Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Episode: Trump’s Cabinet Assembles & Jersey Governor Race Tightens | 10.10.25
Date: October 10, 2025
Host: Cabot Phillips for The Daily Wire

Overview

This episode of Morning Wire, hosted by Cabot Phillips in place of John Bickley and Georgia Howe, delivers coverage on major political developments: President Trump’s ongoing cabinet efforts amidst a continued government shutdown, progress on a Middle East peace deal involving Gaza, the tightening New Jersey governor’s race, and a deep dive into the spike in emergency room wait times across the U.S.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Cabinet Meeting: Major Developments

Segment Start: [02:41]

a. Middle East Peace Deal

• Trump’s administration claims a major breakthrough toward peace in Gaza, with all remaining Israeli hostages (about 20) expected to be released early next week ([03:19]).
• A rare honor: Trump plans to speak before Israel’s Knesset, a privilege not extended to a U.S. president since 2008 ([03:19]).
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio credits Trump’s leadership:

  "There is no other leader in the world that could have put this together, Mr. President." — Marco Rubio ([04:09])

• The hosts express optimism but temper expectations, citing the region’s history of last-minute deal collapses ([04:30]).

b. Government Shutdown Status

• The government shutdown persists into its ninth day, with Trump’s administration blaming Democrats for obstruction ([04:54]).
• Trump vows permanent cuts targeting “Democrat programs” and hints at layoffs of “non-essential” federal employees:

  "We're only going to cut Democrat programs, I hate to tell you." — Donald Trump ([05:25])

• The partisan standoff intensifies as federal workers miss paychecks, increasing pressure for a resolution ([06:13]).

c. Columbus Day Restoration

• Trump officially reinstates Columbus Day on October 13th, celebrating Italian American heritage ([03:08]).

  "Columbus Day, we’re back. Columbus Day, we’re back. Italians." — Donald Trump ([03:08])

2. Security Incident: Bomb Threat in D.C.

Segment Start: [06:28]

• A man, Lewis Jerry, was arrested at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in D.C. with over 100 explosives ahead of a high-profile mass for Supreme Court justices ([06:48]).
• Jerry's background includes a prior offense (public indecency) and alleged intent to attack iconic landmarks.
• The court finds probable cause, with the accused remaining in custody ([07:32]).

3. New Jersey Governor’s Race Tightens

Segment Start: [07:41]

• Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli now polls neck-and-neck with the Democrat incumbent, surprising many given New Jersey’s blue state status ([08:20]).
• Ciattarelli attributes the surge to frustration over taxes, spending, housing crises, and public safety:

  “These are all things that people really pissed off about. And when they're pissed, they want change.” — Jack Ciattarelli ([08:20])

• Unlike moderate GOP governors elsewhere, Ciattarelli embraces Trump but insists his campaign centers on local priorities over national personalities:

  “What does Donald Trump have to do with our property taxes? … He's got nothing to do with that.” — Jack Ciattarelli ([09:32])

• Policy commitments include:
  • Ending New Jersey’s sanctuary state status by executive order ([10:50])
  • Supporting local law enforcement partnerships with federal agencies
  • Rolling back cashless bail, which he says creates “professional criminals” and demoralizes police ([10:50])

  “There will be no sanctuary cities in New Jersey when I'm governor...And I'm never going to tell a local mayor or police chief they can't work in partnership with a federal agency.” — Jack Ciattarelli ([10:50])

4. Emergency Room Wait Times: Systemic Crisis

Segment Start: [11:49]

• ER wait times have hit record highs nationwide, with a national average of 4+ hours; 5% of patients wait 24+ hours ([12:09]).
• Northeast states report especially acute delays; “abandonment rates” (patients leaving before being seen) are stark ([12:49]).
• Causes include:
  • Persistent staff shortages, but root issues predate COVID-19 ([13:01])
  • Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion reducing incentives for preventive physician visits; patients increasingly use ERs for non-emergencies

    “The increased ER wait times are actually one of the big broken promises of Obamacare…” — Nicholas Kleinworth ([13:26])

  • Difficulty accessing specialists outside ERs results in overuse of emergency care
  • Rural hospital closures and corporate consolidation push patients to crowded urban centers

    “…They'll reduce access to services in those areas and redirect them to more wealthy areas where the margins are higher.” — Nicholas Kleinworth ([14:26])

• Debate over the impact of illegal immigration on wait times, with contradictory state-level data (California as example) ([15:06]).
• Proposed solutions: prioritizing Medicaid for the most in need, protecting funds for rural health, regulatory reforms to expand provider roles (e.g., pharmacists), and telehealth expansion ([15:33]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There is no other leader in the world that could have put this together, Mr. President.” — Marco Rubio, praising Trump’s role in Gaza peace ([04:09])
• “We're only going to cut Democrat programs, I hate to tell you.” — Donald Trump on the shutdown ([05:25])
• “These are all things that people really pissed off about. And when they're pissed, they want change.” — Jack Ciattarelli on New Jersey politics ([08:20])
• “There will be no sanctuary cities in New Jersey when I'm governor… that's a local decision and I would support it 100% whatever it is that mayor and police chief decide to do.” — Jack Ciattarelli on law enforcement collaboration ([10:50])
• “The increased ER wait times are actually one of the big broken promises of Obamacare...” — Nicholas Kleinworth ([13:26])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:41] Trump Cabinet Meeting & Middle East peace deal
• [03:19] Gaza Hostage Release & Trump’s Knesset Invitation
• [04:54] Government Shutdown Update
• [06:28] DC Bomb Threat Incident
• [07:41] NJ Governor Race Interview with Ciattarelli
• [11:49] Emergency Room Wait Time Crisis

Final Notes

This episode provides a rapid tour of major national issues with a keen focus on the intersection of federal and local politics, and the persistent institutional challenges shaping Americans' everyday experiences. From high-level diplomacy and budget battles to deeply felt local concerns and healthcare bottlenecks, the Morning Wire team delivers news “you need to know”—with a blend of insider perspectives and sharp, ongoing political analysis.