Federal Workers Reinstated & Trump Tower Swarmed | Afternoon Update | 3.13.25

Summary

Morning Wire: Federal Workers Reinstated & Trump Tower Swarmed | Afternoon Update | 03.13.25

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe

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1. Federal Workers Reinstated by Judicial Order

John Bickley opens the episode highlighting a significant judicial decision affecting federal employment:

“A judge orders the reinstatement of thousands of federal workers, Anti Israel protesters swarm Trump Tower...” [00:24]

Georgia Howe details the court ruling:

“Thousands of fired federal workers are poised to get their jobs back for now after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reinstate them.” [00:44]

The ruling by U.S. District Judge William Allsup targets the mass firing of probationary workers across six government agencies. Georgia explains that labor unions contended these firings breached federal hiring laws and administrative procedures. The Trump administration has announced plans to appeal the decision.

John Bickley adds depth by discussing the broader political implications:

“21 Democrat attorneys general are seeking to stop what they call Trump's illegal and unconstitutional mass layoffs at the Education Department.” [01:11]

The lawsuit, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, argues that the dismissal of over 1,300 Education Department employees undermines support for millions of students, particularly those with disabilities and from low-income backgrounds. The administration defends the firings as measures to enhance efficiency and reduce taxpayer expenditures.

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2. Protests at Trump Tower Demand Release of Activist

Georgia Howe transitions to domestic unrest:

“Protests erupted today inside Trump Tower as demonstrators called for Mahmoud Khalil, a detained anti Israel activist, to be released.” [01:44]

Tim Pierce reports on the situation:

“Khalil, a former Columbia University student and Palestinian activist, was detained by ICE over the weekend...” [02:34]

Protesters, organized by Jewish V for Peace, occupied the lobby, chanting slogans such as “Free Mahmud” and “Free Palestine.” NYPD officers intervened, arresting several demonstrators using zip ties. The detained activist is labeled a national security threat by the Trump administration for allegedly distributing pro-Hamas propaganda. A federal judge has temporarily halted his deportation amid ongoing protests in Manhattan.

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3. Vladimir Putin Discusses Potential Ceasefire in Ukraine

John Bickley shifts focus to international affairs:

“Russian President Vladimir Putin says he agrees in principle with a 30 day ceasefire in Ukraine...” [02:34]

Tim Pierce elaborates on Putin’s stance:

“Putin said that any truce must lead to lasting peace and address Russia's security concerns.” [02:45]

Tim Rice provides a direct quote from Putin:

“We agree with the proposals for the ceasefire, but our position is based on the assumption that this ceasefire would lead to a long term peace...” [02:53]

Tim Pierce updates on diplomatic efforts:

“Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Moscow today for talks on the US Brokered proposal...” [03:13]

Russian demands include preventing Ukraine from joining NATO and recognizing Russian claims over occupied territories. Concurrently, Russian forces report reclaiming strategic locations in Ukraine. The Kremlin has yet to accept the ceasefire formally, while both Russian and Ukrainian sides assess the potential benefits and risks of the proposed truce.

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4. Trump Escalates Trade War with the European Union

Georgia Howe reports on escalating trade tensions:

“Has raised the stakes on the trade war with the EU. The President has threatened a 200% tariff on wine, champagne and other alcohol imports from Europe after the EU announced tariffs on American whiskey.” [03:39]

Donald Trump voices his dissatisfaction:

“Take a look at the EU. We're not allowed to sell cars there... The European Union is very, very nasty.” [03:52]

Trump asserts that EU trade barriers unfairly restrict American exports while allowing extensive EU imports. Georgia notes that while Trump claims the tariffs will bolster U.S. alcohol producers, French officials have vowed retaliation, labeling it an escalation in the ongoing trade war. Industry leaders caution that such tariffs may adversely affect American businesses and call for negotiations. This development follows the EU's announcement of counter-tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. exports, effective April.

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5. White House Revokes CDC Nomination; New Healthcare Leadership Nominated

John Bickley announces a significant personnel change:

“The White House has revoked their nomination for director of the CDC.” [04:43]

Ash Short provides context:

“Former Congressman Dave Weldon's nomination was yanked just hours before his Senate confirmation hearing...” [04:49]

Weldon faced backlash over unfounded claims linking vaccines to autism, leading Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to withdraw his nomination. Instead, doctors J. Bhattacharya and Marty Makari have been nominated to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), respectively. Upon confirmation, they plan to collaborate closely to advance public health initiatives.

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6. Connecticut Woman Arrested for Two Decades of Stepson Captivity

Georgia Howe shifts to a harrowing criminal case:

“A 55 year old Connecticut woman has been arrested for allegedly holding her 32 year old stepson captive for more than 20 years.” [05:26]

Tim Rice reports the disturbing details:

“Police say the man who had been held in the Waterbury home since he was 11, set the home ablaze last month in an effort to escape...” [05:37]

The victim endured severe abuse, starvation, and neglect for over two decades, receiving minimal sustenance and no medical care. Kimberly Sullivan, aged 56, faces multiple charges, including kidnapping and unlawful restraint, with a $300,000 bond set. Waterbury Police Chief describes the case as “heartbreaking and unimaginable.” An attorney for Sullivan has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that his client is “blown away by the claims.” [06:25]

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7. Philadelphia Eagles to Celebrate Super Bowl Victory at the White House

John Bickley highlights a positive development in sports relations:

“And the Philadelphia Eagles are heading to the White House...” [06:32]

Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary, confirms the details:

“We sent an invitation they enthusiastically accepted and you will see them here on April 28th.” [06:49]

This visit marks a departure from 2018 when the Eagles were disinvited following player protests against Trump’s stance on anthem demonstrations. Many players, including lineman Lane Johnson, express honor in attending. Georgia Howe adds that this reflects a broader trend where several championship teams during Trump's administration chose whether or not to visit the White House based on various factors, including scheduling and invitation statuses.

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Conclusion

Georgia Howe wraps up the update, summarizing key stories:

“This morning we covered some big stories, including Trump escalates his tariff threats, the Education Department is gutted, and more than a thousand Christians and Shia Muslims are killed in Syria.” [07:37]

For more in-depth coverage, listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com. The hosts sign off, promising continued comprehensive reporting in future editions.

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This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and insights from the Morning Wire episode released on March 13, 2025. For full details and additional context, tuning into the original podcast episode is recommended.

Transcript

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[John Bickley]

A judge orders the reinstatement of thousands of federal workers, Anti Israel protesters swarm Trump Tower and a connectic woman is arrested for allegedly holding her stepson captive for decades. I'm Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Thursday, March 13th, and this is your Morning Wire afternoon update.

[Georgia Howe]

Thousands of fired federal workers are poised to get their jobs back for now after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reinstate them. The ruling by U.S. district Judge William Allsup follows a lawsuit from labor unions arguing the mass firings violated federal hiring laws and administrative procedures. The ruling mainly applies to probationary workers across six government agencies. The Trump administration plans to appeal.

[John Bickley]

21 Democrat attorneys general are seeking to stop what they call Trump's illegal and unconstitutional mass layoffs at the Education Department. The lawsuit, spearheaded by New York's Letitia James, claims the firing of over 1300 workers at the department will hurt millions of students, especially those with disabilities and in low income communities. It argues that the administration cannot, quote, unilaterally incapacitate a cabinet agency without congressional approval. The White House defends the move as a push for efficiency and to save taxpayer dollars.

[Georgia Howe]

Protests erupted today inside Trump Tower as demonstrators called for Mahmoud Khalil, a detained anti Israel activist, to be released.

[Tim Rice]

Number one, free control.

[Sponsor Voice]

We have ruled, we have all fantastic.

[Georgia Howe]

Dozens of protesters organized by a group called Jewish V for Peace occupied the building's lobby today, chanting things like Free Mahmud and Free Palestine. NYPD officers arrested multiple demonstrators, removing them in zip ties. Khalil, a former Columbia University student and Palestinian activist, was detained by ICE over the weekend. The Trump administration calls him a national security risk, alleging he distributed pro Hamas propaganda. A federal judge has temporarily blocked his deportation as protests continue across Manhattan.

[John Bickley]

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he agrees in principle with a 30 day ceasefire in Ukraine, but insists that terms must be negotiated. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the latest.

[Tim Pierce]

Putin said that any truce must lead to lasting peace and address Russia's security concerns. Here's the Russian president at a news conference today.

[Tim Rice]

We agree with the proposals for the ceasefire, but our position is based on on the assumption that this ceasefire would lead to a long term peace, something that would remove the initial reasons for the crisis.

[Tim Pierce]

Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Moscow today for talks on the US Brokered proposal. Russian demands for a ceasefire include blocking Ukraine from joining NATO and recognizing Russian claims to occupied territories. Meanwhile, Russian forces claim they've retaken a key border town in Ukraine while tightening control over Ukraine's foothold in the Kursk region. The Kremlin yet to formally accept a ceasefire. As both sides weigh the risks and potential advantages of a temporary truce, Trump.

[Georgia Howe]

Has raised the stakes on the trade war with the EU. The President has threatened a 200% tariff on wine, champagne and other alcohol imports from Europe after the EU announced tariffs on American whiskey. Here's Trump today.

[Donald Trump]

Take a look at the eu. We're not allowed to sell cars there. It's prohibitive because of their policies and also their non monetary tariffs. That's they put obstacles in your way that you can do nothing about. But if you take a look at what happens. So we sell no cars to Europe. I mean virtually no cars and they sell millions of cars to us. They don't take our agriculture, we take their ag. It's like a one way street with them. The European Union is very, very nasty.

[Georgia Howe]

Trump says the move will boost US Alcohol producers, but French officials vow to respond, calling it an escalation of the trade war. Meanwhile, industry leaders warn that tariffs could hurt American businesses, urging both sides to negotiate. This comes after the EU announced counterterroriffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. exports, which are set to take effect in April.

[John Bickley]

The White House has revoked their nomination for director of the cdc. Daily Wire deputy Managing editor Tim Rice.

[Ash Short]

Explains former Congressman Dave Weldon's nomination was yanked just hours before his Senate confirmation hearing. Weldon had faced mounting criticism over past claims linking vaccines to autism. Health and Human Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Reportedly told officials Weldon wasn't ready for the role. Meanwhile, doctors J. Bhattacharya and Marty Makari have both advanced to full Senate floor votes. Bhattacharya's nomination to lead the National Institutes of health. In a 1211 party line vote, Trump nominated Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health and Makari to head up the fda. If confirmed, the two say they'll work very closely.

[Georgia Howe]

A 55 year old Connecticut woman has been arrested for allegedly holding her 32 year old stepson captive for more than 20 years. Daily Wire senior editor Ash Short has more.

[Tim Rice]

Police say the man who had been held in the Waterbury home since he was 11, set the home ablaze last month in an effort to escape. He told police, I wanted my freedom. Investigators found the victim severely emaciated, suffering from prolonged abuse, starvation and neglect. He had received no medical or dental care for decades and was given only minimal food and water. 56 year old Kimberly Sullivan was arrested yesterday and is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, assault and unlawful restraint. She is being held on a $300,000 bond. Waterbury's police chief called the case heartbreaking and unimaginable. Here's the chief in a press conference today.

[Sponsor Voice]

He lit that fire knowing he could very well die. But he'd been locked in that room for 20 years and for 20 years he'd been trying to get out of that room.

[Tim Rice]

Meanwhile, an attorney for Sullivan has denied the allegations, saying Sullivan is blown away by the claims.

[John Bickley]

And the Philadelphia Eagles are heading to the White House. The team has accepted President Trump's invitation to celebrate their super bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Crane and company co host David Cohn has more.

[Caroline Levitt]

White House press secretary Caroline Levitt confirmed the Visit set for April 28th.

[Tim Rice]

I know there was a lot of fake news about an invitation that wasn't sent or was sent. We want to correct the record. We sent an invitation they enthus, enthusiastically accepted and you will see them here on April 28th.

[Caroline Levitt]

This marks a shift from 2018, when the Eagles were disinvited after some players opted out over Trump's criticism of anthem protests. And they weren't the only ones. Several dozen major sports teams won championships during President Trump's first administration. Many celebrated at the White House. Many did not. Of those teams that didn't, not all did so in defiance. Some had scheduling conflicts. Some were not invited to begin with for various reasons. This time, many players on the Eagles, including lineman Lane Johnson, say they are honored to go.

[Georgia Howe]

Those are your Drive Home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, this morning we covered some big stories, including Trump escalates his tariff threats, the Education Department is gutted, and more than a thousand Christians and Shia Muslims are killed in Syria. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.