Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: World Welcomes American Pope & Trump Secures Trade Deal | 5.9.25 Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Morning Wire, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe delve into two monumental events shaping the global and economic landscape: the election of the first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, and President Donald Trump's groundbreaking trade deal with the United Kingdom. Additionally, the podcast features a significant investigative report uncovering corruption within the African Development Foundation.

1. The Election of America's First Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Election and Background John Bickley opens the discussion by announcing the historic election of the first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Provost from Chicago. The election took place during a conclave where over 100 cardinals participated, ultimately selecting Provost as the church's 267th Pope.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley [00:04]: "The world has a new Pope, the first American in history, Pope Leo XIV, who blessed elated worshipers celebrating in St. Peter's Square. Peace be with you all."
• Pope Leo XIV [02:36]: "Peace be with you all."

Insights and Reactions Daily Wire investigative reporter Mire Delordi provides an in-depth look into Pope Leo XIV's background, highlighting his tenure in Peru and his rise within the Catholic Church. He emphasizes that Pope Leo is perceived as a centrist with a strong stance on church doctrine, aiming to steer the Church back to its core message amidst perceived political entanglements under his predecessor, Pope Francis.

Notable Quotes:

• Mire Delordi [04:12]: "He's very stable. He does listen. He's a clear thinker."
• Sean Carney, CEO of 40 Days for Life [05:31]: "For most Catholics, honestly, they're just worried. It's the last 12 years that have been chaos."

President Trump's Endorsement President Donald Trump expresses his approval of the new Pope, emphasizing the honor of having an American at the helm of the Catholic Church.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [05:35]: "To have the Pope from the United States of America, that's a great honor."
• Donald Trump on the Pope's Election [05:35]: "They said he's from America and he said that's great."

Global Optimism The episode highlights the global optimism surrounding Pope Leo XIV's election, with Catholics worldwide anticipating a period of stability and renewed focus on spiritual matters.

2. President Trump Secures Historic Trade Deal with the United Kingdom

Announcement and Market Impact John Bickley and Georgia Howe discuss President Trump's announcement of a significant trade agreement with the United Kingdom, which has positively influenced financial markets and raised hopes for future trade deals.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [06:34]: "We have reached a breakthrough trade deal with the United Kingdom, a credible country. Today is a victory day for World War II."
• Donald Trump [08:22]: "They treated us with great respect. The template of 10 is probably the lowest."

Details of the Trade Deal Cabot Phillips, Daily Wire Senior Editor, provides a comprehensive breakdown of the trade deal's specifics:

• Tariffs: The U.S. maintains a universal 10% tariff, reduces the British auto tariff from 27% to 10%, and eliminates tariffs on British steel and aluminum.
• Concessions from the UK: Opening markets to American ethanol, beef, and poultry, and committing to purchase $10 billion in American Boeing planes.
• Tech Sector Benefits: Elimination of the digital tax affecting American tech companies, leading to a surge in tech stock prices.

Notable Quotes:

• Cabot Phillips [06:54]: "The British did open up their markets to American ethanol, beef and poultry."
• Donald Trump [08:22]: "Many... some will be much higher because they have massive trade surpluses."

Future Implications The discussion touches on the broader implications for future trade negotiations, with President Trump hinting at ongoing negotiations with other countries, including China and the European Union. Emphasis is placed on maintaining leverage for future deals, suggesting that similar concessions may not be forthcoming for all nations.

Notable Quotes:

• Cabot Phillips [07:51]: "The president did hint that he was very close on numerous deals with other countries."
• Donald Trump [08:22]: "That's a low number. They made a good deal."

British Prime Minister's Support Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, praises the deal's potential to boost trade and create jobs, underscoring the mutual benefits of the agreement.

Notable Quotes:

• Keir Starmer [09:34]: "This is going to boost trade between our countries. It's going to not only protect jobs but create jobs."
• Donald Trump [09:17]: "This was about business, religion. Business is sort of a semi-religion."

3. Investigative Report: Corruption Within the African Development Foundation

Overview of the Investigation In a compelling investigative segment, Daily Wire government efficiency reporter Luke Rosiak uncovers significant corruption within the African Development Foundation. The report reveals how the agency obstructed audits by external bodies, including Doge, and misappropriated funds for personal and political gain.

Notable Quotes:

• Luke Rosiak [10:33]: "This is a small federal agency, kind of like USAID. It's got 30 employees and a $45 million budget."
• Donald Trump [14:16]: "I don't."

Key Findings

• Obstruction of Audits: The African Development Foundation resisted audits by locking doors and filing lawsuits to protect financial records.
• Misappropriation of Funds: Funds intended for African grants were redirected to pay officials, friends, and former employers, resembling a laundering scheme.
• Conflict of Interest: High-level officials, including the CFO Matthew Zahue, funneled money to associates and family members, leading to potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
• Collaboration with Scam Entities: The foundation partnered with Herbalife, a company accused of running pyramid schemes, further compromising the agency's integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Luke Rosiak [11:39]: "So we've all gotten the emails where the Nigerian prince offered to do just that. But you're saying these people actually made this happen?"
• Luke Rosiak [12:28]: "They were giving africans some money and product... but no, it was actually with the for-profit multilevel marketing scheme now refusing."

Government Intervention Under the Trump administration, the African Development Foundation was shuttered by Doge after persistent evidence of corruption, marking a significant crackdown on misuse of foreign aid funds.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [14:18]: "Or they didn't know there was a back door that they didn't lock. So we were able to get access."
• Luke Rosiak [14:35]: "At one point, the African Development Foundation pushed its board members' pyramid scheme on poor Africans."

Conclusion of the Investigation The report underscores systemic issues within the African Development Foundation, highlighting the necessity of government oversight to prevent such malfeasance in foreign aid distribution.

Conclusion

This episode of Morning Wire provides listeners with in-depth analysis and reporting on pivotal events: the historic election of Pope Leo XIV and its implications for the Catholic Church, President Trump's significant trade deal with the UK and its economic impacts, and an exposé on corruption within a federal foreign aid agency. Through expert interviews, detailed investigations, and direct quotes, the podcast offers a comprehensive overview of these critical developments.

Stay tuned to Morning Wire for more insightful coverage on the latest in politics, culture, education, sports, and more.