Morning Wire: Federal Workers Reinstated & Trump Tower Swarmed | Afternoon Update | 03.13.25
Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.