Morning Wire: Trump’s Title 42 Plans & Apple’s US Jobs Pledge | Afternoon Update | February 24, 2025

Hosted by Georgia Howe and John Bickley, the Daily Wire’s "Morning Wire" delivers comprehensive updates on the latest developments in politics, culture, education, sports, and more. In the February 24, 2025 episode, the hosts delve into significant topics including Trump’s immigration policies, federal union challenges, international health concerns, major corporate investments, high-profile political appointments, and notable shifts within the media landscape.

1. Trump’s Reinstitution of Title 42 Border Policy

Tim Pierce opens the discussion by addressing former President Donald Trump's plans to reinstate the pandemic-era border policy, Title 42, aimed at expediting deportations.

• Title 42 Overview: Originally implemented in 2020 under Trump, Title 42 classifies illegal migrants as public health risks, particularly concerning diseases like tuberculosis. Although President Biden terminated the policy in 2023, Trump’s move signifies a potential return to stricter immigration controls.

• Current Border Situation: Since Trump's return to office earlier in the month, illegal border crossings have significantly decreased, with only 396 illegal entries reported across the southwestern border regions.

Notable Quote:

[01:49] President Trump: "I thought it was great because we have people that don't show up to work and nobody even knows if they work for the government. So by asking the question, tell us what you did this week. What he's doing is saying, are you actually working? And then if you don't answer like you're sort of semi fired or you're fired because a lot of people are not answering because they don't even exist."

2. Federal Unions Challenge Doge Email Ultimatum

Georgia Howe transitions to a legal challenge faced by federal unions opposing the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) recent email directive.

• The Ultimatum: Federal employees received an email mandating them to report their weekly accomplishments by midnight, threatening termination for non-compliance.

• Union's Argument: The unions contend that this requirement breaches federal regulations, leading to an emergency intervention in federal court.

Notable Quote:

[02:10] Legal Analyst: "The news comes as Doge along with the EPA have frozen over $67 million in grants awarded to environmental groups under the Biden administration."

3. Pope Francis’s Critical Health Condition

Tim Pierce provides an update on Pope Francis, who remains hospitalized in Rome due to a severe lung infection and early signs of kidney dysfunction.

• Health Status: The 88-year-old pontiff is resting after a stable night, with no signs of sepsis—a critical concern given his previously removed lung segment. He is currently receiving oxygen and blood transfusions.

Notable Quote:

[02:47] Cardinal Timothy Dolan: "State we of the Catholic family and so many of our friends and neighbors find ourselves this morning at the bedside of a dying father."

4. Apple’s $500 Billion US Jobs Pledge

Georgia Howe reports on Apple’s substantial commitment to the US economy, pledging $500 billion and the creation of 20,000 new jobs over the next four years.

• Investment Details: Apple plans to construct a new 250,000 square-foot AI server facility in Houston, Texas, along with several data centers across eight states.

• Trump’s Response: Former President Trump attributes Apple's investment to his tariff policies, stating it signals confidence in his economic strategies.

Notable Quote:

[03:35] Mike Allen (Axios Co-Founder): "This gives Trump the leverage to say to other companies, apple can do this. Apple is bringing these jobs into the U.S., apple is investing in the U.S. Why can't you? Why won't you?"

5. Senator Marsha Blackburn Demands Release of Epstein Records

Tim Pierce covers Senator Marsha Blackburn’s initiative urging the FBI to release unredacted records related to Jeffrey Epstein’s associates.

• Senatorial Action: Blackburn has formally requested the release of Epstein’s flight logs, Ghislaine Maxwell’s records, and IRS files detailing financial ties, emphasizing the need for transparency to aid Epstein survivors.

Notable Quote:

[04:40] Senator Marsha Blackburn: "We know that Jeffrey Epstein helped develop a global trafficking ring and by getting this information, it will help us begin to break apart some of this human trafficking, sex trafficking that's taking place around the globe. We understand that human trafficking has become $150 billion a year business."

• Context: Epstein’s death in custody in 2019 has left numerous questions unanswered, with Attorney General Pam Bondi confirming that his client list is under review for potential disclosure.

6. Trump Appoints Dan Bongino as FBI Deputy Director

Georgia Howe announces President Trump’s appointment of Dan Bongino as the Deputy Director of the FBI, a position not requiring Senate confirmation.

• Significance: Bongino, a well-known media personality with anti-establishment views, will serve under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel, continuing Trump’s trend of placing like-minded individuals in key law enforcement roles.

7. Media Shakeups: Lester Holt and MSNBC’s Primetime Changes

Tim Pierce and Georgia Howe discuss notable changes within major media outlets.

• Lester Holt’s Departure: Lester Holt, a staple anchor of NBC's Nightly News for over two decades, is stepping down to focus on Dateline NBC. NBC has yet to announce his successor, highlighting the ongoing transformations within traditional news networks.

• MSNBC’s Primetime Overhaul: Sister network MSNBC is revamping its primetime lineup, including the cancellation of Joy Reid’s 7 PM show. The network plans to introduce younger left-wing talents such as Simone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. Additionally, Jen Psaki is expected to take on more hours, while Rachel Maddow will transition from a daily show to a weekly format.

Notable Quote:

[03:35] Mike Allen: "This gives Trump the leverage to say to other companies, apple can do this. Apple is bringing these jobs into the U.S., apple is investing in the U.S. Why can't you? Why won't you?"

Conclusion

The Morning Wire’s February 24, 2025 episode presents a multifaceted overview of critical national and international issues. From Trump's immigration policies and significant corporate investments to high-stakes political appointments and shifts within the media landscape, the episode offers listeners insightful analysis and direct quotes from key figures. Whether discussing the health of a global religious leader or the complexities of federal employment regulations, Georgia Howe and John Bickley ensure that the audience stays informed with accurate and engaging coverage.

For more detailed coverage on these stories and additional updates, visit dailywire.com. Tune in tomorrow morning for another comprehensive edition of Morning Wire.