Trump Meets Zelensky & ICE Ride-Along | 4.28.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary: Trump Meets Zelensky & ICE Ride-Along | April 28, 2025

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, Morning Wire delivers comprehensive coverage on the latest developments in politics, culture, education, sports, and more. In the April 28, 2025 episode titled "Trump Meets Zelensky & ICE Ride-Along," the hosts delve into significant international meetings, the global farewell to Pope Francis, the Canadian election influenced by Donald Trump, and an in-depth look into ICE's enforcement actions in Boston.

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1. Trump's Meeting with Zelensky and Escalating Pressure on Putin

Key Discussions:

• Historic Encounter: President Donald Trump's first foreign trip of his second term saw a pivotal meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome. The meeting aimed to bolster support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts with Russia.

• Diplomatic Maneuvers: Following the meeting, Trump intensified pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a readiness to implement banking and secondary sanctions to curb Russia's military actions in Ukraine.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley [00:03]: "Trump sits down one on one with Zelensky in Rome and ramps up pressure on Putin."

• Kevin [02:01]: Describing the meeting, "Zelensky called it a 'very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic,' adding that he and Trump discussed a full and unconditional ceasefire and reliable and lasting peace."

• Kevin [03:10]: Highlighting Trump's stance on Russia, "There is no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas... It has to be dealt with differently through banking or secondary sanctions."

• Ben Shapiro [04:35]: "Russia is the one holding up a deal. Peace can only be reached if the US continues to exert pressure on Putin."

Insights:

• The meeting without advisors or translators marked a more personal and direct approach between Trump and Zelensky, contrasting with Zelensky's earlier unsuccessful visit to the White House.

• Trump's strategic use of social media to address international conflicts underscores his unconventional approach to diplomacy.

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2. Farewell to Pope Francis: A Global Gathering

Key Discussions:

• Funeral Proceedings: Hundreds of thousands attended Pope Francis's funeral in St. Peter's Square, Rome, celebrating his legacy of simplicity and reform.

• Legacy and Reforms: Pope Francis, known for his humble lifestyle and progressive reforms, left a significant mark on the Catholic Church, including his choice to live without the traditional papal luxuries.

• Conclave Preparations: The podcast touches on the upcoming conclave to elect the new pope, highlighting the traditions and secrecy surrounding the process.

Notable Quotes:

• Megan Basham [00:42]: "We're celebrating a man of God who returned to God."

• Megan Basham [07:07]: Describing the atmosphere, "It was a reverent atmosphere, one of profound emotion. An estimated 250,000 people filled the square and surrounding streets."

• J.D. Vance [09:35]: Reflecting on his personal encounter, "I was lucky that I got to shake his hand and tell him that I pray for him every day."

Insights:

• Pope Francis's burial choices, such as his open wooden coffin and simple attire, reinforced his message of humility and connection with the masses.

• The presence of global leaders, including Trump and Zelensky, at the funeral underscored the pope's significant influence on international relations and religious communities.

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3. Canada's Pivotal Election Influenced by Trump

Key Discussions:

• Election Stakes: Canada grappled with a crucial election centered around the influence of Donald Trump, with voters concerned about his impact on Canadian sovereignty and immigration.

• Political Strategies: The Liberal Party, led by Acting Prime Minister Mark Carney, surged in polls by promising to stand up against Trump, while the Conservative Party focused on internal issues like mass migration and economic policies.

Notable Quotes:

• J.D. Vance [05:46]: Conveying concerns about Trump, "America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us."

• Cassia Akiva [12:09]: Emphasizing the seriousness of criminal aliens, "He had two counts of sexual assault on a child... someone that's committing violent crimes."

Insights:

• The Canadian election's focus on Trump's influence reflects broader anxieties about international power dynamics and national security.

• The tight polling between the Liberal and Conservative parties indicates a highly contested political landscape, with significant implications for Canada's future policies on immigration and foreign relations.

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4. ICE Ride-Along in Boston: Enforcing Immigration Policies

Key Discussions:

• Enhanced Enforcement: In the first 100 days of Trump's second term, ICE has significantly ramped up its enforcement efforts, resulting in a 95% drop in illegal border encounters and increased arrests of high-profile criminal aliens.

• Operational Challenges: Operating in sanctuary jurisdictions like Boston presents hurdles, as local governments often release individuals without informing ICE, complicating enforcement efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassia Akiva [12:09]: "Today we're out here. The Boston field office... has a bunch of high profile targets... wanted on some type of immigration violation."

• Cassia Akiva [13:14]: Discussing arrests, "He had two counts of sexual assault on a child... someone that's committing violent crimes and especially against the youth of the community."

• Cassia Akiva [14:05]: Highlighting public support, "Americans voted overwhelmingly that they want the worst of the worst... Morale has increased because we have that leadership backing."

Insights:

• The collaborative efforts between ICE, FBI, and local law enforcement agencies signal a strengthened commitment to immigration enforcement under the current administration.

• Increased morale among ICE agents, bolstered by administrative support and public backing, suggests a more effective and motivated force in addressing immigration-related crimes.

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Conclusion

The April 28, 2025 episode of Morning Wire offers a multifaceted look into pivotal global and domestic issues. From high-stakes diplomacy involving President Trump and international leaders to significant cultural moments like Pope Francis's funeral, the podcast provides listeners with in-depth analysis and firsthand reports. Additionally, the focus on Canada's election and ICE's intensified operations underscores the broader themes of international relations, national security, and policy enforcement that are shaping the current political landscape.

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For listeners seeking detailed and unbiased coverage of the day's most pressing news, Morning Wire by The Daily Wire remains a reliable source to stay informed.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

Trump sits down one on one with Zelensky in Rome and ramps up pressure on Putin. There's no reason to suspect that Vladimir Putin will respond in any way to this unless and until the United States.

[Georgia Howe]

Changes its attitude to bringing this war to an end.

[Cabot Phillips]

After Russia's latest attack on Ukraine, where do peace talks stand now?

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Monday, April 28th, and this is Morning Wire. Hundreds of thousands of mourners gather in St. Peter's Square for the funeral of Pope Francis.

[Megan Basham]

We're celebrating a man of God who returned to God.

[Cabot Phillips]

And Trump vowed to make America safe again. Now, 100 days into his second term, we ride along with ICE agents in Boston as they arrest illegal immigrant criminals.

[Cassia Akiva]

This is what the administration wants. This is what the American people voted for.

[John Bickley]

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

[Kevin]

Foreign.

[J.D. Vance]

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[Cabot Phillips]

President Trump traveled to the Vatican on Saturday for the first foreign trip of his second term. There he honored the pope and met face to face with Vladimir Zelensky as well as other European leaders.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips joins us now with the latest. A Cavett. So we'll get to the pope's funeral with Meghan in the next segment. But first, some big meetings took place this weekend and some iconic images actually came out of it. What did we see?

[Kevin]

Well, the first international trip of Trump's second term was a brief one. It only lasted 14 hours, but it was certainly consequential. While waiting for the funeral to start, President Trump and Vladimir Zelensky huddled with Britain's Keir Starmer and France's Emmanuel Macron. It was a remarkable scene of political strength and importantly, unity. There in St. Peter's Basilica, another image shows Trump and Zelensky intensely meeting one on one on that famous floor. Now, keep in mind, this was their first encounter since Zelensky's just disastrous visit to the White House back in February. But this time There were no advisors, translators, or video cameras. And by all accounts, things went much more smoothly this go round. Zelensky called it a quote, very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, adding that he and Trump discussed a full and unconditional ceasefire and reliable and lasting peace. Now, for his part, the President certainly seemed more pleased with Zelensky than last time, writing on Truth Social that it was time for a high level summit to, quote, finish it off in his words. Most of the major points are agreed to.

[John Bickley]

Well, now, following that meeting, Trump really ramped up the pressure on Putin and he took to social media. What did he say to the President of Russia?

[Kevin]

Yeah. For months, Trump has been taking a more diplomatic approach with his Russian counterpart, implying it was actually Zelensky who was the reason that a deal had not yet been struck. Following Saturday's sit down, he took a rare public shot at Putin. Writing on social media that, quote, there is no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns over the last few days. Makes me think that maybe he does not want to stop the war. He's just tapping me along. It has to be dealt with differently through banking or secondary sanctions. Too many people are dying.

[John Bickley]

So Trump really escalating threats against Russia while these peace negotiations are going on. And where do those talks stand now?

[Kevin]

Well, it's been just an up and down few days. Last week, the White House threatened to abandon peace talks entirely if the two sides did not show more of a willingness to negotiate. And that seemed to get the ball rolling. On Friday, Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Moscow for a three hour meeting with Putin, which the Kremlin described as, quote, constructive and quite useful. They added the two sides had, quote, narrowed differences. That same day, as a sign of their willingness to make a deal, Ukraine reportedly sent the White House a new peace proposal that included a major concession. They would not demand all of their land back that Russia had taken. As Linsky sees it, Russia is the one holding up a deal. He says that peace can only be reached if the US Continues to exert pressure on Putin. The Daily Wire editor emeritus Ben Shapiro traveled to Kyiv last week to sit down with Zelensky. And here he is making that argument.

[Ben Shapiro]

Now the question is Russia. And that is the only element in this construct that is not yet ready to put an end to this war. And we high hope on the strengths of the United States and the influence that United States has on Russia. So for, for the Russia to agree to put an end to this war, it depends on them now with regard.

[John Bickley]

To the international balance of power. We have a major election on our own continent going on this week. It actually relates to Trump in some ways. Tell us about what's happening in Canada.

[Kevin]

Yeah. A wild election for control of the Prime Minister's office will be decided today. And like you mentioned, in many ways the defining issue of this race has been Donald Trump.

[John Bickley]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

The election has hinged on which party Canadians feel will stand up to Trump. Best to that point, 39% of Canadians now say Donald Trump was their top concern this election. That is second behind only the cost of living. In the winter. It looked like Pierre POV's Conservative party would cruise to victory. But acting Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party has been surging in the polls and in large part it's due to his promise to fight Donald Trump. To give you an idea of that message, here is his closing statement to supporters this weekend.

[J.D. Vance]

America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us.

[Kevin]

For his part, Conservative Pierre Poliev has taken more subtle jabs at Trump and instead chosen to focus on combating mass migration and reversing liberal Trudeau era economic policies. But the polls are tight. This looks like a toss up. You can bet the White House is going to be watching these results very closely tonight.

[John Bickley]

I'm sure they are a very crucial election for Canada in so many ways. Kevin, thanks so much for reporting.

[Kevin]

Absolutely.

[J.D. Vance]

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[John Bickley]

The world bid farewell to Pope Francis on Saturday with world leaders, faithful Catholics and mourners gathering in St Peter's Square to honor his legacy.

[Cabot Phillips]

Joining us with the details is Daily Wire culture reporter Megan Basham. So, Megan, take us through the day. What was the scene like in the Vatican?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah, Georgia. I mean, obviously this was a very emotional atmosphere. It was a reverent atmosphere, one of profound emotion. There were an estimated 250,000 people filmed filling the square and surrounding streets and millions more watching at home worldwide to pay their respects. To Francis. The funeral was held at 10am local time in Rome. And it was very much a blend of tradition and the simplicity that Francis was so well known for championing just a bit about him during his papacy, he chose to live in a simple guest house rather than in the papal palace. He also chose to live without Internet and was famous for reading only one Italian newspaper a day. And he vowed to give up television 30 years ago and kept that vow until his death. And that simplicity very much guided his final wishes. His open wooden coffin was a departure from the traditional triple casket. It lay at ground level in St. Peter's Basilica because Pope Francis wanted to be at ground level to show that he was with the people and not above them. And he also chose to be buried in his old black shoes rather than in the traditional, more elegant red shoes. Saturday's mass was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Rey, whose homily called Francis a pope among the people, really highlighting his warmth. He was the first pope from Latin America. He was also the first Jesuit pope. And after the service, his coffin was carried in a modest procession to the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, where Francis was laid to rest. And that was also a departure from traditional, but it fulfilled his personal wish to be buried at a site that he held personally very dear.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, Meghan, the guest list at this event was very remarkable. Who were some of the people there?

[Megan Basham]

Yes, as Cabot alluded to, this was a significant diplomatic gathering as well, with some 170 foreign dignitaries gathered. It included dozens of heads of state. Just a few, of course. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky. French President Emmanuel Macron was there. Argentine President Javier Millay, representing Francis's native country. And then arriving in Rome. This was what Vice President J.D. vance himself, of course, a Catholic, had to say to C. SPAN when they asked about his being one of the very last people to meet with the Pope.

[J.D. Vance]

I try to just, you know, remember that I was lucky that I got to shake his hand and tell him that I pray for him every day, because I did, and I do.

[Megan Basham]

And then another notable moment here. Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, was also among the mourners. He attended with his family to thank Francis for supporting him during his imprisonment.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, Francis was also controversial in some ways and a trailblazer on some issues, correct?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah, very much. His nickname was the great reformer. And we do have to note that those reforms did tend to lean towards the progressive side. So we're going to see if the. If the College of Cardinals selects a new pope who continues to follow in Francis footsteps.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now about that process, how does that work?

[Megan Basham]

Well, the conclave, of course, is a centuries old tradition and it takes place inside that sacred Sistine Chapel, typically begins about 15 to 20 days after the death of the previous Pope. So we're expecting it to start to take place somewhere between May 5, May 11. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote. So this time there are going to be about 135 eligible cardinals and their first meeting again. We'll see it in early May. And they will be under a strict oath of secrecy. These cardinal electors are sworn not to discuss anything that happens in that room. They are not to communicate with the outside world. No news media, no computers, nothing online. So when they've reached that two thirds majority indicating that they have selected a new pope, we will know by the white smoke coming out of the Sistine Chapel.

[Cabot Phillips]

All right, well, we're going to be watching that smoke very carefully. Meghan, thanks for reporting.

[Megan Basham]

Of course, my pleasure.

[Cabot Phillips]

Since President Trump took office 100 days ago, encounters at the southern border have dropped significantly by as much as 95%.

[John Bickley]

His promise of mass deportations is also underway. Daily Wire reporter Cassia Akiva just joined ICE as they patrolled the streets of Boston on an enforcement mission. And she joins us now. Hey, Cassie. So what did you see on your trip?

[Georgia Howe]

Hi, John. I just wrapped up a six hour long ride along with the ICE director, Todd Lyons. I was with him and his agents and also other law enforcement agencies including the FBI. And we were there to arrest criminal legal aliens.

[Cassia Akiva]

So today we're out here. The Boston field office, both ERO and hsi, has a, have a bunch of high profile targets, the worst of the worst that are out here in Massachusetts. Either they were released by a sanctuary jurisdiction who didn't honor an ICE detainer, or they're wanted on some type of immigration violation here in the United States.

[Georgia Howe]

Director Lyon said that while his team in Boston is highly effective and actually one of the most effective in the country, there are many challenges because they are operating in a sanctuary jurisdiction, which means the local governments provide essentially no help and they even take the criminal aliens from jails and release them onto the streets without giving ICE any warning.

[Cassia Akiva]

A police department, a sheriff's department, state police have deemed these individuals a public safety threat and locked them up. Yet instead of working with the federal government, they decided to release them back on the street, which to me makes absolutely no sense.

[John Bickley]

Now, on this mission you saw a few arrests, correct?

[Georgia Howe]

Correct. So on this mission, they had five targets. Only two were arrested. And the reason for that is before they arrest them, they surveil them for days. They're watching them, they're getting their movements. They're trying to figure out the best time to approach them. And oftentimes the best time is to approach them is when they are leaving their house to go to work. You don't really want to arrest them when they're close to home, because they might run back into the house, and then you need a warrant. So when they see them on the streets on their way to work, they pick them up. But it was raining, and a lot of these guys work outside, so because of the rain, they didn't go to work. Two were arrested, and they are the worst of the worst.

[Cassia Akiva]

Look at the first one we got, right? He had two counts of sexual assault on a child. Right? That's not someone you want in your community. That's not someone who came here for a better life. That's someone that's committing violent crimes and especially against the youth of the community. Second guy, you know, he killed someone and left the scene of a vehicle accident. Right? So these are definitely the worst of the worst. You know, I think this shows exactly what President Trump and what Secretary Noem have been saying all along, that ice's main focus is getting those worst in the worst island communities.

[John Bickley]

So how have ICE agents roles changed since Trump took office?

[Georgia Howe]

One, they're working a lot more, and two, they feel like they actually have support. They have other agencies bringing people in and giving them what they need. They have an administration that is telling them that they have their back. So they feel good. They feel like there's morale, and they really kicked it into gear. In the last 100 days, the first.

[Cassia Akiva]

Hundred days, we did more arrest than the previous state administration did last year. And I think when you look at those and you see those serious cases that we're out there getting, it shows that this administration is serious about public safety and making America safe again. We actually feel the backing to get out there and do our job. We also have the backing of the American public, though, right? Americans voted overwhelmingly that they want the worst of the worst. They want these criminal aliens out of our neighborhoods, out of our communities. Morale has increased because we have that leadership backing that we never had before.

[Georgia Howe]

So what I saw firsthand in this raid is that these agents are energized, they're mission focused, and they're feeling that they have the momentum to go after these 100 days.

[John Bickley]

You can definitely sense that morale is improved there through your footage. Cassie, thank you so much for bringing us this report.

[Georgia Howe]

My pleasure. You're welcome.

[Cabot Phillips]

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