Trump’s WEF Warning & CNN’s Newsroom Shakeup | 1.24.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: "Trump’s WEF Warning & CNN’s Newsroom Shakeup | 1.24.25" Release Date: January 24, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe delve into significant developments surrounding President Donald Trump’s recent activities and major shifts within CNN’s newsroom. The discussion highlights Trump’s address to the World Economic Forum (WEF), his administration’s aggressive immigration policies, the ambitious AI infrastructure project known as "Stargate," and the tumultuous changes reshaping CNN as it adapts to a pro-Trump era.

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Trump’s Address at the World Economic Forum

Presenter: Cabot Phillips, Senior Editor
Timestamp: [01:37] – [03:19]

President Trump delivered a virtual address to the World Economic Forum, marking his first speech to global leaders since resuming office. Trump's primary message was a robust economic vision emphasizing American manufacturing and fiscal responsibility.

• Economic Incentives and Tariffs: Trump extended an invitation to global leaders to manufacture their products in the United States, promising "among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth" ([00:09]). He warned, "But if you don't, then very simply you will have to pay a tariff" ([00:09]).

• Defense Spending: He urged NATO allies to "increase defense spending to 5% of GDP" ([02:44]), criticizing previous underfunding and highlighting America's readiness to lead.

• NATO Secretary General Response: Mark Root responded positively, stating, "The problem is Europe because at the moment, we are not spending enough" ([03:08]), aligning with Trump's call for increased defense contributions.

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Trump’s Immigration Policies and Border Security

Presenter: Cabot Phillips
Timestamp: [03:29] – [05:17]

The Trump administration is intensifying its immigration crackdown with substantial military deployment to secure the southern border.

• Military Deployment: Currently, 1,500 active-duty service members are stationed at the border, with plans to add 10,000 more troops, helicopters, and intelligence personnel ([03:29]).

• Detention Facilities: The use of Department of Defense bases as holding centers for illegal immigrants awaiting deportation has been initiated.

• Law Enforcement Empowerment: Immigration authorities from the DEA, ATF, and US Marshal Service are granted enhanced powers to expedite deportation processes.

• International Reactions: Mexico is preparing for an influx of deportees by constructing large-scale tent facilities and organizing transportation back to their home regions, though Mexican lawmakers have expressed significant concern and frustration ([05:17]).

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Other Presidential Moves: Pardons and JFK Files

Presenter: Cabot Phillips
Timestamp: [05:17] – [06:14]

President Trump has made strategic moves to consolidate his administration's position and appeal to his base.

• Pardons for Pro-Life Activists: Plans to pardon 23 pro-life activists imprisoned under the Biden Justice Department were revealed, aligning with Trump’s commitment to pro-life causes.

• Declassification of Assassination Files: Trump signed an executive order to declassify documents related to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy, and John F. Kennedy. He emphasized, "Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth" ([05:25]).

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AI Infrastructure and the "Stargate" Project

Presenter: Georgia Howe with Megan Basham
Timestamp: [06:55] – [10:59]

Stargate Project Overview: President Trump announced a partnership with leading technology firms to launch "Stargate," a $500 billion initiative aimed at establishing advanced AI infrastructure in the United States. The project is expected to create over 100,000 American jobs immediately.

• Objective: Building essential data centers and computing infrastructure to accelerate AI development, ensuring the U.S. remains competitive on a global scale ([07:40]).

• Energy Expansion: Addressing the need for increased energy capacity, Trump stated, "The big problem is we need double the energy we currently have in the United States" ([08:17]).

Internal Conflicts: The project has sparked tension between Trump and Elon Musk, a key advisor who has publicly criticized OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s involvement.

• Elon Musk’s Critique: Musk expressed distrust towards Altman, questioning the integrity and financial backing of the Stargate initiative. He stated, "They don't actually have the money. SoftBank has well under 10 billion secured" ([07:30]).

• Sam Altman’s Response: Altman retorted, hoping Musk would "put America first" despite their disagreements over the project's direction ([09:27]).

• Historical Context: Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but parted ways when the organization shifted to a for-profit model. Musk has since been vocal about his concerns regarding AI’s trajectory and leadership ([10:09]).

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CNN’s Newsroom Shakeup and Layoffs

Presenter: Tim Rice, Deputy Managing Editor
Timestamp: [11:11] – [14:21]

CNN is undergoing significant restructuring to navigate the challenges of a pro-Trump political landscape and the evolving media consumption habits favoring digital platforms over traditional cable news.

• Layoffs: The network announced the termination of 210 employees, representing 6% of its total staff. CNN CEO Mark Thompson justified the cuts by citing a need to invest $70 million in digital ventures while acknowledging the "very real human consequences" ([11:29]).

• Program Restructuring:

  • Anderson Cooper and Kaitlan Collins retain their time slots.
  • Jake Tapper’s show is being delayed by an hour.
  • Wolf Blitzer’s program is moved to the morning slot.
  • Casey Hunt, a former MSNBC host, is introduced with a new afternoon show.
  • Jim Acosta, notorious for his confrontations with Trump, is relegated to a midnight slot, effectively sidelining him from prime-time viewership ([12:18]).

• Industry Insights: Tim Rice and Megan Basham discuss how these changes reflect CNN’s shift from adversarial reporting to a more conciliatory approach towards the Trump administration. This transformation has led to internal conflicts and criticisms regarding the network's commitment to unbiased journalism.

• Impact on Viewership: The shift, combined with the rise of new media sources, has led to skepticism about CNN’s relevance. As Tim Rice noted, "[..] in the end, this shift away from resistance programming combined with the rise of new media sources means, quote, there's no real reason for people to go to CNN" ([14:12]).

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Conclusion

The episode of Morning Wire provides a comprehensive analysis of President Trump’s strategic maneuvers on the global economic stage and domestically, particularly in immigration and technological advancements. Concurrently, it sheds light on the internal turmoil within CNN as the network adapts to a changing political and media environment. Through detailed discussions and expert insights, John Bickley and Georgia Howe offer listeners a nuanced understanding of these pivotal developments shaping the current American landscape.

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Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [00:09]: "Come make your product in America and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth. But if you don't, then very simply you will have to pay a tariff."
• Donald Trump [02:44]: "I'm also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP..."
• Donald Trump [05:25]: "It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay. Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth."
• Elon Musk [07:30]: "They don't actually have the money. SoftBank has well under 10 billion secured."
• Elon Musk [10:09]: "[...] OpenAI's transparency and benefiting humanity, not profit."
• Tim Rice [13:32]: "Either all of that hair on fire grandstanding of the first term was performative and as a CNN anchor you should be auditioning for... or it suggests that you can be bought off."

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Stay informed with Morning Wire for the latest developments in politics, culture, education, sports, and more. Get the facts first on the news you need to know.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

President Trump speaks to the World Economic Forum and gives world leaders an invitation and a warning.

[Donald Trump]

Come make your product in America and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth. But if you don't, then very simply you will have to pay a tariff.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Friday, January 24th and this is Morning Wire. Trump allies clash as the newly elected president pushes the US toward AI dominance.

[Georgia Howe]

And chaos at CNN. As the 24 hour news network struggles to adapt to a pro Trump era.

[Tim Rice]

They have completely alienated the audience of people who usually came to television for big news events. That is a existential challenge for them.

[John Bickley]

Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

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[Georgia Howe]

President Trump addressed the World Economic Forum yesterday, laying out his economic vision for the country.

[John Bickley]

Here to break it all down is Daily Wire Senior Editor Cabot Phillips, a Cabot A lot to get to related to Trump as usual. Let's start with that speech to the wef. What did we hear from Trump there?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, the President was not able to be in Davos for this year's summit, but offered a virtual address as first to world leaders since taking office for a second time. The President had a simple message for the gathered dignitaries and elites. America is open for business, but if you don't make your product here, you will face tariffs.

[Donald Trump]

Under the Trump administration, there will be no better place on earth to create jobs, build factories or grow a company than right here in the good old usa. The economic confidence is soaring like we haven't seen in many, many decades. Maybe not at all.

[Cabot Phillips]

Trump went on to demand world leaders begin dropping interest rates and lowering oil prices, warning them that tariffs would be increased on those who resisted. And he also had a specific message for our allies in NATO demanding that they begin paying their fair share in defense spending.

[Donald Trump]

I'm also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, which is what it should have been years it was only at 2%, and most nations didn't pay until I came along.

[Cabot Phillips]

And it is worth noting here NATO Secretary General Mark Root, who in the past has clashed with Trump, struck a much friendlier tone after yesterday's address, saying Trump is right.

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

I hear many people here whining and complaining about Trump, and I would say the problem is not Trump or the U.S. the problem is Europe. The problem is Europe because at the moment, we are not spending enough.

[John Bickley]

Now, this address comes as the president is quickly reshaping the federal government with a large number of executive orders, as we've documented, particularly on immigration. What's the latest there?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah. Trump has already deployed 1500 active duty service members to secure the southern border, and that is just the start. In the coming weeks, the White House says Trump is planning to send an additional 10,000 troops, along with helicopters and intelligence crews trained in detecting border crossers. They're also reportedly planning on using DoD bases in the area as a holding center for illegal aliens from around the country who are awaiting deportation. The Trump administration has already arrested more than 1,500 illegal immigrants in cities across the country, most of whom have been charged in the past with violent crimes. One of those arrested was a Haitian gang member with 17 prior convictions. As he was being loaded into a police car, he had this message, I'm.

[Megan Basham]

Not going back to Haiti. You feel me? Yo, Biden forever, bro.

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Thank Obama for everything that he did for me, bro.

[Cabot Phillips]

Border czar Tom Homan says they'll focus on locating illegal immigrants with criminal records and then move on to the 1.4 million who have already been given final deportation orders but remain in the country. To help carry out those plans, Trump is also granting immigration enforcement authorities to agents with the dea, atf, and US Marshal Service that will allow them to take part in those looming deportation efforts. Now, for their part, Mexico is bracing for an influx of deported migrants coming back across the border. Officials there have begun building enormous tents capable of holding thousands in nine different cities. They're also organizing buses to transport migrants back to their hometowns. Mexican lawmakers have expressed outrage with Trump and concern over how they'll handle the sudden surge. As you can imagine, though, Trump allies have little sympathy for those logistical concerns, essentially saying, you wouldn't have had this problem if you'd done more to stop the millions of folks who entered America legally. To begin with.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, hard to argue that. Now, before we go, tell us about some of the other big moves from the president that garnered quite a bit of attention over the last 24 hours.

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, on Thursday, Daily Wire White House correspondent Mary Margaret Olihan learned exclusively that Trump was Planning to pardon 23 pro life activists imprisoned by the Biden Justice Department. That news came just ahead of the 52nd annual March for Life, where Trump will appear via video and VP JD Vance will appear in person. That last bit is another scoop from Mary Margaret. But perhaps most notably, on Thursday afternoon, Trump signed an executive order declassifying files related to the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. Robert Kennedy, and the big one, John F. Kennedy. In his words, quote, it is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay. Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. So a lot of folks, myself included, eager to see the contents of those files.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, that's for sure. Kevin, thanks so much for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Anytime.

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[Donald Trump]

Together, these world leading technology giants are announcing the formation of Stargate, a new American company that will invest $500 billion, at least in AI infrastructure in the United States, creating over 100,000American jobs almost immediately.

[John Bickley]

That was President Trump announcing this week that his administration will be partnering with three major technology firms to create $500 billion in new AI infrastructure. But the project already appears to be a point of contention with one of Trump's closest advisors, Elon Musk.

[Georgia Howe]

Here with the details is Daily Wire Culture reporter Megan Basham. So, Megan, first off, what is the Stargate project and who's going to be leading its implementation?

[Elon Musk]

So as President Trump said during his announcement on Tuesday, the primary intent of the Stargate project is to build essential data centers and computing infrastructure that's going to enable more and more importantly, faster AI development. So right now, only a few states like Texas and Arizona have the energy grids that are capable of supporting those new data centers. So part of this public private partnership between the government and these Stargate companies is going to be to increase available electricity so so that those centers can get built more quickly. This is what Trump told the World Economic Forum yesterday.

[Donald Trump]

The big problem is we need double the energy we currently have in the United States. Can you imagine for AI to really be as big as we want to have it? Because it's a very competitive, it'll be very competitive with China and others. So I'm going to give emergency declarations so that they can start building them almost immediately.

[Elon Musk]

It's also about creating jobs, as Trump said there at the top of the story, but also that AI infrastructure has innumerable applications from health to military development. OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank, three of the companies funding this project, are promising that Stargate is going to allow the United.

[Georgia Howe]

States to do that. Now, a point of intrigue in all of this is Trump's embrace of AI is completely contrary to Elon Musk's warnings about it. How significant is that rift?

[Elon Musk]

Well, you know, I don't think it'd be an understatement to say that Musk is not a fan of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Trump has cozied up to him for this project. So Musk has been pretty public about his displeasure about that on X recently. And this isn't new. Late last year Musk made this comment to Tucker Carlson, I don't trust Sam.

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Altman and I don't think we want to have the most powerful AI in the world controlled by someone who is not trustworthy.

[Elon Musk]

And immediately after OpenAI's X account posted Wednesday that it would begin deploying the first 100 billion of the project, Musk replied, quoting here, they don't actually have the money. SoftBank has well under 10 billion secured. I have that on good authority. And Altman eventually responded wrong, as you surely know. I realize what is great for the country isn't always what's optimal for your companies. But, but in your new role, I hope you'll mostly put America first. So some pretty sharp exchanges there.

[Georgia Howe]

So why does Musk not think Altman is trustworthy?

[Elon Musk]

Well, you know, Musk and Altman have had something of a feud going on for what you have to say is a number of years. They Co founded OpenAI as a nonprofit way back in 2015 and then Musk later cut ties with the company when it transitioned to a for profit model after partnering with Microsoft. And at that point Musk sued. Essentially, he says that Altman has moved completely away from the original ideal of OpenAI, which was transparency and benefiting humanity, not profit. He's also accused Altman of again quoting deceit of Shakespearean proportions. The other company heads involved in Stargate are not commenting so far.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, it sounds like Trump is trusting Altman for now, but certainly a lot of reasons to be wary about how we approach AI and who we put in charge.

[Elon Musk]

Yes, and Musk has also been pretty public about Altman's not being a Trump fan in the past, so we'll see how that plays out.

[Georgia Howe]

Megan, thanks for reporting.

[Elon Musk]

Anytime.

[Georgia Howe]

CNN has announced it will lay off more than 200 employees as the cable network struggles to adjust to the second Trump presidency and the rise of new media.

[John Bickley]

Here with a look at the layoffs and which big names could be affected as Daily Wire deputy Managing editor Tim Rice. Tim, so what are we looking at here with cnn?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah, good morning, John. According to reports, CNN is going to announce layoffs that will affect 210 employees, about 6% of its total staff. This news broke just days after NBC announced a pretty big round of layoffs itself. And it seems like both companies are scrambling to adjust as people turn away from cable news in favor of podcasts and other digital media. CNN CEO Mark Thompson told his staff in a memo that the process of change is essential if we're to thrive in the future, but I both acknowledge and regret its very real human consequences. He also said the cuts were necessary because CNN was going to invest $70 million in new digital ventures.

[John Bickley]

Now, in addition to these layoffs, it seems like CNN is doing some pretty major program reshuffling. Which shows and anchors will be affected?

[Megan Basham]

The network's biggest stars, Anderson Cooper and Kaitlan Collins, are both keeping their time slots, but Jake Tapper's show is being pushed an hour later and Wolf Blitzer's show is being moved to the morning. So those two are basically switching places. Former MSNBC host Casey Hunt is getting a new afternoon show, but the big news is that Jim Acosta, famous for his clashes with Trump in the White House press room, is being moved from his hour long spot at 10am to a two hour block beginning at midnight. One source close to the situation described this as effectively exiling Acosta to the Siberia of television news. Acosta is reportedly furious about this move and might leave the network altogether rather than take the graveyard shift.

[John Bickley]

Certainly a big demotion for Acosta, who still seems to want to present himself as sort of the Trump resistance. So it's hard to see moves like this as anything other than a response to the network's changing attitude or approach, at least toward Trump.

[Megan Basham]

Yeah, that's absolutely right. Morningwire spoke about that with Dylan Byers, a CNN alum and founder of Puck News.

[Tim Rice]

He is the establishment in many ways. He won the popular vote. He had a first term. We all saw what that was and the American people voted him back in. It is harder to program resistance style programming.

[Megan Basham]

He added that the network's attempt to suddenly shift from railing against Trump to less hyperbolic coverage of him has resulted in some awkward moments and some pretty ugly conclusions about the network's on air personalities.

[Tim Rice]

Either all of that hair on fire grandstanding of the first term was performative and as a CNN anchor you should be auditioning for, you know, an Oscar for best actor rather than a news Emmy, or it suggests that you can be bought off and that in order to keep your business and to continue to go on TV that you are willing to forego whatever concerns you had the last time around.

[Megan Basham]

Buyers suggested that in the end, this shift away from resistance programming combined with the rise of new media sources means, quote, there's no real reason for people to go to cnn.

[John Bickley]

Pretty tough verdict from someone who definitely knows what he's talking about with this network. Tim, thanks for reporting.

[Megan Basham]

Anytime.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back later this afternoon with more news. You need to.