Trump Finalizes Cabinet & Daniel Penny’s Defense Rests | 11.25.24

Summary

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.

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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)

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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.

Stay informed with Morning Wire for comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in politics, culture, education, and more.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript were excluded to maintain focus on the episode's primary discussions.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

Donald Trump finalizes his Cabinet with a flurry of appointments over the weekend.

[Brandon]

President Trump has put months and months and months into picking this group.

[Georgia Howe]

We break down the president elect's most notable and potentially impactful picks.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Weyer Editor in chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Monday, November 25th, and this is Morning Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

As the war in Ukraine heats up, the Biden administration winds down. What is Trump's plan for peace once he takes office?

[Michael Waltz]

One side escalating, the other side escalating. This needs to be within a broader framework to end this conflict.

[John Bickley]

And the trial of Daniel Penney is wrapping up as the defense rests its case. Why did he choose not to testify? And how high are the stakes for the Marine veteran?

[Georgia Howe]

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

[Brandon]

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[Georgia Howe]

Less than three weeks after his sweeping electoral victory, Donald Trump's cabinet is complete.

[John Bickley]

Here with the latest is Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips, a Cabot. So, as promised, Trump hitting the ground running here, filling out his staff at a record pace. Walk us through this flurry of activity this weekend.

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, as we noted last week, 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. It was really wild. Every time you refreshed your computer, there was a new appointment. Trump's team says they'd been preparing all year for a second term and are ready to get to work on day one. But there's also a political advantage here as the pace of the rollout keeps any one pick from getting all the attention or scrutiny.

[John Bickley]

Right. So let's start with arguably the most important pick made this weekend, Secretary of Treasury. Who did he choose?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, that was the biggest remaining vacancy. And on Friday, Trump tapped longtime hedge fund manager Scott Besant for the massively important role of Treasury Secretary. In addition to being a prodigious fundraiser for the campaign, Besant had become one of the most vocal advocates on Wall street for Trump's economic blueprint. But the pick was met with some pushback in MAGA world. From 2011 to 2015, Besant served as chief investment officer for Soros Fund Management. That's the money management firm operated by Democratic mega donor George Soros. And Soros himself funded nearly half of the $4.5 billion raised by Besant to start his hedge fund in 2015. Morning Wire asked him about that past work with Soros firm in a special episode a few weeks ago. Here's what he had to say.

[Brandon]

The Soros Money Management Organization was kept very separately from George Soros's foundations. And if you look back at the history of the CIOs, whether it's myself, Dan Druckenmiller, Bob Bishop, Bob and I are big Trump supporters. The other thing I always tell people is who are the most anti communist people? You know, it's people who come from communist countries because they've seen what it's like on the inside.

[John Bickley]

We'll be sure to put the link to that episode in the description of this show. Now, two other spots getting a lot of attention. CDC and the fda. Who did we see for those posts?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, these are two spots that typically go under the radar. But with voters expressing major concerns about the federal response to Covid, Trump promised to bring in leaders who would offer more transparency for the government's health and medical agencies. And he did just that. Heading up the CDC will be Dave Weldon, a medical doctor and army veteran who spent 14 years in Congress serving on the Oversight and Reform Committee, where he led the charge for accountability from the cdc. Specifically, in recent years, Weldon was a vocal critic of Dr. Anthony Fauci and the CDC more broadly, saying the agency prioritized high vaccination rates over public safety. Now, as you can imagine, that pick was cheered by many GOP voters, but maligned by Democrats in the medical establishment who called him a, quote, vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist. Right.

[John Bickley]

I'm sure there was a lot of blowback from the left on that one. And then there was the fda. Tell us about that pick.

[Cabot Phillips]

Right. For that post, Trump tapped Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and frequent Morning Wire contributor, I might add. Makary has long criticized the federal government's healthcare strategy, including the FDA's Dietary Guidelines, which he says have made Americans sicker. According to Trump, Dr. Makary will now, quote, evaluate harmful chemicals poisoning our nation's food supply and drugs and biologics being given to our nation's youth so that we can finally address the childhood chronic disease epidemic.

[John Bickley]

A lot of momentum for that now. So are there any picks that might face, you know, opposition from Republicans?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah. With Matt Gaetz no longer slated for Attorney General, we're waiting to see who might face a contentious confirmation in the GOP held Senate. @ the moment, one name is getting some buzz. That is Trump's pick for Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez Deremer, a former Congress member from Oregon who lost reelection this month. Dermer was arguably the most pro labor union Republican in Congress. She was actually one of just three Republicans in the House who voted yes on the controversial pro act, which would have overturned right to work laws across the country and abolished many state level limits on public sector unions.

[John Bickley]

Yeah.

[Cabot Phillips]

Supporters of the pick say the GOP is now the party of the working class and should embrace labor unions, both public and private. Trump, for example, said Chavez de Remer would, quote, achieve historic cooperation between business and labor that will restore the American dream for working families. Regardless though, this pick is indicative of a broader shift within the GOP towards a more friendly approach to labor union. Something we just never would have seen 10 or 20 years ago. Right now we'll wait to see if Republicans in the Senate get on board or give her the Gates treatment.

[John Bickley]

It'll be very interesting to see that response as to a number of these picks. Meanwhile, the scene is set for Trump's big return. Cabot, thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Anytime.

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[John Bickley]

With President Biden set to exit the world stage soon, the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce is here to talk about the uncertainty in Washington. So, Tim Biden is going to leave the White House in just a couple of months. But on the way out the door, what have Biden's final foreign policy moves been?

[Tim Pierce]

Well, Biden seems to be wrapping up meetings with foreign leaders and preparing to turn the presidency back over to Trump. But 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. This is part of Biden's commitment to surge $7 billion military assistance into Ukraine over the next couple of months. But some in Washington, particularly allies of President elect Trump, are concerned that Biden's actions could limit Trump's ability to negotiate an end to the war. For Biden's part, he'll be out of the picture soon. He just attended his last G20 summit last week and in a final parting to world leaders said climate change should be humanity's top priority. Here's that.

[Brandon]

The fight to protect our planet is literally a fight for humanity for generations to come. It may be the only existential threat to all our nations and to all humanity that exists.

[Tim Pierce]

It's worth pointing out that Russia in recent days has renewed its threats of using nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine. Later in the summit, Biden also urged more support for Kyiv and touted his record of support for Israel.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, obviously, VP Harris has been at the forefront of the administration for the past few months. What's been her part in these decisions?

[Tim Pierce]

The VP has kept a low profile since the election. Since Tuesday, she's been on vacation in Hawaii. Here's White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre being asked about that last week.

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

Does it look bad for the vice president to go to Hawaii?

[John Bickley]

While DNC staffers are just wondering what.

[Georgia Howe]

They'Re going to do, the vice president has taken time off to go spend time with her family. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I think she deserves some time to be with her family and to have some downtime. She has worked very hard over last four years and her taking a couple of days to be with her family, good for her.

[Tim Pierce]

It's not clear when Harris will be back in Washington. She looks to be taking a backseat as Biden finishes out his term.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, what have we heard from the Trump administration about the situation in Ukraine?

[Tim Pierce]

Trump's incoming national security adviser, Congressman Michael Waltz, said over the weekend that he was concerned about where this escalation is headed. Here's Waltz on Fox News.

[Michael Waltz]

North Korea has made this move. We have made a move. Russia has now responded. Iran is involved. South Korea is thinking about getting involved. Our allies have now, you know, extended the range of their missiles as well. So we need to, 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.

[Tim Pierce]

Well, it's also said that 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.

[Georgia Howe]

But still a couple of months before Trump can even begin to implement those policies. Tim, thanks for joining us.

[Tim Pierce]

Thanks for having me.

[Georgia Howe]

The defense has rested in the trial of Marine veteran Daniel Penny. The 26 year old has been charged in the death of Jordan Neely. Penny restrained Neely on the subway last year after Neely threatened other passengers.

[John Bickley]

Here to discuss the case is Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presta Giacomo. Hey, Amanda. First, as Georgia mentioned, the defense has rested in this case and Penny decided not to take the stand. There's been some noise about that in the media. Have we heard from Penny's team about that decision?

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

Yeah, we have. After court was dismissed, an attorney for Penny named Thomas Kenneth highlighted how the jury actually has heard directly from Penny. The court was presented with video footage of Penny's initial police interrogation. Kenneth said that virtually everything Penny said then is consistent with credible testimony of fellow passengers. It's also important to keep in mind that it's any defendant's constitutional right to choose not to testify. Kenneth made that point when I spoke to him last month just before this trial kicked off.

[Brandon]

It's not for a defendant to get up there and talk himself out of a case and convince a jury that he's not guilty. In fact, the very reason why a defendant doesn't have to testify and a jury can infer anything negative of it, the reason why that was put in our Constitution by the sounding fathers is exactly that. To emphasize the fact that if the government wants to bring charges against you, it's the government's job to prove the case and not your job to prove it.

[John Bickley]

Now, you mentioned that the jury was able to see video footage of Penny's interrogation. Tell us about that.

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

Right. That was interesting for a couple of reasons. First, it was revealed that detectives, when they initially interrogated him, did not tell Penny that Neely had died. In the footage, Penny seems unaware he's under any suspicion or that he would be arrested. He waives his Miranda rights and he talks to officers for about 25 minutes. During the interview, 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. Here's some audio of that interview.

[I]

Some guy came In. He's like, whipped his jacket off and he's like, I'm gonna kill everybody. I'm gonna. I'm gonna. I can go to prison forever. I don't care. I don't do this because he was acting like a lunatic, like a crazy person. I mean, he's like, he's threatening people. And like, I pretty. I'm not confrontational. Not a confrontational guy. Like I. In the Marine Corps, I felt the need that to, you know, step in. There's women and children on the train.

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

Here's Penny explaining what happened right before police showed up.

[I]

He was rolling around the floor. And at that point, the train stopped. I was like, someone call the cops. And he's still like, rolling around, still going crazy. Had two other guys kind of help me, just kind of keep them from going nuts. And yeah, that's when you guys came.

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

Penny told authorities that he thought Neely was on something and specifically mentioned K2. That was found in Neely's system along with other drugs. K2 is a synthetic drug sometimes called spice, and it's been linked to psychosis. Penny also referenced the large number of incidents in New York City where people have been pushed onto the subway tracks. K2 came up another time in the trial when a forensic pathologist named Dr. Satish Chandru testified that Neely's caused by the combined effects of sickle cell, K2 schizophrenia and other factors. When he was asked directly if it was the chokehold that killed Neely, Chandra responded no. Alternatively, the New York medical examiner who performed Neely's autopsy, Dr. Cynthia Harris, he found that Neely died of asphyxiation. But on examination, it was revealed that Harris made that determination based on viral video evidence before she ever received a toxicology report or other reports for Neely.

[John Bickley]

So before getting the full reports rights.

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

It'S also notable that Neely still had a pulse when officers finally arrived on scene. Those officers did not give Neely mouth to mouth because, and this is according to testimony, Neely looked like he was a drug user and had diseases.

[John Bickley]

So now the defense has rested. When will we hear closing arguments in the trial?

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

Well, that's not going to happen until after Thanksgiving. And just a reminder for listeners, 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.

[John Bickley]

So years of his life on the line here. Amanda, thanks for reporting.

[Georgia Howe]

You're welcome.

[John Bickley]

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