Morning Wire: Trump to Void Biden Pardons & VA Trans Service Scrutiny | Afternoon Update | 3.17.25

Released on March 17, 2025

1. President Trump’s Move to Void Biden’s Pardons

Hosts: George Howe and Tim Rice

The episode opens with a significant political development: President Trump has announced his intention to nullify the pardons granted by former President Biden during the last days of his administration.

Key Points:

• Tim Rice reports that Trump claims the pardons are invalid because they were signed using an "auto pen," asserting that Biden had no direct knowledge of these actions. At 00:51, Rice states, “President Trump says he'll void pardons made during former President Biden's final days.”

• John Bickley elaborates, noting, “In a statement, Trump argued that the pardons are not valid because they were signed by an auto pen and that his predecessor had no knowledge of the pardons” (00:51).

• A Political Analyst criticizes the legitimacy of the pardons, highlighting their questionable authorization: “Somebody was using an auto pen to sign off and to give pardons to... the J6UN Select Committee, they gave pardons with an I don't think Biden knew anything about it” (00:59).

• John Bickley continues, mentioning that among those pardoned were members of the January 6th committee, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and General Mark Milley. The Heritage Foundation's oversight project has raised concerns about Biden’s use of the auto pen, questioning his direct involvement in such significant legal decisions (01:16).

2. Voice of America Shutdown

Hosts: George Howe and Tim Pierce

The shutdown of the state media network, Voice of America (VOA), marks another contentious move by President Trump.

Key Points:

• George Howe introduces the topic: “State media network Voice of America has been silenced after an executive order from President Trump” (01:38).

• Tim Pierce provides details, explaining that Trump’s order has dismantled several government offices, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). He notes, “Trump criticized VOA for promoting biased content and what he calls divisive propaganda” (01:47).

• The executive order aims to reduce or eliminate non-essential functions within USAGM, leading to significant layoffs at VOA and its affiliates. Pierce highlights that USAGM head Kari Lake criticized the agency’s financial burden, stating, “how much money the agency is costing taxpayers” (02:22).

• A Commentator adds context by discussing the Biden administration's recent actions: “They signed a brand new lease for this building... it's costing the taxpayer a fortune” (02:22), pointing out the financial implications of the agency's operations.

3. Resumption of Border Wall Construction in Arizona

Host: Tim Rice

President Trump has initiated the construction of a border wall in Arizona, reversing President Biden’s previous halt on such projects.

Key Points:

• Tim Rice reports that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed the commencement of a 7-mile wall project in the Rio Grande Valley, costing approximately $70 million (02:51).

• This move follows Biden’s termination of wall construction, contrasting sharply with Trump’s first term, during which around 450 miles of barriers were erected.

• Vice President J.D. Vance expresses optimism about completing the entire border wall by 2029, as Rice states: “Vice President J.D. vance expressed hopes to complete the entire border wall by 2029” (02:51).

• Additionally, Rice mentions that illegal border crossings have significantly decreased since Trump assumed office, underscoring the administration’s focus on border security (02:51).

4. Severe Storm Recovery Efforts in the Central and Eastern US

Host: George Howe

The podcast addresses the aftermath of a powerful storm system that wreaked havoc across multiple regions in the central and eastern United States.

Key Points:

• George Howe outlines the severity of the storms, which included violent tornadoes and blizzard conditions, resulting in at least one fatality (03:20).

• Over 1,000 reports of severe weather were filed, including 56 tornadoes across 10 states, with significant damage in Missouri, Arkansas, and Alabama.

• In response, President Trump has pledged federal assistance, while local officials have declared states of emergency to manage the recovery efforts (03:20).

5. Scrutiny of VA’s Transgender Medical Services

Hosts: Tim Rice and Luke Rosiak

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is under fire for providing transgender medical services despite federal regulations that ban gender alterations.

Key Points:

• Tim Rice introduces the issue: “The Department of Veterans affairs is under fire for providing transgender medical services despite federal regulations banning gender alterations” (04:13).

• Luke Rosiak delves into the controversy, revealing internal documents from the Biden era that show the VA offered comprehensive transgender services, including hormone therapy and voice training, but excluded surgeries. These services were allegedly promoted using vague procedure codes to redirect funds towards body hair removal, misleading taxpayers (04:26).

• The Trump administration has halted these procedures for new patients while allowing ongoing treatments for veterans already enrolled, aiming to reallocate funds to support severely injured veterans. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated, “the money saved would be redirected to support severely injured vets” (05:03).

6. Forever 21 Files for Bankruptcy and Closes US Stores

Host: George Howe

In a significant retail development, Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy for the second time, leading to the permanent closure of all its US stores.

Key Points:

• George Howe reports that Forever 21, once a youth fashion leader with peak sales of $4 billion in 2015, has struggled due to rising costs and shifting consumer trends toward online rivals like Shein and Temu (05:03).

• The brand’s dependence on brick-and-mortar stores proved unsustainable amid the rise of ultra-cheap, fast fashion e-commerce platforms. Despite attempts to restructure, Forever 21’s assets are being wound down with no potential buyers identified (05:37).

7. West Virginia Takes Legal Action Against NCAA

Host: Tim Rice

West Virginia is challenging the NCAA over the exclusion of its men’s basketball team from the tournament.

Key Points:

• Tim Rice outlines that the state of West Virginia, led by Governor Patrick Morrissey, is suing the NCAA, arguing that WVU was unfairly snubbed from the tournament (05:37).

• Governor Patrick Morrissey defends the team’s qualification, stating, “111 out of the 111 bracketologists projected WVU to make the tournament” and emphasizing their “six Quad One wins” (05:57).

• Tim Rice adds that Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormack has also expressed disappointment, reinforcing the belief that West Virginia deserved a spot in the NCAA tournament (06:25).

• The NCAA tournament is scheduled to begin the following day, with ongoing debates about the selection process and fairness (06:25).

Conclusion

George Howe wraps up the afternoon update by summarizing additional coverage, including Democratic leadership challenges, Trump’s foreign policy initiatives, and SpaceX’s mission to rescue stranded astronauts. Listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com for more in-depth stories and to stay tuned for the full edition of Morning Wire the next morning (06:35).

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley (00:51): “In a statement, Trump argued that the pardons are not valid because they were signed by an auto pen and that his predecessor had no knowledge of the pardons.”

• Political Analyst (00:59): “Somebody was using an auto pen to sign off and to give pardons to... I don't think Biden knew anything about it.”

• Tim Pierce (01:47): “Trump criticized VOA for promoting biased content and what he calls divisive propaganda.”

• Governor Patrick Morrissey (05:57): “111 out of the 111 bracketologists projected WVU to make the tournament. And for good reason.”

This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions and insights from the Morning Wire episode, providing listeners who missed the show with a detailed overview of the major topics covered.