The Ben Shapiro Show: Episode 2119 - Trump RETURNS In 3…2…1…

Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Produced by: The Daily Wire

Introduction

In Episode 2119 titled "Trump RETURNS In 3…2…1…," Ben Shapiro and co-hosts Michael Knowles, Matt Walsh, Andrew Klavan, and Jeremy Boren delve into the political tumult surrounding the transition from President Joe Biden to former President Donald Trump. The episode, released on January 17, 2025, offers a comprehensive conservative analysis of the outgoing Biden administration's final days, Trump's incoming presidency, and various other cultural and political issues impacting America.

Biden's Last-Minute Policy Decisions

Timestamp: [00:17]

Michael Knowles commences the discussion by critiquing President Joe Biden's final policy maneuvers aimed at securing his legacy and hindering Trump's incoming agenda. Citing the New York Times, Knowles outlines Biden's executive actions on environmental justice, prison reform, immigration, and foreign relations—all portrayed as strategies to cement Biden's agenda and complicate Trump's policy reversals.

Notable Quote:

"Joe Biden is attempting to constrain President Trump as he comes in... Biden is creating two national monuments in California that are not really about creating national monuments."
— Michael Knowles [00:17]

Internal Struggles Within the Democratic Party

Timestamp: [02:45]

The episode highlights internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris's dissatisfaction with Biden's election performance. According to The Wall Street Journal, Harris pressures Biden to acknowledge his vulnerabilities, marking a significant rift reminiscent of a "Julius Caesar assassination moment in American politics."

Notable Quote:

"Kamala Harris wants Joe Biden to acquiesce in his political euthanasia... It was a true Julius Caesar assassination moment in American politics."
— Michael Knowles [02:45]

Outgoing Administration's Legacy and Challenges

Timestamp: [04:10]

The hosts criticize the Biden administration's overall effectiveness, labeling it as "venal and corrupt." They discuss the administration's final actions, including banning fracking, limiting offshore drilling, removing Cuba from the terrorism sponsors list, commuting federal death row sentences, and implementing stringent AI regulations—all viewed as efforts to restrict Trump's forthcoming policies.

Notable Quote:

"The garbage policies that he planted in the heart of American democracy are gonna take a while to come to fruition, and they're going to be completely damaging."
— Michael Knowles [04:10]

Public Sentiment Towards Trump's Incoming Presidency

Timestamp: [05:30]

Andrew Klavan shifts focus to public opinion polls indicating a favorable reception for Trump as he re-enters the White House. A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS reveals a 55% approval rating for Trump's handling of the transition and 56% of Americans expect him to perform well in his second term. This positive sentiment spans across moderates and Democrats, underscoring Trump's pragmatic and utilitarian approach.

Notable Quote:

"Donald Trump is a pragmatist. He's utilitarian. All he cares about is the winning."
— Michael Knowles [05:53]

Technological Advancements and National Optimism

Timestamp: [08:00]

The episode celebrates technological achievements, particularly praising Elon Musk's advancements in reusable rocket technology. Hosts emphasize the resulting national optimism and the perception of technological prowess as a hallmark of American innovation and efficiency.

Notable Quote:

"It's cool to be American. It's cool to live in a country that makes this sort of thing possible."
— Michael Knowles [08:00]

Closure of DEI Initiatives and Corporate America Shifts

Timestamp: [09:30]

Michael Knowles discusses the FBI's closure of its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and other similar corporate moves. Referencing the Washington Post, he criticizes DEI spending, highlighting efforts by entities like DOGE to eliminate billions in DEI-related expenditures, which he views as a positive shift towards removing what he terms "DEI dead weight."

Notable Quote:

"DEI practices are on their way out the door, as well they should be."
— Michael Knowles [09:30]

Government and Corporate Policy Reforms

Timestamp: [12:00]

The discussion transitions to the broader impact of policy reforms on government agencies and corporations. Emphasis is placed on the reduction of DEI programs and the retreat from environmental regulations, which hosts argue stifles innovation and economic growth. The segment also touches on upcoming executive actions slated for Trump's administration, aiming to boost governmental efficiency and economic prosperity.

Notable Quote:

"We're about to see that in the United States... societies are the ones that actually have extraordinary economic growth."
— Michael Knowles [12:00]

Interview with Senator Tim Sheehy

Timestamp: [43:17] - [50:10]

In an exclusive online segment, Senator Tim Sheehy discusses the Senate's strategies in facilitating Trump's legislative agenda. Emphasizing the importance of swift confirmations and prioritizing key bills through reconciliation, Sheehy underscores the Senate's role in addressing border security and economic policies.

Notable Quote:

"The first job is really what we're already doing which is pretty, pretty incredible."
— Senator Tim Sheehy [43:17]

Ben Shapiro commends the Senate's proactive pace in confirming nominees and highlights the anticipated economic boom contingent upon low taxation and reduced regulation under Trump's presidency.

Notable Quote:

"We're going to enter a boom time because taxes are going to remain low, regulation is going to be reduced."
— Michael Knowles [26:11]

California Wildfires and Policy Failures

Timestamp: [46:39] - [49:58]

Andrew Klavan interviews Senator Sheehy about the escalating wildfire crisis in California. Sheehy attributes the severity of the situation to inadequate national standards for wildfire response and critiques environmental policies that prioritize endangered species over community safety. He advocates for aggressive national codes and better resource allocation to combat wildfires effectively.

Notable Quote:

"America first means common sense that the first role of government is to keep their people safe."
— Senator Tim Sheehy [49:51]

Hollywood Scandals: Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni

Timestamp: [50:10] - [66:57]

The hosts transition to entertainment news, dissecting the ongoing controversy between actress Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni. The scandal involves lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and defamation, with both parties filing significant legal complaints against each other and prominent media outlets like The New York Times. Ben Shapiro and co-hosts analyze the implications of the scandal, drawing parallels to high-profile cases like Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp.

Notable Quotes:

"She was the one harassing him... allegations have fallen apart."
— Jeremy Boren [61:44]

"What would possess you? This is legitimately like you read a bunch of Walter Duranty propaganda about the Soviet Union in 1932..."
— Michael Knowles [52:50]

The segment concludes with an interview featuring Megyn Kelly, who provides deeper insights into the legal battles and media narratives shaping the public perception of the involved celebrities.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [66:15] - [66:57]

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express optimism for the impending inauguration, anticipating swift policy changes and the implementation of executive orders aimed at transforming the country in line with Trump's "America First" agenda. They encourage listeners to stay informed and engaged as the political landscape undergoes significant shifts.

Notable Quote:

"The Supreme Court has in fact upheld the ban on TikTok... join us live and uncensored."
— Michael Knowles [66:55]

Key Takeaways

• Outgoing Biden Administration: Critiqued for last-minute policies intended to preserve legacy and restrict incoming Trump administration.

• Internal Democratic Conflicts: Highlighted the rift between Biden and VP Kamala Harris, suggesting weakened party cohesion.

• Public Sentiment Towards Trump: Positive approval ratings for Trump's transition and expected performance, indicating broad bipartisan support.

• Technological Optimism: Celebrated advancements by Elon Musk and their contribution to national pride and economic optimism.

• Corporate America Shifts: Discussed the rollback of DEI initiatives and the move towards greater governmental and corporate efficiency.

• Policy Reforms: Anticipated aggressive policy changes under Trump aimed at economic growth, reduced taxes, and deregulation.

• Wildfire Crisis in California: Blamed inadequate response mechanisms and restrictive environmental policies.

• Hollywood Scandal: Explored the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni controversy, emphasizing media influence and legal repercussions.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in this summary reflect the opinions and discussions from The Ben Shapiro Show Episode 2119 and do not represent factual endorsements or factual accuracy regarding the events described.