Morning Wire: Trump Finalizes Cabinet & Daniel Penny’s Defense Rests | November 25, 2024

Presented by The Daily Wire's Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe.

1. Donald Trump Finalizes His Cabinet

Rapid Appointments Set the Stage for a Dynamic Administration

In a historic flurry of activity, President-elect Donald Trump has swiftly completed his cabinet appointments within three weeks of his electoral victory. Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips details the unprecedented pace:

"Trump has appointed cabinet members faster than any president in modern history. On Friday night, he rounded out his cabinet, rolling out nine picks over the course of 70 minutes."
— Cabot Phillips (01:54)

Key Cabinet Picks and Their Implications

• Secretary of the Treasury: Scott Besant

  Scott Besant, a seasoned hedge fund manager and significant campaign fundraiser, was appointed as Treasury Secretary. Despite his contributions to Trump's economic plans, Besant's past association with Soros Fund Management has sparked controversy among MAGA supporters.

  "The Soros Money Management Organization was kept very separately from George Soros's foundations... Bob and I are big Trump supporters."
  — Scott Besant (03:13)

• Secretary of the CDC: Dr. Dave Weldon

  Dr. Weldon, a medical doctor and army veteran, is poised to lead the CDC. His tenure in Congress was marked by criticism of Dr. Anthony Fauci and the CDC's handling of public health strategies, particularly regarding vaccination policies.

  "He was a vocal critic of Dr. Anthony Fauci and the CDC more broadly, saying the agency prioritized high vaccination rates over public safety."
  — Cabot Phillips (04:37)

• Secretary of the FDA: Dr. Marty Makary

  Dr. Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and frequent contributor to Morning Wire, will oversee the FDA. He has been a longstanding critic of federal healthcare strategies, including the FDA's Dietary Guidelines.

  "Dr. Makary will now evaluate harmful chemicals poisoning our nation's food supply and drugs and biologics being given to our nation's youth."
  — Cabot Phillips (04:43)

Potential Pushback and GOP Dynamics

One of Trump's notable picks, Lori Chavez DeRemer for Labor Secretary, may face challenges due to her pro-labor union stance, a significant shift for the GOP.

"This pick is indicative of a broader shift within the GOP towards a more friendly approach to labor unions."
— Cabot Phillips (05:17)

2. Biden Administration’s Final Foreign Policy Moves

Escalation of the Ukraine War and Strategic Shifts

As the Biden administration approaches its final months, the conflict in Ukraine intensifies. Tim Pierce, Daily Wire reporter, provides insights into Biden's approach:

"Biden's recent decision to surge resources into Ukraine and take some limits off of its use of US Weaponry has led to one of the most tense periods of the war."
— Tim Pierce (07:30)

Vice President Kamala Harris’ Low Profile

VP Harris has maintained a low profile amid these developments, opting for personal time over active involvement in administration decisions.

"The VP has kept a low profile since the election. Since Tuesday, she's been on vacation in Hawaii."
— Tim Pierce (08:44)

3. Incoming Trump Administration’s Strategy on Ukraine

National Security Adviser Michael Waltz’s Vision

Trump’s incoming National Security Adviser, Congressman Michael Waltz, outlines a strategy focused on reducing U.S. involvement and promoting European self-sufficiency.

"We need to bring this to a responsible end. We need to restore deterrence, restore peace, and get ahead of this escalation ladder rather than responding to it."
— Michael Waltz (09:43)

Energy and Influence as Countermeasures

Trump plans to utilize U.S. energy reserves to counter Russian influence while encouraging Europe to take greater responsibility for its security.

"Trump's approach to ending the war will be making sure that Europe is providing for its own security while the US uses its own energy reserves to counter Russian influence."
— Tim Pierce (10:10)

4. Trial of Marine Veteran Daniel Penny

Defense Strategy and Decision Not to Testify

Marine veteran Daniel Penny’s defense team has rested its case in the trial concerning the death of Jordan Neely. Penny chose not to testify, a decision that has garnered media attention.

"It's any defendant's constitutional right to choose not to testify. ... it's not your job to prove it."
— Brandon (11:25)

Key Evidence and Testimonies

• Initial Police Interrogation Footage

  The jury viewed video footage of Penny’s initial interrogation, where he appeared unaware of the charges against him and expressed his non-confrontational nature.

  "Penny repeatedly says that he's not a confrontational person and that he was just trying to restrain Neely so he didn't hurt anyone."
  — Amanda Presta Giacomo (11:57)

• Forensic and Autopsy Reports

  Conflicting testimonies emerged regarding the cause of Neely's death, with forensic pathologist Dr. Satish Chandru attributing death to a combination of factors, while autopsy results initially suggested asphyxiation based on viral video evidence.

  "Neely still had a pulse when officers finally arrived on scene."
  — Amanda Presta Giacomo (14:08)

Potential Legal Outcomes

Penny faces up to 15 years for second-degree manslaughter or up to four years for criminally negligent homicide. Closing arguments are scheduled post-Thanksgiving.

"Penny is facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted on second degree manslaughter and up to four years if he's convicted on that lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide."
— Amanda Presta Giacomo (14:30)

Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe delve into the rapid formation of Donald Trump's cabinet, highlighting key appointments and the political ramifications within the GOP. They also explore the Biden administration's concluding foreign policy moves amidst the escalating Ukraine conflict and the incoming Trump administration's strategic vision. Additionally, the podcast provides an in-depth look at the ongoing trial of Marine veteran Daniel Penny, shedding light on the defense's strategies and the critical evidence presented.

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