Morning Wire Podcast Summary: Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 03.18.25

Episode Release Date: March 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Morning Wire, hosted by Georgia Howe and John Bickley, the discussion delves into two major topics: the high-stakes phone call between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine ceasefire, and the emerging revelations about the COVID-19 lab leak theory. The episode provides in-depth analysis, insightful commentary, and notable quotes to keep listeners informed on these critical issues.

Trump-Putin Phone Call: Negotiating Peace in Ukraine

Context and Significance

The episode begins with Georgia Howe announcing the scheduled phone call between Trump and Putin aimed at discussing peace and asset division concerning Ukraine. John Bickley emphasizes the unique position Trump holds in potentially ending the conflict, echoing sentiments from both President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that only Trump could broker a resolution ([00:03] - [00:18]).

Ceasefire Negotiations

Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser, provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect from the call:

• Putin’s Conditions: Putin is likely to agree to a ceasefire only if the U.S. pauses new weapons shipments to Ukraine and Ukraine refrains from mobilizing new forces for 30 days ([02:19]).

• Zelensky’s Position: Zelensky remains skeptical of Putin's willingness to ceasefire genuinely, suggesting that Russia aims to prolong the conflict to gain territorial advantages. He urges Trump to push for maximum additional sanctions if Russia stalls peace talks ([02:21]).

• Territorial Concessions: A significant debate revolves around Ukraine potentially ceding land to Russia, including Crimea and the Donbass region, to end the war. John Bickley questions the national interest and realism of expelling every Russian presence from Ukrainian soil ([04:47] - [05:06]).

Peacekeeping Forces

The discussion also touches on the future of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine post-ceasefire:

• Putin’s Stance: Putin has consistently opposed NATO membership for Ukraine and is unlikely to agree to European peacekeepers without significant concessions ([05:06]).

• Ukraine’s Perspective: Ukraine may seek European peacekeepers as a security guarantee, with European leaders already agreeing to send forces ([05:06]).

Notable Quotes

• Georgia Howe: "Trump pushes ahead with deporting violent gang members despite legal efforts to bring them." ([00:22])

• Tom Homan: "Back to the U.S. these are heinous monsters. Rapists, murderers, kidnappers..." ([00:38])

• Donald Trump: "We're getting down to a very critical stage, and we want to get the whole Russia, Ukraine thing done." ([03:30])

Immigration and Deportations Under Trump

Deportation of Trend Aragua Gang Members

The episode shifts focus to President Trump's aggressive immigration policies, specifically the deportation of over 250 suspected Trend Aragua gang members:

• Executive Order: Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport these individuals without judicial hearings. Despite legal challenges from the ACLU, the deportations proceeded as aircraft departed U.S. airspace before the court ruling could take effect ([06:14] - [07:34]).

• Legal Battle: The DOJ argues that plaintiffs cannot interfere with presidential authority in national security matters, seeking to vacate the court hearing ([07:34] - [08:09]).

• Administration’s Stance: Tom Homan asserts confidence in the administration's legal standing, emphasizing the commitment to national safety ([08:09] - [08:24]).

Broader Immigration Enforcement

Ash Short outlines the broader impact of Trump's immigration policies:

• Enforcement Statistics: In the first 50 days of Trump's administration, ICE made over 32,000 arrests, nearly matching the total for the entire fiscal year 2024. Approximately 75% of those arrested were accused or convicted criminals ([09:29]).

• Border Control Success: Illegal border crossings dropped by 94% in February compared to the previous year, with a 99% decline in the Del Rio sector since 2023 ([09:29]).

• Political Impact: These measures have shifted voter priorities, reducing concerns about illegal immigration from a top priority to the fourth among voters ([09:29]).

Notable Quotes

• Ash Short: "President Trump signed an executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798..." ([06:39])

• Donald Trump: "I don't care what the judges think. I don't care what the left thinks. We're coming." ([07:23])

• Tom Homan: "This administration acted within the confines of the law..." ([08:09])

COVID Lab Leak Coverup Allegations

New Intelligence from UK and Germany

The podcast delves into unsettling revelations about the origins of COVID-19:

• UK Memo: A memo from the former head of MI6 suggests that the Wuhan Institute of Virology engineered the virus in January 2020, contradicting previous reports that dismissed the lab leak theory ([10:21]).

• German Intelligence: German Foreign Intelligence also indicated an 80-90% probability that COVID-19 leaked from a Chinese lab ([10:51]).

Insights from Michael Shellenberger

Michael Shellenberger, an independent journalist, provides expert analysis:

• Implications: The memo suggests a coordinated information operation by the Chinese government to deflect blame. This revelation implicates senior American officials, including Anthony Fauci, and raises questions about the initial U.S. response to the pandemic ([10:51] - [13:07]).

• Accountability: Shellenberger emphasizes the need for uncovering the truth over prosecuting individuals prematurely, advocating for a thorough investigation into the lab leak theory ([13:07] - [14:26]).

Political Ramifications

• Trump’s Position: Trump disputes Biden's pardons for Fauci and others, arguing that they were signed with an auto-pen, rendering them invalid. He aims to hold Fauci accountable for the perceived mishandling of the pandemic ([13:07]).

• Investigations: The episode highlights ongoing investigations and the push for accountability from congressional members, although specific actions remain to be seen ([13:39]).

Notable Quotes

• Michael Shellenberger: "This is one of the most significant coverups. I mean, it's hard to find a bigger one." ([00:57])

• Mike Waltz: "We do not recognize the occupied territories as territories of Russia, and we will never recognize them." ([02:21])

• John Bickley: "We have to ask ourselves, is it in our national interest? Is it realistic?" ([04:47])

Conclusion and Insights

The Morning Wire episode provides a comprehensive analysis of two pivotal issues: the potential end to the Ukraine conflict through a Trump-Putin dialogue and the controversial revelations surrounding the origins of COVID-19. Through expert interviews and detailed reporting, the podcast underscores the complexities of international diplomacy, national security, and public health accountability. Listeners are left with a nuanced understanding of the current geopolitical landscape and the internal challenges within the United States.

Note: This summary excludes non-content sections such as advertisements, intros, and outros to focus solely on the informative segments of the podcast episode.