Morning Wire Podcast Summary
Episode: Trump’s Canadian Tariff Win & NIH Vaccine Hesitancy Research | Afternoon Update | 3.11.25
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe

1. Trump’s Tariff Battle with Canada

John Bickley opens the episode by addressing President Donald Trump’s recent aggressive tariff measures against Canada, specifically targeting steel and aluminum imports. This move has sparked significant retaliation from Canadian officials, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations.

Tim Rice, Deputy Managing Editor, provides an in-depth analysis:

"Canada is backing down after President Trump hit them with another hefty tariff on steel and aluminum."
(00:42)

Doug Ford, Ontario Premier, announced the suspension of a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota. This decision comes in direct response to Trump’s additional 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. Ford emphasized proactive discussions with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and plans to travel to Washington to negotiate a renewed USMCA trade deal.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt sharply criticizes Canada’s trade practices:

"President is again responding to the fact that Canada has been ripping off the United States of America and hard working Americans for decades... American cheese and butter nearly 300% tariff."
(01:41)

Levitt further highlights the disparity in tariff rates, comparing Canadian tariffs on American products unfavorably to those imposed by countries like India.

2. Ukraine’s Ceasefire Amidst Escalated Conflict

Tim Rice transitions to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting a tentative ceasefire agreement:

"Ukraine and the US have agreed to a ceasefire deal... after an overnight drone attack on Moscow."
(02:21)

Cabot Phillips, Senior Editor, details the dramatic drone assault:

"The massive drone attack killed at least two people and injured 18... Moscow's mayor called it the biggest assault on the capital since the war began."
(02:33)

Despite the intense assault, Ukraine proceeded with negotiations for a 30-day ceasefire, signaling a potential de-escalation in hostilities. The agreement places the onus on Russia to uphold the truce, with the Kremlin maintaining robust defense capabilities but withholding comments on the truce's success.

3. Tanker Collision and Maritime Response

John Bickley reports on a maritime incident involving a British man accused of causing a massive tanker collision in the North Sea:

"The Portuguese tanker smashed into a tanker carrying jet fuel for the US military, causing it to spill fuel."
(03:28)

Michael Caine, the UK’s Maritime Minister, responds:

"We are in contact through the MCA with our American and Portuguese counterparts... the immediate concern is to put out the fire on the Solong."
(03:28)

The collision has resulted in significant environmental concerns, with authorities monitoring for fuel spills near critical fishing grounds and seabird habitats. While one crew member is presumed dead, 36 have been rescued. Investigations by both the UK and Portugal are ongoing to determine the cause, though foul play is deemed unlikely.

4. Katie Porter Enters the California Gubernatorial Race

Tim Rice covers the political landscape in California, where Katie Porter, known for her progressive views, has declared her candidacy for governor:

"What California needs now is a little bit of hope and a whole lot of grit... that's why I'm running for governor."
(04:29)

Porter’s announcement emphasizes a call for significant change and fresh leadership. However, the potential entry of Kamala Harris into the race could influence Porter’s decision to step aside. The primary election is scheduled for June 2026, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

5. Polls Indicate Poor Performance for LA Mayor Karen Bass

John Bickley highlights recent polling data from UC Berkeley indicating declining approval ratings for LA Mayor Karen Bass:

"Over 40% say she handled the devastating wildfires poorly, while just 19% said she did a good job."
(04:57)

The inability to effectively manage the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, which resulted in 12 fatalities and widespread destruction, has led to increased scrutiny of Bass’s leadership. With her re-election bid approaching in 2026, calls for a recall are emerging, and former opponent Rick Caruso is contemplating a run for mayor.

6. NIH Cuts Funding for Vaccine Hesitancy Research

Tim Rice discusses the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) decision to reduce funding for studies on vaccine hesitancy:

"The NIH is terminating or scaling back more than 40 grants aimed at understanding vaccine hesitancy and boosting acceptance."
(05:39)

Amanda Presto Giacomo, Daily Wire reporter, explains the context:

"The decision follows a directive that such research no longer aligns with NIH funding priorities."
(05:39)

This move coincides with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taking over the Health and Human Services Agency (HHS), though it remains unclear if he directly influenced the funding cuts. The NIH and HHS have yet to provide official comments. This development follows Kennedy’s directive for the CDC to investigate potential links between vaccines and health issues, further complicating the public health landscape.

7. EveryLife’s Nationwide Prayer Campaign for Couples Struggling with Infertility

Tim Rice introduces a new social initiative by EveryLife, a diaper company, launching a nationwide prayer campaign:

"A nationwide prayer campaign for couples struggling to have children... called Praying for More Babies in 2025."
(06:11)

Sarah Gable Seifert, founder of EveryLife, elaborates on the campaign’s inspiration:

"We blew it up on a massive billboard in the middle of New York City... sending a countercultural message that children are actually the greatest gifts of all."
(06:47)

The campaign, endorsed by notable figures such as Lila Rose, Charlie Kirk, Bethany Hamilton, and Roberts from Duck Dynasty, aims to counteract prevailing ideologies that discourage marriage and parenthood. The initiative encourages married couples facing fertility challenges to seek personalized prayer support from faith communities, promoting the value of children as societal assets.

Conclusion and Additional Stories

John Bickley wraps up the episode by mentioning other significant stories covered in the Morning Wire, including:

• USAID’s budget reductions
• Apprehension of a Columbia University protest leader
• Reignited debates on sanctuary cities

Listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com for more detailed coverage on these and other pressing issues.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Morning Wire’s March 11, 2025, Afternoon Update, providing listeners with a thorough overview of the episode’s critical topics.