AMFEST 2024, Student Loans, Department of Education & Healthcare Reform | Charlie Kirk DSH #1017

Summary

Digital Social Hour: AMFEST 2024, Student Loans, Department of Education & Healthcare Reform | Charlie Kirk DSH #1017

Release Date: December 26, 2024

In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. The discussion spans a wide array of topics, including higher education, cryptocurrency, healthcare reform, national security, and Charlie's perspectives on current American societal challenges. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their dialogue.

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1. Higher Education and Student Loan Forgiveness

a. Opposition to Student Loan Forgiveness

Charlie Kirk vehemently opposes student loan forgiveness, presenting several key arguments:

• Economic Responsibility: “I didn't go to college and I've succeeded, so why should my taxpayer dollars go for pay for somebody else's mistakes?” (07:00)

• Fairness to Non-College Graduates: He highlights the disparity faced by tradespeople like plumbers and electricians who rely on taxpayer-funded support for college-goers.

• Punishing Responsible Decisions: Kirk argues that forgiving loans penalizes those who made prudent financial choices to minimize debt.

b. Critique of the Department of Education

Kirk labels the Department of Education as a scam, advocating for its elimination. He cites constitutional inconsistencies and the department's failure to improve American educational standards:

• “We rank like 36 of industrialized countries when it comes to education. We are significantly behind many of our competitors.” (01:28)

• He emphasizes returning educational control to states and local entities, arguing that education is a deeply personal endeavor best managed outside federal oversight.

c. Actionable Steps for Parents

Kirk advises parents to consider homeschooling or removing their children from public education systems to ensure a more personalized and effective education:

• “If you're able to do it, homeschool your kids, take your kids out of the public education system...” (01:31)

d. Views on College Tuition

While advocating for reduced tuition costs, Kirk insists this should not be achieved through government intervention. Instead, he champions increased competition among educational institutions, expansion of trade and technical schools, and cessation of taxpayer subsidies for traditional four-year colleges.

---

2. Cryptocurrency and Economic Perspectives

a. Support for Cryptocurrency Infrastructure

Kirk expresses strong support for cryptocurrency, not only as an investment but also in the underlying infrastructure:

• “I am a significant investor in the plumbing of how crypto is made...” (01:44)

• He underscores the necessity of a robust multi-billion-dollar infrastructure to support various cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin.

b. Advocacy for a Flat Tax

Kirk proposes a flat tax system, ideally a 10% tax across the board, and suggests eliminating income tax altogether:

• “Ideally, I think a 10% tax across the board. I actually would love to get rid of income tax.” (07:35)

• He envisions funding the government through national tariffs and sales tax, highlighting historical precedents.

c. U.S. Dollar's Reserve Status

Kirk is optimistic about restoring the U.S. dollar's dominance as the world's reserve currency:

• “I think President Trump is going to break apart BRICS one by one... the US dollar... will get that back to 60%.” (08:19)

---

3. Healthcare Reform

Kirk critiques the current healthcare system, labeling it a "sick care industry" focused on treating ailments rather than addressing root causes. He advocates for:

• Preventative Care: Emphasizing lifestyle changes over pharmaceutical interventions.

  • “We need a preventative healthcare system that is not just educating but also properly incentivizing people to eat healthy...” (03:44)

• Dietary Improvements: Promoting a return to foundational nutritional principles, focusing on proteins, healthy fats, and balanced carbohydrates to combat issues like diabetes and obesity.

• Reduction in Pharmaceutical Dependence: Limiting the prescription of drugs in favor of natural and lifestyle-based remedies.

---

4. National Security and Threats to America

a. Intelligence Agencies and the Deep State

Kirk identifies intelligence agencies and the deep state as internal threats, expressing enthusiasm for Tulsi Gabbard's appointment as Director of National Intelligence:

• “Our intel agencies have been very configured against the American people for far too long.” (04:11)

b. Chinese Communist Party as an Existential Threat

He categorizes the Chinese Communist Party as a significant threat to American interests and global stability, advocating for measures to contain their influence.

c. The American Left

Kirk warns of the resurgence of the American left as a formidable force, despite recent electoral setbacks.

---

5. Government Efficiency and Employment

Kirk is critical of the federal government's size and efficiency:

• “I think that 80% of the federal government shouldn't exist.” (04:46)

• He highlights low attendance rates and the detrimental impact of government employees on national freedoms and liberties.

---

6. College Campus Tours

a. Favorite Campuses

Charlie shares positive experiences from various university visits, noting large and engaged audiences:

• “University of Georgia was awesome this last cycle... UNC Chapel Hill was incredible.” (05:06)

b. Worst Treated Campuses

He recounts a negative experience at Kansas State University, where administrative actions impeded their events:

• “They abruptly kicked me off campus, they pulled our microphone...” (06:00)

---

7. Foreign Policy Views

a. Involvement in Syria

Kirk advocates for complete non-involvement in Syrian affairs, asserting that the situation under Assad was beneficial for Christians:

• “No, absolutely not. Stay completely and totally out.” (08:43)

b. Perspectives on Russia

While not favoring Russia, Kirk questions the extent of American animosity towards the country and emphasizes the importance of diplomatic channels:

• “I don't know why we hate Russia as much as we do... I think we should all be. It's an incredibly powerful country.” (09:03)

---

8. National Security Concerns

a. Chinese Ownership of Farmland

Kirk expresses strong disapproval of Chinese ownership of American farmland, especially near military bases:

• “It should be forbidden. The Chinese Communist Party should not be able to buy farmland anywhere in the United States...” (09:44)

---

9. Technology: AI and Drones

a. Artificial Intelligence

Kirk stresses the need to win the AI race through decentralization rather than government control:

• “We need to win the artificial intelligence race... by decentralizing AI, not centralizing it.” (10:10)

b. Drones

He admits limited knowledge about drone-related activities in New Jersey and New York, expressing skepticism about the available information.

---

10. Debates and Future Endeavors

a. Debating Public Figures

Kirk discusses his openness to debating figures like Mark Cuban and Dean Withers, highlighting his commitment to engaging in meaningful dialogues.

b. Upcoming Projects

He previews upcoming endeavors, including his book "Turning Points, Growing Like Crazy", ongoing podcast activities, and continued campus tours aimed at supporting the presidency.

---

Notable Quotes

• “Education is the most personal thing. It's the development of the soul. It's the development of the character of an individual.” – Charlie Kirk (01:28)

• “The health insurance companies are not my favorite.” – Charlie Kirk (04:05)

• “A pill for every ill right now is what they say. I don't think that's always the case.” – Charlie Kirk (03:44)

• “I think that President Trump is going to break apart BRICS one by one.” – Charlie Kirk (08:19)

• “It's an incredibly powerful country. It's a very complex country... from Tolstoy to Dostoevsky.” – Charlie Kirk (09:03)

---

Timestamps for Reference:

• [01:28] – Department of Education critique
• [03:44] – Healthcare reform discussion
• [04:05] – Health insurance commentary
• [04:11] – National security threats
• [04:46] – Government efficiency
• [05:06] – College campus tours
• [06:00] – Worst treated campus
• [07:00] – Opposition to student loan forgiveness
• [07:35] – Flat tax advocacy
• [08:19] – US dollar reserve status
• [08:43] – Involvement in Syria
• [09:03] – Views on Russia
• [09:44] – Chinese ownership of farmland
• [10:10] – Artificial Intelligence race

---

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a comprehensive look into Charlie Kirk's viewpoints on critical issues facing America today. From advocating for educational reforms and economic policies to emphasizing the need for national security and technological advancement, Kirk provides insightful commentary aimed at fostering informed discussions among listeners.

Transcript

[A]

Student loan forgiveness. Are you for that?

[B]

No, absolutely not. No. Let me give you. Let me give you the reason why. Number one, I didn't go to college and I've succeeded, so why should my taxpayer dollars go for pay for somebody else's mistakes? Number two, let's look at all the amazing people that are plumbers, electricians, welders, police officers didn't go to college, so they have to pay more taxes to go pay for somebody that did go to college. That's morally indefensible. What about kids that went to different schools to try to graduate with less debt? Are we punishing their good decisions? So no foreign.

[A]

Guys, we are at Amfest here with the man himself, Charlie Kirk. Thanks for coming on.

[B]

Great to have you, man. I've been trying to make this work for a while, so thank you.

[A]

I mean, you've been the busiest man on the planet lately, so. Dude, thanks for having me. It's my first am fest and it's.

[B]

We'll have you back anytime.

[A]

Yeah, it's been incredible. Thank you. Obviously, your take on college, it's a scam. I want to take it one step further.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

Do you believe the Department of Education is a scam?

[B]

Yes. It should be eliminated. Absolutely.

[A]

Why do you feel that way?

[B]

Well, I don't. First of all, constitutionally, I'm not. I'm not certain that it's even consistent with the constitutional intent that the federal government should have a role in education. Number two, ever since the formation of the department, education used to be called health, education and welfare. Test scores have gone down. Our schools are a disaster. Education is the most personal thing. It's the development of the soul. It's the development of the character of an individual. And the federal government has failed miserably in the education of our children. We rank like 36 of industrialized countries when it comes to education. We are significantly behind many of our competitors. We need to send all the education back to the states and local municipalities.

[A]

What do you think parents watching this should do something actionable?

[B]

Well, if again, I understand that everyone has different financial pressures and sensitivities, but if you're able to do it, homeschool your kids, take your kids out of the public education system, out of the government education system, and educate them yourself.

[A]

Absolutely. Are you pro crypto?

[B]

I've never seen very crypto, very pro crypto.

[A]

You got some bitcoin?

[B]

I actually have better stuff than that. I am a significant investor in the plumbing of how crypto is made, really. So I won't say Any more than that, but done some good private equity deals in the actual back end on the technology of actually blockchain on how all these coins go public now, not Bitcoin itself, but of all the other types of coins. And so if you are long on crypto, I encourage people to understand that there is a needed multi billion dollar infrastructure that needs to be there to actually for all these coins to be able to go through process, to be made public, to go through ICOs. But yes, I'm very pro crypto and I got some coins.

[A]

I love it. What changes you want to see in the healthcare industry coming up?

[B]

What changes do I want to see? While the entire premise of the healthcare industry right now is a sick care industry where we are only treating ailments, not root causes. I'm so excited that Bobby Kennedy is going to be HHS secretary. I want to start to see a couple things. I want to make sure that we no longer allow pharmaceutical advertisements on television. There's, there's no reason for that whatsoever. And we have to understand that food can either heal you or destroy you and, and kill you. So food is poison or food can be nourishing. And so we need to get back to foundational ideas that there's protein, fats and carbohydrates. All food will go into one of those three categories. We are way too carbohydrate dependent. The fats that we have are saturated fats and their monosaturated fats instead. When you get back to healthy, clean fats such as almonds, olive oil, avocado, so on and so forth, and then have a much more protein, lean protein, heavy diet that alone can help us with type 2 diabetes, obesity, help us with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and so many other things that people are experiencing the autoimmune conditions that are plaguing the country right now. So. And then, yeah, beyond that, we need to be far less pharmaceutical dependent. A pill for every ill right now is what they say. I don't think that's always the case. I think lifestyle changes may be entertained before we try to prescribe pharmacological agents into people's lifestyle.

[A]

Right. Because right now they, they punish you for being preventative, Correct?

[B]

That's right. Yeah. And we need a preventative health care system that, that is not just educating but also properly incentivizing people to eat healthy, move, get proper vitamin D levels, get good sleep, hydrate, and not poison their body. Yep.

[A]

Because right now health insurance won't fund preventative MRIs advanced blood work, all of that stuff.

[B]

The health, health insurance companies are not my favorite.

[A]

What do you think the biggest threats to America are right now?

[B]

Well, I think that within, within America it is the intel agencies in the deep state. That's why I'm very excited for Tulsi Gabbard to become Director of National Intelligence. Our intel agencies have been very configured against the American people for far too long. And we need to do something significant and real to make sure that the intel agencies come to heal. The Chinese Communist Party is an existential threat against the American people and against the West. And we need to try to restrain them and keep them in check. And then I will say the American left, I mean we beat them in this last election, but they're going to come back and they're, they are a force to be reckoned with.

[A]

Yeah. Doge getting rid of a lot of jobs. You're excited about that?

[B]

Government jobs? Absolutely. Yeah. I mean I think that 80% of the federal government shouldn't exist.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I'm thrilled about it.

[A]

Only 6% of them show up to work.

[B]

Yeah. Yep, that's right. And what they do, they're probably taking second and third jobs. They're not even showing up, as you say. And when they do work, they're doing actively harmful things to our freedoms and liberties and the well being of our country.

[A]

Absolutely. What have been your favorite college campuses to visit?

[B]

That's a really good question. No one has ever asked me that. Actually my favorite. We had a great time at University of Georgia this last cycle. 5,000 kids showed up. I always love Arizona State University. Just wonderful people. Trying to think back this last semester I did 25. I've done well over 160 in the last decade. So I've, I visited almost every major college campus. So there's the Power 5, right? Well, it used to be this way. We got rid of the pack 12 because of stupid conference realignment. Used to be pack 12, big 10, big 12, acc, sec, sec, big east. Now it's all messed up. So I, I visit. There's 60 power five schools. About 60, 65. I think I've done like 62 out of 65. Wow, that's impressive. University of Georgia was awesome this last cycle. As I mentioned, University of Wisconsin Madison was great. UNC Chapel Hill was incredible. University of Texas Austin was fun despite it being kind of liberal. So I could keep going through the list.

[A]

Which campuses treated you the worst?

[B]

That's a good question. Believe it or not. The one that was the worst to me was Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. They abruptly kicked me off campus, they pulled our microphone, they didn't follow the permitting. Of all the campuses across the country, Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas was the worst.

[A]

Wow. That's the problem.

[B]

It's just for whatever reason, that administrator had some extra grind with me.

[A]

I would have thought somewhere in LA.

[B]

Or no, UCLA was awful, but, but, but they were transparently awful. Like leading up to it, they told us this is our criteria and all this. Kansas State just broke all the rules they told us that we had and they treated us terribly. Yeah.

[A]

Do you think tuition should be massively lowered?

[B]

Well, yes, but not by government. I mean, first of all, I don't think as many people should go to college. I think we need more competition. I think we should stop subsidizing student loans with taxpayer money. And yes, of course we need to try to drive down the price of tuition, which I think we can do through robust competition. More schools, more trade schools, more technical schools, and stopping subsidizing a failing scam, which is the four year college education system.

[A]

Student loan forgiveness. Are you for that?

[B]

No, absolutely not. No. Well, let me, let me give you, let me give you the reason why. Number one, I didn't go to college and I've succeeded. So why should my taxpayer dollars go for pay for somebody else's mistakes? Right. That's number one. Number two, let's look at all the amazing people that are plumbers, electricians. Well, there's police officers didn't go to college so they have to pay more taxes to go pay for somebody that did go to college. That's morally indefensible. Then finally, what are the kids that were student athletes, work second jobs, got scholarships, got good grades to try to limit their student loan burden. What about kids that went to different schools to try to graduate with less debt? Are we punishing their good decisions? So no. For those reasons, I'm against student loan forgiveness.

[A]

Are you for flat tax?

[B]

Oh, yeah. I mean ideally, I think a 10% tax across the board. I actually would love to get rid of income tax.

[A]

I think.

[B]

Yeah, I think it's possible. I think you do it through national tariffs and a national sales tax. People don't like that. But I think that there is something to be said that the income tax is somewhat immoral. The government does actually not have a right to your property in that way.

[A]

Well, we used to not have those.

[B]

That's right. We funded our government through tariffs.

[A]

Wow. So do you think we could go back to that system, potentially.

[B]

I mean, look, if you shrink the size of government, you don't need as much revenue. And look, tariffs are great. We should use them more. Our government is afraid of tariffs. They say it's going to raise prices. That's half true. It's not necessarily always true because, because companies can read domicile back in the United States and then sell their products here and therefore avoid the tariff. But, yeah, I think a flat tax across the board in the, in the interim would be a phenomenal idea.

[A]

Do you think the US Dollar can get back on track?

[B]

Yes, Yes. I think that President Trump is going to break apart brics one by one. Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa. South Africa is just the DEI pick in there. They have no business being in the brics. And then Brazil is. They'll do whatever we tell them to do. But yes, right now, I think like 47% of all the world's reserve currency status is the US dollar. I think President Trump will get that back to 60%.

[A]

Should we get involved with Syria?

[B]

No, absolutely not. Stay completely and totally out. Not our fight, not our struggle. And honestly, Assad was good for Christians.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And Assad was a bad guy, but what's replacing him is even worse. We have no role whatsoever. Assad was good to the Christians of Syria, and people are afraid to say that.

[A]

Tucker went back to Russia. It seems like they're preparing for something catastrophic. Did that hurt you at all?

[B]

Well, I'm glad he went. I hope that. I'm glad that he kept diplomatic channels open with Sergei Lavrov. But. Yeah, look, I, I actually don't know why we hate Russia as much as we do. I don't like Russia. It's not a free society. But I'm curious about Russia. I think we should all be. It's an incredibly powerful country. It's a very complex country, very diverse country, the largest country, phenomenal body of, you know, literature that's impressive, from Tolstoy to Dostoevsky. They're not a dumb people. They're, they're, in some ways a great people. I, I, again, I'm not Russian. I have nothing to say for it. But I don't know why we hate them so much and why our entire American foreign policy regime is so insistent about getting us closer to a thermonuclear war with Russia.

[A]

Absolutely. So China owns the second most farmland in America. Does that concern you at all?

[B]

Is that right? I really.

[A]

That's what Cali mean said.

[B]

Interesting.

[A]

He said Bill Gates was first and China was second. We'll have to fact check it, but yeah.

[B]

Well, I think what he means is outside of like, family farms, Right? Because I mean, if he means, like private owners. Wow. Of course it does. It shouldn't be allowed.

[A]

And they're all by military bases.

[B]

Yes. It should be forbidden. The Chinese Communist Party should not be able to buy farmland anywhere in the United States, let alone near military base. Yeah.

[A]

They're going all in on AI and drones. It seems like they're advancing very quickly.

[B]

Yeah, that's right. And look, we need to win the artificial intelligence race. I think we do that actually by decentralizing AI, not centralizing it. The Biden way of doing AI. They wanted three or four companies that they just controlled. I actually think more competition in the AI space is going to be better.

[A]

Yeah. What do you think of the drone stuff in New Jersey? New York?

[B]

Everyone's been asking me about it. And we had this whole show. Andrew, I said, cancel everything. Let's do the whole show about drones. Two hours. We had every expert and I learned nothing. No one knows anything. I mean, I learned about their credentials. I learned about their guesses and their speculation. No one knows anything was a bunch of bluster for two hours. Nice people, you know? Well, I think it could be this. Well, I could do that. I mean, so I have no idea. And nor do the people I had on my show.

[A]

I love it. I got two names. I'm wondering.

[B]

It's great. I love this. It's like, actually thoughtful.

[A]

I'm wondering if you would debate these people.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

First name is Mark Cuban.

[B]

You know, I've actually debated him before. I'd be happy to again.

[A]

Was that before he went on that whole.

[B]

It was back in 20. That was the event you missed. That was 2017. 2018, actually. It was with Adam Rubenstein. Shadowed me around 2018.

[A]

Okay. He's had some hot takes since then.

[B]

Yeah, I debate him. It's fine. Of course.

[A]

Would you debate Dean Withers again?

[B]

Yes, I would not. Parker. Is that Parker? No, no, no. He's a. He's. He's not a good faith actor. Dean I like. I think Dean's a good kid who's very confused. I don't want to say debate. I'd have a discussion with Dean. I think that would be really fun. I think Dean is legitimately intellectually curious. I think Dean thinks deeply about the topics and he's a good faith actor.

[A]

I love it. What's next for you? I know you got a book. What else?

[B]

Turning Points, Growing Like Crazy. Podcast is going great. Going to continue our campus tours, trying to help the president any way I can.

[A]

I love it. Thanks for coming on, man.

[B]

Love it. Thank you. That was great.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That was fun. That was the best interview I did today.

[C]

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