Trump’s Canadian Tariff Win & NIH Vaccine Hesitancy Research | Afternoon Update | 3.11.25

Summary

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

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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.

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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.

Transcript

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[John Bickley]

Trump ups the ante on Canadian tariffs, Russia and Ukraine trade blows as negotiations begin and the NIH cut research funding on vaccine hesitancy. I'm Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Tuesday, March 11, and this is your Morning Wire afternoon update.

[Tim Rice]

Canada is backing down after President Trump hit them with another hefty tariff on steel and aluminum. Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice has more.

[Doug Ford]

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the province is suspending its 25% surcharge on electricity exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota. The move follows Trump hitting Canada with another 25% tariff on steel and aluminum in retaliation. Ford says he had a productive conversation with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and will travel to Washington Thursday to discuss a renewed USMCA trade deal. President Trump also demanded the removal of Canada's 250 to 390% tariff on American dairy and warned he would impose major auto tariffs on April 2 if changes weren't made. The move from Trump also follows Canada's new Prime minister, Mark Carney, taking several shots at the president's tariffs, calling them undressed, justified. White House press Secretary Caroline Levitt gave the following response to that Today the.

[Caroline Levitt]

President is again responding to the fact that Canada has been ripping off the United States of America and hard working Americans for decades. If you look at the rates of tariffs across the board that Canadians have been imposing on the American people and our workers here, it is egregious. In fact, I have a handy dandy chart here that shows not just Canada, but the rate of tariffs across the board. If you look at Canada, since you brought it up, American cheese and butter nearly 300% tariff. You look at India, 150% tariff on American alcohol. You think that's helping Kentucky bourbon be exported into India? I don't think so.

[Tim Rice]

Ukraine and the US have agreed to a ceasefire deal. It came just hours after negotiations began and an overnight drone attack on Moscow. Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips has the details.

[Cabot Phillips]

The massive drone attack killed at least two people and injured 18 Russian officials reported downing over 240 of the drones nationwide. Moscow's mayor called it the biggest assault on the capital since the war began. Forced all four international airports to halt operations after railway tracks and buildings were reportedly damaged. The display of force by Ukraine took place hours before Kyiv's delegation was set to meet US officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Saudi Arabia to push a proposed air truce. The Kremlin says its air defenses performed well but expects more attacks, while declining to comment on the truce proposal ahead of the talk's outcome. Hours later, Ukraine agreed to a 30 day ceasefire deal, putting the ball in Russia's court.

[John Bickley]

A British man has been arrested for his alleged connection to a massive tanker collision off the coast of the UK in the North Sea. The UK's maritime minister, Michael Caine, says it's unlikely foul play had anything to do with it.

[Michael Caine]

We are in contact through the MCA with our American and Portuguese counterparts and have liaised with that in terms of the counter pollution measures that he mentioned. The MC is standing by with marine and aerial counter pollution measures and will use them at the necessary time. But the immediate concern is to put out the fire on the Solong.

[John Bickley]

The Portuguese tanker smashed into a tanker carrying jet fuel for the US military, causing it to spill fuel. With the Portuguese tanker now expected to sink. Authorities are monitoring for spills near major fishing grounds and seabird colonies. Investigations led by both countries are underway. One crew member is presumed dead, while 36 were rescued.

[Tim Rice]

A former California congresswoman has thrown her hat into the ring to succeed Gavin Newsom as the state's governor. Katie Porter, known for her extreme progressive stances, emphasized the need for major change in her campaign announcement.

[Katie Porter]

What California needs now is a little bit of hope and a whole lot of grit, fresh blood and new ideas and leaders with the backbone to fight for what's left. That's why I'm running for governor.

[Tim Rice]

But if Kamala Harris, who's still considering a bid, runs Porter will reportedly bow out. The California primary is set for June 2026, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election regardless of party.

[John Bickley]

A growing number of Angelenos rate LA Mayor Karen Bass job performance as poor, according to a new poll from UC Berkeley. Over 40% say she handled the devastating wildfires poorly, while just 19% said she did a good job. The Palisades and eaton fires killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes. With her reelection bid coming up in 2026, Bass now faces mounting scrutiny and calls for a recall have already begun. Meanwhile, former opponent Rick Caruso is considering throwing his hat in the ring.

[Tim Rice]

The National Institutes of Health will no longer spend money to find out why Americans are hesitant to take vaccines, Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo explains.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

The NIH is terminating or scaling back more than 40 grants aimed at understanding vaccine hesitancy and boosting acceptance. The Washington Post reports that the decision follows a directive that such research no longer aligns with NIH funding priorities. The Health and Human Services Agency is now run by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Though it's not clear if he issued the order. NIH and HHS have yet to comment on the funding cut. The news follows Kennedy directing the CDC to study any possible link between vaccines.

[Tim Rice]

And autism and Crowlife diaper company EveryLife has launched a nationwide prayer campaign for couples struggling to have children. It's called Praying for more babies in 2025. The initiative invites married couples having difficulty conceiving to sign up for personalized prayer support from faith leaders and communities. Several notable names, including Lila Rose, Charlie Kirk, Bethany Hamilton and Duck Dynasty's Roberts and family, have all backed the campaign. As EveryLife's founder Sarah Gable Seifert told Morning Wire, the idea for this campaign started with a tweet from Elon Musk.

[Sarah Gable Seifert]

We blew it up on a massive billboard in the middle of New York City with a powerful yet profound message underneath that said make more babies. And this thing went viral. We had the opportunity to share about the need for more children in this world, not less, and the fact that so many young people today are believing in this overpopulation control ideology that is causing them to not want to pursue marriage or having kids, and even seeing children as a threat to the world or an inconvenience and a burden. And we wanted to send a countercultural message that children are actually the greatest gifts of all.

[John Bickley]

All right, those are your Drive Home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, this morning we covered some major stories, including the massive slim down of usaid, the apprehension of a Columbia University protest leader, and the debate on sanctuary cities heating up again. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.