Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Episode: Rubio Reassures Europe & Sketchy Army Contracts Cancelled

Date: February 17, 2026
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe
Guests/Reporters: Cabot Phillips, Tim Pierce, Luke Rosiak

Overview

This episode of Morning Wire dives into the diplomatic dynamics between the US and Europe as Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses the Munich Security Conference, signaling both pressure and reassurance to America's European allies. The episode also investigates the sharp rise in ICE-local law enforcement cooperation under President Trump, exposes questionable Pentagon contracts awarded to a firm with problematic connections, and covers a tragedy in Rhode Island. The tone throughout is direct, urgent, and critical, consistent with The Daily Wire’s trademark style of fact-first, conservative reporting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-EU Relations & the Munich Security Conference

Segment Start: 02:45

• Backdrop: Annual Munich Security Conference with Western leaders discussing defense, foreign policy, and collective security.

• Trump's Approach: President Trump’s “tough love” for Europe continued, demanding more burden-sharing and a return to Western values.

• Rubio's Speech:

  • Criticized Europe for “dogmatic vision of free and unfettered trade” hollowing out US manufacturing, “appeasing of a climate cult,” and mass migration eroding societal cohesion (04:00).
  • Pivoted to a message of unity and partnership, emphasizing “Western civilization” and the preference for allied cooperation.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “While we are prepared, if necessary, to do this alone, it is our preference and it is our hope to do this together with you, our friends here in Europe. For the United States and Europe, we belong together. We are part of one civilization, Western civilization.”
      — Marco Rubio (04:46)
  • Rubio compared the US role to a “big brother” not willing to watch Europe decline.
    • “This is why we Americans may sometimes come off as a little direct and urgent in our council. This is why President Trump demands seriousness and reciprocity from our friends here in Europe. We want Europe to be strong.”
      — Marco Rubio (05:27)

• European Reception:

  • The speech was met with a standing ovation and visible relief from European officials.
  • Wolfgang Isinger (former German diplomat):
    • “Mr. Secretary, I'm not sure you heard the sigh of relief through this hall when we were just listening to what I would interpret as a message of reassurance, of partnership.” (05:45)

Ukraine War & US Mediation

Segment Start: 06:14

• Main topic looming at the conference was Ukraine.
• The US is facilitating peace talks, but progress is “at a standstill,” with Russia demanding territorial concessions and Ukraine constitutionally barred from ceding land without a public vote—something impossible during wartime.
• Trump pressures Zelensky to hold elections; Zelensky says he’ll do so if Russia accepts a ceasefire.
• Notable Quote:
  • “But if we've learned anything during this four year war, it's that peace is hard to come by.”
    — Cabot Phillips (07:09)

2. ICE-Local Law Enforcement Cooperation and Education Concerns

Segment Start: 08:20

• Sharp Increase in Agreements:

  • Under Trump's second term, ICE’s cooperation agreements with local law enforcement have increased by nearly 1000%, from 135 to nearly 1200 agencies, with billions in payouts for local departments.
  • Officers are deputized as ICE agents to expedite deportations, especially of criminals already in local custody.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “All told, the program could pay out 1.4 to $2 billion to local law enforcement this year.”
      — Tim Pierce (09:31)

• Security Concerns:

  • ICE agents face increased threats and attacks, with a reported 1500% spike in assaults since Trump returned to office.

• Student Protests:

  • Student protests against ICE are rising in high schools across three dozen states; there are allegations of faculty facilitating anti-ICE activism.

• Daily Wire Exclusive:

  • Teaching materials in schools (Minnesota) criticized for being “propaganda,” giving a one-sided anti-ICE view under the guise of geography.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “It is propaganda in the sense that it is a one sided perspective...this sort of anti ICE Powerpoint becomes a centerpiece of a lesson under the guise of current events.”
      — Erica Sanzi, Defending Education (11:39)

3. Dubious Army Contracts & National Security Risks

Segment Start: 12:33

• Army’s $1.7 Million Contract:

  • Army Corps of Engineers paid a firm called “Nonprofit Empowerment Group” for leadership training and writing courses, under the federal 8A minority contracting program.
  • The company shows minimal evidence of capacity—one employee (former bank teller), barebones website, and opaque operations.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “They take a 10%, 20%, sometimes 50% fee off the top and then pass the contract off to a giant consulting firm. Commonly known as Beltway Bandits.”
      — Pete Hegseth, War Secretary (13:11)

• Controversial Ties:

  • Nonprofit Empowerment Group is linked with the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists and the Islamic Medical Association—groups mentioned in a 2007 Hamas fundraising trial.
  • Potential “commingling of funds” between for-profit and nonprofit entities run by the same staff, raising ethical and security red flags.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “At best, it's a left wing slush fund. And at worst, it's bringing in unvetted international ties that maybe shouldn't have access to the Army.”
      — Luke Rosiak (16:52)

• Government Response:

  • Assistant Secretary of the Army called the contract “absurd and sketchy” and it has been terminated.
  • Note on procedure: The company qualified under a “disadvantaged woman owned” status, raising questions about oversight and systemic vulnerabilities.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “There's no good reason that one part of the federal government should use taxpayer dollars to pay a third party in order to talk to another part of the federal government.”
      — Adam Tell, Assistant Secretary of the Army (15:49 via Luke Rosiak)

4. Other Headlines

Segment Start: 17:00

• Rhode Island Tragedy:
  • A gunman opened fire at a youth hockey game, killing two and injuring three before taking his own life. The shooter was a trans-identifying individual, reportedly targeting his own family.
  • Three remain in critical condition.
  • Coverage remains factual, but brief.

Notable Quotes

• Marco Rubio (Secretary of State, keynote at Munich):
  • “We in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West's managed decline.” (00:40)
  • “For the United States and Europe, we belong together. We are part of one civilization, Western civilization.” (04:46)
  • “We want Europe to be strong.” (05:27)
• Wolfgang Isinger (Former German Diplomat):
  • “I'm not sure you heard the sigh of relief through this hall when we were just listening to what I would interpret as a message of reassurance, of partnership.” (05:45)
• Cabot Phillips (Daily Wire Senior Editor):
  • “But if we've learned anything during this four year war, it's that peace is hard to come by.” (07:09)
• Erica Sanzi (Defending Education):
  • “This sort of anti ICE Powerpoint becomes a centerpiece of a lesson under the guise of current events.” (11:39)
• Luke Rosiak (Daily Wire Investigative Reporter):
  • “At best, it's a left wing slush fund. And at worst, it's bringing in unvetted international ties that maybe shouldn't have access to the Army.” (16:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:45 — Munich Security Conference and US–Europe relations
• 04:46 — Rubio’s keynote, reconciliation message
• 06:14 — Ukraine War: Negotiation update
• 08:20 — ICE and local law enforcement cooperation surges
• 11:39 — Anti-ICE curriculum in schools discussed
• 12:33 — Pentagon’s dubious army contract investigation
• 15:49 — Secretary of the Army on contract termination
• 17:00 — Rhode Island shooting summary

Conclusion

The February 17, 2026 episode of Morning Wire covered pressing national security, international diplomacy, and domestic policy issues from a distinctly fact-focused and critical perspective. The show dug into the US’s evolving stance toward Europe, exposed serious vulnerabilities in federal contracting, and highlighted the divisive debate around immigration enforcement and education. Notable guests and quotable moments added color and insight, ensuring listeners were left not just informed, but with strong opinions to consider.