The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | 1.17.25

Summary

Morning Wire: The Trump Shift & Cabinet Confirmation Questioning | January 17, 2025

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe

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1. Cultural Vibe Shift: Elites Embrace President Trump

Timestamp: [00:03] - [05:59]

John Bickley opens the episode by highlighting a significant cultural transformation where once skeptical elites from Silicon Valley and Hollywood are now openly supporting President Trump. Georgia Howe probes into this unexpected realignment, questioning the normalization of Trump despite his controversial past.

Key Points:

• Increase in Support from Prominent Figures: Amanda Presto Giacomo details how influential individuals like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos have donated substantial funds to Trump's inaugural efforts, signaling a dramatic shift from their previous opposition ([01:36]).

  Amanda Presto Giacomo [02:05]: "Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos… donating a million dollars each to Trump's inaugural fund. A complete turn of the page here."

• Entertainment Industry's Changing Stance: Unlike in 2016, where major artists like Garth Brooks and Celine Dion declined to participate in Trump's inauguration, 2025 sees significant participation from country stars like Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean, with minimal backlash from the entertainment sector ([02:05] - [05:59]).

  Amanda Presto Giacomo [03:19]: "Carrie Underwood is going to be singing 'America the Beautiful' at the ceremony itself… no significant backlash from the entertainment industry."

• Sports and Other Sectors Embracing Trump: Sports figures such as Mike Tyson and Jake Paul have become vocal Trump supporters, a departure from their typically reserved political engagements ([05:59]).

  Amanda Presto Giacomo [05:07]: "Mike Tyson and Jake Paul… are all open Trump supporters. Even during the NFL season, players were visibly supporting Trump."

This cultural shift, termed the "vibe shift," signifies a broader acceptance and support for Trump across various societal sectors, contrasting sharply with prior years of resistance.

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2. Cabinet Confirmation Hearings: Highlights and Controversies

Timestamp: [06:07] - [09:59]

The discussion transitions to the ongoing confirmation hearings for President Trump's cabinet nominees. Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice provides a comprehensive update on the day's events, highlighting both uneventful and contentious moments.

Key Points:

• Housing and Environment Departments: Eric Turner’s hearing for HUD was uneventful as he pledged not to enforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements. Similarly, Lee Zeldin’s EPA hearing was smooth despite his strong stance against environmental activism, with minimal disruption aside from interjections from Senator Bernie Sanders about climate change and China ([06:28] - [07:13]).

  Tim Rice [06:15]: "Eric Turner… would not impose DEI requirements at the agency."

• Energy Policy Focus: Governor Doug Burgum’s rescheduled hearing emphasized American energy dominance and the importance of boosting domestic energy production for national security without harming the environment. Burgum dismissed the notion that reducing US energy production would benefit the global environment, labeling it a "false trade-off" ([07:24] - [08:10]).

  Doug Burgum [07:48]: "That's a false trade off. You don't help because somebody else produces it someplace else less cleaner than we do."

• Treasury Department's Scott Besant: Besant's hearing was notably fiery, especially during exchanges with Democratic senators. He defended Trump's tariff policies against Senator Ron Wyden’s criticisms, asserting that tariff theories do not support Wyden’s claims. When questioned about climate change, Besant reframed it as an "energy race" rather than just clean energy, countering skepticism from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse ([08:19] - [09:59]).

  Scott Besant [08:46]: "There is an energy race."

  Sheldon Whitehouse [09:11]: "You gave it to me in your office and I did read it… do your homework."

The hearings reflect a strong alignment with Trump's policies, particularly on energy and economic measures, while also showcasing the increasing assertiveness of his nominees in defending their positions.

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3. Surge in Faith-Based Media: A New Mainstream Force

Timestamp: [09:59] - [14:55]

Amanda Presto Giacomo shifts the focus to the burgeoning faith-based media landscape, illustrating its rapid growth and increasing penetration into mainstream culture. This segment underscores how religious content is not only thriving but also challenging established media giants.

Key Points:

• Podcast Dominance: Faith-based podcasts like Ascension's "Rosary in a Year" have surpassed mainstream counterparts, with notable programs now topping Apple podcast charts and accumulating hundreds of millions of downloads ([09:59] - [12:30]).

  Amanda Presto Giacomo [10:30]: "Ascension released 'Rosary in a Year' that debuted at number one on Apple podcast charts, topping even Joe Rogan."

• Celebrity Endorsements and Mainstream Integration: High-profile endorsements from celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg and Gwen Stefani for apps like Hallow, coupled with appearances of Christian figures on popular platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast, demonstrate the mainstream acceptance and integration of religious content ([10:30] - [13:12]).

  Mel Gibson [12:30]: "I regard the gospels as history. It's verifiable history… nobody dies for a lie."

• Statistical Evidence of Growth: Despite a rise in secular affiliations, polls indicate a notable increase in belief in a higher power and church attendance among younger demographics. Surveys from Springtide Research Institute reveal a growth from 25% to 33% of 18-year-olds believing in a higher power between 2021 and 2023 ([13:12] - [14:17]).

  Georgia Howe [13:15]: "Yeah. So an average of all 2023, Gallup polling found that about 22% of Americans are not affiliated with religion… a third of people aged 18 believe more than doubt in the existence of a higher power."

• Cultural Polarity: While faith-based content is on the rise, there is a simultaneous push towards secularism and even contrary lifestyle choices, exemplified by platforms like OnlyFans. This dichotomy highlights a polarized cultural landscape where faith serves as both a unifying and divisive force ([14:17] - [14:38]).

  Father Mark Mary [14:17]: "Many young people… have tried it a little bit, and they're like, no, that is just not what I'm looking for. And so they go looking somewhere else, and it brings them… to the Lord."

The rise of faith-based media signifies a pivotal shift in content consumption, positioning religious narratives at the forefront of cultural discourse and challenging the dominance of previously unassailable media platforms.

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Conclusion

John Bickley and Georgia Howe encapsulate a transformative period in American culture and politics. The "vibe shift" signifies a growing acceptance and support for President Trump among previously opposing cultural elites. Concurrently, the fervent defense and alignment of Trump's cabinet nominees during confirmation hearings underscore a consolidation of his administration's policy directions. Finally, the surge in faith-based media not only highlights a resurgence of religious engagement but also reshapes the media landscape by challenging long-standing mainstream giants. Together, these trends paint a picture of a society in flux, grappling with shifting allegiances and evolving cultural paradigms.

Stay tuned with Morning Wire for comprehensive coverage and insights into these ongoing developments.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

From Silicon Valley to Hollywood, cultural elites are warming up to President Trump.

[Georgia Howe]

I don't understand how you say you.

[Megan Basham]

Love your country at the same time.

[Georgia Howe]

As you normalize this convicted felon, which I can say now.

[Megan Basham]

Every day we break down the signs all around of a massive vibe shift.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Friday, January 17th, and this is Morning Wire. Another busy day of confirmation hearings sees several more moments of contention, including with Doug Burgum and Scott Besant.

[Tim Rice]

We do not have a revenue problem in the United States of America. We have a spending problem. This spending is out of control.

[Megan Basham]

And faith based media is booming. We look at the trends pointing to a renewed cultural interest in God.

[John Bickley]

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

[Brandon]

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[John Bickley]

In 2016 and 2020, Centers of Cultural power like Hollywood and Silicon Valley signaled clear opposition to Trump and kept his administration at a distance. But that appears to be changing in 2025. Many culture critics are commenting on what's being called the vibe shift.

[Megan Basham]

Here with more on the vibe shift is Daily Wire culture reporter Megan Basham. So, Meghan, I've been hearing that term a lot. No doubt our listeners have, too. How big is this shift?

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

You know, I don't think it would be hyperbole to call it enormous. It's totally different this time around. Elon Musk, as we would expect, is going to have pride of place at Trump's inauguration on January 20th. But he's not gonna be alone. So will Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, both of whom donated a million dollars each to Trump's inaugural fund. And both will be seated on stage with him at the inauguration. And speaking of, Trump also raked some in from OpenAI CEO and the CEO of Uber. And these are companies that up until just about five minutes ago were viewed as, well, pardon the pun, uber progressive. And then when we turn to car manufacturing, Toyota, Ford, General Motors, they're also kicking into Trump's inaugural fund, with Ford reportedly donating fleets of vehicles for use by high profile guests. And if you look at the financial world, we see Goldman Sachs, bank of America, major head fund managers also throwing the returning president their support. So, just a complete turn of the page here.

[Megan Basham]

That said, though, businesses tend to want to be on good terms with the sitting president, even if just for financial reasons. What other cultural indicators point to a vibe shift?

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

Well, you know, this may be the most dramatic. During Trump's 2016 inauguration, planners actually had a pretty difficult time scheduling a list performers. Among the artists who declined to sing at that event were Garth Brooks, some Celine Dion, Elton John, and then world famous opera singer Andrea Bocelli initially said that he had accepted an invitation to perform, but then he backed out due to backlash in the music industry. This time, though, the Trump team has had no trouble scoring One of the biggest country artists on the planet. Carrie Underwood is going to be singing America the Beautiful at the ceremony itself. And then other major acts like Jason Aldean and Rascal Flats are going to perform at an inaugural ball. And then, maybe even more telling, I haven't really seen much backlash from the entertainment industry for any of these performers. I mean, you know, there's been a little bit of low level grousing from a few isolated figures. Joy Behar comes to mind, but nothing significant. And I also think if we turn and look at comedy, we see the same thing. So on New Year's Eve, comedian Whitney Cummings went on CNN and absolutely roasted the Democrats 2024 election fried our brains.

[Georgia Howe]

The Democrats couldn't hold a primary because they were too busy holding a body upright. Are we still rolling? Am I off?

[Unknown]

Go for it.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

And then just a few days later, comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the Golden Globes and took aim at Hollywood for being politically disconnected from the American public.

[Megan Basham]

I am not here to roast you tonight.

[Georgia Howe]

I want you to know that.

[Megan Basham]

And how could I really? You're all so famous, so talented, so powerful. I mean, you could really do anything. I mean, except tell the country who to vote for.

[Georgia Howe]

But it's okay.

[John Bickley]

You'll.

[Megan Basham]

You'll get them next time.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

In terms of actors, if we look at a list celebrities, they are openly backing Trump in a way we never saw before. I'm thinking of people like Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and DC superhero Zachary Levi. Now, professional sports have, of course, always had a little bit more of a conservative bent than other areas of culture. But you still mostly saw the big names keep pretty quiet about their politics. That's not happening now. Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, Danica Patrick, former Patriots general manager Bill Belichick, two time super bowl champion Lawrence Taylor. They are all open Trump supporters. And if you paid any attention to this past NFL season, you noticed that it was replete with players doing that famous Trump dance. So just a completely different landscape, right?

[Megan Basham]

No doubt. It feels totally different this time around. Meghan, thanks for reporting.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

Anytime.

[Megan Basham]

Yesterday was another big day in Washington for the incoming Trump administration, with five cabinet nominees appearing before Senate committees.

[John Bickley]

Here with an update on the latest batch of confirmation hearings is Daily Wire deputy Managing editor Tim Rice. A Tim so another series of hearings coming at us kind of rapid fire this week. Give us the rundown. What happened on day three?

[Unknown]

He had John five hearings yesterday. And just like Wednesday, it was a mix of uneventful and lively. Let's start with the uneventful. Eric Turner, Trump's pick to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, said he would not impose DEI requirements at the agency. Lee Zeldin, Trump's pick to lead the epa, had a surprisingly easy hearing considering his staunch opposition to environmental activism. Other than a couple of interjections from Bernie Sanders, who chimed in to make disputed claims about climate change and downplay the threat of China, the hearing was pretty smooth. Senators were even joking about which of their states had the best mountain ranges.

[John Bickley]

Oh, who won?

[Unknown]

Well, John Curtis said Utah had real mountains as opposed to the hills on the East Coast. But like Zeldin, I'm a New Yorker, so I refuse to take that sitting down.

[John Bickley]

Gotcha. So let's get to the good stuff, the drama. Doug Burgum's hearing was rescheduled from Tuesday. We've had a few days of anticipation building for that one. How did that go?

[Unknown]

Well, the governor focused primarily on American energy dominance, warning that the country was currently facing an energy cris and that Washington needed to work closely with state and local governments to boost energy production. Here he was explaining why domestic energy production is crucial for national security and not bad for the environment. We got to realize that if you shut down US Energy production here, it doesn't help the global environment.

That's a false trade off.

You don't help because somebody else produces it someplace else less cleaner than we do. Burgum also offered a glimpse into how he would balance those priorities with the need to preserve federal land, saying, quote, not every acre of federal land is a national park or a wilderness area. Some of those areas we have to absolutely protect for their precious stuff. But the rest of it, this is America's balance sheet.

[John Bickley]

So two very energy focused hearings. Back to back. Switching gears a bit, let's talk about Scott Besant, who we've actually recently talked to on this show. How did that go?

[Unknown]

Trump's pick to run the Treasury Department had probably the most colorful hearing of the day, giving us some instantly viral exchanges with Democratic senators. Like when he schooled Ron Wyden on tariffs.

All through the campaign, we heard they weren't, that foreign countries were going to pay it. I think that's baloney.

[Tim Rice]

So your response, Senator? I would respectfully disagree. And the history of tariffs and optimal tariff theory does not support what you're saying.

[Unknown]

Or when he responded to Wyden's question about climate change.

We are in an arms race on clean energy with them. Are you going to be on the side of people who want to unravel.

[Tim Rice]

This just so we can frame this for everyone in the room? China will build a hundred new coal plants this year. There is not a clean energy race. There is an energy race.

[Unknown]

And then there was the moment Sheldon Whitehouse asked Besant to read an article he'd already read.

[Tim Rice]

I would actually ask you personally to read this Economist magazine article. I don't think it's complicated. Senator Whitehouse. You gave it to me in your office and I did read it. Good. All right, so we're ahead of you. So I just want to make sure I will point out to my children behind me, doing your homework is important.

[John Bickley]

All right, so a little feisty, but still pretty amicable interactions across the board. And what are we looking at today?

[Unknown]

Just one hearing. Kristi Noem, Trump's pick for the Department of Homeland Security. She'll appear before the Senate Homeland Security Committee later this morning. DHS is, of course, a huge job, so we'll be watching to see what Noam has to say about national security, the border crisis and more.

[John Bickley]

Indeed. And I should note that we'll be streaming that hearing on Daily Wire. Tim, thanks for reporting.

[Unknown]

You bet.

[John Bickley]

Faith based content has exploded in new media and is increasingly piercing through mainstream culture. A faith based podcast has now even overtaken the Joe Rogan experience on Apple podcasts. Here to discuss is Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo. Hey, Amanda. So we've been tracking this trend for a couple of years now, especially with the rise of ANG Studios and with Daily Wire's own contributions, as with the Sound of Hope film. What is the evidence that interest in faith based content is in fact growing.

[Georgia Howe]

Hey, John. Well, there's faith based content climbing the charts when it comes to total downloads and online engagement, and that's really prevalent in the podcast and app space, where there are no gatekeepers. A breakout hit from a few years ago was Ascension's Bible in a Year podcast, which is actually hosted by a priest, Father Mike Schmitz, that held a spot at number one for a total of 24 days. This year, Ascension released Rosary in a Year that debuted at number one on Apple podcast charts, topping even Joe Rogan. The listenership for Bible in a Year is huge, garnering well over 700 million downloads. And Rosary in the year could be on track for similar numbers. It debuted at number one in all categories back in December, and it still remains in the top 10 on the Apple charts. And there are many other Christian shows gaining steam in the podcast space. Catholic discussion podcasts, Pints with Aquinas and Bishop Robert Barron's the Word on Fire each get millions of views just on YouTube. And Ali Beth Stuckey's Protestant Christian perspective podcast, Relatable gets comparable numbers. There's also the Catholic prayer and meditation app called Hallow, which has been endorsed by stars like Mark Wahlberg and Gwen Stefani. The numbers there are also staggering. That App has over 22 million installs. And around Easter time last year, Hallow landed at number one on the Apple App Store, marking the first time a health, wellness, meditation, or religious app ever accomplished such a feat.

[John Bickley]

Well, is this new for faith based content to get these kinds of numbers?

[Georgia Howe]

Well, alternative media in general is booming, but it's definitely new for faith based content to hold the number one ranking on the charts. And I should also note the reigning podcast king, Joe Rogan, has increasingly been bringing on Christian perspective guests. The same week Rosary in a Year was climbing the Apple charts, Rogan dropped a highly anticipated episode with biblical scholar Wesley Huff. Just a week later, he brought an outspoken Catholic actor, Mel Gibson, who right now is working on the sequel to the massively successful Passion of the Christ. Here's a taste of Gibson and Rogin discussing the martyrdom of eleven of the twelve apostles.

[Unknown]

I regard the gospels as history. It's verifiable history. Some people say, oh, it's a fairy tale. He never existed, but he did. All the evangelists, the apostles who went out there, every single one of those guys died rather than deny their belief. And nobody dies for a lie. Nobody.

[Tim Rice]

Right.

[Georgia Howe]

The discussion of faith on Rogan's podcast is probably the biggest example of faith Breaking through the mainstream, the Joe Rogan Experience audience is mostly male and not particularly religious, and the reach is massive. It's the most popular podcast on Spotify with 14.5 million followers, and episodes average around 11 million views each.

[John Bickley]

Oh, but we're not envious of those numbers here.

[Georgia Howe]

Never.

[John Bickley]

So is faith actually on the rise?

[Georgia Howe]

Yeah. So an average of all 2023, Gallup polling found that about 22% of Americans are not affiliated with religion, which is the highest it's ever been. And nearly half of all zoomers, Those born between 1997 and 2012, they're not religiously affiliated, according to a 2022 YouGov survey. But there is also data showing a shift toward religion. A Springtide Research Institute survey from 2023, for example, found that a third of people aged 18 believe more than doubt in the existence of a higher power. That's an increase from only about a quarter in 2021. There are also other signs, like the significant spike in Bible sales or things more anecdotal, like the trend online noticing more athletes talking about their faith. At the same time, though, it is undeniable that there's a more extreme push away from God in the mainstream. The explosion of OnlyFans, which is basically a subscription pornography site, is a prime example of this. I spoke to Father Mark Mary of Rosary in a year about that polarity in culture, and here's what he told me.

[Unknown]

One thing that can bring many people to God is a distaste or a disillusion of some of the other options out there, where it's like, okay, here are being proposed worldviews, here are being proposed lifestyles. Many young people or people in general, have tried it a little bit, and they're like, no, that is just not what I'm looking for. And so they go looking somewhere else, and it brings them, you know, to the Lord.

[John Bickley]

Obviously, there's many forces at work culturally, but it does seem clear the pull of faith has grown stronger in several public spaces.

[Georgia Howe]

Right. And a positive trend.

[John Bickley]

Amanda, thanks for reporting.

[Georgia Howe]

You're welcome.

[Megan Basham]

Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back later this afternoon with more news. You need to know.