US takes AI Lead & Ending DOJ Corruption | 2.12.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: US Takes AI Lead & Ending DOJ Corruption | 2.12.25
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe

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1. United States Takes the Lead in Artificial Intelligence

Vice President Vance's Aggressive AI Policy The episode opens with Vice President J.D. Vance unveiling a robust "America First" artificial intelligence (AI) policy aimed at bolstering U.S. leadership in the AI sector. Vance emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring that AI advancements directly benefit American workers and communities.

J.D. Vance [00:12]: “We will fight for policies that ensure that AI is going to make our workers more productive, and we expect that they will reap the rewards with higher wages, better benefits, and safer and more prosperous communities.”

AI Summit in Paris: A Global Perspective John Bickley and Cabot Phillips delve into the recent AI Action Summit held in Paris, where global leaders discussed the future of AI. The summit highlighted a stark contrast between U.S. and European approaches to AI regulation and development.

• Global Collaboration vs. Decentralization: French President Emmanuel Macron led calls for an "open, inclusive, and ethical" approach to AI, advocating for greater international collaboration. In contrast, leaders from the European Union pushed for AI decentralization, criticizing the U.S. for monopolizing AI technology and infrastructure.

President Macron [02:44]: “Europe is ready for Clean energy innovation that would power the future of AI.”

Exclusion from the Joint Declaration Despite widespread participation, the United States and the United Kingdom notably abstained from signing a joint declaration signed by 60 countries. The declaration advocated for "inclusive and sustainable AI" focused on human rights and consumer protection.

J.D. Vance [03:40]: “Whether the EU likes it or not, America will be the leader on AI, and the Trump administration will not agree to any measures that threaten that supremacy.”

Vance further asserted the importance of preventing AI from becoming a tool for ideological censorship, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks that promote technological creation rather than restrict it.

J.D. Vance [04:09]: “AI must remain free from ideological bias and that American AI will not be co-opted into a tool for authoritarian censorship.”

Elon Musk vs. Sam Altman: The OpenAI Feud A significant portion of the discussion centers on the escalating conflict between Elon Musk and Sam Altman over the future of OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT.

• Musk's $97 Billion Bid: Elon Musk, formerly a co-founder of OpenAI, has launched a $97 billion bid to take control of the company, citing concerns over Altman's transition of OpenAI from a nonprofit to a for-profit venture.

• Altman's Response: Sam Altman swiftly rejected the offer, labeling Musk's actions as attempts to stifle competition rather than foster innovation.

Megan Basham [04:52]: “Altman responded quickly, saying, no, thank you. I think he's probably just trying to slow us down. He obviously is a competitor.”

The feud raises questions about the true motives behind Musk's offer and the potential implications for OpenAI's valuation and future direction.

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2. Ending DOJ Corruption and Reshaping the Justice Department

Trump's Initiative to Cleanse the DOJ Transitioning from AI discussions, the podcast shifts focus to President Trump's efforts to reform the Department of Justice (DOJ). Trump is actively appointing key figures aimed at eliminating corruption and preventing political weaponization within the DOJ.

Legislative Crackdown on NGOs Facilitating Illegal Immigration Republicans are introducing bills targeting religious non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that aid illegal immigration, following a memo from President Trump calling for a review of federal funding to such groups.

• Congressman Lance Gooden's Bill: Proposes withholding taxpayer dollars from NGOs unless certified free from involvement in human trafficking or smuggling.

Megan Basham [07:33]: “This bill ends the scam and forces these groups to choose between federal money or illegal immigration, and they can't have both.”

• Senator Bill Hagerty's FENCE Act: Aims to revoke tax-exempt status from organizations facilitating illegal immigration.

Religious Groups' Response Religious organizations argue that these measures unfairly criminalize aid to immigrants, with leaders like Pope Francis and Protestant pastors voicing strong opposition.

Reverend Duke Lackey [09:35]: “Why USAID funding can't continue while federal spending is being audited... the government is morally obligated to continue funding religious groups.”

Congressman Jim Jordan on DOJ Reforms Jim Jordan discusses the nomination of Todd Blanch as Deputy Attorney General, highlighting Blanch's experience defending Trump against federal cases and his commitment to ending political bias within the DOJ.

Jim Jordan [11:03]: “He's exactly the kind of guy we need as the Deputy Attorney General, that one of that key position that has so much influence on how the Justice Department operates now.”

Jordan further praises Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi and FBI director nominee Kash Patel for their roles in promoting equal treatment under the law and combating past governmental misconduct.

Jim Jordan [12:09]: “Our country is supposed to operate under equal treatment under the law. No political stuff.”

Addressing Waste and Corruption The discussion extends to the Trump administration's strategy to root out waste and corruption, with Jim Jordan defending the appointment of figures like Elon Musk as allies in exposing governmental inefficiencies.

Jim Jordan [13:19]: “President Trump named Elon Musk and his team as the people he wants to do this. They have to really get that out there for the American people to see and understand. I think it's a good thing.”

Jordan emphasizes that these reforms are in line with the will of the American people, who elected Trump to make decisive changes.

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Conclusion

The episode of Morning Wire provides an in-depth analysis of the United States' strategic movements in the realms of artificial intelligence and justice reform. From advocating for AI leadership on the global stage amidst internal and external conflicts, to implementing stringent measures against NGOs involved in illegal immigration and reshaping the DOJ to eliminate corruption, the podcast underscores the administration's commitment to prioritizing American interests and integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• J.D. Vance [00:12]: “We will fight for policies that ensure that AI is going to make our workers more productive, and we expect that they will reap the rewards with higher wages, better benefits, and safer and more prosperous communities.”
• Jim Jordan [11:03]: “He's exactly the kind of guy we need as the Deputy Attorney General...”

For listeners seeking comprehensive coverage of current political and cultural developments, this episode of Morning Wire delivers critical insights and authoritative perspectives.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the episode.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

VP Vance unveils an aggressive America first artificial intelligence policy as the battle for OpenAI's future intensifies between two tech titans.

[J.D. Vance]

We will fight for policies that ensure that AI is going to make our workers more productive, and we expect that they will reap the rewards with higher wages, better benefits, and safer and more prosperous communities.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Wednesday, February 12th, and this is Morning Wire.

[Cabot Phillips]

Trump's clampdown on NGOs ramps up as Republicans introduce bills cracking down on religious groups that aid and facilitate illegal immigration.

[Megan Basham]

These groups have been operating in the shadows, funneling illegals deep into the US Interior. This bill puts a hard stop to that.

[Cabot Phillips]

And as Trump's deputy Attorney general nominee appears before the Senate, Congressman Jim Jordan shares his plan to restore trust in the doj.

[John Bickley]

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

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[John Bickley]

World leaders, including Vice President J.D. vance, gathered in Paris on Tuesday to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. The meetings come as tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman have engaged in a public AI fueled feud.

[Cabot Phillips]

Here with the latest is Daily Wire Senior Editor Cabot Phillips. So Cabot, let's start with this AI Summit in Paris. What did we actually see there?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah. World leaders and tech founders from across Europe, Asia and the Middle east huddled Tuesday for the third annual AI Action Summit in Paris. Attendees led by French President Emmanuel Macron called for increased global collaboration that would foster a, quote, open, inclusive and ethical approach to the technology. Leaders from the EU used the conference to argue for AI decentralization. Essentially, they argued that America is hoarding AI tech and infrastructure and that the world would be better off if resources were spread to Europe and India. To that point, President Macron took a clear shot at Trump, saying Europe was ready for Clean energy innovation that would power the future of AI.

[Jim Jordan]

I have a good friend in the other part of the ocean saying, drill, baby, drill here. There is no need to drill here. Is, is just plug, baby, plug. Electricity is available, you can plug. It's, it's ready.

[Megan Basham]

At the end of the summit, 60 countries, including France, India, Canada and China, signed a joint declaration calling for, quote, inclusive and sustainable AI that would, quote, protect human rights, gender equality, linguistic diversity, and protection of consumers. But notably, that declaration was missing the signature of two countries, the United Kingdom and the United States.

[Cabot Phillips]

And what was their reason for opposing?

[Megan Basham]

Well, the Trump administration has made clear that they view AI as an arms race between America and China, and that heavy handed regulations, regardless of their intention, will hamper innovation and cause the US to fall behind. Vice President Vance made that point clear during his address to the summit, his first appearance on international soil.

[J.D. Vance]

To restrict its development now will not only unfairly benefit incumbents in the space, it would mean paralyzing one of the most promising technologies we have seen in generations.

[Megan Basham]

Vance went on to say that whether the EU likes it or not, America will be the leader on AI, and the Trump administration will not agree to any measures that threaten that supremacy. He also stressed the importance of fighting back against any efforts to use AI to censor speech or certain political ideologies.

[J.D. Vance]

We feel very strongly that AI must remain free from ideological bias and that American AI will not be co opted into a tool for authoritarian censorship. America wants to partner with all of you and we want to embark on the AI revolution before us with the spirit of openness and collaboration. But to create that kind of trust, we need international regulatory regimes that fosters the creation of AI technology rather than strangles it.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, the backdrop to all of this is the world's most powerful tech moguls, Elon Musk and Sam Altman, have been feuding. What's going on between them?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah. So, for context, Musk and Altman Co founded OpenAI, which now runs ChatGPT, back in 2015. At the time, it was technically a nonprofit. Now, Musk left the group in 2019 and started his own AI company, and in recent years has been accusing Altman of exploiting OpenAI's charity status while essentially running it as a business. He's gone as far as filing numerous lawsuits against OpenAI, and now he's taking a different approach and is trying to buy them outright. This week, Musk and a group of investors offered OpenAI's board of directors $97 billion for control of the company. Altman responded quickly, saying, no, thank you. I think he's probably just trying to slow us down. He obviously is a competitor. I wish he would just compete by building a better product. Now it's important to note Altman is in the process of turning OpenAI into a for profit venture and a big legal question is how much it's actually worth, because that would help determine how much compensation would go to the nonprofit and its investors. For obvious reasons, Altman wants the company valued as low as possible for those negotiations to save him money and allow him to keep more control. But Musk's bid, whether he accepts it or not, will almost certainly drive the value of the company higher and cost Altman in the end. So there are plenty of folks who question whether Musk's offer was legitimate or if he was playing a little 4D business chess.

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, this is the defining technology of our era, so a lot to watch in the next few years. Cabot, thanks for reporting.

[Megan Basham]

Anytime.

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[John Bickley]

Republicans in the House and Senate are introducing bills to crack down on religious groups that facilitate illegal immigration.

[Cabot Phillips]

This follows President Trump's memo on Friday calling for a review of federal funds flowing to NGOs. Here with the latest is Daily Wire culture reporter Megan Basham. So, Megan, you've reported before that various religious NGOs receive a lot of government money to resettle immigrants. The USAID fiasco has now cut off a lot of those government grants. And now we have these two new bills. What's the significance of these bills?

[Pam Bondi]

Well, really what we're seeing is that Trump and his Republican allies are doubling down. They're making it clear that they're not going to be put off by statements from groups like World Relief or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that are decrypting that funding freeze. So after a lot of negative coverage from the legacy media, this latest memo from Trump seems like a pointed response. He says that many NGOs are quoting here engaged in actions that actively undermine the security, prosperity and safety of the American people. And he says that his administration isn't going to continue funding groups that undermine our national interest. So what these two bills really underline is that sentiment by attempting to codify Trump's policy into law. So on Monday, Congressman Lance Gooden of Texas reintroduced a bill that prevents NGOs from receiving taxpayer dollars unless the Office of Management and Budget has certified that they're not involved in human trafficking or smuggling.

[Megan Basham]

Here's what he told this is not humanitarian work. It's a well funded invasion of our country by the American taxpayer. This bill ends the scam and forces these groups to choose between federal money or illegal immigration, and they can't have both.

[Pam Bondi]

And Senator Bill Haggerty of Tennessee introduced the Fence act that strikes at the tax exempt status of organizations that facilitate illegal immigration.

[Cabot Phillips]

And how are the NGOs responding?

[Pam Bondi]

Well, as you'd expect, they're arguing more from religious standpoints rather than addressing these questions of legality or national interest. Pope Francis released a letter to the Catholic bishops that said that Catholics are obligated to disagree with any measure that associates being an illegal immigrant with being a criminal. And some Protestant church leaders are also criticizing Trump from the pulpit. The Reverend Duke Lackey, senior pastor at United Methodist Church in Raleigh, asked during his Sunday sermon why USAID funding can't continue while federal spending is being audited. And he suggested that the government is morally obligated to continue funding religious groups.

[Jim Jordan]

I believe that one role of the government is to allow the church to do the work of the church. We need it. We can't go into a war torn region safely. We need what the government can offer to do the work of the church.

[Pam Bondi]

It's worth pointing out that even conservative denominations have seen a split between leadership and rank and file church members over this. Just yesterday, Daily Wire reporter Leif lemayhue had a story about the Presbyterian Church in America, which is known for being very conservative. Their missions arm issued guidelines to illegal aliens on how to avoid detection by ice. And when word got out there was outcry and that page disappeared, well, polling.

[Cabot Phillips]

Consistently shows Americans do think that we need to know how our money is being spent. So, you know, audits are good.

[Pam Bondi]

Yep.

[Cabot Phillips]

Meghan, thanks for reporting.

[Pam Bondi]

Anytime.

[Cabot Phillips]

President Trump is quickly reshaping the Justice Department with a series of key appointments, vowing to weed out corruption and end political weaponization. His choice for Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanch, is Currently being considered by the Senate Committee for the Judiciary.

[John Bickley]

Here to discuss is Congressman Jim Jordan. Congressman, thank you so much for joining us. So the man tasked with defending Trump in many of his federal cases is Todd Blanche. He's now Trump's nominee for Deputy Attorney General as chair of the House Weaponization Subcommittee. Why do you believe he's specifically qualified for this role?

[Jim Jordan]

Well, first of all, I think look at his background. I appreciate the fact that here's a guy who went to night school while he had a family. He's, you know, the discipline, the hard work. I think he's run marathon. He's just. I appreciate all that. I think that kind of work ethic and intensity is always important, you know, when you think about these critical positions. And then he's seen it firsthand. I mean, he was President Trump's lawyer. He saw the weaponization of government firsthand because you can just look at what they did, whether it was Alvin Bragg, Fani Willis, Jack smith, both in D.C. and Florida, total political operations against the president. And of course, Todd Blanche was there defending the president and arguing for equal treatment under the law and for those principles that are so important. So he's exactly, exactly the kind of guy we need as the Deputy Attorney general, that one of that key position that has so much influence on how the Justice Department operates now.

[John Bickley]

Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI director nominee Kash Patel are key figures in this new Justice Department leadership team. What specific reforms do you expect from them? And Blanche, if he's confirmed, to prevent this kind of political targeting we saw in the past administration, Pam's already been confirmed.

[Jim Jordan]

I think Cash is going to be confirmed, that Pam's off to a great start. They're going to go to the simple fundamental principle that our country is supposed to operate under equal treatment under the law. No political stuff. No, our side gets treated one way, their side gets treated. Another attitude that we saw with Biden, Garland, Justice Department, equal treatment under the law, no politics. And remember, it was Cash Patel who first told us about how bad this was eight years ago when we got the memo that said that the Clinton campaign was targeting President Trump's Clinton campaign paid the law firm Perkins Coey hired Fusion gps, who hired a foreigner, Christopher Steele, put together the fake, false document, the dossier, and they used that dossier to go get warrants to spy on President Trump's campaign. We learned it from Cash. That's why the left is out to get him. But I think he's going to make it as well, just like Todd and Like Pam already has.

[John Bickley]

Now, closely related to Trump's vow to root out weaponization is his promise to weed out waste and corruption. He's doing this largely through Doge. You've generally defended Doge and Elon Musk so far. Are there any areas where Musk and his team may be overstepping?

[Jim Jordan]

No, I think they're. I think this is common sense. I think the American people view it this way. They're saying, like, wow, we were spending our tax money on these stupid things. And of course, the left, instead of attacking the stupid things and stopping the stupid things that taxpayer money is being spent on, they attack the guy who's exposing it. So they're going after Elon Musk. But I think the country deep down appreciates, wow, President Trump said he was gonna do this. He's named Elon Musk and his team as the people he wants to do this. They're every bit as much federal employees as the bureaucrats, the career bureaucrats who the left always thinks actually runs the country. But that's not how it works under our system. It's not the career experts, the Dr. Fauci's of the world. It's not those guys who run the country. It's the people who put their name on a ballot and get elected. They make the decisions. And on November 5, 77 million people said, we want President Trump making these decisions. And he has said he's going to use Elon Musk and his team. And God bless them for what they're exposing and showing and the platform. They have to really get that out there for the American people to see and understand. I think it's a good thing.

[John Bickley]

But there's no doubt the administration has been very effective communicating with the American people. So essential for success. Congressman Jordan, thank you so much for joining us.

[Jim Jordan]

You bet. Thank you, guys.

[Cabot Phillips]

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