USAID Programs Slashed & Anti-Israel Activist Detained | 3.11.25

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

USAID is gutted as the State Department slashes thousands of programs within the department. It doesn't mean that we're not going to be doing foreign aid. It's a matter of how are we going to be doing the aid, what.

[John Bickley]

Programs were cut and what happens to the few that remain.

[Georgia Howe]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley. It's Tuesday, March 11th, and this is Morning Wire. A pro Hamas agitator is detained by ICE as the US Opens phase two ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

[Cabot Phillips]

It's time for Hamas to come to the table. Hamas has very little leverage. They have the hostages and that's really it.

[John Bickley]

And the suspected murder of a man in Los Angeles county by two illegal immigrants sparks blowback against sanctuary policies.

[Cabot Phillips]

These aliens need to be deported. And at the very least, we've got.

[Micah Parker]

To have the cooperation from these Blue City mayors.

[Georgia Howe]

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

[Tim Pierce]

Listen to this offer from Identity Guard. Did you know there's a victim of identity theft every six seconds? Don't let the next one be you. Sign up for Identity Guard. They monitor your identity credit and Social Security number in real time so you get instant alerts before the damage is done. I Identity Guard is offering our listeners a 30 day free trial and 60% off when you go to identityguard.com wire that's 30 days free and 60% off. At identityguard.com wire that's I-E-N-T-I-T-Y-G-U-A-R-.com wire to sign up for 30 days free and 60% off certain terms apply CSIGHT for details.

[John Bickley]

The State Department formalized sweeping cuts to USAID Monday, canceling programs that President Trump says did not serve American interests.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips is here with the specifics. So, Cabot, a monumental shift in US Foreign aid. What kind of changes is Trump making?

[Cabot Phillips]

So this all started back on Inauguration Day when President Trump signed an executive order freezing all funding for foreign aid and ordering a review of the tens of billions of dollars going out the door. According to Trump, the program was rife with fraud and poured the taxpayer funds into causes that he said did not serve the interests of the American people. So for the last seven weeks, the State Department and DOGE have been reviewing all 6200 programs within USAID. And on Monday, before he left for Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 83% of them had been cut. Writing on X Rubio said, quote, 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 the core national interests of the United States. In consultation with Congress, we intend for the remaining 18% of programs we are keeping approximately 1000 to now be administered more effectively under the State Department. Here's Rubio speaking last month about his efforts to reform usaid.

[Victoria Coates]

We would ask them questions. Who is this program fund? Who gets the money? We won't tell you. We don't need to tell you. We're apolitical. American foreign policy isn't apolitical. American foreign policy is to further the interest of the United States. If someone wants to spend eight political dollars, they should spend private dollars. Go start a charity and you can fund anyone you want. But if you're going to spend taxpayer money, then you need to spend it in furtherance of the national interest of the United States.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, for context, last fiscal year, USAID dispersed about $40 billion to more than 100 countries. While it was initially created in 1961 to promote humanitarian interests, Republicans say that in recent decades, more and more funding has gone to overtly political or just downright wasteful programs.

[Georgia Howe]

What do we know about the programs that are being cut?

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, the White House issued a memo with some of the more controversial examples. It included $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. You get the idea. The Trump administration has also raised concerns over U.S. funding making its way into the hands of American enemies. For example, federal prosecutors say up to $10 million worth of USAID funds went towards food for the Nusra Front, an Al Qaeda linked terror group in Syria. In Afghanistan, the White House says millions of taxpayer dollars went towards farming equipment and fertilizer used for poppy cultivation and heroin production, ultimately benefiting the Taliban. During a recent oversight committee hearing, Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett questioned Greg Roman, the executive director of the Middle East Forum, about US Foreign aid making its way to terror groups.

[Micah Parker]

Are you aware that we are sending $40 million a week to the Taliban?

[Tim Pierce]

Yes, sir.

[Micah Parker]

Can you name other instances of foreign aid going to terrorist organizations?

[Tim Pierce]

We have assisted Al Shabaab in Somalia. There's been instances of the Hamza network in Sudan. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Kabayba, Hezbollah, Hayat Hakur, Al Shams in Syria. Dozens of terror organizations have received indirect assistance from U.S. foreign aid.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, Democrats, though, have made it very clear that they're not happy with Doge and these efforts to slash spending. What sort of response are we seeing from them regarding these USAID cuts?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, the left, as you can imagine, has expressed outrage, saying foreign aid is an effective means of stabilizing regions, building alliances and fostering goodwill abroad. They view USAID as a means of exerting soft power and argue that China will gladly step in to fill the void left by these cuts. And there's also been plenty of legal pushback as aid groups have sued the Trump administration, alleging these cuts have violated existing federal contracts. Now, for their part, the administration says they're still keeping the most important aid programs. Sources within the State Department have told the Daily Wire the secretary, quote, retained programs critical to protecting U.S. interests overseas, including food assistance, life saving, medical treatments for hiv, tuberculosis and malaria, and critical support for nations like Lebanon, Haiti, Venezuela, Cuba, Cuba and others.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, hopefully the long term impact will be better oversight of this kind of spending. Cabot, thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Anytime.

[John Bickley]

The State Department has detained a former Columbia University graduate student on accusations that he supported Hamas, a designated terror organization. The former student, Mahmoud Khalil, led disruptive protests last year against US Support for Israel.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce is here to talk about Khalil's arrest and the latest on Israel's war against Hamas. So, Tim, this arrest over the weekend is getting a lot of attention. What happened?

[Mahmoud Khalil]

Yeah, immigration authorities arrived at Khalil's university owned apartment on Saturday and took him into custody. Khalil's attorney, Amy Greer, said that she spoke with one of the arresting agents and the agent said Khalil's green card has been revoked and he will be deported. The legal fight over Khalil's arrest has already started and a federal judge yesterday blocked the Trump administration from deporting him.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, what's the administration's case for deportation?

[Mahmoud Khalil]

So President Trump signed an executive order to crack down on foreign nationals agitating for terrorist groups while in the US The State Department says Khalil supported terrorists, namely Hamas, and led protests that occupied and damaged campus buildings and caused major disruptions to campus. Here's Khalil leading a protest last year. Khalil's supporters say that this is an unjustified crackdown on Khalil's freedom of expression. Technically, as a foreign national, Khalil may not have the full freedoms that a citizen has, or at least that's the legal argument behind the deportation. That question will likely go to the courts. Morning Wire spoke About this with Victoria Coates, the vice president of national security and foreign Policy at the Heritage Foundation. Here's what she said.

[H]

In this case, we have a non US Citizen who is saying things that are incredibly disruptive, that are attempting to incite violence, and who is here on a visa under very different circumstances than an American citizen. So he is now being held responsible for his actions, for his speech over the course of the last now more than a year plus. And he has valued much more highly his dedication to the Palestinian cause than he has his legal presence, presence in the United States. And so I think the State Department is entirely justified in taking this action.

[Mahmoud Khalil]

The Trump administration is cracking down on Colombia, too, over these protests. The administration has canceled $400 million in grants and contracts over what it says is the university's failure to protect Jewish students on campus.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, where will Khalil be deported to?

[Mahmoud Khalil]

He's of Palestinian descent and a Syrian national. That could make deporting him difficult with the instability still going on in Syria. So according to Coates, he may to Egypt or Jordan or some other third party state in the region. Kahlil's wife, who is a US Citizen, may choose to join her husband overseas or stay in the United States.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, finally, let's get a quick update on Israel. What's the latest in the war against Hamas?

[Mahmoud Khalil]

Well, an Israeli delegation traveled to Qatar on Monday to negotiate with Hamas on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. The US Envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel there today. Israel wants more hostages released before the ceasefire plan moves forward. In the meantime, Israel has cut off electricity, food and fuel to the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on the terrorist group.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, this is the first Gaza cease fire negotiations since Trump took office.

[Mahmoud Khalil]

Right.

[Georgia Howe]

So we'll have to see how that goes. Tim, thanks for coming on.

[Mahmoud Khalil]

Thanks for having me.

[Georgia Howe]

A man was shot and killed last month in Inglewood, California, after confronting thieves outside his home. The suspects have now been arrested and their immigration status and long rap sheet are adding fuel to an already heated debate over public public safety and sanctuary city policies.

[John Bickley]

Joining us now to discuss is Daily Wire contributor Micah Parker. Hey, Micah. So sanctuary policies have been in the headlines in recent days with several mayors being grilled on Capitol Hill on their policies. Now we have this tragic situation in Los Angeles. What do we know so far about this situation?

[Micah Parker]

Hey, John. Yeah, so this one hits especially close to home for me. Many of our listeners might remember that we spoke last June about my friend and actor Johnny Wachter, who was shot and killed during a catalytic Converter theft in downtown la. His story gained national attention at the time, but unfortunately, he wasn't the last victim of this type of crime. Just a few weeks ago, on February 27th, 36 year old Juan Johnny Sanchez, father of two, was fatally shot outside his home in Inglewood, California after confronting two men trying to steal his neighbor's catalytic converter. His son doesn't want to be named, but remembered his father as a hero.

[Victoria Coates]

It marks who he is.

[Micah Parker]

You know, he's very heroic.

[Mahmoud Khalil]

He, he always wants to do the right thing.

[Micah Parker]

Now, the men accused of killing him, Wilbur Alberto Rabinales and Jose Cristian Serbia Sanchez fled the scene, but were arrested earlier last week. Now, both have lengthy criminal records and multiple arrests for violent crimes. And most alarmingly, authorities confirmed that both suspects are in fact illegal immigrants. Robinals is a Guatemalan national, while Servia Sanchez immigrated illegally from El Salvador. Now, as Georgia noted at the top, the murder has intensified criticisms of Los Angeles long standing sanctuary city policies. And while I do want to note for our listeners that Inglewood is technically a separate city from Los Angeles, it is still part of LA county, where sanctuary policies have had a significant impact. I mean, just weeks before Sanchez's killing, the city of Los Angeles formally codified its sanctuary status. And LA county has long limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities, even in cases involving criminal suspects. So the biggest question still remains, if the county had cooperated with immigration enforcement, would these men have even been in the county to commit this crime in the first place?

[John Bickley]

Right now, the crackdown over sanctuary city laws is a major priority for the Trump administration. But how are supporters of these laws in LA trying to make the case for them?

[Micah Parker]

Yeah, well, they argue that protecting illegal immigrants fosters trust between communities and law enforcement. But critics say these policies are downright dangerous, allowing repeat offenders to stay in the country and continue committing crimes. 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. And of course, this is coming at a time when public frustration with Los Angeles leadership is at an all time high.

[John Bickley]

Right, that leads us to the news about Mayor Karen Bass. She's really under fire now. What's happening there?

[Micah Parker]

Yeah, so the recall effort against Bass is gaining serious momentum. It's been brewing for a while over issues like rising crime, homelessness, and of course, her handling of the city's response to the recent wildfires. But this outrage over Sanchez's murder has added fuel to that fire. And here's the big development. Former Vice presidential candidate Nicole Shanahan has thrown her support behind the recall, donating a reported $4 million to the effort. So she's now one of the biggest financial backers of the recall, signaling that this isn't just a fringe movement.

[John Bickley]

Now, final question. What's your sense on the ground there about what's next? Where's this heading?

[Georgia Howe]

Right.

[Micah Parker]

Well, the recall effort against Bass is still in the very early stages, but if it gains enough traction, it could be a major political shakeup for la. And as for the Sanchez case, it's sure to keep the spotlight on the city's sanctuary policies as more people start asking who is really being protected here.

[John Bickley]

And no doubt Astoria will be keeping a close eye on Micah. Thank you so much for your time.

[Micah Parker]

Anytime, John.

[Georgia Howe]

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