Morning Wire Podcast Summary: "Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25"

Release Date: March 26, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief) and Georgia Howe
Co-Host: Amanda Presto Giacomo

1. National Security Signal Chat Scandal

The episode opens with a deep dive into a recent national security controversy involving the misuse of the Signal messaging app by Trump administration officials. This incident has stirred significant debate on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers expressing serious concerns over potential breaches of classified information.

Key Points:

• Incident Overview: National security officials were questioned on Capitol Hill regarding the addition of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal group chat discussing imminent military strikes against Houthi terrorists. The revelation that Goldberg, a public figure, was privy to these sensitive discussions has ignited bipartisan scrutiny.

• Congressional Hearings: During the hearings, Democrats accused Trump officials of compromising national security by exposing classified information. The officials, however, staunchly defended their actions, asserting that no classified material was shared.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley (00:03): "National security officials are grilled on Capitol Hill amid dueling accusations of a military strike."
• Georgia Howe (00:08): "There was no classified material that was shared in that."
• Tim Pierce (02:39): "Director Ratcliffe insisted that there was nothing inherently wrong with national security officials discussing military plans on Signal and noted it was approved under the Biden administration."
• John Ratcliffe (03:30): "There was a big step away from Democrats. The death of the Green New scam is upon us."

White House Response: White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt publicly downplayed the incident, labeling Goldberg's reporting as "sensationalist spin" and denying that any classified information was discussed in the Signal chat. President Trump has largely supported Michael Waltz, a key figure in the incident, stating that it was "the only glitch in two months" and minimally concerning.

Future Implications: The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations and potential repercussions for those involved. President Trump’s initial defense suggests that Waltz may retain his position despite the controversy, indicating a possible long-term impact on the administration's approach to national security protocols.

2. Soda Wars: Government Restrictions and Industry Response

The podcast transitions to the burgeoning conflict between government efforts to restrict the use of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funds for purchasing sugary drinks and junk food, and the aggressive lobbying by major soda and food companies to maintain these subsidies.

Key Points:

• Government Initiatives: Under the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, there is a strong push to limit SNAP benefits from being used to buy soda, candy, and other unhealthy food options. This initiative has gained traction both federally and across several states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Arizona, Indiana, Texas, and West Virginia.

• State-Level Actions: West Virginia recently passed a bill banning numerous food dyes commonly found in junk food and sugary drinks, set to take effect in 2028. This move is seen as a direct blow to the soda industry, with significant implications for school food programs starting that summer.

• Industry Lobbying Efforts: Big food and soda companies are mounting a formidable resistance against these restrictions. They argue that such measures represent government overreach and infringe upon personal choice. The American Beverage Association (ABA) has been particularly vocal, emphasizing their commitment to zero-sugar options and clear product labeling.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Howe (07:29): "The food industry is working across numerous fronts to try to protect these profits."
• ABA Vice President Meredith Potter (08:03): "The ABA was not behind that campaign and is unaware of who is."
• President Trump (05:08): "Waltz has learned a lesson and is a good man."

Influencer Involvement: A significant aspect of the battle includes the strategic use of influencers to sway public opinion. Right-leaning influencers have been actively promoting the narrative that SNAP restrictions on soda are a form of government overreach, often highlighting President Trump’s preference for Diet Coke to bolster their arguments. There are unverified claims that these influencers were compensated by groups affiliated with Big Soda, although some, like women's rights advocate Riley Gaines, have publicly declined such offers, receiving commendation for their integrity.

Economic and Social Impact: Approximately 10% of SNAP spending is allocated to soda and sugary drinks, amounting to roughly $4 billion in taxpayer subsidies. Eliminating these subsidies poses a substantial financial threat to major soda companies. Additionally, the restriction efforts aim to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier eating habits among SNAP beneficiaries.

Industry Strategies: In response to the proposed restrictions, companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Keurig Dr Pepper, and Walmart are not only lobbying against the measures but are also engaging directly with Trump administration officials to emphasize their commitment to healthier products and maintain their market share.

3. Environmental Policy Overhaul by the EPA

The final segment of the episode addresses the Trump administration's aggressive rollback of environmental regulations under the leadership of EPA Chief Lee Zeldin. This marks one of the most significant shifts in U.S. environmental policy in over a decade.

Key Points:

• Policy Reversals: Zeldin has been instrumental in dismantling numerous climate regulations established by previous administrations. This includes the repeal of Biden’s electric vehicle mandate, which aimed for half of all new cars sold to be electric by 2032, and the overturning of the Obama-era endangerment finding that regulated greenhouse gas emissions.

• Funding Cuts: The EPA has reclaimed over $22 billion in contracts, notably targeting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that previously benefited from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Zeldin criticized the allocation of funds to middlemen and "pass-throughs," arguing that taxpayer money was being squandered.

• Impact on the Energy Sector: These regulatory changes have accelerated the shift back to fossil fuels, with the Department of Energy greenlighting numerous oil and gas projects. This has led to a decline in green investments and a hesitancy among oil and gas executives to continue supporting renewable energy initiatives.

Notable Quotes:

• Lee Zeldin (11:18): "The death of the Green New scam is upon us. The people across this country who have seen a Green New Deal that if fully implemented, will cost tens of trillions of dollars, and people who cannot afford to be able to heat their home to purchase a car."
• Tim Rice (11:00): "The Trump administration, and Zeldin in particular, are aggressively attacking Democratic climate policies and green programs."
• Meredith Potter (07:22): "The ABA was not behind that campaign and is unaware of who is."

Legal and Social Repercussions: In addition to policy changes, a landmark court case recently found Greenpeace USA liable for nearly $700 million due to their involvement in violent protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. This verdict sets a precedent aimed at deterring extremist tactics from activist groups, reinforcing the administration's stance against disruptive environmental protests.

Economic Ramifications: The rollback of environmental regulations is intended to stimulate economic growth by reducing operational burdens on small businesses and energy producers. However, critics argue that these changes may have long-term negative effects on environmental sustainability and public health.

Future Outlook: With the administration’s clear intent to prioritize energy dominance over environmental concerns, significant transformations within the EPA are expected to continue. This includes further deregulation and financial reallocation to support fossil fuel industries, signaling a robust shift away from the green policies of the previous decade.

Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe, along with co-host Amanda Presto Giacomo, provide a comprehensive analysis of two major fronts: the National Security Signal Chat Scandal and the ongoing Soda Wars between government regulation and industry lobbying. Additionally, they shed light on the Trump administration's sweeping changes to environmental policies under EPA Chief Lee Zeldin. Through detailed discussions, notable quotes, and insightful commentary, the episode offers listeners a thorough understanding of these pressing issues shaping the current political and social landscape.