Morning Wire: Putin's Partial Ceasefire & Stranded Astronauts Head Home | Afternoon Update | 3.18.25
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley and Georgia Howe
Podcast: Morning Wire by The Daily Wire
Trump and Putin Strike Temporary Deal on Ukraine [00:21]
John Bickley opens the afternoon update by highlighting a significant development in international relations: a two-hour phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Georgia Howe elaborates that both leaders have agreed to initiate immediate talks on an energy infrastructure ceasefire. This will be followed by technical negotiations for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, with the ultimate goal of establishing a full and permanent peace settlement. Although Putin did not agree to Trump's proposed 30-day ceasefire—a proposal supported by Ukraine—the White House confirmed that negotiations would commence without delay. The conversation also touched upon the potential for improved U.S.-Russia relations, including major economic deals and enhanced geopolitical stability.
"Russia and Ukraine will each exchange 175 prisoners. Russia will also release 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are also reportedly being treated in Russian medical institutions. The call is considered a good first step."
— Putin ([00:47])
President Trump Announces Release of JFK Assassination Files [01:31]
Tim Rice reports that President Trump has declared the release of 80,000 files related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. These documents, unveiled without redaction, are part of the remaining records that have fueled numerous conspiracy theories over the decades. While experts anticipate that the release may not contain groundbreaking revelations, the public has long awaited more comprehensive details. The files will encompass information on Lee Harvey Oswald's activities, potential foreign connections, and other intelligence gathered at the time. Notably, about 3,000 files have remained partially or fully undisclosed.
Impeachment Efforts Against Judge James Boasberg [02:07]
John Bickley transitions to the domestic legal scene, addressing Chief Justice John Roberts' stance that impeaching a judge is not an appropriate response to judicial decisions. This statement comes in the wake of President Trump calling for the impeachment of Judge James Boasberg for his role in blocking deportation flights to El Salvador. Additionally, Republican Representative Brandon Gill of Texas has filed articles of impeachment against Boasberg, accusing him of overstepping his authority and interfering with presidential mandates under the Alien Enemies Act.
Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, provides context by outlining why he believes Judge Boasberg is acting beyond his jurisdiction.
"This comes after President Trump called for the impeachment of Judge James Boasberg for his alleged attempt to block deportation flights to El Salvador."
— Stephen Miller ([02:20])
An unnamed legal expert weighs in on the constitutional implications, emphasizing that decisions regarding foreign invasions or predatory incursions should rest solely with the President as the Commander in Chief.
"Under the Constitution, who makes that determination? A district court judge elected by no one or the Commander in Chief of the army and Navy? The President and the President alone makes a decision of what triggers that determination."
— Unnamed Legal Expert ([03:06])
Israel's IDF Kills Hamas Leader Following Renewed Airstrikes [02:27]
Tim Rice reports that the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has successfully targeted and killed the head of Hamas after resuming extensive airstrikes. This military escalation follows Hamas's rejection of proposals to extend the ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have directed the IDF to intensify operations against Hamas to achieve war objectives, including the release of hostages. Additionally, the IDF has struck several military assets in Syria and Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
FBI Extradites MS-13 Leader from Mexico [04:20]
John Bickley introduces a major law enforcement achievement: the FBI's extradition of Francisco Javier Roman Bardalas, a senior leader of the MS-13 gang, from Mexico to the United States. Daily Wire reporter Spencer Lindquist provides the details.
Cash Patel, FBI Director, announced the extradition, highlighting Bardalas's status as a key figure in MS-13. Bardalas was previously listed on the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted list and faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, narco-terrorism conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy, and alien smuggling conspiracy. This action marks a significant victory for U.S. law enforcement and follows the Trump administration's designation of MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization a month prior.
"Roman Bardalas will now face American justice."
— Cash Patel ([04:30])
Arsonist Attempts to Burn Tesla Charging Station Ends in Arrest [05:08]
Tim Rice covers an unusual criminal incident involving Daniel Clark Pounder, a 24-year-old arsonist from South Carolina. Pounder attempted to burn a Tesla charging station, leaving behind explicit pro-Ukraine messages and igniting Molotov cocktails. The situation escalated when one of the cocktails ignited Pounder’s attire, causing him to catch fire. Witnesses reported seeing him flee the scene with his backside on fire. Authorities arrested Pounder later that day, and he now faces potential imprisonment of up to 20 years.
Stranded Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams Prepare to Return Home [05:39]
John Bickley shares uplifting news about astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months. Technical issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft necessitated their extended stay. This evening, they are scheduled to board the SpaceX Crew Dragon alongside two new crew members: NASA's Nick Hague and Russian astronaut Alexander Gorbunov. The spacecraft has been orbiting Earth all day and is expected to begin its descent at 3:45 PM Eastern, culminating in a splashdown off the coast of Florida.
Butch Wilmore reflects on his extended mission, attributing his resilience to his faith.
"My feeling on all of this goes back to my faith. It's bound in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is working out his plan and his purposes for his glory throughout all of humanity. And how that plays into our lives is significant and important and however that plays out. And I am content because I understand."
— Butch Wilmore ([06:24])
An unnamed analyst notes that the crew's return journey will be live-streamed starting at 4:45 PM Eastern, accessible via NASA.gov.
"The crew will be live streaming their journey starting at 4:45 Eastern, which can be viewed at NASA.gov."
— Unnamed Analyst ([06:42])
Conclusion and Recap [06:49]
Tim Rice wraps up the episode by summarizing the key stories covered:
- Trump and Putin's phone call addressing the war in Ukraine.
- Efforts to impeach Judge James Boasberg over deportation flight blockades.
- UK and Germany's alleged COVID cover-ups.
- The extradition of an MS-13 leader and the return of stranded astronauts.
He encourages listeners to visit dailywire.com for more information and reminds them to tune in the next morning for a full edition of Morning Wire.
Note: Advertisements, introductory segments, and non-content sections have been intentionally excluded to focus solely on the substantive topics discussed during the episode.