Morning Wire Podcast Summary: "Russia Strikes Again & Cartel Crackdowns" | May 27, 2025

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, Morning Wire dives deep into the most pressing issues of the day, providing insightful analysis and exclusive interviews. In the May 27, 2025 episode titled "Russia Strikes Again & Cartel Crackdowns," the hosts explore escalating geopolitical tensions, significant policy shifts, and a notable resurgence in Hollywood's box office performance.

1. Escalating Tensions: Russia's Aerial Assault on Ukraine

The episode opens with a critical look at the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Moscow's recent series of air assaults marks the largest aerial bombardment in the three-year war, deploying hundreds of attack drones and dozens of missiles. These strikes have tragically resulted in at least 12 fatalities and numerous injuries among civilians.

John Bickley expresses his strong disapproval of Putin's actions:

"I don't know what the hell happened to Putin. I've known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all. We're in the middle of talking and he's shooting rockets into Kiev and other cities."
(03:10)

Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender provides context on the intelligence reports indicating Moscow's troop movements near the front lines, suggesting preparations for a potential summer offensive. He highlights President Trump's firm stance against Putin:

"I've always said that he wants all of Ukraine, not just a piece of it. And maybe that's proving to be right. But if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia."
(03:25)

The hosts discuss the shift in President Trump's approach, noting a departure from previous cordial interactions with Putin towards a more confrontational stance. This strategic pivot is also influencing America's diplomatic relations, including tensions with Ukrainian President Zelensky.

2. Trade Tensions: EU Tariffs and Potential Deal

Transitioning to economic matters, the podcast delves into President Trump's tariff policies targeting the European Union. Initially imposing a 20% tariff during Liberation Day, Trump later reduced it to 10% for 90 days to facilitate long-term negotiations. However, escalating frustrations led to the threat of a 50% tariff set to take effect on June 1st.

Michael Faulkender explains the dynamics of these negotiations:

"President Trump slapped 20% tariffs on the European Union during his Liberation Day. He later slashed them down to 10% for 90 days to allow time for a long term deal to be reached. But on Friday, he accused the Europeans of being, quote, 'difficult to deal with,' saying, quote, 'discussions are going nowhere.'"
(04:29)

The European Union's swift response, spearheaded by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, signaled a readiness to advance talks more decisively. This development prompted President Trump to pause his tariff hike until July 9th, opening the door for a potential agreement.

Georgia Howe remarks on the situation:

"No doubt businesses and the markets are going to be watching that closely."
(05:13)

The discussion underscores the delicate balance between assertive trade policies and the pursuit of mutually beneficial economic agreements.

3. Comprehensive Crackdown on Drug Cartels

A significant portion of the episode focuses on President Trump's comprehensive strategy to dismantle drug cartels, highlighting the pivotal role of the Treasury Department. Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender provides an exclusive insight into recent actions taken against cartel operations.

Key points include:

• Designation of Terrorist Organizations: Under Trump's directive, several narcotics groups have been designated as terrorist organizations, granting Treasury additional authorities to disrupt their financial networks.

• Actions Against Del Noreste and Brinks Global: The Treasury has targeted high-ranking members of the Del Noreste cartel and imposed a $37 million fine on Brinks Global for facilitating money transfers without proper customer identification, violating the Bank Secrecy Act.

Faulkender emphasizes the importance of financial intervention:

"If you engage in these businesses, you have an affirmative obligation to identify the counterparties and an unawareness of who they are is not sufficient under the law."
(00:37)

Regarding the Sinaloa Cartel, Faulkender discusses efforts to monitor and disrupt their money flows:

"We continue to identify the various smuggling rings that are coming in... freezing accounts and taking away the money that is funding these activities that are poisoning our kids."
(09:29)

The collaboration with the Mexican government, spurred by imposed tariffs and heightened sanctions, has led to more effective tracking and seizure of illicit funds, significantly hindering cartel operations.

4. Hollywood's Box Office Resurgence

Shifting to cultural news, Morning Wire reports on a blockbuster weekend that has revitalized Hollywood's box office. Megan Basham, the Daily Wire culture reporter, alongside Tom Cruise, discusses the remarkable success of Disney's live-action remake of "Lilo & Stitch" and Paramount's "Mission Impossible 8."

Tom Cruise highlights the achievements:

"Lilo and Stitch grossed a staggering 183 million domestically... Mission Impossible, the final reckoning, is unquestionably a triumph for him. We've all seen for a while that Cruise's plan seems to be to be a one man chamber of commerce from the film industry. And he's really succeeding in a lot of ways."
(11:01 - 12:15)

Key takeaways include:

• Lilo & Stitch: Achieved an all-time Disney record with $183 million domestically and $342 million globally, driven by nostalgia and strong social media buzz.

• Mission Impossible 8: Set a franchise best with $77 million domestically and $190 million worldwide, indicating Tom Cruise's enduring box office draw.

Georgia Howe reflects on the positive trends:

"So a hugely optimistic moment for Hollywood."
(11:57)

The episode concludes by noting the projected growth of the domestic box office to $9.5 billion in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year's $8.7 billion. This resurgence is seen as a vital boost for an industry recovering from the pandemic's impact, emphasizing the importance of high-profile releases in attracting audiences back to theaters.

Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe provide a comprehensive overview of critical global and domestic issues, from escalating geopolitical conflicts and economic negotiations to robust government action against drug cartels and a promising revival in Hollywood's entertainment sector. The inclusion of direct quotes and expert interviews enriches the discussion, offering listeners valuable insights into the evolving landscape of politics, security, and culture.

Stay tuned to Morning Wire for more in-depth coverage and analysis of the news that matters.