Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Trump Tours Disaster Areas & Fauci Security Ends | Afternoon Update | 1.24.25
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Host/Authors: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Presented by: The Daily Wire

1. President Trump Visits Disaster-Stricken Areas and Discusses FEMA Overhaul

Georgia Howe opens the afternoon update by highlighting President Donald Trump's recent visit to hurricane-ravaged North Carolina. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and local officials, President Trump is set to tour the damage and later head to Los Angeles to assess the aftermath of recent wildfires.

During his remarks in Nashville, Trump introduced the notion of restructuring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), suggesting an overhaul or even complete abolition of the agency. He emphasized the importance of reform to better handle disaster responses.

A significant portion of Trump's visit includes outlining conditions for federal aid to California. At [00:59], Trump stated:

“I want to see two things in Los Angeles, voter ID so that the people have a chance to vote and I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and also go out to all the farmland that's barren and dry. They artificially stop the water from going onto the land. I just want voter ideas to start and I want the water to be released and they're going to get a lot of help from the US as.”
— Donald Trump at 00:59

This declaration links disaster aid with electoral reforms, reflecting Trump's broader policy objectives.

2. Termination of Security Details for Ex-Government Officials

Georgia Howe reports a significant change in security protocols for former high-ranking officials. Anthony Fauci, Mike Pompeo, and John Bolton have had their taxpayer-funded security details terminated.

When questioned about this decision, Trump responded at [01:37]:

“You can't have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for government.”
— Donald Trump at 01:37

He further elaborated:

“They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security too... I can give them some good numbers of very good security people. They can hire their own security. They all made a lot of money. Fauci made a lot of money. Certainly I would not take responsibility.”
— Donald Trump at 01:47

Trump's stance suggests a shift towards reducing federal expenditures on security for former officials, implying they are financially capable of securing themselves.

3. Confirmation of John Ratcliffe as CIA Director

John Bickley announces the Senate's confirmation of John Ratcliffe as the new CIA Director. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor, with a 74 to 25 tally. Notably, 20 Democrats and one independent senator joined Republicans in supporting Ratcliffe, signaling broad bipartisan approval.

Ratcliffe, previously a Congressman and Director of National Intelligence under Trump, is expected to steer the CIA through contemporary challenges, emphasizing Trump's strategic preferences in intelligence leadership.

4. Executive Order Mandating Release of Historical Assassination Records

Georgia Howe details President Trump's recent executive order aimed at enhancing government transparency. The order mandates the full release of federal records pertaining to the assassinations of:

• President John F. Kennedy
• Senator Robert F. Kennedy
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Previously, these records faced prolonged redactions and delays. Trump criticized the withholding of such information, stating it was “not consistent with public interest.”

The executive order stipulates that the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General have 15 days to present a release plan for the JFK records and 45 days for the others. This move is intended to shed light on these pivotal events, fostering greater public understanding and historical accuracy.

5. Sentencing in the UK Taylor Swift Event Stabbing Case

John Bickley transitions to international news, reporting on the sentencing of Axel Ruta Cabana, the 18-year-old responsible for stabbing three young girls at a Taylor Swift concert in Southport, England, back in July.

Ash Short, Daily Wire Senior Editor, provides the details at [03:09]:

“Axel Ruta Cabana pleaded guilty to murdering three young girls and injuring 10 others and was sentenced to at least 52 years in prison. The attack, which took place in Southport, England, was described by the judge as extreme violence of the utmost seriousness, leaving the community devastated. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who initially tried to silence protests over the stabbings, has finally admitted his government failed the families, saying there are grave questions to answer as to how the state failed in its ultimate duty to protect these young girls. Families of the victims called the sentencing a small measure of justice for the horrific loss.”
— Ash Short at 03:09

The sentencing reflects the severity of the crime and acknowledges the government's shortcomings in protecting its citizens.

6. Oscar Nominations Announced Amidst Wildfire Delays

After delays caused by wildfires, the Oscar nominations have been revealed. Georgia Howe introduces Daily Wire Culture Reporter Megan Basham, who outlines the key nominees at [03:56]:

“The film Amelia Perez led this year's Oscar nominations with 13 nods, including Best Picture and Best Actress. Carlo Sofia Gascon, who earned a Best Actress nomination for the Spanish-language film, is the first actor who identifies as trans to be nominated for an Oscar. Other top contenders included Wicked and The Brutalist, which earned 10 nominations. Wicked scored acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, while Adrien Brody earned his second Best Actor nod for The Brutalist. He won in 2002 for The Pianist. The ceremony will take place on March 2nd.”
— Megan Basham at 03:56

Highlights include the groundbreaking nomination of Carlo Sofia Gascon, marking a significant moment for transgender representation in the Academy Awards.

7. Rare Celestial Event: Six-Planet Alignment

John Bickley shares an exciting astronomical event with listeners, while Daily Wire Reporter Amanda Presa Giacomo provides further details at [04:44]:

“Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will all align in a breathtaking parade that will be visible throughout the month of January. NASA says that the planets will be visible to the naked eye and they can be best viewed 90 minutes after sunset. Astronomers are calling this a must-see event and urging stargazers to step outside for a view of the planet's spectacular dance around the heavens. If you miss this extraordinary alignment, a similar, though less spectacular one will occur at the end of February.”
— Amanda Presa Giacomo at 04:44

This celestial alignment offers a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and the general public to witness a rare and beautiful phenomenon.

Conclusion

This episode of Morning Wire delivered a comprehensive update on current events, blending domestic political developments with international news, cultural highlights, and even celestial phenomena. From President Trump's active role in disaster response and policy proposals to significant changes in federal security protocols, the podcast ensured listeners were well-informed on pivotal issues. Additionally, the coverage of the UK's tragic incident, the uniqueness of Oscar nominations, and an extraordinary planetary alignment provided a well-rounded and engaging listening experience.

For more detailed reporting on these stories, visit dailywire.com and tune into the full episodes of Morning Wire.