Summary of The Ben Shapiro Show Episode 2115: "The Right Should DUMP Andrew Tate"

In Episode 2115 of The Ben Shapiro Show, released on January 13, 2025, hosted by Ben Shapiro under The Daily Wire banner, a range of pressing political and social issues are dissected with Shapiro’s characteristic incisiveness. The episode primarily focuses on the controversial figure Andrew Tate and his problematic relationship with conservative media, exacerbates ongoing crises like the wildfires in California, and delves into broader cultural debates such as transgender issues. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented throughout the episode.

I. Introduction and Overview

Ben Shapiro opens the episode by highlighting significant political events on the horizon, including President Trump's upcoming cabinet hearings and votes, the aftermath of California's wildfires affecting presidential contender Gavin Newsom, and the growing controversy surrounding Andrew Tate within conservative circles. Shapiro sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of why the conservative right should distance itself from Andrew Tate.

II. The Andrew Tate Controversy

A. Background and Initial Controversy

Shapiro begins by addressing a recent controversy involving Benny Johnson hosting Andrew Tate and Alina Habba, a counsel for the Trump team, who both praised Tate during the interview. This episode sparked backlash within the conservative community.

B. Critical Examination of the Interview

Shapiro critically examines the content of the interview, highlighting how both Johnson and Habba appeared to endorse Tate’s viewpoints without challenging his more extreme statements.

Notable Quote:

• Benny Johnson (01:23): “Nice to meet you. I'm a big fan.”
• Andrew Tate (01:25): “Well, nice to meet you. I'm a fan. You're the one saving Trump. You're doing more important work than me.”

Shapiro argues that platforming Tate without critical scrutiny effectively equates to endorsement, which is detrimental to conservative principles.

C. Defense by Russell Brand

The conversation shifts to Russell Brand’s defense of Tate, where Brand suggests that Tate’s influence, despite his controversial statements, warrants representation in democratic discourse.

Notable Quote:

• Russell Brand (02:24): “If someone is able to glean popular support, they can have a mandate. They should be represented.”

Shapiro counters Brand’s argument by distinguishing between allowing free speech and endorsing harmful ideologies, emphasizing that praise without accountability is problematic.

D. Shapiro’s Breakdown of Andrew Tate’s Character

Shapiro delves into Andrew Tate’s persona, portraying him as an “evil con artist” who manipulates and exploits women for profit through ventures like Hustlers University. He differentiates between having conversations with controversial figures and actively promoting them.

Notable Quotes:

• Shapiro (03:05): “Andrew Tate is not brave and wonderful. He rips off thousands of people with his scam Hustlers University.”
• Andrew Tate (08:33): “I have my PhD program and that is PhD is a pimpin hoes degree that I'm clever.”

Shapiro underscores Tate’s unethical practices, including sex trafficking and grooming minors, drawing parallels to the notorious grooming gangs in the UK.

III. Conservative Embrace of Andrew Tate and Shapiro’s Criticism

Shapiro critiques the conservative right for conflating free speech with endorsement, arguing that supporting Tate’s platforms without critical examination compromises core conservative values. He stresses the importance of challenging individuals who do not align with traditional values, rather than leveraging their popularity for clicks or attention.

IV. Investigative Insights into Andrew Tate’s Operations

A. Coffee Zilla’s Investigation

Shapiro references investigative work by Coffee Zilla, who exposes the fraudulent nature of Hustlers University, depicting it as a multi-level marketing scheme designed to exploit followers financially.

Notable Quote:

• Coffee Zilla (16:34): “They broke into male empowerment, teaching dating, manliness, and money... Hustlers University was closing. It's almost full.”

This segment highlights the deceptive business practices and the financial exploitation inherent in Tate’s operations.

B. Real World Token and Pyramid Scheme

Further exploration into Tate’s ventures reveals his introduction of Real World Token, a cryptocurrency tied to his educational schemes, which functions as a pyramid scheme to sustain and grow his influence.

Notable Quote:

• Andrew Tate (19:43): “Imagine you sign up for the real world, you start to make money, you focus on your tasks, then you can invest that money in the real world token and get paid every single month a monthly dividend from the profits of the school.”

Shapiro explains how this model traps participants into continuous financial investment, benefiting Tate disproportionately.

V. Addressing Masculinity and Its Exploitation

Shapiro discusses the vacuum left by the erosion of traditional masculinity, suggesting that figures like Tate exploit this gap by presenting a distorted version of masculinity that emphasizes destruction over protection and creation. He distinguishes between responsible masculinity and the aggressive, harmful version promoted by Tate.

VI. Wildfires in Los Angeles: Policy Failures and Infrastructure Issues

A. Current State of Wildfires

Shapiro provides an update on the severe wildfires in Los Angeles, citing the Wall Street Journal’s report on the relentless Santa Ana winds exacerbating the fires, leading to significant loss of life and property.

B. Interview with LA Fire Chief Kristen Crowley

An interview with Kristen Crowley, LA Fire Department Chief, reveals the dire situation caused by budget cuts and understaffing.

Notable Quotes:

• Benny Johnson (28:26): “The budget, there's so much talk about it.”
• Kristen Crowley (28:37): “We are still understaffed, we're still under resourced and we're still underfunded.”

Crowley attributes the inability to combat the fires effectively to persistent budget constraints and lack of adequate resources, which have crippled fire response capabilities.

C. Criticism of California’s Insurance Market

Shapiro criticizes California’s regulatory environment for significantly hindering the home insurance market, leading to insufficient coverage for wildfire-related damages.

Notable Insights:

• Cato Institute Findings: State price control regulations have driven major insurers out of the market, leaving homeowners vulnerable and increasing reliance on state-run insurance plans.
• Normal Insurance Principles: Shapiro emphasizes that insurance should assess future risks, necessitating variable pricing, which California’s regulations have stifled.

VII. Gavin Newsom’s Responses to the Wildfire Crisis

A. "Marshall Plan 2.0"

Governor Gavin Newsom introduces a concept titled "Marshall Plan 2.0" aimed at rebuilding and making California’s infrastructure more resilient post-wildfires. Shapiro mocks the vague definitions and ineffective rhetoric presented by Newsom.

Notable Quote:

• Gavin Newsom (36:42): “We're starting to lay out... making sure that we are seeking federal assistance... moving forward to rebuilding and being more resilient.”

Shapiro criticizes Newsom’s lack of concrete policies, labeling his statements as mere hand motions lacking substantive action.

B. Zero Tolerance for Looting

Newsom declares zero tolerance for looting during the wildfires, prompting Shapiro to highlight California’s decriminalization of shoplifting in 2020, questioning the effectiveness of such policies.

Notable Quotes:

• Gavin Newsom (35:54): “Have to keep people safe. No looting.”
• Shapiro (39:02): “Why did the state of California effectively decriminalize shoplifting in 2020?”

Shapiro juxtaposes Newsom’s statements with existing laws that permit minor theft, suggesting inconsistency in law enforcement priorities.

VIII. Discussion on Incoming Trump Cabinet

Shapiro transitions to the political landscape, discussing the upcoming hearings for Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees. He notes a trend where nominees moderate their previously radical positions to secure confirmations, reflecting the pragmatic processes of governmental operation.

IX. Identity Crisis Documentary and Transgender Issues

A. Introduction to Identity Crisis

Shapiro introduces Identity Crisis, a new documentary by The Daily Wire and Turning Point USA, which explores the impact of radical gender ideology on children and families.

B. Interview with Adam Vina

The episode features Adam Vina, who shares his personal story of losing custody of his five-year-old son, Aiden, due to the son’s alleged transgender identity.

Notable Excerpts:

• Adam Vina (49:14): “When Aiden was 2 years old, I first received a picture of Aiden in a dress. I said, 'Hey buddy, you're a boy, not a girl.'”
• Shapiro (53:06): "There's no physical violence or neglect; it's about disagreeing with the court's decision on gender identity."

Vina recounts how his son’s mother pursued a gender reassignment path for their child, leading to legal battles and emotional distress, highlighting perceived biases in the judicial system against fathers in custody disputes over transgender issues.

Notable Conclusion: Shapiro condemns the state’s prioritization of gender ideology over parental rights, labeling it as a harmful weaponization against parents.

X. Conclusion and Closing Remarks

In his closing segments, Shapiro reiterates the importance of maintaining conservative values by rejecting figures like Andrew Tate who undermine these principles. He emphasizes the need for accountability, ethical standards, and the preservation of traditional masculinity. Additionally, Shapiro touches upon broader political strategies, forecasting the Trump administration’s pragmatic approach to governance versus the often disjointed attempts by the left to manipulate narratives and policies for ideological ends.

Final Notable Quote:

• Shapiro (55:34): “It's criminal to blur the lines of gender identity for children. The left’s agenda to manipulate these narratives is a five-alarm fire.”

Shapiro concludes the episode by urging conservatives to uphold virtue, reject harmful influencers, and strive for genuine leadership that aligns with foundational conservative principles.

Key Takeaways:

• Andrew Tate: Shapiro vehemently opposes the conservative right's embrace of Tate, citing his unethical practices and the danger they pose to traditional values.
• California Wildfires: Governance failures, budget cuts, and restrictive insurance policies have exacerbated the wildfire crisis, with Governor Newsom's responses deemed inadequate.
• Transgender Issues: The episode highlights personal stories and systemic biases within the judicial system regarding transgender children, advocating for parental rights and rational discourse.
• Political Strategy: Emphasis on pragmatic governance over radical ideologies, showcasing the necessity for moderation and accountability within political figures and nominees.

This episode serves as a comprehensive critique of current conservative missteps and policy failures, advocating for a return to principled, value-driven leadership.