Morning Wire: Ukraine Strike Russia & Tren De Aragua Expands | Afternoon Update | 11.19.24

Release Date: November 19, 2024

Hosts: John Bickley and Georgia Howe

1. Donald Trump's Hush Money Case Stay Request

John Bickley opens the afternoon update by addressing the latest developments in the legal battles surrounding former President Donald Trump.

At [00:24], Tim Rice reports that New York prosecutors have requested a stay in Trump's hush money case, delaying his sentencing until at least 2020.

Andy McCarthy, a former Federal Prosecutor, provides deeper insights:

"While Justice Department guidance only covers the federal side, on the state side, the Constitution's supremacy clause still applies," [01:16] McCarthy explains. He emphasizes that state criminal actions remain subject to constitutional norms, potentially affecting Trump's case.

Trump was convicted in May for falsifying business records related to payments to an adult film star, a conviction that could have resulted in a four-year prison sentence. Following Trump's reelection, prosecutors seek additional time to evaluate the implications of his new status. Trump's defense is pushing to dismiss the case, citing a Supreme Court ruling that grants presidents presumptive immunity, challenging the admissibility of certain evidence.

2. Ukraine Launches American-Made Missiles into Russia

A significant escalation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict is reported as Ukrainian forces fired American-made long-range missiles into Russia for the first time.

John Bickley introduces the segment at [01:49]:

Tim Pearce details the strike:

"The missile struck an ammunition warehouse in the Bryansk region," [02:01] Pearce reports. Both American and Ukrainian officials confirm Kyiv's use of Army tactical missile systems, marking a pivotal shift in U.S. policy following President Biden's recent approval of their deployment.

Victoria Coats of the Heritage Foundation questions the timing:

"Why is this a good idea now? Why wasn't it two years ago when Ukraine had the advantage?" [02:22] Coats warns of drifting towards World War III, aligning with concerns voiced by President-elect and Don Jr.

In response, Vladimir Putin announced a significant decree lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon use:

"Aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state with the support of a nuclear state is proposed as a joint attack," [02:55] Putin states. The decree stipulates Russia's consideration of nuclear retaliation in response to massive aerospace attacks, including strategic and tactical aircraft, missiles, drones, and other delivery vehicles.

3. Matt Gaetz Ethics Investigation and Allegations

John Bickley shifts focus to the ongoing House ethics investigation into Congressman Matt Gaetz.

At [03:23], Mairead Elordi reports on attorney Joel Leopard representing two women who testified against Gaetz:

"Joel Leopard says his client testified that she saw Gaetz having sex with her friend at a party," [03:35] Elordi states. Gaetz denies the allegations, highlighting that the Department of Justice investigated and declined to press charges.

Alex Pfeiffer from the Trump transition team declares:

"Matt Gaetz will be the next Attorney General. He's the right man for the job and will end the weaponization of our justice system." [03:35] The statement dismisses the allegations as baseless attempts to derail Trump's anticipated second administration.

4. Poll Shows Majority Approve of Trump's Cabinet Picks

In a surprising political development, a new poll by Echelon Insights reveals:

At [04:03], the poll indicates that 53% of voters approve of Trump's transition efforts, with 58% optimistic about the country's direction into 2025. This positivity persists despite Trump's favorability rating being at 49%, suggesting that a majority of voters still support his leadership.

5. FEMA's Alleged Political Discrimination

John Bickley addresses the controversy surrounding FEMA's handling of disaster relief:

At [04:51], FEMA Director Deanne Criswell testifies before a House committee, agreeing to an independent investigation into claims of political discrimination. Criswell admits that workers were instructed by a supervisor to bypass homes supporting Trump but denies any broader directive.

FEMA official Marnie Washington counters:

"This is a colossal event of avoidance, not just in Florida, but also in the Carolinas," [05:37] Washington asserts. She alleges systemic avoidance and dishonesty within FEMA's senior leadership regarding the treatment of Trump-supporting areas.

The investigation, as Tim Rice reports, includes those directly involved:

"In this particular incident, we have found no evidence beyond this one employee's specific direction," [05:20] Rice states, though Washington maintains broader issues persist.

6. Expansion of Venezuelan Prison Gang Trende Aragua

The Department of Homeland Security reports an alarming expansion of the Venezuelan prison gang, Trende Aragua, now present in at least 16 states including California, Florida, New York, and Tennessee.

At [05:56], Tim Rice explains that the gang is involved in a spectrum of criminal activities such as theft, fraud, assaults, and human trafficking. Former President Donald Trump has pledged to prioritize the crackdown on Trende Aragua through measures like deportations and potential military action upon his return to office.

7. House Bill on Bathroom Usage Alignment with Biological Sex

A contentious bill introduced in the House mandates that members use bathrooms aligning with their biological sex.

John Bickley introduces the topic at [06:24], highlighting that the proposal comes as Democrats prepare to welcome Sarah McBride, the first transgender member of Congress.

Rep. Nancy Mace, the bill's proponent, defends it:

"I'm absolutely 100% going to stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a women's restroom, in our locker rooms, in our changing rooms," [07:00] Mace declares, emphasizing the bill's intent to protect women's safety and dignity in congressional facilities.

Critics, including Rep. Becca Balant and McBride herself, argue that the bill is cruel and divisive. While some Republicans show openness, the bill has ignited fierce debates over transgender rights and gender identity.

This comprehensive update from Morning Wire encapsulates critical developments in U.S. politics, international conflicts, legal battles, and social issues, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the day's most pressing stories.