Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 04.25.25
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Wire) and Georgia Howe (Co-host)

1. FBI Arrests Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan

John Bickley opens the episode with breaking news:

"FBI agents arrested a sitting Milwaukee county judge on Friday on charges of obstruction instructing immigration enforcement." [00:26]

• Details of the Arrest:

  • Judge Hannah Dugan was accused of directing federal agents away from an illegal immigrant wanted by authorities.
  • The arrest was confirmed by a US Marshal’s spokesman.
  • FBI Director Cash Patel initially announced the arrest on social media but later deleted the post.

• Context:

  • This incident signifies a sharp escalation in the Trump administration's efforts against sanctuary jurisdictions.
  • John Bickley notes: "A charging document has not yet appeared in court records." [00:26]

2. President Trump Considers Baby Bonus for Mothers

Georgia Howe transitions to a more positive development:

"President Trump is considering offering mothers a baby bonus, Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo reports." [00:57]

Amanda Presto Giacomo elaborates:

"The White House is reportedly reviewing proposals aimed at boosting the US birth rate, including a possible $5,000 baby bonus for new mothers." [01:04]

• President Trump's Stance:

  • He endorsed the idea during a White House press briefing.
  • John Bickley succinctly supports the proposal: "Sounds like a good idea to me." [01:17]

• Additional Incentives:

  • Vice President J.D. Vance is advocating for expanded incentives, such as:
    • Tax breaks for married couples.
    • Medals for large families.

• Underlying Issues:

  • The US is facing a prolonged decline in marriage and birth rates, prompting these initiatives to encourage population growth.

3. Former Congressman George Santos Sentenced to Federal Prison

John Bickley reports on significant legal developments:

"Former Congressman George Santos was sentenced Friday to more than seven years in federal prison for wire fraud and identity theft." [01:47]

• Case Details:

  • Charges are tied to his 2022 campaign.
  • Santos expressed remorse in court: "I betrayed the confidence entrusted in me." [01:47]
  • He must report to prison by July 25.
  • Santos had previously pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $373,000 in restitution.

• Political Repercussions:

  • Expelled from Congress after a House ethics report revealed fabricated personal and professional details.

4. President Trump Attends Pope Francis’ Funeral in Rome

John Bickley updates on international engagements:

"President Trump has left for Rome to attend Pope Francis’s funeral." [01:47]

• Notable Attendees:

  • Former President Joe Biden and other world leaders are expected to attend.

• Agenda:

  • Trump aims to meet with global leaders to negotiate tariff deals.

5. China’s Surprising Reduction of Tariffs on US Semiconductors

John Bickley discusses unexpected trade moves:

"Chinese importers say the country has quietly dropped tariffs on eight types of US semiconductors, surprising companies during customs checks." [01:47]

• Implications:
  • Indicates possible pressure from Washington despite Beijing’s public stance.
  • The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not commented, but the move may signal a softening in the US-China trade standoff.

6. New Jersey Wildfire Impacts Air Quality in New York City

Georgia Howe reports on environmental concerns:

"A fire in New Jersey that began Tuesday has burned through more than 15,000 acres." [02:54]

• Consequences:

  • New York City officials issued an air quality alert, advising over 10 million Americans to stay indoors.
  • The fire’s fumes contain PM2.5s, toxic compounds that can cause long-term health issues by lodging in lung tissue.

• Current Status:

  • The blaze is about 50% contained.
  • Firefighters are relying on expected rain this weekend to aid in extinguishing the fire.

7. Chinese Companies Evade US Regulations by Importing Vapes Illicitly

John Bickley introduces an investigative report:

"Chinese companies have been covertly importing vapes into the US to evade taxes and regulations." [03:22]

Spencer Lindquist, Investigative Reporter, provides deeper insight:

"More than 90% of all Chinese vapes and e-cigarettes recorded by the Chinese Communist Party as sent to the United States do not appear in American import data." [03:32]

• Methods of Evasion:

  • Mislabeling: Intentional mislabeling to dodge duties, tariffs, and FDA regulations.
  • Low Inspection Rates: One Chinese freightliner specializes in importing vapes with a low inspection rate.
  • Compensation Offers: Some companies offer compensation to manufacturers if products are seized by customs.

• Government Response:

  • Attorney Generals from 27 states have requested assistance from the Trump administration to combat the influx of these Chinese products.

8. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Backs Bill to Ease Labor Rules for Teens

Georgia Howe covers state-level labor policies:

"Governor Ron DeSantis has a solution to Florida's tight labor market for teenagers." [04:43]

• Proposed Legislation:

  • Eases labor rules to allow teens (16 and 17 years old) to work longer hours, including on school nights.

• Arguments For and Against:

  • Supporters: Business groups claim it addresses workforce shortages and helps teens build job skills.
  • Critics: Warn it may negatively impact students’ education.

• Legislative Progress:

  • The Florida House is expected to vote on the bill soon.

9. Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Executive Order on Sanctuary Cities

John Bickley reports on legal setbacks for the Trump administration:

"A federal judge has blocked Trump's executive order cutting federal funds from sanctuary cities." [05:10]

• Ruling Details:

  • Judge William Oric of California stated that withholding funds could harm local budgets.
  • The order, similar to a previous policy blocked in 2017, affects 16 cities and counties across California, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Connecticut.

• Broader Implications:

  • This is one of multiple legal challenges the Trump administration faces in its campaign against illegal immigration.

10. Decline in American Tipping and Rising Restaurant Costs

Georgia Howe discusses economic and social trends:

"Americans are tipping less than they have in years." [05:42]

• Survey Insights:

  • Based on responses from over 1,000 Wall Street Journal readers.
  • 46% dislike digital tipping prompts in coffee shops.
  • Only 13% find these prompts helpful.

• Rising Costs:

  • Restaurant prices have increased by over 30% since before the pandemic.
  • 25% of diners are ordering cheaper meals or skipping extras like wine and appetizers.
  • 16% of restaurants are adding extra fees, such as credit card surcharges and cost-of-living add-ons, leading to further customer dissatisfaction.

• Potential Solutions:

  • President Trump has proposed eliminating taxes on tips, which may provide relief to workers who rely on tips as part of their income.

11. Stray Bullet Incidents in New York City

John Bickley covers recent violent incidents:

"A second innocent person was struck by a stray bullet in New York City this week." [06:23]

• Incident Details:

  • A 28-year-old plumber's apprentice was fatally struck in the head while visiting a friend in the Bronx.
  • A 33-year-old female bystander was also hit but survived.

• Context:

  • Occurred one day after a Harlem bodega owner was fatally shot by a stray bullet while checking on her grandson outside her apartment.

12. Launch of Morning Wire’s Video Version

Georgia Howe shares exciting news for listeners:

"Starting on Monday the 28th, we're launching a video version of Morning Wire." [06:54]

John Bickley adds:

"You've trusted us for fast, accurate news and we're excited to bring you into our studio to see us on video for audio listeners." [07:01]

• Availability:
  • The video version will be accessible on The Daily Wire’s YouTube channel, app, and website.
  • Audio listeners can continue accessing the podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other platforms.

Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe deliver a comprehensive update on a range of pressing issues, from high-profile legal cases and government policies to international trade tensions and local incidents. Notably, the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan underscores the administration's stance on sanctuary cities, while President Trump's consideration of a baby bonus reflects efforts to address declining birth rates. Additionally, the sentencing of former Congressman George Santos and the ongoing challenges in US-China trade relations highlight the complex political landscape. Environmental concerns from the New Jersey wildfire and economic trends in the restaurant industry further illustrate the breadth of topics covered. The episode concludes with exciting news about the podcast's new video format, promising an enhanced experience for listeners.

For more detailed discussions and updates, listen to the full episode of Morning Wire on your preferred podcast platform or visit The Daily Wire’s website.