Morning Wire: Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
Date Released: February 11, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief), Georgia Howe
Co-Hosts/Reporters: Amanda Presegiacomo, Tim Pierce, Mairead Elordi
1. Marc Fogel Freed from Russian Detention
Time Stamp: [00:26]
Georgia Howe opens the episode with breaking news about the release of Mark Fogel, a Pennsylvania teacher who had been held captive in Russia since 2021. According to National Security Adviser Mike Waltz:
“President Trump secured his release. Mr. Witkoff had left Russian airspace with Mark Fogel.” (00:26)
Fogel is set to be reunited with his family after negotiations led by President Trump and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
2. Trump Administration Targets the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Time Stamp: [00:47]
John Bickley introduces a significant development involving the CFPB. Reporter Amanda Presegiacomo provides an in-depth analysis:
“Enforcement Director Eric Halperin and Supervision Lorelei Salis were placed on administrative leave yesterday. Both reportedly resigned shortly after.” (00:55)
The Trump administration appears to be systematically dismantling the CFPB, an agency established under President Obama. Acting Director Russell Vogt has ordered all 1,700 employees to suspend work, warning that non-compliance could result in further dismissals. This move aligns with Republican criticisms that the CFPB overreaches in its regulatory functions.
3. USAID Accused of Funding Extremist Groups
Time Stamp: [01:27]
Georgia Howe discusses a controversial report alleging that USAID has directed millions of dollars to organizations linked to terrorism. The Middle East Forum uncovered:
“$164 million in grants tied to radical organizations, with at least $122 million benefiting terror-affiliated groups, including a Gaza-based charity reportedly working with Hamas.” (01:27)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, overseeing USAID, has announced plans to potentially abolish the agency amidst these allegations, intensifying debates over its role and oversight.
4. Dismissal of Co-Defendants in Trump’s Classified Documents Case
Time Stamp: [02:00]
John Bickley updates listeners on the legal battles surrounding former President Trump. Reporter Tim Pierce explains:
“The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today to drop charges against Trump's valet Wald Nada and Mar-a-Lago employee Carlos de Oliveira after the Justice Department withdrew its case following Trump's return to the White House.” (02:08)
Both individuals were accused of obstructing justice by allegedly moving classified files at Trump’s Florida estate. The dismissal marks the end of a nearly two-year-long case.
5. FEMA Fires Employees Over Unauthorized Migrant Housing Payments
Time Stamp: [02:30]
Georgia Howe reports on recent actions taken by FEMA concerning migrant housing funds:
“FEMA has fired four employees, including the agency's chief financial officer, over the unauthorized $59 million in payments to luxury hotels in New York City.” (02:30)
Despite FEMA's acting administrator stating that payments have been suspended, New York City officials deny receiving any notification of a funding freeze, highlighting a contentious dispute over the handling of migrant accommodations.
6. Trump and King Abdullah II Discuss Gaza Policies
Time Stamp: [03:16]
Georgia Howe covers the high-stakes meeting between President Trump and King Abdullah II of Jordan regarding Gaza:
Donald Trump: “We’re going to make sure that there's going to be peace and there's not going to be any problem and nobody's going to question it... eventually we'll have economic development at a very large scale, maybe the largest scale on that site.” (03:29)
Despite tensions in Jordan, King Abdullah II offered:
King Abdullah II: “We can take 2,000 children that are either cancer children or in very ill state to Jordan as quickly as possible...” (03:51)
The discussions come amid threats from Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to terminate the ceasefire deal if hostages are not released by a specified deadline.
7. Trump Reverses Biden-Era Green Energy Regulations
Time Stamp: [04:12]
Georgia Howe addresses environmental policy shifts under the Trump administration. Reporter Mairead Elordi elaborates:
“In a Truth Social post today, Trump instructed EPA chief Lee Zeldin to reinstate his first-term environmental orders, loosening restrictions on sinks, showers, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and light bulbs.” (04:34)
Trump argues that Biden’s regulations increased appliance costs and reduced efficiency. With the GOP holding Congress, there is significant momentum for passing legislation that blocks Biden’s energy efficiency mandates on various household appliances, signaling a robust pro-energy agenda.
8. Severe Storm Threatens Los Angeles Area
Time Stamp: [05:03]
In the final news segment, Georgia Howe warns of an impending massive storm approaching Los Angeles:
“The National Weather Service warns this could be the strongest storm of the season with up to 8 inches of rain in the mountains and 4 inches along the coast.” (05:03)
Areas burned by previous fires are at heightened risk for mudslides, particularly in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Officials are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding as forecasts are updated.
Conclusion
John Bickley wraps up the update by directing listeners to Daily Wire’s website for more detailed coverage on the day’s stories, including Trump's tariff strategies, legal issues surrounding Doge, and ongoing FEMA controversies. The team promises to return the following morning with another comprehensive edition of Morning Wire.
Notable Quotes:
- John Bickley: “This is your Morning Wire afternoon update.” (00:18)
- Donald Trump: “We’re going to make sure that there's going to be peace and there's not going to be any problem and nobody's going to question it...” (03:29)
- King Abdullah II: “We can take 2,000 children that are either cancer children or in very ill state to Jordan as quickly as possible...” (03:51)
For more information on these stories, visit dailywire.com.