "I can destroy the trade, I can destroy the country, I can embargo, I can do anything I want, but I can't charge $1. It's ridiculous..."
    — Donald Trump, [01:57]

  • Announced a new 10% global tariff under Section 122, effective immediately, supplementing existing tariffs.

2. Trump Orders UFO Files Released

[03:05 - 03:40]

• After former President Obama claimed “aliens are real” in an interview, Trump accused him of disclosing classified information and remained noncommittal:

  "Well, he gave classified information he's not supposed to be doing. The aliens are real. Well, I don't know if they're real or not..."
  — Donald Trump, [03:20]

• On Truth Social, Trump promised to declassify “all government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena and unidentified flying objects...” [03:40]

3. Tensions with Iran: Possible Limited U.S. Strike

[04:06 - 04:38]

• The Trump administration is reportedly weighing a limited strike on select Iranian targets to pressure Tehran into a nuclear agreement, without risking a massive retaliation.
• If Iran refuses to comply, threats escalate to a “broad campaign” potentially aimed at regime change.

4. Domestic Security & Crime

Arson Attempt at DHS Facility

[04:38 - 05:22]

• An attempted arsonist targeted a Homeland Security office in Meridian, ID. The suspect used an ambulance and accelerants, but was scared off before starting a fire.
• The police chief suggested hostile rhetoric against DHS may have played a role.

Immigrant-Related Violent Incidents

[05:22 - 07:07]

• Florida Beach Assault:
  • Venezuelan immigrant Saeed Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez, shielded from deportation, is accused of attempting to drown a woman.
  • Federal officials blamed Biden's "open border policies".

    "Because of Florida's cooperation with ICE, this sicko will never walk American streets again."
    — Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary, [06:20]

• Fatal Indiana Crash:
  • Indian illegal immigrant Sukhdeep Singh, legally driving a truck, killed a man in a traffic accident. He remains in ICE custody.

5. U.S. Withdraws from WHO, Builds Rival Health Organization

[08:05 - 08:53]

• Trump officially pulled the U.S. out of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• A U.S.-led “alternate” global health body will be funded ($2B) and structured around agreements with other countries, extending HHS’s international footprint.

6. Executive Order on Herbicides

[08:53 - 10:00]

• Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to protect production of phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, citing national security and supply chain resilience.
• Some “Make America Healthy Again” allies criticized the move as a betrayal of previous campaign promises around pesticide safety.

7. Bill Gates AI Summit Keynote Cancellation

[10:00 - 10:51]

• Bill Gates dropped out of a major AI Summit keynote in India amid renewed scrutiny of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

  "After careful consideration and to ensure the focus remains on the AI summit's key priorities, Mr. Gates will not be delivering his keynote..."
  — Gates Foundation Statement, [10:12]

• The Gates/Epstein connection continues to cloud Gates’ public image.

8. Entertainment: Death of Eric Dane

[10:51 - 11:33]

• “Grey's Anatomy” actor Eric Dane died at 53, following a battle with ALS.
• His family released a statement highlighting his advocacy for ALS awareness.

9. Team USA Scores Olympic Golds

[11:33 - 12:35]

• Alysa Liu wins gold in women’s singles figure skating, with Japan taking silver and bronze.

• The U.S. women’s hockey team dramatically defeats Canada in overtime: Hillary Knight tied the game in the last two minutes, and Megan Keller scored the game-winner just four minutes into overtime.

  "Keller danced around Claire Thompson and flipped the puck past the goaltender for the game winner."
  — Cabot Phillips, [12:13] "Pass for Keller, a defenseman. Nice move. Cuts to the net. Score! Megan Keller, the overtime hero. The United States wins gold..."
  — (Game Audio), [12:13]

• The U.S. remains among the top three nations in total Olympic medals.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump slams Supreme Court ruling:

  "I'm ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what's right for our country."
  — Donald Trump, [01:57]

• Trump on Obama’s alien comments:

  "Well, he gave classified information he's not supposed to be doing. The aliens are real. Well, I don't know if they're real or not..."
  — Donald Trump, [03:20]

• White House on herbicide protection order:

  "Not an endorsement of any product or practice, but strengthens our national security and ends America's decades long reliance on foreign imports and supply chains."
  — WH Spokesman Kush Desai, [09:44]

• USA Hockey’s golden overtime:

  "Pass for Keller, a defenseman. Nice move. Cuts to the net. Score! Megan Keller, the overtime hero. The United States wins gold..."
  — Game Audio, [12:13]

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------- |------------| | SCOTUS Strikes Down Trump Tariffs | 00:50–03:05| | Trump Orders UFO File Release | 03:05–03:40| | U.S. Considers Strike on Iran | 04:06–04:38| | Attempted Arson at DHS Office | 04:38–05:22| | Immigration-Related Incidents | 05:22–07:07| | WHO Withdrawal/Health Agency News | 08:05–08:53| | Herbicides Executive Order Debate | 08:53–10:00| | Bill Gates AI Summit Keynote Canceled | 10:00–10:51| | Eric Dane Death/ALS Advocacy | 10:51–11:33| | Olympic Golds: Figure Skating/Hockey | 11:33–12:35|

Tone & Style

The reporting is punchy, direct, and generally critical of Democratic policies while positioning Trump’s actions as forceful (even when controversial). Quotations are used liberally to let officials and newsmakers speak in their own words, with quick transitions between global, political, and cultural headlines for a comprehensive end-of-day news blitz.