April 25th, 2025: China Rebukes Trump, Demands US Cancel All Tariffs & India And Pakistan Inch Closer To War

Summary

The President's Daily Brief: April 25th, 2025

Hosted by Mike Baker

---

1. US-China Trade War Escalation

Overview: The longstanding trade dispute between the United States and China has intensified as Chinese officials have vehemently demanded the immediate cancellation of all US-imposed tariffs. This development directly challenges President Trump's earlier assertions that his administration was engaged in direct trade negotiations with China to resolve the conflict.

Key Developments:

• Chinese Demands and Contradictions: On Thursday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry dismissed President Trump's claims of ongoing trade talks as "false news," stating, “China and the US have not conducted consultations or negotiations on tariffs, let alone reached an agreement” (02:45).

• US's Shift in Stance: President Trump had recently signaled a potential softening of his administration’s hardline stance by considering significant reductions in tariffs to alleviate diplomatic tensions. “The US is going to be very nice with China and that final tariffs will not be anywhere near as high as the current 145% rate” (05:47), Trump announced, aiming to cool the strained relations.

• Chinese Retaliation: In response to the US tariffs, China has taken substantial economic retaliatory measures, including suspending exports of essential rare earth minerals and halting jet orders from Boeing (04:46). These actions have led to widespread disruptions in global supply chains and significant stock market volatility.

• Economic Impact: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded growth forecasts for the US, China, and other major economies, highlighting fears of a potential global recession as the trade war shows no signs of abating (05:17).

Notable Quote: Trump responded to China’s suspension of business with Boeing by stating, “Boeing should default China for not taking the beautifully finished planes that China committed to purchase. This is just a small example of what China has done to the US for years” (06:31).

---

2. India and Pakistan Inch Closer to War

Overview: Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated alarmingly following a deadly terror attack in the disputed region of Kashmir. The incident has triggered a series of retaliatory actions, pushing both nuclear-armed neighbors toward the brink of conflict.

Key Developments:

• Terror Attack in Kashmir: A terror attack in Bahalgam, Kashmir, claimed by the Trif (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, resulted in 26 tourists dead and 17 wounded (10:17). The TRF justified the attack by alleging that the tourists were attempting to "illegally settle in the Muslim majority region."

• India’s Retaliatory Measures: In swift response, India suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals, revoked existing visas, and shut its mainland border with Pakistan entirely (10:54). Additionally, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a cornerstone of Indo-Pakistani relations, threatening to reduce the flow of water crucial to Pakistan's agriculture (11:00).

• Pakistan’s Response: Pakistan has labeled India's suspension of the treaty as an “act of war,” leading to retaliatory measures such as shutting airspace to Indian aircraft, halting bilateral trade, and expelling Indian military advisors from Islamabad (11:56). Pakistan also canceled all existing visas for Indian nationals and terminated the 1972 Simla Agreement, further deteriorating diplomatic ties.

• Risk of Armed Conflict: With both nations deploying hardline rhetoric and taking significant retaliatory steps, analysts warn of an imminent risk of armed conflict, reminiscent of past Indo-Pakistani wars (13:37).

Notable Quote: India’s Foreign Minister stated, “The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in place until Islamabad credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism” (11:22).

---

3. Trump Expands National Security Council Purge

Overview: President Trump has intensified his efforts to reshape the National Security Council (NSC) by expanding the purge of staffers, resulting in significant understaffing across key intelligence and policy directorates.

Key Developments:

• Widespread Dismissals: At least 20 staff members have been dismissed from the NSC, with approximately 15 of these terminations occurring in the first week of April alone (14:08). This wave of firings is part of a broader loyalty-driven restructuring aimed at aligning the NSC more closely with the President’s "America First" agenda.

• Impact on Operations: Critical policy teams overseeing regions such as Latin America and South Asia, as well as sectors like international organizations and biosecurity, have been left severely undermanned. The Directorate for International Organizations, responsible for coordination with the UN and NATO, has been completely cleared out (14:47).

• Resistance and Morale Issues: The dismissals, linked to interactions with conservative activist Laura Loomer, have caused confusion and unease within the NSC. Efforts to backfill critical positions have been met with difficulties, exacerbating the operational strain (16:38).

• Strategic Implications: The restructuring appears to signal a shift away from traditional diplomatic engagement towards more transactional, leader-to-leader dealings, further complicating the U.S.’s foreign policy apparatus (15:02).

Notable Quote: A source within the administration commented on the restructuring, stating, “This wave of firings marks a deeper strategic effort by Trump's inner circle to remake the NSC into a more ideologically aligned instrument of presidential will” (15:07).

---

4. IAEA Warns of North Korea’s Growing Nuclear Arsenal

Overview: Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has issued a stern warning regarding North Korea's rapidly expanding nuclear program, urging the resumption of direct diplomacy with the regime.

Key Developments:

• Expansion of Nuclear Facilities: Grossi highlighted that North Korea’s nuclear capabilities are no longer confined to their main complex in the northwest but now include the Gang Son uranium enrichment plant. Additionally, intelligence indicates the construction of two more enrichment facilities (21:21).

• Call for Presidential Diplomacy: Emphasizing the urgent need for high-level diplomatic engagement, Grossi stated, “Presidential diplomacy is important. We need engagement from the top” (21:56).

• Historical Context: President Trump had prioritized engagement with North Korea during his first term, including historic summits in 2018 and 2019. However, negotiations stalled due to Pyongyang's demands to lift all sanctions, leading to heightened tensions and increased missile tests by North Korea (22:00).

• Complications in Diplomacy: North Korea’s strengthened alliances with Russia and China, coupled with ongoing global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and potential new nuclear deals with Iran, pose significant challenges to any renewed diplomatic efforts (23:26).

Notable Quote: Grossi warned, “You cannot have a country like this, which is completely off the charts with its nuclear arsenal, without us having any clue of any safety or security measures which are being applied to it” (21:40).

---

Conclusion

This episode of The President's Daily Brief delves into critical international relations issues facing the United States. From the escalating US-China trade war and the precarious India-Pakistan relations teetering on the edge of war, to internal shifts within the US National Security Council and dire warnings about North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, the episode underscores the complex geopolitical landscape. Host Mike Baker provides insightful analysis, enriched with timely quotes and developments, ensuring listeners are well-informed about the most pressing global challenges.

---

Timestamps Reference:

• 02:45 – Chinese Foreign Ministry's statement
• 05:47 – Trump’s statement on tariffs
• 04:46 – China’s economic retaliation
• 05:17 – IMF’s growth forecasts
• 06:31 – Trump’s response to Boeing issue
• 10:17 – Details of Kashmir terror attack
• 10:54 – India’s suspension of visa services
• 11:00 – Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
• 11:22 – India’s Foreign Minister on treaty suspension
• 11:56 – Pakistan’s retaliatory measures
• 13:37 – Analysts warning of potential armed conflict
• 14:08 – Overview of NSC dismissals
• 14:47 – Impact on Directorate for International Organizations
• 16:38 – Challenges in backfilling NSC positions
• 15:07 – Strategic shift in NSC restructuring
• 21:21 – North Korea’s expanded nuclear facilities
• 21:56 – Grossi’s call for presidential diplomacy
• 22:00 – Historical context of US-North Korea negotiations
• 23:26 – Complications in diplomatic efforts
• 21:40 – Grossi’s warning on North Korea’s nuclear program

Transcript

[Mike Slater]

My name is Mike Slater. I have a podcast called Politics by Faith. I was just talking to a friend of mine who said he hasn't been able to follow the news lately. It's been too much, it's too crazy. It's driving him crazy and he's just checked out. If you feel that way sometimes, too, I think you'll really like our podcast, Politics by Faith. We take the main story of the day and we run it through the Bible. What does the Bible say about this? It's amazing, but it's all there. And then God tells us what to do. We don't even have to figure it out. The answers are right there. He gives us the answers. Politics by Faith. Please join us over there. You can listen to it wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. Politics by faith.

[Mike Baker]

It's Friday, the 25th of April. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage. And look at that.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

I'm, I'm back off the road and, and at the compound studio, at least for the weekend. And then I'll, I'll be back out of the road next week. It's, it's Where's Waldo on a constant basis. All right, let's get brief, shall we?

[Mike Baker]

We'll start things off today with an.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Update on the U. S. China trade war as officials in Beijing demand all US Tariffs be canceled and contradict President Trump's claims that his team has been engaging in direct trade talks with the communist regime. Seems like someone's getting a bit testy. Later in the show, India and Pakistan.

[Mike Baker]

Inch closer to war as New Delhi.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Suspends a landmark water sharing treaty in.

[Mike Baker]

The wake of the deadly terror attack.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

In Indian controlled Kashmir. Plus, President Trump's purge of the White House National Security Council expands, leaving key posts in America's intelligence apparatus understaffed. And in today's back of the brief, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog just issued a major warning regarding North.

[Mike Baker]

Korea's ever expanding nuclear program, calling on President Trump to engage in direct diplomacy.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

With little rocket man Kim Jong Un. But first, today's PDP spotlight.

[Mike Baker]

Despite emerging signs that the Trump administration may be willing to de escalate the trade war with China in order to.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Strike a deal with leaders in Beijing.

[Mike Baker]

Appear unwilling to yield. On Thursday, Chinese officials demanded that the Trump administration immediately cancel all unilateral US Tariffs if they truly want to settle current trade issues. They also directly contradicted remarks made by President Trump on Wednesday that the world's two largest economies were holding direct talks in recent days to negotiate a resolution.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

That's according to a report from Reuters.

[Mike Baker]

On Thursday, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry bluntly called Trump's claims about discussions, quote, false news, saying, quote, china and the US have not conducted consultations or negotiations on tariffs, let alone reached.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

An agreement, end quote. Now, the comments come just two days.

[Mike Baker]

After President Trump relented from his hardline.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Stance against the Communist regime, saying he.

[Mike Baker]

Is considering substantially slashing his crippling tariffs.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

On China to cool diplomatic temperatures. On Wednesday, the president even expressed confidence.

[Mike Baker]

That the US And China would soon reach a, quote, fair deal. But Chinese officials don't appear to share.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

His opinion or optimism and are holding.

[Mike Baker]

Fast to their own demands.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement.

[Mike Baker]

Thursday reiterating their intent to, quote, fight to the end and said, quote, if the US really wants to resolve the.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Problem, should cancel all the unilateral measures on China.

[Mike Baker]

That, of course, is not an option as far as the White House is concerned.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

And given that Trump is probably not one to kindly respond to ultimatums, the.

[Mike Baker]

Remarks threaten to sour the president's recent conciliatory overtures. As PDB listeners are well aware, the.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Ccp, the Chinese Communist Party and Washington are locked in a bitter trade dispute.

[Mike Baker]

Triggered by Trump's imposition of a 145% tariff on most of China's exports.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

With some Chinese products now subject to.

[Mike Baker]

Rates as high as 245%, China retaliated.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

By placing a 125% tax on all US goods. The impact on China has been swift and severe.

[Mike Baker]

Chinese warehouses are now reportedly filled with unsent goods, mostly intended for U.S. buyers.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Factory floors in China's top exporting provinces have ground to a standstill, and operations at two of China's most critical ports for foreign trade have slowed to a crawl. But despite the financial fallout, China's economic retaliation has continued.

[Mike Baker]

Last week, they suspended all exports of essential rare earth minerals, of which they hold a relative monopoly, and halted all.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Jet orders from American aerospace titan Boeing. China dug in their heels further on Monday, warning other countries against striking new trade deals with the US and that could undermine Beijing's interests, promising economic retaliation.

[Mike Baker]

Against any nation that does not heed their warning.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

The intensifying trade war has triggered widespread selloffs in global stock markets, rattling investors.

[Mike Baker]

And sparking predictions about a looming global recession.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Earlier this week, the International Monetary Fund.

[Mike Baker]

Slashed growth forecasts for the U.S. china.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

And most other countries, but hope that.

[Mike Baker]

The economic standoff could soon come to.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

An end well was briefly floated on.

[Mike Baker]

Wednesday after the Trump administration said they.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Were discussing reducing the tariff rates. With Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant calling the trade war, quote, unsustainable.

[Mike Baker]

Trump himself said the US Is going.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

To be very nice with China and that final tariffs will not be anywhere.

[Mike Baker]

Near as high as the current 145% rate.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

White House officials told the Wall Street.

[Mike Baker]

Journal that several options are on the.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Table, including drastically dropping the levies to.

[Mike Baker]

Somewhere between 50 and 65%. But the white House later cautioned that.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Trump was not softening his approach and.

[Mike Baker]

That they would need to see some movement from China first to lower tariffs.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

On U.S. goods before de escalating.

[Mike Baker]

Now, the mixed messaging from the White House dampened investors hopes for a resolution.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

And and China's latest comments have further.

[Mike Baker]

Of course, inflamed the situation. Trump responded Thursday by lashing out at the CCP over their suspension of business with Boeing.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, quote, boeing should default China for.

[Mike Baker]

Not taking the beautifully finished planes that China committed to purchase. This is just a small example of what China has done to the US.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

For years, end quote. For now, it appears China is attempting.

[Mike Baker]

To wait out Trump.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Taking his remarks earlier this week is a sign that he'll eventually cave once.

[Mike Baker]

The economic fallout of the tariff war hits American consumers.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Basically, it's a question of who blinks first. All right, coming up next, India and.

[Mike Baker]

Pakistan inch closer to war in the wake of the deadly terror attack in.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Indian controlled Kashmir and President Trump's purge of the White House. National Security Council expands. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here. Well, let's talk. Maha, have you heard about that?

[Mike Baker]

I mean, make America healthy again.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Look, at the end of the day.

[Mike Baker]

The most important things are good health.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Family and of course, time. Getting into shape and staying in shape.

[Mike Baker]

Encouraging physical fitness and good health with.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Your family and of course, being consistent.

[Mike Baker]

Having enough time during your busy day.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

To actually work out. That's why I'm so excited to be working with Don Mastangello and his team.

[Mike Baker]

At a great company.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

It's called Jacked Up Fitness.

[Mike Baker]

Now, Don's an amazing entrepreneur and he and his team have built a terrific home fitness business. Their commercial grade Power Rack Pro, for example. It has everything you need for a.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Full body workout at home. I've just had the Power Rack Pro installed at my house and I can't say enough good things about it. The construction and the quality are incredible.

[Mike Baker]

The cable crossover systems, integrated 200 pound.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Weight stacks in the Smith machine allow.

[Mike Baker]

You to do hundreds of exercises, but.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Basically everything and anything that you can.

[Mike Baker]

Do at the gym. And if you're new to strength training, their Get Jacked up program offers full body video workouts. You just press play and follow along.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Their equipment is super solid and stands up to the toughest workouts.

[Mike Baker]

Go to getjackedup.com and sign up for free access to the program. And when you're ready to order your Power rack Pro, save 10% with my promo code.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Baker that's B A K E R. Look, no more excuses.

[Mike Baker]

Make fitness a priority in your home.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Go to getjackedup.com hey Mike Baker here.

[Unnamed Speaker 2]

I tell you what, let's talk about luxury and comfort and sleep.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

How about that? Sounds good, right?

[Unnamed Speaker 2]

Well, luxury starts where you rest. Your bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep. Stay with me on this one. It should be a retreat. Luckily, Cozy Earth is here to help. Cozy Earth products are designed to transform your nighttime, maybe the time that matters most, into the coziest of sanctuaries. Cozy Earth's best selling bamboo sheets, for.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Example, are buttery soft.

[Unnamed Speaker 2]

And when was the last time you heard someone describe something as buttery soft? They're temperature regulating and crafted for five star comfort every night. Transform your space risk free with a 100 night sleep trial and a 10 year warranty on all Cozy Earth bedding and bath products. Love em or send them back but trust me you won't want to look. My luxury shouldn't be out of reach. Visit cozyearth.com PDB and use my exclusive code PDB for up to 40% off. That's 40 40% off. Cozy Earth's best selling sheets, towels, pajamas and more. That's cozyearth.com Pdb and if you get a post purchase survey, well tell them you heard about Cozy Earth right here on the pdb.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Welcome back to the pdb.

[Mike Baker]

Nuclear armed neighbors India and Pakistan are veering dangerously close to a war footing after a terror attack earlier this week.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

In the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

[Mike Baker]

Triggered an escalating series of retaliatory moves across the subcontinent.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

As we've been discussing this week here.

[Mike Baker]

On the PDB, the terror attack which.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Left 26 tourists dead and another 17 wounded in the scenic town of Bahalgam.

[Mike Baker]

Was claimed by the resistance front, or.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Trf, that's an offshoot of the Pakistan based terror group Lashkar a Taiba. Now the TRF claimed the tourists were.

[Mike Baker]

Attempting to, quote, illegally settle in the Muslim majority region. India wasted no time responding.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Within hours the cabinet Committee on Security.

[Mike Baker]

Suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

And the Foreign Ministry refused, revoked all existing visas. And in a dramatic escalation, India shut.

[Mike Baker]

Its mainland border with Pakistan entirely.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

But the most provocative move, well, that came next.

[Mike Baker]

At the center of fraying ties, New Delhi suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. And now that's a World bank brokered agreement.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Seen as a rare pillar of stability between the two nations, the treaty had.

[Mike Baker]

Previously survived two wars and withstood many.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Diplomatic twists before Wednesday's move. With the treaty on hold, India is.

[Mike Baker]

Preparing to reduce the flow of water crucial to Pakistan's agriculture sector.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

India's foreign minister declared the move would remain in place until Islamabad, quote, credibly.

[Mike Baker]

And irrevocably abjures its support for cross border terrorism, end quote.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

For Pakistan, where agriculture makes up roughly 25% of the economy and where irrigation.

[Mike Baker]

Systems rely heavily on rivers governed by.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

The treaty, the implications are very serious.

[Mike Baker]

And the language out of Islamabad reflected just that.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry issued a formal announcement.

[Mike Baker]

Labeling the treaty suspension a, quote, act.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Of war and warning that Pakistan would.

[Mike Baker]

Retaliate with, quote, full force across the complete spectrum of national power.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

In the hours that followed, Pakistan shuttered its airspace to Indian aircraft, halted bilateral trade and canceled all existing visas granted.

[Mike Baker]

To Indian nationals under a long standing exemption scheme.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

It also ordered the reduction of the.

[Mike Baker]

Indian High Commission in Islamabad to just 30 personnel. Indian military advisors have been ordered to leave by the end of the month. Islamabad also ripped up the 1972 Simla.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Agreement, which has served as the foundational.

[Mike Baker]

Document meant to govern bilateral relations, including respect for a ceasefire line in Kashmir since their third war. India, meanwhile, doubled down.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

The Defense Ministry released sketches of three TRF operatives suspected of carrying out the attack in, including two Pakistani nationals, and.

[Mike Baker]

Offered a $23,000 reward for information leading to each arrest.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

The ministry also maintains that military action is on standby. New Delhi is adamant that Islamabad's fingerprints are all over the operation with accusations of backing the trf. But so far, no public evidence has been produced directly linking Pakistan to the killings. And in familiar fashion, Pakistani officials are.

[Mike Baker]

Denying involvement altogether, accusing India of, quote, fomenting terrorism inside its borders and pursuing.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

A response that's, quote, unilateral, politically motivated.

[Mike Baker]

And devoid of legal merit.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

But as diplomatic channels collapse and hardline rhetoric boils over on both sides, analysts warn that the two nuclear armed countries.

[Mike Baker]

May be closer to another armed conflict than at any point in years.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

All right, turning to the U.S. president Trump's shakeup of the National Security Council.

[Mike Baker]

Has extended and expanded far beyond earlier.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Reports, with at least 20 staffers now dismissed amid a sweeping loyalty first restructuring that's left multiple directorates understaffed. According to two anonymous sources with direct.

[Mike Baker]

Knowledge of the matter, roughly 15 dismissals were carried out in the first week of April alone.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

That timing is noteworthy, as regular listeners of the PDB will recall.

[Mike Baker]

That was the same week that hardline.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Conservative activist Laura Loomer met with Trump.

[Mike Baker]

At the White House and reportedly handed.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Him a list of NSC officials she.

[Mike Baker]

Alleged were obstructing his Make America Great Again agenda.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Since then, well, the firings have continued.

[Mike Baker]

Entire policy teams overseeing Latin America, South.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Asia, international organizations, biosecurity and legislative affairs.

[Mike Baker]

Have either been hollowed out or left severely undermanned. One source noted that the Directorate for International Organizations, which helps coordinate American engagement.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

With the UN and NATO, was completely cleared out earlier this month. Other critical teams, such as the Directorate for African affairs still lack a senior.

[Mike Baker]

Director, while South Asia and Western Hemisphere.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Affairs have also been hollowed out.

[Mike Baker]

This wave of firings, the sources say, marks a deeper strategic effort by Trump's.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Inner circle to remake the NSC in his second term into a more ideologically.

[Mike Baker]

Aligned instrument of presidential will. While every administration tweaks its NSC roster, that's nothing new. Trump officials have made no secret of.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Their plans to go further, with loyalty.

[Mike Baker]

Becoming the dominant metric. Crucially, not all of those let go were Biden era holdovers several staffers had.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Served during Trump's first term, amplifying confusion and unease inside the NSC over opaque criteria for termination aside from mere loyalty to the administration. NSC spokesman Brian Hughes declined to address.

[Mike Baker]

The dismissals, but told Reuters that, quote.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

All employees of the National Security Council.

[Mike Baker]

Work at the pleasure of the president.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Adding that the team remains committed to advancing the president's America first agenda. Some of the cuts appear to signal more than just a personnel shuffle they.

[Mike Baker]

Reflect deeper policy shifts.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

The administration's long standing skepticism of international institutions appears to be driving the dismantling of the international organizations team, while the vacancies across regional desks suggest a deprioritization of traditional diplomatic engagement in favor of.

[Mike Baker]

Transactional leader to leader dealings.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Compounding the crisis is the difficulty in backfilling critical positions.

[Mike Baker]

Victor Sorvino, a Hill aide who had.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Reportedly been tapped to oversee the Latin America portfolio, ultimately turned down the offer, though sources remain unsure why.

[Mike Baker]

Multiple other critical appointments remain unfilled. Still, the firings linked to Loomer's White.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

House meeting reportedly shook morale across the nsc, while one official said the mood.

[Mike Baker]

Has slightly stabilized in recent days.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

A CBS report last week claimed that many high level posts remain vacant with entire teams struggling to keep pace with.

[Mike Baker]

Day to day responsibilities.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

As of now, the National Security Council.

[Mike Baker]

The Nerve center of U.S. foreign and.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Security policy, faces mounting pressure to advance.

[Mike Baker]

Trump's realigned priorities with a skeleton staff.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

And apparent internal uncertainty. All right, coming up next in the back of the brief, the UN's nuclear watchdog issues a major warning regarding North.

[Mike Baker]

Korea's expanding nuclear program. We'll have those details next.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Hey, Mike Baker here.

[Mike Baker]

Well, it's grilling season.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

You know that, right? It's getting warmer.

[Mike Baker]

You got the COVID off the grill.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

And I'm about to tell you where to get the finest beef to put on that grill. I'm talking about a classic American business.

[Mike Baker]

Generations of family raising high quality beef in the great state of Texas.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

And of course, you know I'm talking about Tritails beef. Look, Tri Tails isn't some corporate meat factory. It's not a mass produced operation by a faceless corporation.

[Mike Baker]

Tri Tails is classic.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

It's a fifth generation Texas ranch where.

[Mike Baker]

Cattle are pasture raised, grain finished and raised the right way. They handle the beef on site and ship it straight to your door.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

There's no middlemen, no mystery.

[Mike Baker]

All their beef is sourced to match.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

The genetics and care they've built their.

[Mike Baker]

Herd on, ensuring consistent marbling, tenderness and rich flavor in every cut.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

As we say, small batch, big flavor. You can taste the difference the moment it hits the grill.

[Mike Baker]

Whether it's a ribeye, a filet or.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

A New York strip, it's the kind.

[Mike Baker]

Of beef that brings people together, USDA.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Prime and choice, hand packed and ready for your table.

[Mike Baker]

And right now, they've got a special offer just for PDB listeners. Go to tribe.com PDB and get two free Flatiron steaks with your first box. Over $250.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

That's tribe.com PDB. Support real ranchers and eat like you mean it. Hey, Mike Baker here. Look, I know you know this, but I'm about to repeat myself.

[Mike Baker]

Owning a handgun or any weapon for.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Self defense comes with serious responsibility. You need it to be both secure.

[Mike Baker]

And accessible when it matters most. And that's what Stopbox USA set out.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

To solve with their Stopbox Pro. It's a lockbox that gives you instant.

[Mike Baker]

Access to your firearm. There's no electronics, there's no keys or codes required. The five button locking system remove responds to your unique input.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

It's built for muscle memory and that's important so you're not thinking, you're reacting. I have a Stopbox Pro at home and it is an excellent piece of kit, right? It's extremely well made, it's secure and.

[Mike Baker]

It'S easy to use and that's important.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

With a Stopbox Pro, you don't have.

[Mike Baker]

To trade safety for speed. Your firearm stays secure and always within.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Reach for a limited time only.

[Mike Baker]

Not only do you get 10% off your entire order when you use code [e-mail] but they're also giving you buy one, get one free for their Stopbox Pro. That's right, you heard me correct. 10% off and a free Stopbox Pro.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

When you use code [e-mail] Discover a.

[Mike Baker]

Better way to balance security and readiness.

[Unnamed Speaker 3]

With Stopbox At Walden University we get the W. We come here for more than just a degree. We come here to make an impact. We we step up when everything is on the line and we create opportunities. At Walden University, we learn the skills to get us to the next level. Plus, with flexible online learning, we can do it on our time. Now it's your time. Get the W Walden University set a course for change. Visit waldenu.edu to learn more. Certified to operate by SHEV.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

In today's back of the Brief, the head of.

[Mike Baker]

The UN's nuclear watchdog just issued a stark warning over North Korea's, quote, exponentially.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Expanding nuclear program, calling for presidential level diplomacy to resume with the Hermit Kingdom. During a Council on Foreign Relations event.

[Mike Baker]

This week in Washington, Rafael Grossi, the.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency the iaea, said North Korea's nuclear arsenal has gone, quote, completely off the charts as the regime of Kim Jong Un continues to engage in an extensive military buildup. The that's according to a report from the Japan Times. Critically, he said, Pyongyang's nuclear program is no longer contained to their main nuclear complex in the country's northwest. It reportedly now includes the Gang Son.

[Mike Baker]

Uranium enrichment plant, and intelligence suggests two more enrichment facilities are currently being built.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Grossi said diplomatic engagement was urgently needed. The alternative, he warned, would be to.

[Mike Baker]

Let North Korea continue to build up its nuclear stockpile unchecked.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Grossi stated, quote, you cannot have a.

[Mike Baker]

Country like this, which is completely off.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

The charts with its nuclear arsenal with all these facilities, without us having any.

[Mike Baker]

Clue of any safety or security measures which are being applied to it. He added the quote, presidential diplomacy is important. We need engagement from the top.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

He called on the international community, including President Trump, to make inroads with the.

[Mike Baker]

Kim regime, which has historically proved no easy feat.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

As you may recall, Trump made engagement with North Korea a top priority during his first term. He became the first sitting president to.

[Mike Baker]

Hold a summit with North Korea in.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

2018 and later became the first to set foot on North Korean soil. Nuclear talks began in earnest at the 2019 Hanoi Summit in Vietnam, but quickly.

[Mike Baker]

Broke down due to North Korea's demand that the US Lift all sanctions on the isolated country.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Since then, relations between Washington and Pyongyang.

[Mike Baker]

Have significantly worsened, with North Korea ramping.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Up missile tests and the U.S. south.

[Mike Baker]

Korea and Japan intensifying joint military exercises.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

That Pyongyang denounces as invasion rehearsals. In September, Kim vowed to expand the country's nuclear weapons program to produce exponentially.

[Mike Baker]

More warheads and delivery platforms, including ones.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

That could target the US Mainland. Regarding North Korea's arsenal, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute has previously estimated that North Korea get this likely has around.

[Mike Baker]

50 nuclear weapons of various size and enough enriched uranium to build another 90.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Despite Grossi's hopes for a resumption in diplomacy, North Korea's increasingly cozy relationship with Russia and their close ties with China.

[Mike Baker]

Would significantly complicate any attempts at outreach.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Given ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine and Trump's current push for a new nuclear deal with Iran, issues regarding North Korea may well continue to take a back seat.

[Mike Baker]

And that, my friends, is the President's Daily brief for Friday 25th April.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Now, if you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at.

[Mike Baker]

Pdb@The firsttv.com to listen to the show ad free. Well, it's very simple. Just become a premium member of the.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

President's Daily brief by visiting PDB premium.com and of course, waking up this morning, I'm sure you realized and probably your first thought was, oh, it's Friday. And I suspect your next thought was, oh, that's excellent.

[Mike Baker]

Fridays mean new episodes of the PDB Situation Report. Well, you'd be right. Our crack production team is busy getting ready to launch the latest episode this.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

Evening at 10pm on the first TV. And as always, you can catch it and past episodes on our juggernaut of a YouTube channel. Go check that out. You can find it at President's Daily Brief. Also, the show is available on all the podcast platforms where you get your podcast stuff. I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back.

[Mike Baker]

Later today with the PDB Afternoon Bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.

[Unnamed Speaker 4]

It.