Rubio Reassures Europe & Sketchy Army Contracts Cancelled | 2.17.26

Summary

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.

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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

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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.

Transcript

[Cabot Phillips]

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[Georgia Howe]

50% off regular price for new customers. Upfront payment required $45 for three months, $90 for six month or $180 for a 12 month plan. Taxes and fees. Extra speeds may slow after 50 gigabytes per month when network is busy see terms. The Trump administration delivers a blunt message to Europe telling allies to step up or step aside.

[Marco Rubio]

We in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West's managed decline.

[John Bickley]

Meanwhile, ceasefire talks resume between Russia and Ukraine. What issues stand in the way?

[Georgia Howe]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley. It's Tuesday, February 17th, and this is Morning Wire. We want that state and local cooperation.

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[John Bickley]

A new report shows cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE has skyrocketed under Trump, rising nearly 1,000%.

[Georgia Howe]

And the Pentagon pulls nearly $2 million in army contracts after discovering they went to a dubious company tied to an Islamic funding network. We have the Daily W exclusive.

[John Bickley]

Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

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[John Bickley]

American diplomats descended on Munich this weekend for a high stakes security conference amid growing tensions between the US And Europe.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips is freshly back from paternity leave. Welcome back.

[Cabot Phillips]

It is good to be back. Sleep deprived and very happy guys.

[John Bickley]

Cabot, I've got to admit, I missed you.

[Cabot Phillips]

I never thought I would hear that.

[John Bickley]

Very little, small amount.

[Cabot Phillips]

Send me that clip. It's going to be back. John.

[Georgia Howe]

So we had a major gathering in Europe over the weekend. What happened?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, every year, Western leaders attend the Munich Security Conference to collaborate on national defense, foreign policy, etc. Now, since retaking the White House, it's no secret that President Trump has put Europe on notice. Essentially, his message has been, you need us more than we need you. Get on board or face the consequences. For example, at this same conference last year, JD Vance gave a highly publicized address in which he slammed European leaders for allowing mass migration, arguing they had abandoned Western values.

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The threat that I worry the most about vis a vis Europe is not Russia, it's not China.

[Cabot Phillips]

What I worry about is the threat.

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From within, the retreat of Europe from.

[Cabot Phillips]

Some of its most fundamental values. And that message has really been echoed by the White House throughout the entire last year, much to the chagrin of European leaders. They've responded by banding together in opposition to Trump and the US More broadly and have sought alternative allies like India and Brazil. So the assumption coming into this weekend was that we would hear more of that same scathing language from the White House directed at Europe. And when Secretary of State Marco Rubio took the stage for his keynote address, it seemed like things were heading again in that direction. He started by taking aim at a, quote, dogmatic vision of free and unfettered trade, which he says has hollowed out American manufacturing. Then he slammed the West's, quote, appeasing of a climate cult which has impoverished our people and of course, pushed back on mass migration, which he says, quote, threatens the cohesion of our societies and continuity of our culture. But then he started to extend an olive branch of sorts.

[Tim Pierce]

Have a listen.

[Marco Rubio]

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.

[Cabot Phillips]

And then in a really remarkable scene, he explained why President Trump has been so hard on them. At times, it sort of sounded like an intervention from a concerned family member with Rubio saying that Europe is heading for destruction and that the US Is, say, their big brother or something, who cares too much about them to let that happen?

[Marco Rubio]

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.

[Georgia Howe]

And how was that message received?

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, it appeared to be music to the ears of the European leaders gathered. They offered him a rousing standing ovation when he was finished. And listen, for example, to what Wolfgang Isinger, a former German diplomat, said to Rubio on stage right after he finished. 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.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, how much of the conference was devoted to the war in Ukraine and where do things stand now there?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, that was certainly the main focus for much of the weekend. And this week the US Is brokering a third round of negotiations between the two sides. But the reality is things do still appear to be at a standstill. Putin has refused to back down from his demand for territorial concessions from Ukraine. And Zelensky said that he is barred by the country's constitution from giving up any land without first holding a nationwide vote, which he says is nearly impossible given the war. For his part, President Trump has pressured Zelensky to also hold a presidential election to give Ukrainians a chance to elect a new leader. Zelenskyy has for months pushed back on that demand, but. But during his address in Munich this weekend, said that he would make it happen if the US could push Putin to accept a ceasefire. Zelensky also says that the White House has signaled that they want a deal completed by June. But if we've learned anything during this four year war, it's that peace is hard to come by.

[Georgia Howe]

Martin, I don't think anyone expected it to go this long. Cab. Thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Absolutely.

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[Georgia Howe]

Agreements between ICE and local law enforcement have surged in the first year of President Trump's second term. The agreements are a cornerstone of Trump's promise to deport dangerous criminals from the press.

[John Bickley]

Here to talk about the latest on immigration is Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce. Morning, Tim. So, lots to get to on the immigration front. But first, let's start with Trump's Homeland Security Department. It struck hundreds more of these agreements with local law enforcement. What do they do?

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah, it's not a new system, but it invites local law enforcement from across the country to have their officers deputized into ice. Police officers and sheriff's deputies can then stop people who they suspect are illegal aliens and start them through the process of deportation. The program was around for years until the year 2012. Former President Obama curbed it after officers in North Carolina and Arizona were accused of racial profiling. But Trump brought it back last year with funding in the one big beautiful bill. And the number of participating law enforcement agencies has exploded from 135 under Biden to nearly 1200 today. That's according to a new report by the advocacy group For Us Now. There's quite a big incentive for these local law enforcement agencies to partner up with ice. Participants are eligible to receive $7,500 for equipment per trained officer, $100,000 for new vehicles, and overtime pay for up to a quarter of an officer's salary. All told, the program could pay out 1.4 to $2 billion to local law enforcement this year. Now, this program is important for a few big reasons. First, ICE is able to effectively multiply the number of active agents it has in the field to detain illegal alie. Often, the most dangerous illegals are already in the custody of local law enforcement, so working with ICE will expedite those removals. And second, this is an especially dangerous time to be an ICE agent, with constant threats and attacks from anti ICE activists who have at Least in part been spun up by attacks from prominent politicians. Comparisons to Hitler's secret police stands out. This program keeps ICE agents out of highly visible places where attacks are more often to happen. Since Trump took office, Homeland Security has reported a 1500% increase in assaults against ICE agents.

[John Bickley]

That percentage keeps going up and up every month. Now one of the growing trends in the anti ICE movement appears to be popping up actually in high schools. What's going on there?

[Tim Pierce]

Right. Schools have become a significant source of anti ICE protesters. According to the New York Times, student protests against ICE have happened now in more than three dozen states and often students are skipping class to participate. In states such as Texas, this has caused problems which between school administrators and elected leaders who are skeptical that some of the adults in these schools aren't facilitating this behavior somehow.

[John Bickley]

Right. And this brings us to the new Daily Wire report showing that these schools may be directly involved in this anti ICE indoctrination. Correct?

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah. This was a story from the Daily Wire's Leaf Lemahew. He obtained materials from an 8th grade geography class in Minnesota that taught that ICE agents use tricky and violent tactics. Those students were also awarded extra credit for watching a British produced video on the problem of illegal immigration in the United States. We spoke to Erica Sanzi of Defending Education about what's going on in these classrooms. Here's what she said.

[Erica Sanzi]

It is propaganda in the sense that it is a one sided perspective. And this just happens to be a perspective that is going to paint the president and ICE in a very negative light. And I find it a huge leap to claim that a slideshow that is sort of this emotionally charged in a middle school classroom could be defended under the guise of geography, particularly at a time where the majority of students don't know the 50 states, don't know their capitals, can't name all the oceans, can't name all the continents. And yet somehow this sort of anti ICE PowerPoint becomes a centerpiece of a lesson under the guise of current events.

[Tim Pierce]

So some pretty political material that could.

[John Bickley]

Have a lot of parents concerned and rightly so. Tim, thanks for joining us.

[Tim Pierce]

Good to be on.

[John Bickley]

Few organizations know more about leadership than the U.S. army, but it paid nearly $2 million to a company called the Nonprofit Empowerment Group to teach its people how to lead.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire investigative reporter Luke Rosiak found that the company had dubious expertise and potentially problematic ties to an Islamic fundraising network. So, Luke, first remind our listeners what 8A is and then tell us your latest finding.

[Luke Rosiak]

Hey, Georgia. So just to refresh the listeners on the Minority Contracting 8 program. Here is War Secretary Pete Hegseth with a succinct explanation.

[Cabot Phillips]

In many, many instances, these socially disadvantaged.

[Luke Rosiak]

Businesses, they don't even do work.

[Cabot Phillips]

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. For decades, this program 8A has been a breeding ground for fraud and this administration is finally doing something about it.

[Luke Rosiak]

And to your question, in this latest investigation, we see an example of how it may also be used to subsidize politically connected NGOs with Make Work and how at worst, it could even undermine national security. The Army Corps of Engineers paid the Nonprofit empowerment group $1.7 million between 2021 and 2025 for leadership training and the military also PA writing courses. The contract sought the professional services of an academic institution to provide graduate level instruction. But the contract didn't go to a college. Instead it went to a group with a bare bones website that lists only one employee, a former bank teller. The reason the government was able to choose this firm was because it was, as the website explained with an apparent typo, a quote, disadvantaged woman, small owned business.

[Georgia Howe]

So aside from being ostensibly owned by a disadvantaged woman, what do we know about this organization?

[Luke Rosiak]

Well, despite its name, it's not a nonprofit at all. It's a for profit company operating out of the same office as and sharing the same officers with a group called the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, which reported being deeply in debt. The president of the Muslim group, Tariq Cheema, is the secretary of the nonprofit empowerment group. So the same guy is a central employee at both. And most of the customers listed on the neg's website are nonprofits that Chima is associated with. So potentially steering money from his nonprofits to his for profit. Chima declined to comment.

[Georgia Howe]

So potentially major commingling of funds between this disadvantaged woman owned operation and the activist organization. But you've also reported they have some very concerning ties.

[Luke Rosiak]

Yeah, well, one of the nonprofits Chima sits on the board of and which is one of the neg's few known customers is the Islamic Medical association, which the Muslim Brotherhood once included in a quote list of our organizations and the organizations of our friends. It was established under the Islamic Society of North America, which itself was named an unindicted co conspirator in a 2007 Hamas fundraising trial.

[Georgia Howe]

So this organization that has the sketchy website and only one confirmed employee, they are tasked with teaching the army leadership. That's their deliverable Right.

[Luke Rosiak]

I mean. Now, Assistant Secretary of the Army Adam Tell told the Daily Wire that this week the Pentagon terminated the contract for being quote, absurd and sketchy. He pointed out that one element of the contract was to introduce people from the army to members of Congress and to other government officials. He said, 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. Now, the government was able to send money to this firm because it was owned by a minority woman and it got certified under 8A to do business in the field of administrative management and general management consulting services, whatever that means. So outside of seeking random government contracts, it's apparently doing business with people from countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. But Angela Massie, its only known employee, is photographed with Barack Obama and says in her LinkedIn bio that she's a staunch supporter of social justice. So 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.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, well, glad that contract has been terminated, but it makes you wonder how many more of these are out there. Luke, thanks for reporting.

[Luke Rosiak]

Anytime.

[John Bickley]

Another story, we're tracking a tragedy in Rhode island on Monday. A gunman opened fire at a youth hockey game, killing two people and injuring three others before turning the gun on himself. In a press conference last night, police confirmed the identity of the gunman as Robert Dorgan, a trans identifying man who also went by the name Roberta Esposito. He's believed to have targeted his own family before taking his own life. As of last night, the three who were injured remain in critical condition at the hospital. Look for updates on Daily wire. Thanks for waking up with us. And for those listening to the show, you can also watch the show free on Daily Wire. Plus, we'll be back this evening with more news you need to know.