Morning Wire: Trump Announces Tariffs & South Sees Record Snowfall | Afternoon Update | January 22, 2025

Presented by John Bickley and Georgia Howe

1. President Trump's Economic Ultimatum to Russia

Host Introduction: Georgia Howe opens the afternoon update on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, setting the stage for the day's key discussions.

Trump's Stance on Russia: Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice reports on President Donald Trump's recent actions concerning Russia. Trump has issued an economic ultimatum to Russia amidst ongoing tensions over Ukraine.

Notable Quote:

Donald Trump [00:39]: "I'm prepared to impose tariffs and sanctions on Russian goods if a peace deal isn't reached soon. I have tremendous respect for Russia and its people, but the war must end to prevent further loss of life. This conflict would not have started under my leadership. I urge President Putin to negotiate."

Expert Analysis: An unnamed expert emphasizes the need for a long-term peace solution:

"The goal should not be a brief ceasefire or merely buying time to regroup and rearm, but achieving lasting peace based on respect for the lawful interests of all people and nationalities in the region." [01:01]

Economic Implications: Trump highlighted that the United States imported nearly $15 billion in Russian goods in 2020-22, including fertilizers and precious metals [01:28].

2. Imposition of Tariffs on Chinese Imports

Tariff Announcement: Georgia Howe details President Trump's announcement of a 10% tariff on Chinese imports starting February 1, citing China's involvement in fentanyl trafficking [01:36].

Trade Discussions: Trump discussed trade with President Xi Jinping, asserting his firm stance on trade imbalances.

Executive Orders: The President signed an executive order directing investigations into trade deficits and the creation of an external revenue service to collect tariffs. Additional tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico are anticipated [01:36].

Debate on Tariffs: While critics warn of increased consumer costs and potential retaliatory measures, Trump argues that these tariffs will bolster American manufacturing.

3. School Shooting Incident in Tennessee

Incident Report: Tim Rice reports a tragic event at Antioch High School in Nashville, where a student opened fire in a cafeteria, resulting in one fatality and two injuries before taking his own life [02:12].

Victim Details: Public Information Officer Don Aaron provides specifics:

"The female classmate who was killed was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Another female student sustained a graze wound to the arm and is in stable condition." [02:29]

Law Enforcement Response: Police confirmed that school resource officers were present but not near the cafeteria during the incident. Authorities are conducting an ongoing investigation [02:49].

4. DOJ's Stance on Immigration Enforcement

DOJ Warning: Georgia Howe introduces the Department of Justice's warning to state and local officials regarding the obstruction of President Trump's immigration enforcement efforts [03:05].

Memo Highlights: Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove outlined the DOJ's focus on combating cartels, violent crime, and the fentanyl crisis, emphasizing the importance of complying with federal immigration laws [03:13].

ICE Operations: Under Trump's administration, ICE has apprehended over 300 illegal immigrants, including individuals charged with serious crimes. Border Czar Tom Homan affirmed the agency's focus on targeting approximately 700,000 illegal migrants posing public safety threats [03:13].

Notable Quote:

Tom Homan [03:46]: "As we said repeatedly, President Trump's been clear. We're concentrating on the worst first, addressing public safety and national security."

5. India Agrees to Repatriate Illegal Immigrants

Bilateral Cooperation: Tim Rice reports that India has agreed to collaborate with the Trump administration to repatriate at least 18,000 Indian citizens residing illegally in the United States [04:17].

Process and Implications: The verification and application process for repatriation is underway. India aims to preserve access to legal immigration channels such as student and H1B visas, aligning with Trump's warnings of tariffs against countries unwilling to return their nationals [04:17].

Broader Impact: Officials suggest that this cooperation could enhance India's migration agreements, especially in light of rising job shortages in the U.S. [04:17].

6. Controversy Over Bishop Marianne Budd's Comments

Incident Overview: Georgia Howe covers a disagreement between President Trump and Bishop Marianne Budd following the national prayer service. Bishop Budd criticized Trump's immigration policies, prompting a response from the President [04:45].

Bishop Budd's Statement:

Bishop Marianne Budd [04:54]: "They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, wadara, and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities."

Trump's Response: Trump condemned Budd's remarks as "nasty and inappropriate," accusing her of politicizing the event and neglecting the issue of criminal immigrants. He demanded an apology from Budd [05:15].

Public Reaction: Social media erupted with criticism of Budd, labeling her remarks as "woke" and noting the traditional apolitical nature of the National Prayer Service. Budd defended her position on "The View," maintaining her stance despite backlash [05:41].

Notable Quote:

Bishop Marianne Budd [05:41]: "I was trying to speak a truth that I felt needed to be said, but to do it in as respectful and kind a way as I could."

7. Record Snowfall in the Southern United States

Florida's Snowfall: Tim Rice reports that Florida experienced one of its heaviest snowfalls since 1989, with up to a foot of snow in parts of the Panhandle. This led to a 70-mile closure of Interstate 10 near Pensacola. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, advising residents to avoid travel [05:57].

Impact on Daily Life: Schools and universities closed, and numerous flights were canceled across the region. Officials warned that hazardous conditions could continue for several days [05:57].

Louisiana's Winter Storm: New Orleans is also affected by the rare winter storm, turning the French Quarter into an impromptu ice rink. Social media showcases residents embracing the snowy conditions, including a man ice skating down Canal Street with a hockey stick [06:23].

Historical Context: Louisiana recorded the most snowfall since record-keeping began in 1948, highlighting the unusual nature of the storm [06:23].

Conclusion

The January 22, 2025, episode of Morning Wire covered significant developments in international relations, domestic policy, tragic local events, and unexpected weather phenomena. President Trump's aggressive stance on Russia and China underscores ongoing tensions in global trade and conflict resolution. Meanwhile, domestic issues such as immigration enforcement and school safety remain pressing concerns. The unusual snowfall in the South adds a surprising twist to the day's news, demonstrating the diverse range of topics addressed in the update.

For more detailed coverage and analysis of these stories, visit dailywire.com and tune into the full episodes of Morning Wire for comprehensive reporting on the day's most important events.