Texas Floods Kill Dozens & Inside Trump’s Big Bill | 7.7.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Texas Floods Kill Dozens & Inside Trump’s Big Bill | 7.7.25
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Hosts: Georgia Howe and Cabot Phillips

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Catastrophic Texas Floods Claim Dozens of Lives

Overview of the Tragedy

On Independence Day, central Texas was devastated by unprecedented flash floods, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 70 lives, including 27 children. The Guadalupe River in Kerr County, west of Austin, surged by 26 feet within just 45 minutes, catching many campgoers by surprise.

Personal Stories Amidst the Chaos

Julian Ryan's heroic attempt to save his family underscores the human cost of the disaster. As water engulfed their campsite, Julian fought to protect his loved ones, ultimately losing his life in the process. "If it was my babies, I'd want somebody looking," Julian remarked before the catastrophe (00:14).

His fiancée, Patrick Hendry, shared the heartbreaking aftermath: "Afterward, he looked at me and the kids and my mother-in-law and he was, sorry, I'm not going to make it. I love y'all" (02:49).

Rescue and Recovery Efforts

Helicopters have been indispensable in the rescue operations due to severe road damage. Volunteer pilot Gary Haven, founder of Curves International, highlighted the challenges faced by first responders: “There's about half a dozen helicopters with all volunteers with that organization. And we're doing the mission. You can't get to the flood areas. The roads have been washed out” (03:52). Haven emphasized the collaborative efforts, including federal assistance and technological support from Elon Musk’s Starlink devices.

Criticism of Warning Systems

Questions have arisen regarding the effectiveness of early warning systems. Gary Haven noted, “The National Weather Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management both warned of severe flooding risk. People should have received those as alerts on their phones, but the most serious alerts came late at night when most people were already asleep” (05:29). This has sparked debates on necessary improvements to prevent future tragedies.

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President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill Becomes Law

Legislative Journey and Passage

After intensive debates and strategic maneuvering, President Trump’s much-anticipated bill was signed into law on Independence Day. The bill passed with a narrow vote of 218 to 214 on July 3, just before Trump's July 4 deadline, allowing the president to ceremoniously sign the bill on the White House lawn with patriotic fanfare (07:25).

Key Provisions of the Bill

Tim Pierce detailed significant elements of the legislation:

• Tax Benefits: Taxpayers can now write off interest payments on car loans.
• Child Investment Accounts: Introduction of Trump accounts providing a one-time $1,000 federal contribution for children born between 2025 and 2028, with potential annual contributions of up to $5,000 (08:33).
• Border Security: Allocation of $46 billion for the construction of the border wall and additional funds for deportation efforts.

Medicaid Overhaul and Work Requirements

A controversial aspect of the bill is the $1 trillion cut to Medicaid over the next decade. Republicans argue that Medicaid had become bloated, especially with the surge in enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill introduces work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid applicants aged 18 to 64, mandating at least 80 hours of work or active job seeking per month. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett supported this by stating, “The work requirement is that you need to be looking for work or even doing volunteer work” (10:35).

Opponents fear that these cuts will strip millions of Americans of their Medicaid coverage, adversely affecting hospitals and vulnerable populations. The administration contends that the bill will spur economic growth and reduce dependency on Medicaid by creating jobs (09:03).

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New York’s Political Turmoil: The Mamdani Mayoral Race

Zoran Mamdani's Ascendancy and Backlash

Zoran Mamdani's unexpected primary victory in New York City has ignited fears among various city stakeholders. Identifying as a democratic socialist, Mamdani’s platform has drawn criticism from both Republicans and traditional Democrats. Billionaire Bill Ackman has thrown his support behind incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, labeling Mamdani as a “socialist slash communist” whose policies would be “catastrophic for New York City” (12:07).

Impact on Small Businesses and Law Enforcement

Mamdani’s proposals, such as government-run grocery stores, have alarmed small business owners, particularly immigrant-run bodegas. Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the United Bodegas of America, expressed concern: “If you're able to infiltrate government into the private sector, you're basically ruining the dreams and the spirits of all these small business people” (12:47).

Additionally, the NYPD is apprehensive about Mamdani’s stance on policing. With over 1,500 officers having quit this year, Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry warned that Mamdani’s “anti-cop” attitude could exacerbate recruitment and retention issues (13:19).

Controversies Surrounding Mamdani

Zoran Mamdani faces scrutiny over discrepancies in his college application to Columbia University, where he listed multiple racial identities. Although born in Uganda, he claimed to identify as “an American who was born in Africa," raising questions about his authenticity and intentions regarding affirmative action policies (13:53). This controversy has further tarnished his image, even among some Democrats, potentially impacting his broader electoral prospects.

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Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, hosts Georgia Howe and Cabot Phillips provided a comprehensive analysis of two major national stories: the devastating Texas floods and the political maneuverings surrounding President Trump’s latest legislative achievement and the controversial mayoral race in New York City. Through firsthand accounts, expert opinions, and critical insights, the episode delves into the human impact of natural disasters, the complexities of legislative reforms, and the intricate dynamics of urban politics.

Notable Quotes:

• Cabot Phillips on the Flood Response: “The guy who wants to defund the police, take over the stores. And when everything falls apart, it always does. It always works that way” (00:49).
• Patrick Hendry on Bodega Owners: “Most bodega owners are immigrants... you’re basically ruining the dreams and the spirits of all these small business people” (12:47).
• Kevin Hassett on Medicaid Work Requirements: “The work requirement is that you need to be looking for work or even doing volunteer work” (10:35).

This episode underscores the Morning Wire’s commitment to delivering in-depth coverage on pressing issues, offering listeners valuable perspectives on events shaping the nation.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

Dozens are confirmed dead after catastrophic flash floods sweep through central Texas. We speak with a helicopter pilot on the front lines of the rescue and recovery operation.

[Cabot Phillips]

I had to come. If it was my babies, I'd want somebody looking.

[Tim Pierce]

So that's why I'm here.

[Georgia Howe]

I'm Georgia Howe. John is on vacation this week, so Cabot Phillips is filling in. It's Monday, July 7th, and this is Morning Wire.

[Tim Pierce]

President Trump's big, beautiful bill is now the law of the land. But what exactly is in it and what does it mean for Americans?

[Gary Haven]

That's the one big, beautiful bill.

[Kristi Noem]

It helps Wall street and Main Street.

[Georgia Howe]

And just weeks after Mamdani's stunning win, New Yorkers are sounding the alarm.

[Cabot Phillips]

The guy who wants to defund the police, take over the stores. And when everything falls apart, it always does. It always works that way. It never has worked any other way. Anarchy and dictatorships prevail.

[Georgia Howe]

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

[Mairead Elordi]

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[Tim Pierce]

Catastrophic flooding has killed at least 70 people in Central Texas in including 27 children. Officials describe the disaster as a once in a century event.

[Georgia Howe]

Here to talk about the tragedy unfolding in Texas is Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce. So for people just catching up, Tim, what happened over the weekend in Texas?

[Gary Haven]

Dozens are still missing in Central Texas after flash floods caused rivers to surge. Kerr county, west of Austin, was the hardest area hit. There. The Guadalupe river rose 26ft in just 45 minutes. Here's a time lapse of what that looked like. This was early morning on Independence Day, an especially popular time for camping by the river. In many cases People didn't realize the danger until water was already by their beds. That's what happened in the case of Julian Ryan. He died from blood loss after he cut his arm punching out a window to save his family. His family made it through. Thankfully. Here was Ryan's fiance.

[Patrick Hendry]

Afterward, he looked at me and the kids and my mother in law and he was, sorry, I'm not going to make it. I love y'.

[Mairead Elordi]

All.

[Gary Haven]

The case that has grabbed the most attention, at least nationally, is Camp Mystic. That's a Christian all girls camp in Kerr County. Every year, hundreds of girls go there to camp and have fun by the river and take part in a spiritual retreat. The flood caught the camp by surprise and dozens of campers and counselors were killed. And at least 11 girls are still missing as of this recording.

[Georgia Howe]

It's absolutely agonizing for those parents. Now, you spoke to someone involved in the recovery. Tell us about that.

[Gary Haven]

That's right. Hundreds of volunteers have turned out in the impacted areas, helping officials comb through mud and debris searching for the missing persons. And because of the flood damage to roads, helicopters have been particularly indispensable. We caught up with one volunteer pilot, Gary Haven, the founder of women's fitness brand Curves International. He's been working with a disaster response charity, Operation Helo, for years. This time he's been volunteering near marble Falls, about 100 miles north of Kerrville. Here's what he said about the volunteer effort.

[Kristi Noem]

There's about half a dozen helicopters with all volunteers with that organization. And we're doing the mission. You can't get to the flood areas. The roads have been washed out. So helicopters are the only way. So we've got fire department, all sorts of emergency rescue people. They're all out now combing the Pacific Creek, it's called Cow Creek, where we have three people missing. It's an awful job. They trudge along in the debris because a lot of times the bodies will be caught in the debris. And it's miles and of course, from the helicopter we search the riverbanks and fly low and slow, you know, and hopefully we also get to find people that, that are alive and bring them back.

[Gary Haven]

Haven said they've also gotten some outside help from the federal government and Elon Musk. Musk sent Starlink devices to the impacted areas for use by first responders. And from the Trump administration, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been on the ground to provide assistance wherever it's needed. Trump also signed a disaster declaration on Saturday to open up more resources. And of course, many are praying for the families of those who have been lost and for the safety of those still missing. Pope Leo, who is the first American Pope, gave a special invitation to pray on Sunday.

[Cabot Phillips]

I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were at summer camp in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe river in Texas in the United States.

[Georgia Howe]

We pray for them and we join him in that. Now, was this flood a complete surprise or was there warning?

[Gary Haven]

Yeah, there's been a lot of finger pointing over the early warning system and why people camping by the river were caught unprepared, especially in the case of places like Camp Mystic. The National Weather Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management both warned of severe flooding risk. People should have received those as alerts on their phones, but the most serious alerts came late at night when most people were already asleep. Even then, this was a once in a century flood, so it's understandable if people didn't fully realize what was coming. Now the question is what more steps should have been taken.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, no doubt there will be an investigation into that. Tim, thanks for reporting.

[Gary Haven]

Thanks for having me.

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[Georgia Howe]

After months of heated debate, President Trump's so called big Beautiful bill is now the law of the land and Cabot you have been tracking this story from the beginning. How did President Trump get this across the finish line?

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah, President Trump had initially given a July 4 deadline for passage, which looked implausible at the end of last week. That's because Speaker Mike Johnson had promised members a 72 hour period to review the changes made by the Senate. But when it became clear that that timeline would push the vote past the deadline, he changed course and instead started the vote on July 3, where it passed 218 to 214. That allowed President Trump the opportunity to sign his signature legislation from the White House lawn on Independence Day, complete with a big band blaring patriotic tunes and a flyover from B2 bombers.

[Cabot Phillips]

Are we ready? We're ready.

[Mairead Elordi]

Yes, we are ready.

[Tim Pierce]

Now, throughout this entire long process, President Trump has made clear that he views this bill as a means of codifying many of his top campaign promises and giving the American people what they voted for in November.

[Cabot Phillips]

We've delivered no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security for our great seniors.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, we've heard a lot of debate about this bill, but what's actually in it?

[Tim Pierce]

So, among other things, it will allow taxpayers to write off interest payments on car loans and establish new Trump accounts for babies born between 2025 and 28. Those will include a one time thousand dollars federal contribution to an investment fund on every child's behalf. From there, families can contribute up to $5,000 annually and then withdraw those funds once they're 18. And of course, it puts $46 billion towards construction of the border wall and tens of billions dollars more towards deportation efforts.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, a lot of the debate has centered around Medicaid. What did we see in the final bill on that front?

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah, in order to offset the massive, again, trillions of dollars worth of tax cuts, the bill does include about a trillion dollars in cuts to entitlements over the next decade, specifically Medicaid. Democrats say this will force millions of Americans off of Medicaid and cut funding to hospitals nationwide. But on the other side, Republicans say Medicaid has become bloated in recent years with folks who were taking advantage of the system. They note that Medicaid enrollment exploded during the COVID pandemic when continuous enrollment was implemented. As a result, around 8 million people were added to the program in the last four years alone. And over that same timeframe, disenrollments were put on pause. The GOP says it's now time to bring Medicaid back to pre pandemic levels and ensure that able bodied young people in particular are not taking advantage of the system.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, what would the work requirement look like?

[Tim Pierce]

Well, for context, in recent years, 40 states have passed laws expanding Medicaid. Medicaid eligibility to include low income, able bodied adults. That means those who were able to work but were not. Republicans say millions of Americans gained the system by remaining enrolled even when their income exceeded the minimum threshold, or again, by not even attempting to find work. So they included a provision that says able bodied Medicaid applicants between the ages of 18 and 64 must work at least 80 hours a month or be actively seeking a job in order to qualify. And that once you're enrolled, you've got to prove every six months now that you are still qualified. Here's National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett making the case for that provision.

[Cabot Phillips]

The work requirement is that you need to be looking for work or even doing volunteer work, and you don't need to do it until your kids are 14 or older. And so the idea that that's going to cause a massive hemorrhaging in availability of insurance doesn't make a lot of sense.

[Tim Pierce]

Now, more broadly, the Trump administration says that the best way to get health insurance is, is to get a job. And they say this bill will result in economic growth and add millions of new jobs, thus reducing the number of people who need to be enrolled in Medicaid in the first place.

[Georgia Howe]

So it sounds like we're returning to pre pandemic requirements in many ways.

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah.

[Patrick Hendry]

All right.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, Cabot, thanks for reporting.

[Tim Pierce]

Absolutely.

[Georgia Howe]

New York City elites are panicking about the prospect of Zoran Mamdani becoming mayor and enacting his radical socialist policies.

[Tim Pierce]

From high ranking Democrats and finance and tech figures to bodega owners and cops, they are all sounding the alarm. Daily Wire investigative reporter Mairead Elordi is here with more. Hey, Mairead. So tell us the latest on Mamdani.

[Patrick Hendry]

Hi, Cabot. So the big players in New York City are all scrambling about what to do about Mamdani right now. Bill Ackman, the billionaire hedge fund manager, is throwing his full endorsement and financial weight behind current Mayor Eric Adams. Ackman called Mamdani a socialist slash communist and said his policies would be, quote, catastrophic for New York City. Previously, Ackman was considering funding a new challenger just to beat Mamdani. And he said he was ready to spend hundreds of millions of dollars backing a challenger. By the way, Mamdani identifies as a democratic socialist, but he has been criticized as even being a communist. Here he is discussing whether billionaires should exist.

[Cabot Phillips]

I don't think that we should have billionaires because frankly, it is so much money in a moment of such inequality. And ultimately what we need more of is equality across our city and across our state and across our country. And I look forward to to work with everyone, including billionaires, to make a city that is fairer for all of them.

[Tim Pierce]

You can see why a lot of New Yorkers might be concerned by that. And it's not just high level business leaders. Cops and small business owners are also sounding the alarm, right?

[Patrick Hendry]

Yes. So one group that's very concerned is New York City bodega owners. They're afraid that Mamdani's proposal for grocery stores run by the government will put them out of business. Here's Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the United Bodegas of America.

[Cabot Phillips]

Most bodega owners are immigrants and they come here to try to make a living and do the right thing. By the city of Bodega is not just where you sell food. There are also community centers. So if you're able to infiltrate government into the private sector, you're basically ruining the dreams and the spirits of all these small business people who have risked everything they have borrowed everything they could borrow to open their small business.

[Patrick Hendry]

Cops may quit in droves if Mamdani wins too. The NYPD is already having trouble recruiting and retaining officers. More than 1500 cops have quit this year. And with Mamdani's anti police stances, union officials are warning it will only make it harder to keep cops on the streets. The president of the Police Benevolent Association, Patrick Hendry, called Mamdani anti cop and said he has an extremist attitude and it's going to scare other cops and they will go out the door.

[Tim Pierce]

Now Mamdani is already facing some personal controversy since winning the primary. Give us some details on this college application scandal.

[Patrick Hendry]

Right. So the New York Times reported Thursday that Mamdani identified as both Asian and black or African American on his college application to Columbia University. When he applied as a high school senior in 2009, he was ultimately rejected from the Ivy League school. Mamdani was born in Uganda, but told the outlet he doesn't identify as either Asian or black, but rather as, quote, an American who was born in Africa. He said he was trying to capture the fullness of my background. Of course, at the time, Colombia was using affirmative action and factoring race into their admissions process. So that raises questions about why Mamdani checked multiple boxes for his race. Alumni of Colombia immediately came out to slam Mamdani. One accused him of trying to exploit this country's legacy of slavery that oppressed African slaves. Mamdani is, of course, under intense scrutiny now, not just by Republicans, but by lots of Democrats and New Yorkers who would otherwise usually support the Democratic nominee. And he can blame his radical policies for that.

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah, worth noting, fewer than 30% of registered Democrats in the city turned out for the primary. We'll see if and how the other 70% vote in the general Mairead, thanks so much for reporting.

[Patrick Hendry]

Thanks Cabot.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're watching on YouTube, please like and subscribe. We'll be back later this evening with more news you need to know.

[Mairead Elordi]

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