Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: USAID Programs Slashed & Anti-Israel Activist Detained | 03.11.25

Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: John Bickley & Georgia Howe

1. Major Cuts to USAID Programs

Overview: The Trump administration has initiated significant reductions in USAID programs, aiming to eliminate what they deem ineffective or misaligned with American interests. Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe delve into the specifics of these cuts, their motivations, and the ensuing political reactions.

Key Points:

• Executive Action: President Trump signed an executive order on Inauguration Day to freeze all foreign aid funding and review the allocation of tens of billions of dollars distributed by USAID.

• Extent of Cuts: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 83% of USAID’s 6,200 programs have been canceled. Rubio stated on X (formerly Twitter):

  "The 5,200 contracts that are now canceled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve and in some cases even harmed the core national interests of the United States."
  [Timestamp: 02:04]

• Remaining Programs: Approximately 18% of programs (~1,000) will continue under more effective administration by the State Department. These include essential services like food assistance and medical treatments for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
  [Timestamp: 05:01]

• Controversial Program Cuts: Notable examples of canceled programs include:

  • $1.5 million for DEI inclusion in Serbian workplaces
  • $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia
  • $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru
  • $2 million for sex changes and LGBT activism in Guatemala
    [Timestamp: 03:48]

• Misallocation of Funds: The administration highlighted instances where USAID funds inadvertently supported extremist groups, such as:

  "We have assisted Al Shabaab in Somalia. There's been instances of the Hamza network in Sudan."
  – Micah Parker
  [Timestamp: 05:01]

Political Reactions:

• Democratic Backlash: Democrats argue that foreign aid is crucial for stabilizing regions and building alliances. They fear that cuts will diminish U.S. soft power and allow China to fill the resulting void. Legal challenges have been mounted, alleging violations of federal contracts.
  [Timestamp: 05:29]

• Administration's Defense: The Trump administration maintains that the remaining programs are critical for protecting U.S. interests abroad, ensuring that essential services continue without wastage.
  [Timestamp: 05:18]

Expert Opinion: Victoria Coates of the Heritage Foundation emphasized the necessity of focusing taxpayer money on advancing national interests:

"American foreign policy isn't apolitical. American foreign policy is to further the interest of the United States."
[Timestamp: 03:29]

2. Detention of Anti-Israel Activist Mahmoud Khalil

Overview: Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student, has been detained by ICE on accusations of supporting Hamas. The episode explores the legal battles surrounding his detention and the broader implications for free speech and national security.

Key Points:

• Arrest Details: Khalil was detained at his university-owned apartment. His attorney, Amy Greer, revealed that his green card was revoked, and plans for deportation are underway. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked his deportation.

  "Immigration authorities arrived at Khalil's university owned apartment on Saturday and took him into custody."
  – Georgia Howe
  [Timestamp: 06:55]

• Administration's Case: The Trump administration justifies Khalil’s deportation under an executive order targeting foreign nationals who agitate for terrorist groups in the U.S. Prosecutors allege his involvement in disruptive protests supporting Hamas.

  "The State Department says Khalil supported terrorists, namely Hamas, and led protests that occupied and damaged campus buildings."
  [Timestamp: 07:19]

• Legal and Ethical Debate: Khalil’s supporters argue that his detention infringes on his freedom of expression. Conversely, Victoria Coates asserts the administration's right to act against non-citizens who engage in activities harmful to U.S. interests:

  "He is now being held responsible for his actions... dedicated to the Palestinian cause than he has his legal presence in the United States."
  – Victoria Coates
  [Timestamp: 08:09]

• Future of Khalil: Due to his Syrian nationality and the region's instability, deporting Khalil could be challenging. Potential destinations include Egypt or Jordan. His U.S. citizen wife faces the choice of relocating abroad or remaining in the U.S.
  [Timestamp: 09:02]

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Negotiations: An Israeli delegation is negotiating with Hamas in Qatar for a second-phase ceasefire, with U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff expected to participate. Israel demands the release of more hostages before advancing the ceasefire, while continuing pressure on Gaza by cutting off essential supplies.
[Timestamp: 09:27]

3. Los Angeles Shooting and Sanctuary City Policies

Overview: A tragic incident in Inglewood, California, where Juan Johnny Sanchez was fatally shot by two illegal immigrants, has intensified the debate over sanctuary city policies. The episode examines the implications of this event on public safety and local governance.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: On February 27th, Juan Johnny Sanchez, 36, was shot while confronting individuals attempting to steal a catalytic converter. The suspects, Wilbur Alberto Rabinales and Jose Cristian Serbia Sanchez, are illegal immigrants with extensive criminal records.

  "Juan Johnny Sanchez, father of two, was fatally shot outside his home... remembered his father as a hero."
  – Micah Parker
  [Timestamp: 10:33]

• Impact on Sanctuary Policies: Both suspects’ immigration statuses have sparked renewed criticism of Los Angeles County’s sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

  "It could make deporting him difficult with the instability still going on in Syria."
  – Micah Parker
  [Timestamp: 09:22]

• Policy Debate:

  • Supporters of Sanctuary Policies: Claim that protecting illegal immigrants fosters trust between communities and law enforcement.
  • Critics: Argue that such policies endanger public safety by allowing repeat offenders to remain in the country.

    "They argue that protecting illegal immigrants fosters trust between communities and law enforcement."
    – Micah Parker
    [Timestamp: 12:29]

• Recall Effort Against Mayor Karen Bass: In response to rising crime and dissatisfaction with sanctuary policies, a recall movement against Mayor Bass has gained momentum. Notable support includes a $4 million donation from former Vice Presidential candidate Nicole Shanahan, indicating significant backing for the initiative.
  [Timestamp: 13:03]

Public Sentiment: The murder has heightened public frustration with Los Angeles leadership, pushing the sanctuary city debate to the forefront and potentially leading to substantial political changes if the recall gains traction.
[Timestamp: 13:41]

Expert Opinion: Micah Parker highlighted the local implications:

"Sanchez's death is now being held up as yet another tragic example of what happens when public safety takes a back seat to political ideology."
[Timestamp: 12:57]

4. Additional Highlights

• Pro Hamas Agitator Detained: The detention of Mahmoud Khalil aligns with the U.S.'s intensified efforts against entities supporting Hamas amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
  [Timestamp: 06:28]

• Legal Challenges: Ongoing lawsuits from aid groups against the Trump administration’s USAID cuts cite violations of federal contracts, showcasing the contentious nature of the administration’s foreign aid overhaul.
  [Timestamp: 05:29]

Notable Quotes

• Cabot Phillips on USAID Cuts:

  "The 5,200 contracts that are now canceled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve and in some cases even harmed the core national interests of the United States."
  [Timestamp: 02:04]

• Victoria Coates on Foreign Policy:

  "American foreign policy isn't apolitical. American foreign policy is to further the interest of the United States."
  [Timestamp: 03:29]

• Micah Parker on Terrorism and Aid:

  "We have assisted Al Shabaab in Somalia. There's been instances of the Hamza network in Sudan."
  [Timestamp: 05:01]

• Victoria Coates on Khalil’s Detention:

  "He is now being held responsible for his actions... dedicated to the Palestinian cause than he has his legal presence in the United States."
  [Timestamp: 08:09]

• Micah Parker on Sanctuary Policies:

  "Sanchez's death is now being held up as yet another tragic example of what happens when public safety takes a back seat to political ideology."
  [Timestamp: 12:57]

Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe provide a comprehensive analysis of the Trump administration’s aggressive restructuring of USAID programs, highlighting significant budget cuts and the contentious political fallout. The detention of Mahmoud Khalil underscores the administration's crackdown on foreign nationals supporting designated terrorist organizations, raising debates about free speech and national security. Additionally, the tragic Los Angeles shooting reignites the sanctuary city debate, revealing deep divisions over immigration and public safety policies. These discussions collectively paint a picture of a nation grappling with its foreign aid strategies, national security measures, and internal policy conflicts.

For more detailed insights and updates, listen to the full episode of Morning Wire.