Morning Wire Afternoon Update | February 13, 2025

Presented by The Daily Wire's Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe, the "Morning Wire Afternoon Update" for February 13, 2025, delivers comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in politics, culture, and more. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary

Reporter: Tim Rice

The episode kicks off with the Senate's confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The vote largely followed party lines, highlighting the contentious nature of his appointment.

• Key Points:

  • RFK Jr.'s confirmation followed intense scrutiny, especially regarding his past claims linking vaccines to autism.
  • Despite opposition, particularly from some GOP senators, RFK Jr. secured the position by committing to transparent vaccine policies and public health initiatives.
  • This confirmation coincides with the approval of Tulsi Gabbard as Trump's Director of National Intelligence and the advancement of Kash Patel's nomination out of committee.

• Notable Quote:

  • John Bickley at [00:19]: "RFK is confirmed, Trump's worker buyout moves forward and Hamas agrees to release more hostages."

2. New York Governor Kathy Hochul Postpones Meeting with President Trump

Reporter: Tim Pierce

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has delayed a scheduled meeting with President Trump following a lawsuit by the Department of Justice (DOJ) challenging New York's sanctuary policies.

• Key Points:
  • The DOJ's lawsuit targets New York's "Green Light" law, which allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses and restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
  • Pam Bondi explains the implications:

    "They're giving a green light to any legal alien in New York, where law enforcement officers cannot check their identity if they pull them over. (...) it puts their lives on the line every single day." ([01:33])

  • Hochul criticizes the lawsuit as "dramatic" and argues against federal agents having unrestricted access to DMV records.
  • The legal action mirrors similar challenges in Illinois amid the Trump administration's intensified immigration policies.
  • Additionally, Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, met with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to discuss cooperation on deporting criminal illegal aliens and locating missing migrant children.

3. Trump's Government Workers Buyout Program Advances

Reporter: Tim Rice

The Trump administration's buyout initiative for federal employees is progressing, offering substantial financial incentives for government workers to resign voluntarily.

• Key Points:
  • The "deferred resignation" program provides up to eight months of pay and benefits to federal employees who decline to return to office.
  • Despite union opposition claiming the program's illegality, a federal judge ruled that the unions lacked standing to sue, allowing the program to proceed.
  • Approximately 75,000 federal employees have accepted the buyout, with agencies like the CIA participating by extending similar offers to their workforce.
  • With the court's decision, the program is now officially closed as the deadline has passed.

4. Calls to Cut Federal Funding to Planned Parenthood

Reporter: Mary Margaret Olihan

Conservative groups are urging the Trump administration to eliminate all federal funding to Planned Parenthood, citing their extensive use of taxpayer money and controversial services.

• Key Points:

  • In a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vogt, pro-life leaders demand a comprehensive review of public funds allocated to Planned Parenthood.
  • They reference Government Accountability Office data indicating that Planned Parenthood received over $1.5 billion in Medicaid and grants.
  • The letter highlights that in 2022, Planned Parenthood performed nearly 400,000 abortions and has expanded its services to include transgender medical procedures, such as hormone therapy and surgery referrals.
  • Advocates argue that these services are indirectly funded by taxpayers, especially following policy changes in the Biden era that removed barriers separating federal funds from abortion services.

• Notable Quote:

  • Mary Margaret Olihan at [03:04]: "They cited Government Accountability Office data showing that Planned Parenthood received over 1.5 billion in public funding through Medicaid and grants."

5. Car-Ramming Incident in Munich, Germany

Reporter: Tim Rice

A disturbing incident occurred in Munich where a migrant with a known criminal history deliberately rammed his vehicle into a group of protesters, resulting in multiple injuries.

• Key Points:

  • The attack injured 28 individuals, including children, and the driver, previously convicted of drug and theft offenses, has been detained by authorities.
  • Bavarian Minister President Marcus Sode condemned the act, labeling it as an "attack" and emphasized the urgent need for change in Germany's policies.
  • This incident follows a similar tragic car-ramming event in December that resulted in six fatalities, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

• Notable Quote:

  • Marcus Sode at [03:47]: "Something has to change in Germany and quickly."

6. Controversy Over Explicit LGBT Book in New York School District

Reporter: Amanda Presaci Giacomo

Parents in New York's Penfield Central School District voiced strong opposition after school board members walked out during a meeting addressing an explicit LGBT-themed book in the elementary school library.

• Key Points:

  • The book, "Rainbow Parade," portrays a young girl with two mothers attending a Pride parade, with illustrations depicting BDSM elements, drag queens, and nudity.
  • During the meeting, school board members dismissed verbal complaints from parents, insisting that grievances be submitted in writing instead.
  • Pam Bondi relays the tension:

    "We're here at our board meeting, right? Conducting our business, you guys." ([04:49])

  • Kimberly Derosa, a parent, informed The Daily Wire that upcoming school board elections in May may see some of the contested candidates running for new positions.
  • Superintendent Tasha Potter did not provide a comment on the matter.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Amanda Presaci Giacomo at [04:29]: "The book, which was on display at the elementary school library, features a young girl with two mothers who take her to a Pride parade."
  • Tim Rice at [05:05]: "It's hard meeting."
  • Tim Rice at [05:10]: "She said the truth."

Conclusion

The "Morning Wire Afternoon Update" for February 13, 2025, provides an in-depth examination of significant national and international events, highlighting the Biden administration's challenges, the Trump administration's initiatives, and ongoing cultural debates. From RFK Jr.'s confirmation and immigration policy clashes to controversies in education and international security incidents, the episode delivers a comprehensive overview for listeners seeking informed perspectives on current affairs.

For more detailed coverage on these stories and additional updates, visit dailywire.com.