Evening Wire: Trump’s Russia Ultimatum & Bitcoin Climbs | July 14, 2025

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, Evening Wire delves into the pressing issues of the day, offering insightful analysis and updates on politics, culture, and more.

1. President Trump's Ultimatum to Russia

Key Developments: President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding a peace deal to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a recent appearance alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Ruta at the White House, Trump expressed his displeasure with the prolonged negotiations and outlined the United States' strategy moving forward.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley [00:21]: "President Trump says the U.S. will send billions of dollars worth of weapons to Ukraine while threatening Russia with tariffs if they don't make peace."
• Cabot Phillips [00:32]: "Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Ruta at the White House, President Trump expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying a peace deal should have been reached months ago."
• Kristi Noem [00:48]: "So it's not that you can have a shopping list and you can order whatever you want because the US has to make sure that the US Keeps its hands on what the US Needs also to keep the whole world safe, because in the end, you are the police agent of the whole world."
• Cabot Phillips [01:01]: "Trump also said he's giving Moscow 50 days to make peace or else face new sanctions. He even hinted at secondary sanctions targeting any country doing business with Russia."

Context: The war in Ukraine has now persisted into its 40th month, with continued Russian military actions in cities like Lviv and Odessa. Trump's ultimatum not only involves military support but also economic measures aimed at pressuring Russia into negotiations.

2. Department of Justice Drops Charges Against Dr. Michael Kirk Moore

Key Developments: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed all charges against Utah plastic surgeon Michael Kirk Moore, who was accused of falsifying COVID-19 vaccinations. The charges included allegations of administering saline shots to children instead of the vaccine and selling fraudulent vaccination cards. The decision to drop the charges came at the request of Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Howe [04:48]: "The federal government has dropped charges against a doctor accused of throwing away Covid vaccines vaccine doses. Utah plastic surgeon Michael Kirk Moore was also accused of giving children saline shots instead of the vaccine and for selling fake vaccination cards."
• Michael Kirk Moore [05:13]: "If they are able to convict me then that's just going to put the fear of God into everybody out there that is even thinking about pushing against the government and actually taking a stand."

Implications: Dr. Moore's acquittal is seen by many as a victory for those skeptical of government mandates, with Moore asserting that a conviction would deter others from opposing governmental policies.

3. Bitcoin Reaches Record High Amid Market Movements

Key Developments: Bitcoin has surged to a new all-time high, trading above $120,000 on Monday. This spike comes despite ongoing trade tensions and the announcement of impending U.S. tariffs on the EU and Mexico set to take effect on August 1st. The cryptocurrency's rise is attributed to increased investment through Bitcoin ETFs and a significant shift of funds from traditional assets into digital currencies.

Notable Quotes:

• Cryptocurrency Expert [06:49]: "Latest rally and the interesting aspect is really over the last six weeks when bitcoin sort of like consolidated up until of course we had the debt ceiling increase and another, you know, stimulus package essentially from the U.S. the tax package, the package, the beautiful bill. Only then really bitcoin started to ramp up again. But what we have seen, of course these ETFs have been buying relentlessly even when bitcoin consolidated. So there's a huge money shift going out of the US Dollars, out of other assets and into bitcoin. And I think that's really driving the bitcoin price higher."

Market Response: Investors remain optimistic, focusing on upcoming inflation data and second-quarter earnings reports from major banks like JP Morgan. Additionally, Congress is set to deliberate on new crypto legislation aimed at establishing a clearer regulatory framework, which experts believe is further bolstering Bitcoin's upward trend.

4. Debunking Epstein-Mossad Conspiracy Theories

Key Developments: Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has publicly refuted claims suggesting that Jeffrey Epstein worked for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. Bennett took to the social media platform X to categorically deny these allegations, criticizing figures like Tucker Carlson for propagating what he termed "vicious lies" against Israel.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Howe [01:16]: "A former Israeli official is blasting rumors that Jeffrey Epstein somehow worked for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency."
• Naftali Bennett [01:16]: "Epstein never worked for the Mossad, while calling the accusation categorically totally false."

Context: Bennett, who oversaw Mossad operations during his tenure as Prime Minister, emphasized that such conspiracy theories are part of a broader slander campaign targeting the Jewish state.

5. Rising Concerns Over Illegal Chinese Immigrant Crossings

Key Developments: An immigration expert has raised alarms about the increasing number of illegal crossings by Chinese nationals into the United States, highlighting it as a significant national security threat. Data indicates a sharp rise in encounters involving Chinese migrants, many of whom have criminal backgrounds.

Notable Quotes:

• Laura Ries [01:59]: "Under Biden, monthly CBP encounters with Chinese nationals more than doubled, rising from 1,000 to 2,000, and then even the 7 and 8,000 illegal migrants from China. Last month, ICE supported 122 illegal immigrants to China, many of whom were convicted of violent crimes and trafficking."
• Spencer Lindquist [02:29]: "Seven Chinese nationals were charged last week with operating a marijuana and human trafficking ring in the Northeast."

Additional Incidents: Federal immigration agents have intensified raids, leading to the arrest of at least 361 suspected illegal immigrants and the rescue of 14 migrant children, mostly unaccompanied. Homeland Security officials report that many detainees have severe criminal records, including violent offenses.

6. Homeland Security's Response to Detention Facility Criticisms

Key Developments: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has addressed criticisms regarding the conditions of immigrant detention facilities, particularly combating accusations of inhumane "cages." During a "Meet the Press" interview, Noem defended the facilities, contrasting them with the previous administration's practices.

Notable Quotes:

• Kristi Noem [03:11]: "I would call them a facility where they are held and that are secure facilities but are held to the highest levels of what the federal government requires for detention facilities."
• Kristi Noem [03:21]: "Say I wish they would have said that back during the Biden administration and back when Democrats were in the White House and they were piling people on top of each other on cement floors and literally didn't have two feet to move. They never did that. And that's why this politics has to end."

7. Tragic Fire in Massachusetts Assisted Living Home

Key Developments: A devastating fire erupted at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, resulting in nine fatalities and dozens of injuries, including five firefighters. The incident escalated to a five-alarm emergency response, with authorities still investigating the cause.

Notable Quotes:

• Fire Chief [03:56]: "First crew on scene reported fully involved structure. There were multiple victims hanging out the windows screaming and begging for help and to be rescued so quickly. We knocked down the fire quickly. Then all available assets were moved towards rescuing the individuals that needed help. And that's not just fire. It was police and they saved countless lives in assisting the people that that they could out of the building."

8. Federal Reserve's $2.5 Billion Renovation Project

Key Developments: The Federal Reserve is undertaking a substantial renovation of its headquarters, a project that has attracted criticism. In response, the central bank has launched a new FAQ page to justify the $2.5 billion expenditure, emphasizing that the renovations are necessary updates to buildings that haven't been modernized since the 1930s and do not include VIP dining facilities.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley [05:22]: "The Federal Reserve is defending its big building renovation project. The central bank launched a new frequently asked Questions page that says the project will update buildings that have not been renovated since the 1930s. The page also claims the renovations do not include VIP dining rooms."

Political Reaction: Former President Trump has been vocal in his criticism, repeatedly calling for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's resignation due to the ongoing renovations and Powell's stance on maintaining interest rates.

9. Infrastructure Proposal: New High-Speed Railway Between New York and Los Angeles

Key Developments: A new high-speed railway project, dubbed the "Transcontinental," has been proposed to connect New York City to Los Angeles. The ambitious plan aims to transport passengers across the United States in just 72 hours, funded exclusively by private investors. The project is part of America's preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup Finals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Notable Quotes:

• Spencer Lindquist [07:20]: "A high speed railway connecting New York City to Los Angeles was just proposed, hoping to link the two cities before the FIFA World Cup. The train would be able to shoot passengers from one coast to the other in 72 hours and would be funded by private investors instead of taxpayers. Ameristar Rail hopes to have it up and running by May 2026."

10. Viral Video: Police Delivering Pizza Amid Grubhub Driver's Arrest

Key Developments: A viral video has emerged showing two Arizona police officers delivering pizza to a woman after the original Grubhub driver was arrested for racing and reckless driving. The footage captures a lighthearted interaction between the officers and the customer, highlighting community policing efforts.

Notable Interaction:

• Kristi Noem [08:01]: "Hello."
• Georgia Howe [08:02]: "How are you doing?"
• Woman [08:02]: "Good, how are you? Great, yes."
• Georgia Howe [08:10]: "Still feel the officers reassured the woman her food should still be warm and that a five-star rating goes a long way."

11. Honoring Fallen Firefighter Corey Comparator

Key Developments: The White House has paid tribute to firefighter Corey Comparator, who tragically lost his life during an assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Recognized as a hero, Comparator's bravery in protecting his family during the attack was publicly acknowledged by the administration.

Notable Quotes:

• White House Statement [08:19]: "The White House called Comparator a hero and said that his courage, love and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
• John Bickley [08:39]: "Comparator was hit as he moved to shield his family from the gunfire. A few days later, Trump observed a moment of silence for Comparator during the Republican National Convention."

Conclusion

Evening Wire effectively covered a range of critical topics in this episode, from international politics and national security to significant events and societal issues. The hosts, John Bickley and Georgia Howe, provided comprehensive analysis and firsthand insights, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the most pressing news of the day.

For more detailed coverage of these stories, visit Daily Wire. Tune in tomorrow for another full edition of Morning Wire.