Morning Wire – Evening Wire: Ukraine’s Domestic Missiles & Maxwell Transcripts Public

Date: August 25, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe
Podcast: Morning Wire by The Daily Wire

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire recap of pressing political, cultural, and international news. Topics include the U.S. National Guard’s increased presence in D.C., Ukraine’s domestic missile advancements, the release of Ghislaine Maxwell interview transcripts, ongoing election map battles, trade tensions with Canada, large government acquisitions, and concerns over foreign influence in U.S. politics. The tone is brisk, factual, and direct, prioritizing up-to-date information and key quotes from central figures.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. National Guard Deployments in D.C.

Timestamps: 00:53 – 01:55

• The National Guard is now patrolling and permitted to detain suspects in Washington, D.C.

  • Over 2,200 members are supporting local police at transit hubs and key streets.
  • The move faces criticism as “federal overreach,” but the White House states it is to protect “federal assets and residents.”

• President Trump warns other high-crime cities (Baltimore, New York, Chicago) may see similar measures.

  • Quote – Donald Trump (01:27):
    “So I think we should really let them have their city, let their city go to hell. And when they come and beg us to help, the only problem is we want to save it for the people because the people want us there. The people here, 95% of the people here want us.”

2. Intelligence Sharing with Allies Disputed

Timestamps: 01:55 – 02:38

• Reports circulate that U.S. intelligence sharing with Five Eyes partners on Russia-Ukraine negotiations has ended.
  • CBS claimed a memo directed by DNI Tulsi Gabbard limited sensitive analysis to “no foreign.”
  • ODNI refutes the report, emphasizing that sharing is “stronger than ever.”
  • The segment criticizes “manufactured outrage” and leaking risks.

3. Ukraine’s New Domestic Long-Range Missiles

Timestamps: 02:38 – 03:03

• President Zelensky announced Ukraine can now produce its own long-range missiles, removing the need for U.S. approval.
  • Comes after the Wall Street Journal reported the U.S. had blocked long-range Ukrainian strikes over peace talks concerns.

4. Canada Rolls Back Some Retaliatory Tariffs

Timestamps: 03:03 – 03:40

• Canada removes its 25% retaliatory tariff on about half of U.S. goods, hoping to improve trade relations.

  • Tariffs remain on aluminum, steel, and cars.

  • Prime Minister Mark Carney claims the current U.S.-Canada trade deal is the best of any country.

  • Quote – PM Mark Carney (03:40):
    “Canada currently has the best trade deal with the United States and while it's different from what we had before, it is still better than that of any other country.”

5. U.S. Government Takes Stake in Intel

Timestamps: 03:55 – 04:25

• The U.S. becomes a 10% owner of Intel, converting $8.9 billion in grants into equity.
  • This arrangement comes after President Trump met with CEO Lip Bhutan regarding his CCP ties.
  • Criticism comes from Senator Rand Paul and others as a “step towards socialism.”
  • Trump indicates similar future deals are possible.

6. Israel Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen

Timestamps: 04:25 – 05:06

• Israel launched airstrikes on multiple Houthi sites in Yemen following a recent attack.

  • Strikes hit a military compound, fuel depot, and power stations.

  • Netanyahu’s statement underscores Israel’s policy of swift retaliation.

  • Quote – PM Netanyahu, translated (04:49):
    “Whoever attacks us, we attack him. I think the entire region is learning the strength and determination of the State of Israel.”

7. Chinese Influence in New York Local Elections

Timestamps: 05:06 – 06:01

• NYT investigation uncovers China-linked nonprofits—“hometown associations”—working to influence NYC elections.
  • Organizations allegedly favor China-friendly candidates and undermine critics.
  • Scandal over cash payments to journalists at Mayor Eric Adams rallies; Adams’ fundraiser Winnie Greco is implicated.

8. Release of Ghislaine Maxwell DOJ Transcripts

Timestamps: 06:01 – 06:40

• DOJ released tapes and interviews with Ghislaine Maxwell.

  • Maxwell denies ever witnessing misconduct by powerful men in Epstein’s circle, naming Presidents Trump, Clinton, Elon Musk, John Kerry, and others.

  • She disputes the existence of a “client list” or blackmail material.

  • Quote – Maxwell (Paraphrased, 06:24):
    “There is no list. I'm not aware of any blackmail. I never heard. I never saw it and I never, I never imagined it.”

9. Democratic Party Turmoil & Redistricting Strategies

Timestamps: 06:40 – 07:55

• DNC Chair Ken Martin admits Democrats’ greatest challenge is internal unity, not ideology.

  • Focus on “using every lever of power” to oppose Trump in the election.

  • New York and Maryland Democrats plan to redraw election maps after seeing California’s moves to put redistricting on the ballot.

  • Quote – Hakeem Jeffries (07:35): “House Democrats are going to respond from coast to coast... to make sure that Donald Trump cannot steal the midterm elections.”

• The moves are described as a direct response to GOP map-making in Texas.

10. Immigration Policy Updates & High-Profile Cases

Timestamps: 08:02 – 09:50

• Alleged MS-13 member Kilmar Abrego Garcia is detained by ICE after release from federal prison. His case sparks debate over deportation practices.
  • Garcia was previously deported to El Salvador, returned for trial, now facing possible deportation to Uganda as a federal judge holds hearings.
  • Speaks through translator, encourages supporters to “never stop praying and... continue to fight in my name.” (09:05)
• Texas revokes in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, with the Trump administration seeking a nationwide expansion of such policies.
  • DOJ files complaints against states allowing tuition benefits to illegal residents.
  • AG Pam Bondi: “The Justice Department will relentlessly fight to ensure that US Citizens are not treated like second class citizens anywhere in the country.” (09:46)

11. Trump’s Executive Orders: Flag Burning & Cashless Bail

Timestamps: 09:50 – 10:54

• Flag Burning: Executive order mandates a one-year jail sentence for flag desecration.
  • Quote – Trump (10:17):
    “If you burn a flag, you get one year in jail, no early exits, no nothing. You get one year in jail and it goes on your record and you will see flag burning stopping immediately.”
• Cashless Bail: Revokes federal funding from jurisdictions with no-cash-bail policies.
  • White House argues these policies “allow dangerous individuals to immediately return to the streets and further endanger law abiding, hardworking Americans.”

12. British Pub Queue Controversy

Timestamps: 10:54 – 11:33

• British pubs debate a new phenomenon: patrons forming orderly queues post-pandemic rather than ordering at the bar.
  • Veteran bar staff argue this is inefficient and harms traditional pub culture; a viral X (formerly Twitter) account mocks the trend.
  • Segment notes Gen Z’s declining alcohol consumption may threaten pub culture further.

Memorable Quotes

• Donald Trump on Federal Policing (01:27):
  “…I think we should really let them have their city, let their city go to hell. And when they come and beg us to help… the people here, 95% of the people here want us.”

• PM Mark Carney on Trade (03:40):
  “Canada currently has the best trade deal with the United States and while it's different from what we had before, it is still better than that of any other country.”

• PM Netanyahu on Retaliation (04:49):
  “Whoever attacks us, we attack him. I think the entire region is learning the strength and determination of the State of Israel.”

• Ghislaine Maxwell on Client List (06:24):
  “There is no list. I'm not aware of any blackmail. I never heard. I never saw it and I never, I never imagined it.”

• Hakeem Jeffries on Redistricting (07:35):
  “House Democrats are going to respond from coast to coast… to make sure that Donald Trump cannot steal the midterm elections.”

• Trump on Flag Burning Penalty (10:17):
  “If you burn a flag, you get one year in jail, no early exits, no nothing. You get one year in jail and it goes on your record and you will see flag burning stopping immediately.”

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• National Guard authorized for D.C. law enforcement: 00:53 – 01:55
• U.S. intelligence dispute and national security: 01:55 – 02:38
• Ukraine’s new ability to domestically strike Russia: 02:38 – 03:03
• Canada adjusts tariffs, Carney statement: 03:03 – 03:40
• U.S. acquires Intel stake : 03:55 – 04:25
• Israeli airstrikes and Netanyahu response: 04:25 – 05:06
• Chinese nonprofit election influence in NYC: 05:06 – 06:01
• Maxwell transcript revelations: 06:01 – 06:40
• DNC’s map redrawing and infighting: 06:40 – 07:55
• Immigration enforcement cases and tuition battle: 08:02 – 09:50
• Trump executive orders explained: 09:50 – 10:54
• UK pub queue culture shift: 10:54 – 11:33

Summary Tone & Takeaway

The episode’s tone is urgent, direct, and often combative, mirroring the charged topics discussed. With multiple quotes from Trump, Netanyahu, and key U.S. political figures, listeners hear candid viewpoints and high-stakes claims from all sides. The evolving news cycle is presented as both contentious and consequential, underscoring the hosts’ stated mission: “get the facts first on the news you need to know.”