Russia Derails Ceasefire Talks & Combating Sexual Extortion | 4.25.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary: April 25, 2025

Episode Title: Russian Derails Ceasefire Talks & Combating Sexual Extortion | 4.25.25

---

1. Russia’s Recent Attacks and Ceasefire Negotiations

The episode opens with a focus on the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Following a series of missile and drone strikes by Russia targeting Ukraine’s capital, President Donald Trump vocalizes his condemnation of Russian aggression.

• John Bickley introduces the topic: “Trump issues a rebuke to Putin after Russia strikes Ukraine with missile and drone attacks.” [00:03]

• Donald Trump expresses his frustration: “Those missiles landed. What's even worse is there are today people that were alive yesterday that are not alive today because this war continues and the president wants to stop it.” [00:08]

The attacks have significantly impacted the ongoing peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, effectively derailing the U.S.-led ceasefire efforts.

• Tim Pierce raises a critical question: “How will the attacks affect peace negotiations?” [00:17]

• Ben Shapiro elaborates on the consequences: “Yesterday's attack on Kiev left at least a dozen dead and dozens more wounded... President Trump still believes there will be a deal.” [02:02]

The proposed U.S.-led peace deal aimed to recognize Russian control over Crimea, prohibit Ukraine’s NATO membership, and normalize economic relations. However, it failed to include security guarantees for Ukraine’s sovereignty, leading to skepticism from both Ukrainian officials and Russian counterparts.

• Ben Shapiro outlines the proposal’s terms: “It recognized Russian control of Crimea and accepted Russia's control of land in Ukraine's east... it did not include any security guarantees from either the US Or Europe for Ukraine.” [03:06]

With the recent attacks, the momentum for a ceasefire has diminished, and both sides remain entrenched in their positions.

• Donald Trump comments on the state of negotiations: “We're in the midst of talking peace and missiles were fired and I was not happy with it.” [02:18]

2. Supreme Court Case on Parental Rights and LGBT Content in Schools

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the impending Supreme Court decision on the case Mahmoud versus Taylor, which involves religious parents suing the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland over mandatory exposure to LGBTQ+ content.

• John Bickley introduces the case: “A group of religious parents sue their school district over their children's forced exposure to LGBT content.” [00:20]

Investigative reporter Mairead Elordi provides an in-depth look into the case:

• Mairead Elordi explains: “In 2022, the district announced a new gender and sexuality curriculum... It’s mandatory now.” [05:23]

The curriculum includes books like Prince and Knight and Born Ready, which depict relationships outside traditional heterosexual norms. Parents from diverse religious backgrounds argue that their rights are being infringed upon by this mandatory exposure.

• Parent Testimony: “They can keep the books. They can read it to their children... We don't want it right to our kids. There has to be transparency.” [06:27]

During the oral arguments, conservative justices expressed skepticism towards the school district's inability to accommodate opt-outs effectively.

• Justice Samuel Alito questions the feasibility: “Why should it not be compelled as a matter of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment?” [07:54]

• Justice Amy Coney Barrett adds her perspective: “It’s not just exposure to the idea... It’s presentation of the idea as fact.” [07:58]

Notably, even some critics like Randy Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers showed understanding towards the parents’ concerns, although advocating for inclusivity.

• Donald Trump weighs in: “These would not be the books I would be reading as a classroom teacher to kids who are 4 to 6 years old.” [08:30]

The Supreme Court is expected to render its decision by June or early July, with many parents closely monitoring the outcome.

• Mairead Elordi concludes: “We'll likely get a ruling on this case by June or early July.” [09:03]

3. Combating Sexual Extortion of Minors

Addressing the pervasive issue of sexual extortion, the podcast highlights a new campaign spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in collaboration with country music star John Rich.

• Georgia Howe outlines the campaign: “Its goal is to raise national public awareness about a rapidly growing crime called sexual extortion or sextortion.” [09:39]

Sextortion involves predators coercing minors into sending explicit content, subsequently threatening to release it unless demands are met. The prevalence of this crime has surged, with Tim Pierce citing alarming statistics: “There were 36 million reports of suspected online child exploitation in 2023 alone.” [09:26]

John Rich, alongside DHS officials, participated in a livestream event aimed at educating parents and teens about the dangers and prevention strategies related to sextortion.

• Donald Trump shares his personal approach: “I made my two sons sign contracts... You own it. I go, I'm loaning you the phone. Here's a document...” [11:10]

The campaign emphasizes practical measures parents can take, such as setting device permissions and monitoring usage to safeguard children from online predators.

• Tim Pierce stresses the importance of dialogue: “As a mother and as a grandmother, I know that by having the right conversations, we can make sure that our kids and our teens understand all the risks out there.” [10:29]

The livestream, accessible on the Daily Wire’s website and John Rich’s social media, serves as a valuable resource for families seeking to protect their children from online exploitation.

• Georgia Howe concludes: “The entire livestream with Rich and DHS is available on the Daily Wires website and John Rich's X account.” [13:06]

---

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments were omitted to focus solely on the episode's substantive content.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

Trump issues a rebuke to Putin after Russia strikes Ukraine with missile and drone attacks.

[Georgia Howe]

It's horrible.

[Donald Trump]

Those missiles landed. What's even worse is there are today people that were alive yesterday that are not alive today because this war continues and the president wants to stop it.

[Tim Pierce]

How will the attacks affect peace negotiations?

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire editor in chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Friday, April 25th, and this is MORNING Wire. A group of religious parents sue their school district over their children's forced exposure to LGBT content.

[Tim Pierce]

A lot of parents are upset by this. Their religious rights are being overstepped. And the White House is warning parents and teens about the rise in child exploitation. And they've enlisted the help of country music star John Rich.

[Donald Trump]

It can save your kid's life. It's crucial. I would say. It's the most important information I've ever put out on social media.

[John Bickley]

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

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Did you know that Fast Growing Trees is the biggest online nursery in the US with thousands of different plants and over 2 million happy customers this spring? They have the best deals for your yard, up to half off on select plants and other deals. And listeners to our show get 15% off their first purchase when using code Wire at checkout. That's an additional 15% off. @fastgrowingtrees.com using CodeWire at checkout. That's fast growingtrees.com code wire. Now's the perfect time to plant. Use Code wire to save today. Offer is valid for a limited time. Terms and conditions may apply.

[Tim Pierce]

Russia attacked Ukraine's capital with a series of missiles and drones on Thursday. The surprise attack derailed U. S led ceasefire negotiations between Moscow and Kiev.

[John Bickley]

Here to talk about the latest in the war between Russia and Ukraine and President Trump's efforts to end it is Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce at them. So we had this barrage of attacks yesterday. Where does that leave peace? Negotiations stalled.

[Ben Shapiro]

Yesterday's attack on Kiev left at least a dozen dead and dozens more wounded and also killed. What momentum there was toward a ceasefire? Up until yesterday, the White House had sounded optimistic about a deal. President Trump still believes there will be a deal. But there was an edge to his comments yesterday.

[Donald Trump]

We're in the midst of talking peace and missiles were fired and I was not happy with it.

[John Bickley]

If the bombs keep falling, will you consider additional sanctions for Russia or what.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Will you do if President Putin.

[Donald Trump]

I'd rather answer that question it in a week. I want to see if we can have a deal? No reason to answer it now, but I won't be happy. Let me put it that way.

[Ben Shapiro]

Ukrainian President Zelensky has been willing to work with the US on peace terms, more willing since his disastrous White House meeting in February. Since then, Zelensky has agreed to sign a minerals deal with the US and last month he said Ukraine would agree to a full ceasefire to set up peace negotiations. But Moscow never bought in. All they could agree to was a 30 day pause on attacks against energy infrastructure.

[John Bickley]

Right now, over the weekend, the United States rolled out a proposed peace deal. What are the terms of that deal?

[Ben Shapiro]

Right. The proposal was constructed by the US And Europe and it recognized Russian control of Crimea and accepted Russia's control of land in Ukraine's east. It would ban Ukraine from NATO membership and start the US And Russia on a path of economic normalization with all sanctions lifted from Russia. The proposal didn't set limits on Ukraine's military, something Moscow had wanted, and it included the minerals deal with the U.S. notably, it did not include any security guarantees from either the US Or Europe. For Ukraine. Now, this was just the starting point. Obviously the terms would change with negotiation.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, about that. What do we know about where the two sides are in regard to a potential deal?

[Ben Shapiro]

Well, we haven't seen much concrete action from Russia. Ukraine has said it wants to talk, but it will have some major problems with the peace proposal as it is currently written. Zelensky has already said that giving any occupied territory over to the Russians would be a red line. Daily Wire editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro traveled to Kyiv this week to sit down with Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian President had this to say about the tone from the White House.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

We would like really to have this common understanding that Russia is the aggressor, not we. And we really want the United States not to search for the balance in these words. That's painful for our people to hear.

[John Bickley]

As Trump is fond of saying, we'll just have to see what happens. Tim, thanks so much for joining us.

[Ben Shapiro]

Good to be on.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Support American farmers and ranchers today and make a positive impact while avoiding increasing costs and uncertainty from tariffs. @goodranchers.com they deliver 100 locally sourced American beef, chicken, pork and more straight to your door. Good ranchers vacuum sealed individually wrapped cuts stay fresh in the fridge or freezer so you don't end up throwing away or wasting any delicious meat. And with their pre trimmed cuts, you cook more of what you buy. Lock in a secure supply of American meat at a steady price today. Subscribe [e-mail] and get free meat for life and $40 off with code wired Good ranchers American meat delivered.

[John Bickley]

The Supreme Court looks poised to rule in favor of religious parents who want the right to opt their kids out of LGBT material at school.

[Tim Pierce]

During heated oral arguments on Tuesday, the conservative justices pushed back on a Maryland school district. Here with more is investigative reporter Mairead Elordi. So, Mairead, first, what are the basics of this case?

[Mairead Elordi]

Hi, Georgia. Yes. So this case, it's called Mahmoud versus Taylor. It involves Montgomery County Public Schools, which is Maryland's largest school district. A group of parents that includes Muslims, Catholics, and a Ukrainian Orthodox Christian brought this case against the school district, which is just outside D.C. thomas Taylor is the superintendent of the school district. In 2022, the district announced a new gender and sexuality curriculum, and at first they allowed parents to opt their kids out, but then the school district decided it was too difficult to allow opt outs, so it's mandatory now. One of the books in the new curriculum is called Prince and Knight, about a prince who rejects princesses and falls in love with a knight. Another book is called Born Ready, about a boy named Penelope. And another book tells the story of a girl attending her uncle's same sex wedding. Yet another book is called Pride Puppy, about a puppy who gets lost during a pride parade. One mom who protested on the steps of the Supreme Court on Tuesday said she pulled her kids out of Montgomery schools when she couldn't opt them out of the LGBT books. Here's that mom talking to local news.

[Tim Pierce]

They can keep the books. They can read it to their children. If there are parents who feel this is appropriate for their 3 year old, 4 year old and elementary kids, they can teach it to them. But we don't think it's right. We don't want it right to our kids. There has to be transparency. So parents in this school are clearly very unhappy. What did the justices say when they heard the oral arguments?

[Mairead Elordi]

Well, the more conservative justices seemed highly skeptical of the school district's arguments. Justice Samuel Alito quizzed a lawyer for the school superintendent about why it's supposedly too hard to let parents opt their kids out from reading LGBT books in class. Take a listen.

[John Bickley]

What is the big deal about allowing them to opt out of this?

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

I think on the facts of this case, we have the natural experiment of the schools permitting these opt outs and then finding that it was not administrable, it wasn't true in every school.

[John Bickley]

Why is it not administrable? You have, they're able to opt out of the health class. Right.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

The health class is taught discreetly. There's a mandatory meeting for all parents where they are told exactly what's going to be taught in it. And they're given the option of opting out of the unit of instruction, not the particular.

[John Bickley]

Well, that's how you define the unit of instruction. You could define the unit of instruction to include the reading of these storybooks.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

And that's not compelled as a matter of Maryland state law? The Maryland state.

[John Bickley]

It's not compelled as a matter of state law, but why should it not be compelled as a matter of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment? There's nothing what is infeasible about doing that.

[Mairead Elordi]

Amy Coney Barrett also seemed critical of the school district's claims. Here's Barrett.

[Tim Pierce]

Well, it's not just exposure to the idea.

[Georgia Howe]

Right.

[Tim Pierce]

If it's exposure, if it's presentation of the idea as fact, that's different. Right.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

I don't.

[Tim Pierce]

It's not just some people think it's saying this is the right view of the world. This is how we think about things. This is how you should think about things. This is like 2 plus 2 is 4.

[Mairead Elordi]

Even some of the usual critics seemed sympathetic to the parents. In this case, teachers union boss Randy Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers admitted she would not actually recommend these books to elementary schoolers, although she still called for inclusivity.

[Donald Trump]

These would not be the books I would be reading as a classroom teacher to kids who are 4 to 6 years old. My concern about this case is that.

[Tim Pierce]

It could pit people against each other when what we really need to be.

[Donald Trump]

Doing is we need to be making sure that every one of God's children is accepted in our classrooms.

[Tim Pierce]

Well, she's also reading the room a bit here. As we've reported, the data does suggest parents are souring on this kind of content in schools. So when can we expect a ruling?

[Mairead Elordi]

We'll likely get a ruling on this case by June or early July.

[Tim Pierce]

Well, a lot of parents are watching this very closely. Mairead, thanks for reporting.

[Mairead Elordi]

Thanks. Georgia.

[Tim Pierce]

Country music star and entrepreneur John Rich has teamed up with the Department of Homeland Security to warn Americans about the danger of child sexual extortion, an online epidemic that has skyrocketed.

[John Bickley]

Here to discuss is Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presa Giacomo. Amanda, so we recently covered the alarming rise in the sexual extortion of minors. The White House is now taking this on directly. Tell us about this new effort.

[Georgia Howe]

Right. So DHS has a campaign called know, to protect. You can find that on the DHS website. Its goal is to raise national public awareness about a rapidly growing crime called sexual extortion or sextortion. Now, sextortion is when a predator coerces or tricks a minor into sending them sexually explicit images or video footage and then threatens to release that content unless the minor either produces additional content or gives them money. We covered this more in depth earlier this month. But to give the audience an idea on its growing prevalence, there were 36 million reports of suspected online child exploitation in 2023 alone. Now amplifying DHS's awareness effort is John Rich. This week, Rich, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Agent Vetting hosted a livestream event on this issue. It was reposted online by President Trump and so far it's racked up millions of views.

[Tim Pierce]

As a mother and as a grandmother, I know that by having the right conversations, we can make sure that our.

[Mairead Elordi]

Kids and our teens understand all the.

[Tim Pierce]

Risks out there and we can equip families with resources. We can help stop online predators right in their tracks.

[Georgia Howe]

Agent Vetting laid out some really eye opening information, like how there are whole websites dedicated to child abuse content and how predators use those websites to network with one another to target children. The event was also very candid. Agent Fetting and Rich, both fathers to teen boys, they discussed sextortion as dads and they offered advice to parents.

[John Bickley]

If you as a parent are paying.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

For that device and you're paying for that cellular plan, there should not be a password that can keep you out of that thing.

[Donald Trump]

That's correct. You own it.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

You got to keep your kids safe.

[Donald Trump]

I made my two sons sign contracts. It's a great idea with me. This is an idea for parents out there that I did and it's worked very well. I go, I'm loaning you the phone. Here's a document and there are stipulations for you to maintain the loan. Or I can repossess the phone at any time if you break any of these stipulations in the loan. And it's about a page and a half long, but it's everything from you cannot download apps without my permission. I will always have the code to your phone. Sure, I can check your phone anytime.

[Georgia Howe]

I was able to catch up with Rich before the event went live on Wednesday. And he told me that this live stream was the most important information he's ever, ever put out on social media.

[Donald Trump]

As a dad, I'm fully aware of the dangers that are out there for our kids right now, it's totally different than when I grew up. They are being targeted on apps, video games, social media, places you would never dream of, innocent sounding games like Roblox, Minecraft, things like that where predators are acting like they're another kid and they're creating a relationship with your kid and then they lower the boom. Then they start to extort and sextort children. They do everything from force the kids to send nude pictures of themselves, to take pictures of their parents, credit cards front and back so they can, they can extort money. They threaten them with killing their family, burning their house down, posting the pictures all online. It results in kids, some of them becoming suicidal.

[Georgia Howe]

Rich also encouraged others with big platforms or small platforms to reach out to the Trump administration with their ideas.

[Donald Trump]

It's one great thing about the Trump administration on top of a lot of great things. They are accessible. They want to have positive impact. They want to work with you. And they're listening. They're listening to the general public. I'm general public.

[Georgia Howe]

The entire livestream with Rich and DHS is available on the Daily Wires website and John Rich's X account. It's a great resource for parents as well as teens.

[John Bickley]

Clearly, there's an urgent need for action on this issue. Glad to see big names like John Rich helping move this effort forward. Amanda, thanks so much for reporting.

[Georgia Howe]

You're welcome.

[Tim Pierce]

Before we go, we want to share some big news. Starting on Monday, April 28, we're launching a video version of Morning Wire.

[John Bickley]

You've trusted us for fast, accurate news, and now we're excited to bring you into our studio to see us on video for audio listeners. Don't worry, it won't change your listening experience. It's just another way to enjoy the show.

[Tim Pierce]

You'll be able to find Morning Wire video on our YouTube channel and of course, on the Daily Wire app and website. Or you can continue listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[John Bickley]

All right, thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

When your metabolism is working correctly, you feel the benefits in every aspect of life. With Lumen, the world's first handheld metabolic coach, you can gain insight and stay on track when it comes to improving your health. By simply breathing into your lumen each morning, you'll discover if your body is burning fats or carbs. The app then provides personalized nutrition plans and lifestyle guidance based on your unique metabolism. Take the next step in improving your health. Go to Lumen Me Wire to get 20% off your lumen, that is L U M E N Me Wire for 20% off your purchase. Thank you, Lumen, for sponsoring this episode.