Morning Wire Podcast Summary: Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | March 4, 2025

Published on March 4, 2025

1. Derek Chauvin Pardon Petition Initiated by Ben Shapiro

In this episode, Ben Shapiro, Daily Wire Editor Emeritus, calls on President Trump to pardon former police officer Derek Chauvin. Shapiro contends that the evidence against Chauvin in the death of George Floyd is insufficient. He emphasizes the role of media influence and jury pressure in Chauvin's conviction.

Ben Shapiro [00:33]: "The media decided in the middle of 2020 that they were going to turn a tragic law enforcement stop... into the reason debt of the entire 2020 election. And it led to vast chaos... and a guy rotting in prison who, the evidence demonstrates certainly was not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."

Shapiro has spearheaded a petition available at pardonderrek.com aiming to dismiss Chauvin's federal charges. Chauvin remains incarcerated, serving a 22-year sentence on state convictions.

2. President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress and Special Guests

President Trump is scheduled to deliver a joint address to Congress titled "Renewal of the American Dream" at 9 PM Eastern. Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips provides insight into the notable attendees who represent various contentious issues.

Cabot Phillips [01:45]: "Among those hosted by the president this evening will be American schoolteacher Mark Fogel, who was recently freed from a Russian prison... the parents of Lakin Riley and Jocelyn Nungare... Peyton McNabb, a former high school volleyball player severely injured by a transgender opponent."

Shapiro and Matt Walsh will also attend as guests of House Speaker Mike Johnson. The address will be broadcast live on Daily Wire's platform beginning at 8:30 PM.

3. International Tariff Retaliations: Canada, Mexico, and China Respond to Trump’s Tariffs

Following President Trump’s implementation of new tariffs, Canada, Mexico, and China have retaliated with additional duties on U.S. goods.

Justin Trudeau [02:39]: "China immediately imposed an additional 10 to 15% tariff on goods from the US... Mexico... imposed 25% retaliatory tariffs... [President Trump] actually called President Trudeau's tariffs dumb."

Trudeau criticized the tariffs as undermining U.S. agendas and announced plans to discuss the matter with Trump. In response, Trump warned of reciprocal increases.

President Trump [03:35]: "Please explain to Governor Trudeau of Canada that when he puts a retaliatory tariff on the US, our reciprocal tariff will immediately increase by a like amount."

The Canadian Official highlighted collaboration on combating illegal fentanyl, stressing joint efforts to address the crisis affecting both nations.

4. U.S.-Ukraine Relations: Zelensky Calls for Resumed Military Aid

Amid strained relations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the restoration of military aid from the U.S., proposing a pause on all air and sea combat contingent upon Russia's commitment to the same.

Volodymyr Zelensky [04:51]: "We are ready to begin negotiations... a pause on all air and sea combat as long as Russia commits to the same."

Vice President J.D. Vance indicated bipartisan support for the Biden-era mineral deal, contingent on Zelensky presenting a viable peace plan.

J.D. Vance [04:35]: "If he called and had a serious proposal for how he was going to engage in the process... we want to talk."

5. Recall Campaign Launched Against LA Mayor Karen Bass

A recall effort targeting Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is officially underway in response to her handling of the January wildfires in Pacific Palisades. Organizers have launched a website to collect signatures, aiming to gather support from approximately 15% of LA voters to trigger a special election.

Ben Shapiro [05:15]: "A recall effort against LA Mayor Karen Bass is officially underway... The petition needs signatures from around 15% of LA voters to trigger a special election."

The backlash stems from perceived inadequate responses to fire warnings and the extensive property damage caused during the wildfires.

6. New Evidence in Jeffrey Epstein Case Released to FBI

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that additional evidence related to the Jeffrey Epstein case has been handed over to the FBI, following allegations that the New York FBI field office previously withheld information.

Pam Bondi [05:40]: "It's now in the possession of the FBI... We are going to go through it very cautiously to protect all the victims of Epstein."

Bondi has instructed FBI Director Cash Patel to provide a detailed report on the initial withholding of documents, further eroding public trust in the investigation.

7. Senate Votes Against Title IX Legislation on Transgender Athletes

A Senate bill aimed at preventing men and boys from participating in female-designated school sports failed to advance. The legislation sought to redefine Title IX protections based on biological sex at birth, aligning with President Trump's executive order.

Ben Shapiro [06:31]: "The legislation sought to define Title IX protections based on a person's reproductive biology at birth... Democrats call it divisive and a culture war distraction."

The vote concluded with 51 yeas and 45 nays, with no Democrat senators supporting the measure. Republicans argue that the bill is essential for ensuring fairness in women's athletics.

8. NASA Set to Launch Sphere X Space Observatory

NASA is preparing to launch the Sphere X space observatory, a nearly $500 million mission aimed at mapping over 450 million galaxies to explore the origins of the universe. Scheduled for liftoff on Thursday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California, Sphere X will utilize infrared spectroscopy to study cosmic inflation, galaxy formation, and the distribution of water in the Milky Way.

Ben Shapiro [06:53]: "NASA is set to launch its Sphere X space Observatory this week, aiming to map over 450 million galaxies and unlock the origins of the universe... Scientists say Sphere X could provide groundbreaking insights into cosmic inflation."

The mission is expected to offer unprecedented data on the early moments following the Big Bang, contributing significantly to our understanding of the universe's expansion.

Conclusion

Today's Morning Wire Afternoon Update covered a spectrum of critical issues, from high-profile pardon petitions and international trade tensions to pivotal legislative battles and groundbreaking scientific missions. For a deeper dive into these stories, visit dailywire.com.

Thank you for tuning in. Join us tomorrow morning for another comprehensive edition of Morning Wire.