Morning Wire US-Russia Talks Begin & DOGE Targets IRS | 2.18.25
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Feb 18, 2025 U.S. and Russia begin crucial negotiations in Saudi Arabia amid frustrations from Ukraine’s leaders over their exclusion. The podcast examines shifting American public sentiment on involvement in Ukraine and the dynamics of defense alliances. In an unexpected twist, Doge targets the IRS, raising concerns about privacy linked to government automation. Additionally, a CBS host’s comments spark a heated debate on free speech, reflecting on historical implications and the impact of European censorship laws on U.S. relations.
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US-Russia Negotiations Begin
- The U.S. and Russia began negotiations on the war in Ukraine, prompting an emergency meeting among European leaders.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the talks, demanding Ukraine's presence at the negotiating table.
DOGE and the IRS
- The IRS may grant the Office of Digital Efficiency (DOGE) access to its systems and data.
- This access would allow DOGE to identify waste, fraud, and abuse, but critics raise concerns about potential risks to personal information.
CBS and Free Speech
- CBS faced criticism for its coverage of free speech in Europe after a controversial statement linking the Holocaust to excessive free speech in Nazi Germany.
- J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio pushed back, emphasizing the absence of free speech during the Nazi regime.