Evening Wire: Trump Ousts Bondi & Hershey’s MAHA Makeover | 4.2.26

Summary

Morning Wire – Evening Wire: Trump Ousts Bondi & Hershey’s MAHA Makeover | April 2, 2026

Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Date: April 2, 2026
Podcast: Morning Wire by The Daily Wire

---

Episode Overview

This episode of Evening Wire delivers fast, factual updates on an array of major news stories, ranging from President Trump’s shakeups in his administration, Congressional gridlock on DHS funding, and international affairs, to domestic crime, regulatory changes, and corporate reactions to public criticism. Presented in the show’s hallmark brisk and informative style, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe, alongside a series of expert correspondents, keep listeners updated on today’s most pressing headlines.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

---

1. Trump Removes Pam Bondi as Attorney General

Timestamps: 00:33 – 01:24

• Announcement: President Trump announced via Truth Social the removal of Attorney General Pam Bondi, praising her service and noting she will transition to an important private sector role.
  • Quote: “We love Pam and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector to be announced at a date in the near future.” – Trump’s statement via Truth Social [00:48]
• Succession: Deputy Todd Blanche steps in as interim AG. Speculation swirls that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is being considered for the role, following a meeting with Trump that was reportedly for wildfire prevention.

---

2. Congress at an Impasse Over DHS Funding

Timestamps: 01:24 – 02:28

• Government Shutdown: The House adjourns without addressing a Senate-funded DHS bill, with the partial government shutdown extending toward a record seventh week.
• Presidential Move: President Trump declares he’ll ensure DHS employees are paid, expanding on a previous move for TSA workers; it remains unclear how broader payroll will be covered.
  • Quote: “Because the Democrats are fully and 100% committed to the radical left policy of open borders and zero immigration enforcement, I will soon sign an order to pay all of the incredible employees at the Department of Homeland Security.” – President Trump on Truth Social [02:03]
• Legislative Chess: The Senate, under John Thune, passed a bill to reopen DHS, but the House under Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to act, as Republicans consider a stopgap and a future, more comprehensive immigration package.

---

3. Tragic Shooting of Infant in Brooklyn

Timestamps: 02:28 – 03:29

• Incident Details: A stray bullet from a moped drive-by shooting fatally wounded a 7-month-old baby girl. One suspect is in custody.
  • Quote: “The outstanding suspect still being sought is a young male described as wearing light gray pants and a white T shirt with a black surgical mask…” – NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch [03:03]
• Context: The crime is believed to be gang-motivated; the infant was not an intended target, and a manhunt is ongoing.

---

4. Medicaid Cuts & Hospital Pushback — Mark Cuban Reacts

Timestamps: 03:29 – 04:13

• Policy Impact: New work requirements and fundraising rules for Medicaid could cut federal spending by over $1 trillion over 10 years.
• Hospital Concerns: 400+ hospitals warn of possible closures due to revenue shortfalls.
• Critique from Mark Cuban: The billionaire investor questions hospital spending efficiency on X, implying waste and mismanagement are at play.
  • Quote: “Why aren’t any of these at-risk hospitals publishing their full accounting so everyone can see where they spend their money?... It’s no wonder they're at risk.” – Mark Cuban [03:53 paraphrase]

---

5. California’s Fraud Epidemic

Timestamps: 04:13 – 05:11

• Audit Revelations: Reports reveal fraud has siphoned at least $180 billion from the state’s $300 billion budget since Governor Newsom took office.
• Pandemic-Era Failures: The Employment Development Department, having suspended eligibility rules, enabled abuses — including $700,000 in unemployment paid to Memphis rapper Nuke Bizzle, who then bragged about it in a music video.
  • Quote: “The NOME Administration, quote, suspended all rules for eligibility to expedite payments.” – Tim Pierce [04:39]

---

6. Murder of Florida Democrat Nancy Meteor Bowen

Timestamps: 05:11 – 06:08

• Incident Summary: Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Meteor Bowen found dead; her husband charged with premeditated murder and evidence tampering.
• Background: Meteor Bowen was a Haitian-American Democrat, re-elected in 2024, and previously interned for the Obama administration.
• Investigation: Authorities treat the case as domestic violence but withheld further details due to its ongoing nature.

---

7. Palm Sunday Christian Massacre in Nigeria

Timestamps: 07:09 – 07:50

• Event: Gunmen attacked worshipers in a majority-Christian town on Palm Sunday, leaving dozens feared dead.
• Responsibility Disputed: Some blame Boko Haram, others the Fulani Militia.
• International Reaction: NC Congressman Mark Harris urges U.S. action.
  • Quote: “When Christians are targeted for worshiping, gathering and living openly in their faith, the United States should speak with moral clarity and act with resolve.” – Rep. Mark Harris [07:37]

---

8. China Expands South China Sea Military Bases

Timestamps: 07:50 – 08:31

• Update: China resumes construction in disputed waters, possibly turning Antelope Reef into its largest base, boosting missile and surveillance power, and preparing for possible Taiwan crises.

---

9. Syrian Dictator’s Cousin Convicted in U.S. Weapons Sting

Timestamps: 08:31 – 09:03

• Background: Antoine Cassis attempted to trade military weapons to Colombian terrorists for cocaine, under the front of ‘buying fruit.’ Extradited from Kenya, faces life sentence.

---

10. Tiger Woods’ Latest DUI Arrest

Timestamps: 09:03 – 09:43

• Incident Details: New footage shows Tiger Woods groggy and cooperative following a single-car crash attributed to phone distraction.
  • Quote (Tiger Woods, 09:16): “Down my phone and all of a sudden boom.”
• Background: Woods was previously arrested for DUI in Florida in 2017, then with multiple drugs in his system.

---

11. Federal Action on Microplastics in Drinking Water

Timestamps: 09:43 – 10:30

• Initiative: For the first time, U.S. authorities (EPA & HHS) will monitor microplastics and pharmaceuticals in drinking water.
• Statements:
  • Quote, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. (09:54): “Plastic has become embedded in modern life. It's also become embedded in the human body. We can't treat what we cannot measure.”
  • Quote, EPA Chief Lee Zeldin (10:20): “This is a direct response to the concern of millions of Americans who have long demanded answers about what they and their families are drinking every day.”

---

12. Hershey’s Returns to Classic Formula Under Criticism

Timestamps: 10:30 – 11:13

• Key Move: Hershey’s will reinstate its classic chocolate formula and eliminate artificial dyes by 2027.
• Trigger: The founder’s grandson Brad Reese called out ingredient downgrades in an open letter on LinkedIn.
  • Quote (Brad Reese’s open letter, 10:41): “How does the Hershey company continue to position Reese’s as its flagship brand...while quietly replacing the very ingredients...that built Reese’s trust in the first place?”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pam Bondi’s Departure: “We love Pam and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job...” – President Trump [00:48]
• Mark Cuban Criticizes Hospitals: “All but one group of hospitals that I looked at...spend so much on consultants and fees that it’s no wonder they’re at risk.” [03:53]
• California Fraud Exposé: Detailed story on $180 billion lost to fraud, highlighting systemic issues.
• RFK Jr. on Microplastics: “We can't treat what we cannot measure. We cannot regulate what we don't understand.” [09:54]
• Brad Reese on Hershey’s: Publicly pushing for a return to original recipes and ingredients. [10:41]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Pam Bondi Ousted: 00:33–01:24
• DHS Shutdown Headaches: 01:24–02:28
• Brooklyn Baby Shooting: 02:28–03:29
• Medicaid, Hospitals, & Cuban: 03:29–04:13
• California Fraud: 04:13–05:11
• Florida Politician’s Murder: 05:11–06:08
• Nigeria Church Massacre: 07:09–07:50
• China’s South China Sea Moves: 07:50–08:31
• Syrian Dictator’s Cousin Convicted: 08:31–09:03
• Tiger Woods DUI Footage: 09:03–09:43
• Feds Tracking Microplastics: 09:43–10:30
• Hershey’s MAHA Makeover: 10:30–11:13

---

Summary

This Evening Wire episode encapsulates the day’s fast-changing headlines with a focus on clarity, hard news, and direct quotes. The show covers dramatic developments in national politics, criminal justice, public health, foreign affairs, and consumer culture, always with a brisk, fact-first tone designed to keep listeners both informed and engaged.

Transcript

[Brendan Steinhauser]

Brendan I'm Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of the alliance for Secure AI. We're a coalition of patriotic Americans who want to stop AI from taking our freedoms. Big Tech is propping up AI powered mass surveillance and exploiting our children online. This is not the future we want. The alliance is working hard to ensure that we put Americans first. Join [e-mail] to learn more.

[Alliance for Secure AI Announcer]

Paid for by the alliance for Secure

[Daily Wire Contributor]

AI

[John Bickley]

Pam Bondi is out as Attorney General. A rising Democrat star in Florida is found dead in her home and Hershey's goes Maha. I'm Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Thursday, April 2nd.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

This is Evening Wire.

[Daily Wire Editor/Reporter]

Attorney General Pam Bondi has been removed from her position. President Trump announced her departure in a post on Truth Social, writing, quote, we love Pam and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector to be announced at a date in the near future. White House insiders report that Bondi received the news yesterday shortly before President Trump addressed the nation regarding Iran. Trump said he would replace Bondi with Todd Blanche, her deputy, on an interim basis as rumors circulate that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is poised to take up the mantle. Trump met with Zeldin in the Oval Office on Tuesday, ostensibly to discuss wildfire prevention.

[John Bickley]

The House of Representatives has adjourned without passing the Senate approved bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Daily Wire Homepage editor Jordan Schroeder has the details.

[Daily Wire Political Analyst]

President Donald Trump suggested today that he will order pay for all Department of Homeland Security employees as a record long partial shutdown continues, expanding a prior move covering TSA workers, though it's not yet clear how the broader payroll would be funded. Meanwhile, the Senate, led by John Thune, unanimously passed a bill to partially reopen dhs, now sitting with the House under Speaker Mike Johnson. Republicans are considering a two step plan to reopen the agency short term and pass a larger immigration funding package later as lawmakers remain on recess and pressure bills to end the standoff.

[Daily Wire Editor/Reporter]

The President last week signed an order to pay all TSA agents as the partial government shutdown nears its seventh full week. He announced today the plan to expand pay to the entire department. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, quote, because the Democrats are fully and 100% committed to the radical left policy of open borders and zero immigration enforcement, I will soon sign an order to pay all of the incredible employees at the Department of Homeland Security.

[John Bickley]

A seven month old baby girl is dead after she was struck by a

[Daily Wire Reporter]

stray bullet in a tragic act of violence in Brooklyn. Daily Wire reporter Jenny Terre reports.

Police say two suspects on a moped opened fire into a crowd before riding off, later crashing the moped nearby. One of the bullets struck the infant while she sat in a stroller. A suspect was taken into custody as a person of interest. After seeking medical treatment, the child was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. Authorities say the infant was not the intended target. A manhunt is underway for the second suspect. Here's NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch on that

[NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch]

the outstanding suspect still being sought is a young male described as wearing light gray pants and a white T shirt with a black surgical mask over his lower face. He was last seen fleeing towards the Marcy Houses. At this time, this shooting is believed to be gang motivated, with the victim being an unintended target and no gun has yet been recovered.

[Daily Wire Editor/Reporter]

New rules around fundraising as well as work requirements for Medicaid recipients are expected to reduce the federal Medicaid burden by over $1 trillion in the next decade. Now, more than 400 hospitals claim they may have to shut down over the losses in revenue. But billionaire investor Mark Cuban, who has been no friend to Trump in the past, responded to the reports putting the blame for trouble squarely on the hospitals themselves. Cuban wrote on X why aren't any of these at risk hospitals publishing their full accounting so everyone can see where they spend their money? All but one group of hospitals that I looked at potentially investing in spend so much on consultants and fees that it's no wonder they're at risk. If Cuban is to be believed, Medicaid cuts may be the final straw to force efficiency within hospitals.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

New audit reports and indictments allege what many have long suspected California is an empire of fraud. Daily Wire contributor Tim Pierce has a

[Tim Pierce]

details A report from City Journal reveals that while California collects some of the nation's highest taxes to fuel a $300 billion annual budget, systematic fraud has siphoned off at least $180 billion during Governor Gavin Newsom's tenure. The most documented failure occurred within the Employment Development Department during the pandemic, according to fraud specialist Haywood Talco and subsequent state admissions, the NOME Administration, quote, suspended all of the rules for eligibility to expedite payments. This included over $700,000 to Memphis rapper Nuke Bizzle. Bizzle pleaded to federal charges after recording a music video bragging about exploiting the edd. And that's really just the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned for in depth coverage on the next full episode of Morning Wire

[Daily Wire Editor/Reporter]

A rising star Democrat in Florida politics has been found dead Daily Wire reporter and host of the new podcast that's so Criminal. Lyndon Blake has more the vice mayor

[Lyndon Blake]

of Coral Springs, Florida, Nancy Meteor Bowen, was found dead at her home Wednesday morning. Authorities later arrested her husband, Stephen Bowen, at an apartment complex in Plantation, Florida, about 13 miles south of the crime scene. He faces charges of premeditated murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Meteor Bowen, a Haitian American, was first elected to the City Commission back in 2020 and re elected in 2024. She received a master's degree in environmental health sciences and interned for the Obama administration. Former Democratic Senator Bill Nelson Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock said the case is, quote, being investigated as a domestic violence incident, but declined to reveal additional details as this remains an ongoing investigation.

[Pharmaceutical Ad Announcer]

Eczema is unpredictable, but you can flare less with epglis, a once monthly treatment for moderate to severe eczema after an initial four month or longer dosing phase. About four in ten people taking ebglis achieved itch relief and clear or almost clear skin at 16 weeks. And most of those help people maintain skin that's still more clear at one year with monthly dosing.

MGLIS Lebricizumab LBKZ, a 250mg per 2ml injection, is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds or 40 kilograms with moderate to severe eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin or topicals, or who cannot use topical therapies. Ebglis can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Don't use if you're allergic to ebglis. Allergic reactions can occur that can be severe. Eye problems can occur. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening eye problems. You should not receive a live vaccine when treated with Epglis before starting Epglis, tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection.

Ask your doctor about EBGLISS and Visit or call 1-800-LILYRX or 1-800-545-5979.

[John Bickley]

Dozens of Christians are feared dead after

[Daily Wire Reporter]

gunmen in Nigeria opened fire on a Palm Sunday crowd.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewel has more.

[Daily Wire Contributor]

The massacre took place in a majority Christian town in Nigeria's northern Plateau state. Some witnesses have said the attack was carried out by the Islamic terror group Boko Haram. Others have accused the Fulani Militia, a largely Muslim group that has targeted Nigeria's Christian communities. North Carolina Congressman Mark Harris sent a letter to the State Department today calling for decisive action over the slaughter of Christians. He wrote, quote, when Christians are targeted for worshiping, gathering and living openly in their faith, the United States should speak with moral clarity and act with resolve.

[Daily Wire Editor/Reporter]

After nearly a decade, China has resumed its construction campaign in the South China Sea, growing its footprint in the disputed territory, according According to the Wall Street Journal, Beijing's next project could turn Antelope Reef into China's largest military base in the region. Analysts say the new base would likely give Beijing another Runway, as well as additional missile and surveillance capabilities. And being close to the Chinese mainland, the new base would provide a compelling reason to build new civilian infrastructure as well. China has sought to expand infrastructure on islands throughout the South China Sea to bolster its claim on the region against other countries. This has already given China an advantage in waters that will be critical if any conflict were to break out over taiw.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

The cousin of former Syrian dictator Bashar Al Assad was convicted in a federal court in Virginia last week after being caught in a sting by US Authorities. Antoine Cassis was arrested in Kenya and extradited to the US in May of 2025. The Justice Department caught up with Cassis after he attempted to traffic military grade weapons to a Colombian terror group in exchange for a shipping container full of cocaine. The scheme was carried out all under the guise of buying fruit. He now faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced July 2.

[Daily Wire Editor/Reporter]

New body cam footage from Tiger woods recent DUI arrest has been released. Daily Wire Lifestyle reporter Lauren Baer has more.

[Lauren Baer]

The footage shows a cooperative woods kneeling in the grass, explaining that the crash happened when he looked at his phone

[Tiger Woods (quoted)]

down my phone and all of a sudden boom.

[Lauren Baer]

Officers on scene described the golf champion as sweaty, lethargic, glassy eyed and unsteady. Woods had two opioid hydrocodone pills in his pocket at the time of the arrest. This comes almost nine years after Wood's first DUI arrest, also in Jupiter, Florida, when he was found asleep behind the wheel with a mix of drugs in his system, including Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, Ambien and thc.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

For the first time ever, the US Government will start tracking microplastics and pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Here's HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Announcing the initiative at a press conference today.

[HHS Secretary RFK Jr.]

The EPA and HHS are acting together to confront microplastics as a human health threat and we are doing it with urban urgency and discipline. Plastic has become embedded in modern life. It's also become embedded in the human body. We can't treat what we cannot measure. We cannot regulate what we don't understand.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

Also present was EPA Chief Lee Zeldin. Here's a clip from his remarks.

[EPA Chief Lee Zeldin]

This is a direct response to the concern of millions of Americans who have long demanded answers about what they and their families are drinking every day.

[Daily Wire Editor/Reporter]

And Hershey's announced a return to its classic chocolate formula for all products, spurred by public criticism from the founder's grandson. Daily Wire assistant editor Andy Valdez has the story.

[Andy Valdez]

In an open letter posted to LinkedIn, Brad Reese said, quote, how does the Hershey company continue to position Reese's as its flagship brand, a symbol of trust, quality and leadership, while quietly replacing the very ingredients, milk chocolate and peanut butter, that built Reese's Trust in the first place? While Reese's peanut butter cups have always contained real milk chocolate and peanut butter, some of the spinoff products have begun to use cheaper imitation ingredients. The brand also announced increased spending on quality control and innovation and the phasing out of artificial dyes by 2027.

[John Bickley]

All right, those are your drive Home updates. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, earlier today we covered some major stories, including President Trump's primetime address on Epic Fury, the European Union swerving right on immigration, and the Daily Wire winning a landmark free speech legal case against the State Department. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another

[Daily Wire Reporter]

full edition of MORNING Wire.

[TikTok Advertisement Announcer]

Quick Pause. Something useful for you. Love fishing. TikTok isn't just for young people. It's full of real tips. Better knots, better baits, better catches, quick videos from people who actually fish. Download TikTok now.