Morning Wire Podcast Summary: "Trump Targets DEI & Gender Policies | 1.25.25"

Release Date: January 25, 2025
Host: John Bickley and Georgia Howe
Guest: Kristen Wagoner, President and CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom

Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of Morning Wire, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe delve into President Donald Trump's ambitious agenda, specifically focusing on his recent executive actions targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and gender identity policies. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Kristen Wagoner, the President and CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a prominent legal organization spearheading efforts against what they describe as problematic gender and DEI policies.

Trump's Ambitious Agenda and Executive Actions

John Bickley opens the discussion by highlighting President Trump's immediate actions upon his return to office, emphasizing his commitment to reversing the previous administration's policies on gender identity and DEI.

"President Trump has returned to office with an extremely ambitious agenda and has immediately taken executive action to jumpstart what he's promising will be a transformative year for the nation." (00:03)

Kristen Wagoner expresses enthusiasm about Trump's promises, particularly his reference to a "revolution of common sense" aimed at restoring reality and the rule of law.

"He referred to that in his inaugural speech, that we are going to return back toward reality, toward common sense and the rule of law." (01:33)

Wagoner elaborates that Trump's administration intends to use federal power to eliminate what they view as a toxic ideology impacting American safety, opportunities, and freedoms.

Focus on Gender Identity Policies

The conversation shifts to gender ideology, a central focus for both ADF and the Daily Wire. Wagoner outlines the Trump administration's executive orders aimed at redefining sex in federal law to align with biological definitions, rejecting the notion that sex is "chosen or changed."

"All of those come together to essentially restore the legal and scientifically sound definition of sex in federal law, meaning that we are created male and female and that sex is neither chosen nor changed." (02:16)

She discusses the far-reaching implications of these policies, including:

• Women's Rights in Sports: Ensuring fairness by maintaining gender divisions based on biological sex.

• Privacy Protections: Safeguarding privacy in locker rooms, dormitories, and showers.

• Educational Impact: Influencing what children are taught regarding gender identity.

• Legal and Social Ramifications: Addressing concerns related to free speech, parental rights, and institutional funding tied to DEI compliance.

Wagoner provides specific examples of how the Biden administration's progressive gender ideology has permeated schools and organizations, affecting female athletes, students' free speech, and parental decision-making.

Federal vs. State Dynamics

John Bickley raises concerns about state-level resistance, particularly referencing states like California that may oppose the federal administration's policies.

"Do we expect to still see states like California undermine this effort?" (03:52)

Wagoner acknowledges the likelihood of continued pushback from certain states but emphasizes that the federal government's stance provides a robust foundation for legal challenges. She points out that the executive orders empower the federal government to withhold funding from institutions that do not adhere to the newly defined gender policies, thereby enforcing compliance.

"The power of the federal government in all of the places that it shows up, is actually on the opposite side of this fight." (04:01)

Legal Implications and Progress

The discussion progresses to the legal landscape surrounding gender ideology. Wagoner highlights ADF's decade-long efforts in this arena, noting incremental progress in court rulings related to bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports.

"On the sports front, I think we're turning the page. But again, we have half of the states that have adopted laws to protect women and girls in sports, as an example, and these are state laws those are being challenged and argued that they are unconstitutional." (05:54)

She expresses optimism that the federal government's clear stance against gender ideology will strengthen legal challenges against state laws that ADF deems unconstitutional.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

Transitioning to DEI, John Bickley inquires about the Trump administration's actions to dismantle DEI programs.

"What kinds of actions from Trump are we seeing there, and what do we expect in the coming years?" (07:04)

Kristen Wagoner explains that the executive order targeting DEI aims to remove these programs from federal policies, viewing them as attempts to socially engineer gender, ideology, and race within American institutions.

"DEI essentially is an attempt to socially engineer gender, ideology, and race into every facet of American life." (07:04)

She underscores the administration's rationale that DEI initiatives introduce legal risks, undermine merit-based advancement, and erode national unity.

Cultural Shifts and the Intersection of Politics

The conversation shifts to the broader cultural implications of the administration's policies. John Bickley emphasizes the importance of shaping culture alongside political actions.

"Politics being downstream of culture, and that we have to not only fight against forces cramming down dangerous policies, but we have to build and shape culture." (07:42)

Wagoner concurs, noting the symbiotic relationship between law and culture. She commends the Daily Wire for its role in advocating for biological realities and its impact on public perception and legal principles.

"The principle that you're establishing in the court before the Supreme Court or principle you're establishing in a state or a federal law, it has to be plausible to the American people. It has to make sense to them." (08:02)

Wagoner credits media outlets like the Daily Wire for their fearless and clear communication, which she believes is crucial for the success of their legal and cultural battles.

Administration's Broader Priorities and Global Impact

In the final segment, John Bickley asks about other priorities of the Trump administration beyond DEI and gender policies.

"What else are you seeing in terms of this new administration's priorities?" (08:58)

Kristen Wagoner identifies a unifying theme in Trump's agenda: combating what he perceives as authoritarianism domestically and internationally. She highlights key areas including:

• Immigration and Border Control: Reinforcing national sovereignty and addressing border security.

• Judicial Reforms: Preventing the "weaponization" of the justice system against political opponents.

• Censorship: Prioritizing the fight against what the administration views as oppressive censorship policies.

Wagoner emphasizes the global attention on the U.S. administration, suggesting that international observers are hopeful and supportive of Trump's efforts to restore inalienable rights and common-sense governance.

"The entire world is watching right now, and they are rooting for Americans and for President Trump to turn the corner on a moment throughout the world that wants to return to the concept of inalienable rights, that wants to return to the rule of law and to a government that recognizes common sense values." (09:09)

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, John Bickley reflects on the significant changes introduced by the Trump administration and expresses optimism for the future.

"There's massive anticipation heading into this week and now very high hopes for what's ahead." (10:12)

Kristen Wagoner reaffirms her support and confidence in the administration's ability to fulfill its promises, closing the discussion on a note of determined optimism.

"Thanks for having me." (10:19)

Key Takeaways

• Federal Reversal of DEI and Gender Policies: The Trump administration is actively rolling back DEI initiatives and redefining gender identity policies to align with biological definitions of sex.

• Legal and Cultural Battlefronts: Alliance Defending Freedom is pivotal in challenging state laws that support progressive gender ideologies, leveraging federal support to strengthen legal arguments.

• Impact on Education and Athletics: New policies aim to protect women's rights in sports and ensure privacy and safety in educational institutions, countering previous progressive mandates.

• Federal Authority vs. State Resistance: While certain states may resist federal orders, the administration's ability to control funding and legal backing aims to mitigate opposition.

• Broader Agenda Against Authoritarianism: Beyond DEI and gender policies, the administration is focused on immigration, judicial reforms, and combating censorship, with a global audience watching closely.

This episode of Morning Wire offers a detailed exploration of the Trump administration's strategies to reshape federal policies on DEI and gender identity, emphasizing the legal challenges and cultural shifts underway. Through insightful dialogue with Kristen Wagoner, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing battles and the implications for the future of American governance and societal norms.