Trump’s EU Trade Win & Ghislaine Maxwell Questioned | 7.28.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary: July 28, 2025

Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Wire) and Georgia Howe
Episode Title: Trump’s EU Trade Win & Ghislaine Maxwell Questioned

---

1. President Trump's Trade Deal with the European Union

Overview: In this segment, John Bickley and Georgia Howe delve into President Donald Trump's significant achievement in finalizing a groundbreaking trade agreement with the European Union (EU). Senior Editor Cabot Phillips provides detailed insights into the negotiations and the deal's implications.

Key Points:

• Trade Agreement Details:
  President Trump successfully brokered a trade deal that imposes a 15% tariff on most European goods, while the EU will open its markets to American goods with zero tariffs. Additionally, the EU has committed to purchasing $750 billion in U.S. energy and defense products.

• Negotiation Dynamics:
  Initially, the EU proposed a bilateral agreement with zero tariffs on both sides. However, President Trump's steadfast stance led the EU to counter with a 10% tariff rate. Ultimately, securing a 15% tariff without retaliation from the EU marks a substantial victory for the White House.

• Impact and Reactions:
  Georgia Howe highlighted the opening of European markets, emphasizing opportunities for American companies. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed optimism, stating, "It's a huge deal" (04:18). Despite initial challenges, the deal is poised to strengthen economic ties and increase U.S. tax revenue.

• Future Implications:
  The deal is touted as potentially the largest in U.S. history, with the EU being America's largest trading partner. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reiterated the August 1st deadline for countries to reach trade agreements, threatening 25-50% tariffs for non-compliance.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Howe: "All of the countries will be opened up to trade with the United States at zero tariff." (00:09)
• Ursula von der Leyen: "It's a huge deal." (04:18)
• Virginia Kruta: "It will bring stability, it will bring predictability." (04:21)

---

2. Ghislaine Maxwell's DOJ Interview Raises Questions

Overview: The podcast addresses the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) questioning of Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein. Legal experts express surprise over the delayed interrogation and discuss its potential implications.

Key Points:

• DOJ's First Interview:
  Ghislaine Maxwell was questioned by the DOJ for the first time, leaving legal experts puzzled about the delay. Maxwell's attorney, David Oscar Marcus, revealed that she was asked about approximately 100 different individuals connected to Epstein's affairs, marking the first concerted effort to uncover her knowledge of Epstein's activities.

• Credibility and Motives:
  Concerns arise regarding Maxwell's credibility, especially if she seeks to trade information for clemency or a pardon. While President Trump has not officially discussed pardoning Maxwell, there are reports suggesting she was offered limited immunity, protecting her statements from being used against her in future prosecutions.

• Public and Political Reaction:
  A poll from Emerson College indicates that 51% of Americans disapprove of how the Epstein files have been handled. However, this issue appears to have minimal impact on Republican voters, with only one out of over 300 surveyed identifying Epstein as a top concern.

• FBI's Transparency Concerns:
  FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino issued a statement expressing alarm over potential government weaponization and political corruption. He emphasized the necessity for transparency and adherence to legal protocols in ongoing investigations.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley: "The fact that she is untapped is remarkable." (00:25)
• David Oscar Marcus: "Prosecutors asked about every possible thing you could imagine." (06:18)
• George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley: "I was floored when the legal team said that she had not been interviewed by federal and state investigators." (07:01)
• Dan Bongino: "We cannot run a republic like this... The answers would come after investigations are done by the book and in accordance with the law." (09:01)

---

3. Criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom Over Disappearing Fire Aid Funds

Overview: President Trump has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom following reports that nearly $100 million raised for victims of the Pacific Palisades wildfires has not reached the intended recipients. The segment explores the details of the controversy and its broader political ramifications.

Key Points:

• Fire Aid Concert Mishap:
  The "Fire Aid" concert, featuring artists like Katy Perry, Olivia Rodrigo, and Lady Gaga, was intended to raise funds directly for wildfire victims. Promises were made by celebrities such as Miles Teller and Samuel L. Jackson that the proceeds would aid those who lost homes.

• Mismanagement Allegations:
  Victims and local nonprofits claim that the funds have not been disbursed as promised. Residents like David Howard and Mark Jones have reported not receiving any aid, contradicting statements from the organizers.

• Trump's Accusations:
  President Trump labeled Fire Aid as a "total disaster" and suggested it was a "Democrat-inspired scam." He criticized Governor Newsom for the mishandling of funds, blaming him for the inadequate response and inefficient management of resources.

• Nonprofit Involvement and Transparency:
  Investigations by reporters like Sue Pascoe uncovered that the donated funds were allocated to nonprofits with agendas unrelated to direct victim assistance. These organizations purportedly used the funds to promote political causes rather than housing reconstruction, leading to calls for accountability and potential investigations led by Representative Kevin Kiley.

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump: "Fire Aid is a total disaster. That looks like another Democrat inspired scam." (11:08)
• David Howard (Fire Victim): "I have not seen any benefit from the fire aid money, nor have an Unbearable call powered by friends and neighbors." (11:49)
• Virginia Kruta: "I looked at these nonprofits and one of them said we help mobile home parks...they had never received any money." (13:11)
• Lisa Clary Real (Fire Aid's Grant Advisory Committee): "We want people to understand that there's been a thoughtful process behind this and our top priority was trying to do what people needed and do what's best for fire survivors." (13:39)

---

Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe unpack pivotal issues ranging from President Trump's strategic trade negotiations with the EU to the troubling developments in the Ghislaine Maxwell case. Additionally, the podcast sheds light on the controversial mismanagement of funds intended for wildfire victims in California, highlighting systemic issues within governmental and nonprofit organizations. Through expert analysis and firsthand accounts, Morning Wire provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these pressing topics.

---

Note: Timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript for reference.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

President Trump touts more foreign policy wins and a massive new trade deal with the eu.

[Georgia Howe]

All of the countries will be opened up to trade with the United States at zero tariff.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Monday, July 28, and this is Morning Wire.

[Tim Pierce]

Epstein confidant Ghislaine Maxwell is questioned for the first time by the doj, leaving legal experts baffled as to why it took this long.

[John Bickley]

The fact that she is untapped is remarkable. And Trump slams Gavin Newsom after millions of dollars raised for LA fire victims reportedly vanishes.

[Virginia Kruta]

The money is not going to the victims that you wanted the money to go to.

[Tim Pierce]

Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know. America is built on hard work and powered by American energy. Chevron has spent $44 billion with local businesses across all since 2022, fueling infrastructure and communities, all while strengthening local economies. Last year, Chevron increased U.S. production nearly 20%, powering communities and businesses from the heartlands to the coasts. We're helping to fuel America's energy advantage, building a brighter future right here at home. Visit chevron.comamera to discover more. President Trump traveled to Europe this weekend to finalize a trade deal with the EU while also brokering a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire's senior editor Cabot Phillips is here with the latest. Hey, Cabot. So Trump working on a number of high stakes deals. Let's start with this conflict in Asia that erupted over the weekend. What exactly happened there?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, so start with some context. For more than a century, Thailand and Cambodia have been in a bitter dispute over two ancient temples, which both countries claim as their own. After a war of words between leaders from both countries escalated throughout the month and a large firefight broke out Thursday along the border and intensified over the next three days. Within 72 hours, at least 35 people, mostly civilians, had been killed and more than 200,000 people were forced to flee. That drove President Trump to intervene. He called leaders in each country demanding that they begin peace talks and threatening higher tariffs and no trade deal if they ignore him. Writing on Truth Social, he said, quote, they are looking to get back to the trading table with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting stops. So he's basically saying, keep fighting and you won't get a deal.

[John Bickley]

Right.

[Cabot Phillips]

Remember, without a trade deal in the next four days, each country would be facing enormous 36% tariffs. And that threat seemed to get their attention. Within hours of Trump stepping in, the two sides issued statements thanking the president and announcing that they would immediately begin negotiations on a ceasefire. Those talks will take place later this afternoon in Malaysia.

[John Bickley]

So a great development. Let's hope that gets resolved permanently. Now, Trump also was working on a massive deal with the European Union.

[Howard Lutnick]

Where does that stand now?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah. After months of negotiating, on Sunday, the president hit an economic buzzer beater, if you will, finalizing a trade deal with the EU just before his August 1 deadline. According to Trump, the US will set a baseline 15% tariff on most European goods, while the EU will open up their markets to American goods at a zero percent tariff. And additionally, Trump says the EU has also agreed to purchase $750 billion in energy and defense products from the U.S. here he is announcing that agreement Sunday afternoon.

[Georgia Howe]

So we have a tariff of 15%. We have the opening up of all of the European countries, which I think I could say were essentially closed. I mean, you weren't exactly taking our orders, you weren't exactly taking our agriculture. And then you would have smaller things, but for the most part, it was closed. And now it's open. It's open for our companies to go in and do a good job with it. I think you'll like them. I think it's great that we made a deal today instead of playing games.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, remember, the Europeans initially had proposed a deal that would see zero tariffs on both sides. But when Trump stood firm, they countered by pushing for 10% rates. So the fact the US was able to secure 15% without retaliation from the EU is undoubtedly a big win for the White House.

[Howard Lutnick]

Indeed.

[Cabot Phillips]

But for her part, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism.

[Virginia Kruta]

It will bring stability, it will bring predictability.

[Ursula von der Leyen]

It's a huge deal.

[Virginia Kruta]

Yeah, was tough negotiations. I knew it at the beginning, and it was indeed very tough. But we came to good conclusions.

[John Bickley]

We did say so.

[Virginia Kruta]

Again, congratulations and many thanks.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, this is certainly the largest trade deal that President Trump has ever brokered, and it could be the largest trade deal in US History. Collectively, the EU is America's largest trading partner, with more than a trillion dollars going back and forth each year. The White house says this 15% rate will bring in billions in new tax revenue and again open up new markets for American businesses. But there are still a number of countries who have not yet reached a trade agreement. Remember, any nation without one by August 1st will face 25 to 50% tariffs. Here's Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reiterating that that deadline will not be moved.

[Georgia Howe]

No extensions, no more grace periods. August 1st, the tariffs are set, they'll go into place. Customs will start collecting the money, and off we go. Obviously, after August 1, people can still talk to President Trump. I mean, he's always willing to listen. And between now and then, I think the president's going to talk to a lot of people. Whether they can make him happy is another question. But the president's definitely willing to negotiate and talk to the big economies for sure.

[Cabot Phillips]

And while the White House is holding firm on that deadline, they've made clear that negotiating can still take place after August 1st. So there's a good chance. We see a flurry of trade deals over the next few days and again into next week.

[John Bickley]

And things certainly seem to be picking up as that deadline comes. Quickly, Kevin, thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Absolutely.

[John Bickley]

The Department of Justice met with Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, last week. Meanwhile, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino says he's alarmed at what he's learned about government weaponization.

[Tim Pierce]

Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce is here to talk about the latest in the Epstein case and the issue of transparency in the DOJ and FBI. So, Tim, amazing that Ghislaine Maxwell is just now being questioned. What have we learned?

[Howard Lutnick]

Some intriguing but so far pretty vague developments. Maxwell's attorney, David Oscar Marcus, spoke a little on Thursday about the interviews with his client. He said prosecutors asked about every possible thing you could imagine, and that included questions on about 100 different people. He didn't give any specifics, though he did say that this is the first time prosecutors have ever tried to find out what Maxwell knows about Epstein's affairs. Here's Marcus.

[John Bickley]

We don't know. We don't know how it's going to play out. We just know that this was the first opportunity she's ever been given to answer questions about what happened. And so the truth will come out about what happened with Mr. Epstein, and she's the person who's answering those questions.

[Howard Lutnick]

The fact that this may be the first time Maxwell has been interviewed like this is pretty shocking. George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley said as much on FOX News.

[John Bickley]

I was floored when the legal team said that she had not been interviewed by federal and state investigators. There were so many investigations over such a long period of time, but she appears to be untapped as to her account. Now, keep in mind, she's the one who knows the most. In every one of these pictures, she's in the background.

[Howard Lutnick]

Now, there are still some serious questions to be asked about her credibility, especially if it Looks like she wants to trade information for clemency or a pardon. To that point, President Trump didn't rule out a pardon for Maxwell last week, but according to Marcus, there haven't been any discussions on that point. Although a report from ABC News says that for last week's interviews, Maxwell was offered limited immunity. Basically, what she said in those interviews can't be held against her in a future prosecution.

[Tim Pierce]

Got it. Now, Democrats have been suggesting that President Trump could be implicated in some of these documents. How big of a political concern is this for the President?

[Howard Lutnick]

That's a good question. There's a couple pieces of data here that are worth looking at. First, an Emerson College poll released on Friday says 51% of Americans disapprove of how the Epstein files have been handled. Just 16% say they approve. But before Democrats get too giddy, it's worth asking how much that actually matters. According to a CNN poll earlier this month, just one Republican surveyed of over 300 said Epstein was their top issue. In addition, Democrats had all the info on Epstein for four years under Biden and they never released any of it. So a lot of people are skeptical that there's much in there on Trump anyway. That said, the Trump administration does appear to want to clean this up. Trump's team has taken a lot of heat from his base over the lack of transparency. And this DOJ meeting with Maxwell, in addition to attempts to unseal grand jury documents, appears aimed at tamping down some of that criticism.

[Tim Pierce]

Right. And speaking of lack of transparency, Dan Bongino over at the FBI had a pretty alarming message for Americans over the weekend. Did he say?

[Howard Lutnick]

Yeah, Bongino put out a statement on X on Saturday emphasizing a commitment to transparency from within the administration, which people are speculating has to do with Russiagate. Bongino didn't give any details, but he said that some of the information he's seen relating to political corruption and government weaponization shocked him to his core. He added that we cannot run a republic like this and he'll never be the same after learning what he's learned. He urged patience and said that the answers would come after investigations are done by the book and in accordance with the law.

[Tim Pierce]

Hmm. Well, definitely a chilling message to hear from a high up official at the FBI. Hopefully he can deliver on that promise.

[Howard Lutnick]

Yeah, a lot of people are hoping that.

[Tim Pierce]

Tim, thanks for reporting.

[Howard Lutnick]

Good to be on.

[Tim Pierce]

President Trump is going after California Governor Gavin Newsom over reports that nearly $100 million in aid that was supposed to go to victims of the Pacific Palisades wildfires has effectively disappeared.

[John Bickley]

The aid in question was raised through a concert named Fire Aid and was supposed to go directly to residents who'd been impacted by the fire. But according to a number of sources, that hasn't happened. Daily Wire senior editor Virginia Kruta joins us now with more. Hey Virginia. So what's happening here?

[Ursula von der Leyen]

So first, for those who haven't been following this, Fire Aid was supposed to be a one night concert event featuring artists like Katy Perry, Olivia Rodrigo and Lady Gaga. And it was supposed to raise money for residents who lost their homes during the devastating wildfires earlier this year. In fact, a list actors promised people that that was the purpose. But Miles Teller from Top Gun Maverick told everyone that Fire aid would go directly to the victims, as did Samuel L. Jackson.

[John Bickley]

All of the money raised will go directly to people who need it now and towards long term efforts to build the communities back.

[Cabot Phillips]

Go to the website and give what you can.

[John Bickley]

All the money that's raised will go.

[Cabot Phillips]

Directly to people who need help in.

[John Bickley]

The short term and for the long term effort to get this city back on its feet. So a list promises that victims of the fire would receive this money directly, but that's not how it's played out, Correct?

[Ursula von der Leyen]

Right. And that's what Trump highlighted on Friday. He took to social media to say that fire Aid is a total disaster. That looks like another Democrat inspired scam. He said the fires would never have happened with proper management. He went on to slam Governor Newsom for refusing to release billions of gallons of water from Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Trump also hit officials for slow walking approvals and said all federal housing permits have been approved.

[John Bickley]

So several swipes at Newsom there now victims are effectively backing up what Trump is saying about the money. Correct?

[Ursula von der Leyen]

Right. Here's what resident David Howard, who lost two homes in the Pacific Palisades, told the local Fox affiliate.

[Howard Lutnick]

I have not seen any benefit from the fire aid money, nor have an Unbearable call powered by friends and neighbors.

[Ursula von der Leyen]

Altadena fire victim Mark Jones told a similar story, saying that he had believed the money was going directly to the people as well. Fire Aid has issued a statement attempting to clarify their role in all of this, saying, and I quote, fire Aid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals. And that was never the plan. We partnered directly with trusted local nonprofits to reach communities in need, so they're.

[John Bickley]

Shifting the focus to these nonprofits. Do we know which organizations actually got this money?

[Ursula von der Leyen]

Well, that's what everyone is scrambling to figure out now. Sue Pascoe, editor in chief of Circling the News and a fire victim herself, has been investigating this. Here's what she told Fox la.

[Virginia Kruta]

I looked at these nonprofits and one of them said we help mobile home parks. And there were two mobile home parks in the Palisades, all low income. And so I contacted the people there. They had never received any money. They had never heard of that. If you go on there, they don't say how much each individual nonprofit gets. So there are two nonprofits that are for the homeless people in the Palisade, not the Palisades, Los Angeles in general that they're getting money from, from Lhasa. So why are these nonprofits also getting money from Fire Aid?

[Ursula von der Leyen]

Fox spoke with a few of the nonprofits, including one that works to promote self determination in the Latino community and promised to use the funding to build not houses, but a more humane, democratic society by responding to the needs and problems of disenfranchised people. Another organization promised to use the money to cultivate egalitarian relationships based on trust and respect.

[John Bickley]

So it sounds like they're using the money to push their own political causes. Is Fire Aid actually defending the use of this money?

[Ursula von der Leyen]

Yes, they are. Lisa Clary Real, a member of Fire Aid's grant advisory committee, said, we want people to understand that there's been a thoughtful process behind this and, and our top priority was trying to do what people needed and do what's best for fire survivors.

[John Bickley]

And apparently what's best for them isn't.

[Howard Lutnick]

Having their actual homes replaced.

[Ursula von der Leyen]

Apparently not. And that's why Representative Kevin Kiley has been pushing for an investigation into this group and into the funding and where it all went.

[John Bickley]

We'll see where that takes us. Virginia, thank you so much for reporting.

[Tim Pierce]

Sure. Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're watching on YouTube, please like and subscribe. We'll be back later this evening with more news you need to know.

[Jeremy]

Stop living like a myth. It's time to start shaving like a legend with Jeremy's Razors, the politically incorrect razor for men. Equipped with five barber grade blades and a moisturizing aloe strip, Jeremy's Razors are sharp enough for thick, beastly scruff, yet smooth enough for daily use. Hundreds of thousands of abominable beasts agree. Jeremy's Razors deliver barber grade blades right to the palm of your hand. While other razors snap or treat you like crap, Jeremy's Razors offers a world class shave without the shame. Try Jeremy's Razors today for only $7.99 and they ship right to your man cave. Plus, for every Jeremy's Razor sold, a liberal loses a pronoun. So if you're a man who pees standing up, head over to jeremy-razors.com legend and subscribe today. That's jeremysrazors.com legend. Jeremy's razors don't tame the beast, just shape.