Summary of "Daily Wire Backstage: Trump’s Address to Congress"

Release Date: March 5, 2025
Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show
Host/Author: The Daily Wire

Introduction

In this episode of Daily Wire Backstage, Ben Shapiro, alongside Matt Walsh, Andrew Klavan, Michael Knowles, and Jeremy Boreing, provides an in-depth analysis of former President Donald Trump's recent address to Congress. The discussion delves into the expectations surrounding the speech, the administration's accomplishments, particularly in border security, and the Democratic Party's response.

Overview of the Event

The panel begins by setting the stage for Trump’s address, highlighting its similarity to a traditional State of the Union but noting the controversy over its official designation. Jeremy Boreing introduces the guests, including Tom Holman, the former acting director of ICE and current border czar in Trump's second administration, who joins remotely from the Capitol.

Notable Quote:
Jeremy Boreing [01:20]: "Today is the sort of triumphal return of Donald Trump to the Capitol as now the 47th president."

Key Topics Discussed

1. Border Security and Illegal Immigration

Tom Holman elaborates on the significant improvements in border security achieved under Trump's administration. He cites statistics indicating a 97% reduction in border crossings and highlights the proactive measures taken against fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

Notable Quotes:
Ben Shapiro [01:52]: "I think that they are going to have a rough time of it tonight."
Tom Holman [02:20]: "We have the most secure border ever. Right now. We got a little bit more work to do."

2. Trump's Address and Its Impact

The panel analyzes Trump's strategic focus during his speech, emphasizing his repeated references to border security and the trans issue. They commend his direct approach in holding the Democratic Party accountable for previous immigration policies and their current failures.

Notable Quotes:
Matt Walsh [05:34]: "Don’t tempt me."
Tom Holman [07:30]: "They haven't crossed the line yet, but if they cross the line, they're going to be prosecuted."

3. The Democrats' Response

The discussion shifts to the Democratic Party's reaction during Trump's address. The panel criticizes the Democrats for their lackluster response, uncoordinated protests, and failure to stand by their principles, labeling their actions as ineffective and disorganized.

Notable Quotes:
Andrew Klavan [07:30]: "They haven't crossed the line yet, but if they cross the line, they're going to be prosecuted."
Jeremy Boreing [32:00]: "Look, I think they're just stuck. They're stuck with this transgender garbage. They're stuck with this racial garbage that people... know it doesn't work."

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Ben Shapiro [01:52]: "I think that they're going to have a rough time of it tonight."
• Tom Holman [02:20]: "We have the most secure border ever. Right now."
• Matt Walsh [05:34]: "Don't tempt me."
• Andrew Klavan [07:30]: "They haven't crossed the line yet, but if they cross the line, they're going to be prosecuted."
• Jeremy Boreing [32:00]: "Look, I think they're just stuck. They're stuck with this transgender garbage."

Analysis and Conclusions

The panel unanimously praises Trump's decisive actions on border security, viewing them as a restoration of law and order that contrasts sharply with the Biden administration's policies. They argue that Trump's approach has not only secured the border but also weakened the influence of criminal cartels and improved national security.

Furthermore, the panel contends that Trump's handling of contentious issues like transgender participation in sports has resonated positively with conservative audiences, while simultaneously alienating Democrats and exposing their weaknesses.

Notable Quote:
Michael Knowles [57:06]: "President Trump was having so much fun and it was infectious and the audience was having fun and they did not know how to react to that."

Post-Speech Reactions

Following Trump's address, Ben Shapiro and Matt Walsh attend the event at the Capitol, sharing their firsthand observations. They describe an atmosphere of enthusiasm among Republicans and frustration among Democrats, who appeared disengaged and disorganized. The panel highlights how Trump's assertive delivery effectively silenced opposition, leading to a night that solidified his standing among conservative supporters.

Notable Quotes:
Matt Walsh [83:25]: "It was hysterically funny."
Ben Shapiro [99:18]: "It was very funny. Like really funny."

Conclusion

The episode of Daily Wire Backstage offers a comprehensive and critical examination of Donald Trump's address to Congress, lauding his administration's achievements in border security and critiquing the Democratic Party's inability to effectively respond. The panelists emphasize the pivotal role Trump's policies play in shaping America's future, reinforcing their support for his leadership and direction.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, providing an informative overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.