Morning Wire | "Government Shutdown Begins & 'TrumpRX' Debuts"

Date: October 1, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Guest Contributors: Pete Hegseth, Tim Pierce, Amanda Presto Giacomo, Victoria Coates

Episode Overview

This episode covers the dramatic start of a federal government shutdown, the debut of President Trump's sweeping “TrumpRX” prescription drug plan, and Trump’s ambitious new Middle East peace proposal centered on a Gaza ceasefire. The show features blunt commentary from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, exclusive reporting on political negotiations, and in-depth expert analysis on global affairs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Government Shutdown and Political Standoff

Segment Start: 02:36

• Context: Lawmakers failed to reach a funding deal, leading to a government shutdown.
• Polling: New York Times/CNN College poll showed Americans overwhelmingly opposed a shutdown; most expected both parties would share blame (02:51, Tim Pierce).
• Negotiation Details:
  • Republicans offered a “clean bill” to continue funding at current levels for seven weeks; Democrats rejected it, demanding restoration of Trump-era budget cuts.
  • President Trump reminded Democrats he holds broad unilateral authority during a shutdown.

    "We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them... like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like."
    — Pete Hegseth (03:40)

• Political Spin:
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized Trump as taking “ownership” of the shutdown.

    "When he says he will do things, he is taking ownership."
    — (04:03)

2. Unprecedented Military Address at Quantico

Segment Start: 04:32

• Event: President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted a major address to military leadership at Quantico.
• Secretary Hegseth's Message:
  • Strong opposition to "social engineering" in the military (e.g., DEI offices, climate change initiatives, gender policies).

    "No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses, no more climate change worship. ...We are done with that."
    — Pete Hegseth (04:49)

  • Called for restoring a "ruthless, dispassionate and common sense application of standards," emphasizing physical readiness and combat effectiveness.

    "I don’t want my son serving alongside troops who are out of shape or in combat unit with females who can't meet the same combat arms physical standards as men."
    — (05:25)

• President Trump’s Remarks:
  • Praised military achievements, especially improved recruiting and technological advancements.

    "My message to you is very simple. I am with you. I support you. And as president, as I have your backs 100%, you'll never see me even waver a little bit."
    — Donald Trump (06:14)

• Overall Tone: Direct, morale-focused, with both accountability and affirmations of support.

3. TrumpRX: Drug Price Reform and Pharma Deal

Segment Start: 07:37

• Announcement: President Trump introduced "TrumpRX," an official government platform to let Americans purchase medications at steep discounts (up to 85% off retail).
• Pharma Deal:
  • Pfizer agreed to offer all their medicines for Medicaid at “most favored nation” prices—matching or lower than those in developed countries. (07:59, Amanda Presto Giacomo)
  • Commitment for Pfizer to invest $70 billion in US-based R&D and manufacturing.
• Broader Strategy:
  • Trump aims to end “global freeloading,” where Americans pay much more for drugs than consumers abroad, effectively subsidizing worldwide drug R&D.

    "Americans have been subsidizing research and development costs for the entire planet. ...As of today, the United States had just 4% of the world's population ...yet pharmaceutical companies make 75% of their profits from the United States."
    — Donald Trump (10:11)

  • Other companies, like Eli Lilly, are joining under threat of tariffs if they do not participate.

    "If we don’t make a deal, then we’re going to tariff them. Nobody wants to play that game."
    — Trump (09:21)

• Democratic Response:
  • Generally dismissive or sidestepping substantial criticism. Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to argue for slashed Pharma profit margins instead.

4. Middle East Breakthrough: Gaza Peace Plan

Segment Start: 11:33

• Trump's 20-Point Gaza Proposal:
  • Israel has agreed; Hamas given a deadline to disarm and accept or “face a very sad end.”
• Regional Support:
  • Leading Arab nations (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, UAE, Pakistan, Indonesia) publicly back the plan, a historic shift from previous peace attempts.

    “This one is being overtly and aggressively supported by partners in the Middle East ...this is a good faith effort.”
    — Victoria Coates (12:02)

• Palestinian Authority Reaction:
  • Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas supports the negotiation, breaking from his previous stance.

    “That is 180 degrees from where he was five years ago...”
    — Victoria Coates (12:56)

• Hostage Provision:
  • Any deal requires all hostages to be released within 72 hours of Hamas agreement; Israel releases Palestinian prisoners only after complete compliance.
• Implementation:
  • Benchmarks and gradual timeline with full accountability; failure by Hamas means Israel resumes operations.

    "There are going to be benchmarks... if Hamas does not keep their side... Israel goes right back."
    — Victoria Coates (15:21)

Notable Quotes

• Pete Hegseth, on military reforms:

  "No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses, no more climate change worship... we are done with that." (04:49)

• Donald Trump, on drug prices:

  "Americans have been subsidizing research and development costs for the entire planet." (10:11)

• Victoria Coates, on Gaza peace process:

  "If you wish to disarm and embrace a life of amnesty, you can stay, and if you wish to leave, you will be given safe passage to third countries." (13:44)

• Donald Trump, on military support:

  "I am with you. I support you. ...You'll never see me even waver a little bit." (06:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Government Shutdown & Political Showdown: 02:36 – 04:32
• Quantico Military Event: 04:32 – 06:32
• Drug Price Reform (TrumpRX): 07:37 – 11:31
• Gaza Peace Plan Analysis: 11:33 – 16:10

Memorable Moments

• Blunt Challenge to Military Brass:

  “If the words I'm speaking today are making your heart sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign.”
  — Pete Hegseth (00:19)

• Trump’s Direct Warning to Hamas:

  "We're just waiting for Hamas... If it's not, it's going to be a very sad end." (01:04)

Conclusion

The episode delivers a rapid-fire update on three major policy fronts—domestic government gridlock, disruptive healthcare reform, and a bold new peace effort in Gaza. The hosts and guests maintain a direct, hard-hitting tone, emphasizing the administration's willingness to upend longstanding practices in government spending, military readiness, and global diplomacy. The podcast underscores rising partisan divides but also touts potential for historic deals on both domestic and foreign policy.